Project Appleseed

We held a 200-yard Rimfire Known Distance yesterday at the Associated Gun Clubs in Marriottsville, MD. We had a great group of experienced Appleseeders for the event and it was a delight to see familiar faces on the line again.

The forecast had looked a bit cold and rainy, but we were blessed with cool temperatures, clouds, and no rain all day. There was wind - swirling in from different directions at 10-15 mph throughout the day - but that only added an opportunity to practice wind calls and holds.

We started out at the 50-yard line to establish our initial zero and test scope tracking with a few basic drills (vertical squares target). Several shooters started experiencing equipment issues right away - RKD is a very challenging event. A scope says 1/8 MOA per click...but it is really 1/4. A scope runs out of adjustment in just a few clicks...let's figure out at what power your BDC will be aligned to 22LR drops. But we could tell that despite these challenges, our students had the skills to shoot nice tight groups!

We then started the process of data collection with practice targets at 50-200 yards leading us to lunch. Lycos gave the 3 strikes of the match and a special Daniel Morgan history as students rested up. We then started our first RKD AQT of the day. To save walking, we started at 200 and worked backwards toward the 50 yard line. Deon qaualified with a 40/50 on the first target, having to nail at least 9 out of 10 at standing - Huzzah! Several shooters came up just a point or two short while most were in the mid 30s.

We then conducted a second AQT from 50 back to 200. Between malfunctions (including an extractor that fell out) and a number of other individual factors, we had no qualifiers on the second target. But we had time for a 3rd AQT and decided to go for it - and had TWO new RKD quals! Susan (Phoebe) finally got over the hump at her 4th RKD and scored a 40/50 to earn her rocker. Nick surprised himself with a 42/50. Simon topped out at 39 and Brian at 38 - you guys are so close! Yiding was in the 30s despite using an improvised BDC. I know everyone has the skill to qualify at a future event.

We wrapped up the day at the 125 yard line with Morgan's Shingle and Susan and Yiding had solid hits - huzzah!

After awards I had Lycos provide a stirring benediction.

Thanks to Lycos, Phoebe, and Off_paper for making this a safe shoot with lots of great coaching. Also want to congratulate Off_paper on earning his 50-shoot pin - thank you for your dedication to the program 

Many thanks to our host range AGC - we look forward to scheduling at least two more RKD events next year.

Pictures are available here: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMPVWRqaOXCFGi6DMOzu5v5uPJBmv58Pyyt4EV41-9IFtoq2CIOIAIRxJQivPEULQ?pli=1&key=VUNuNlk0MDdCRTl2WWVGU2hZYXRNQ0E5MWhPWkJB