Project Appleseed

First
I completed at 25M clinic in May 2026
I am signing up for a Known Distance event in October.
 After reading the requirements for the event I have a question about which of the following rifles would be best for the class.
My choices are
A Springfield M1A, with iron sights, 18 inch barrel, and a GI Sling.
or
An AR Pattern, 5.56 with a 3x Optic with a BDC

Thanks for your advice.

Which ever rifle you are more comfortable shooting with and potentially have the most experience shooting out to distance.

Project Appleseed, from what I have been told, was originally a M1 or M1A event, and adapted into more than just that.

So either rifle will work. KD is a Hits Count course.

Side Note: what is your physical fitness level - are you shooting from stationary position or moving from distance to distance - that 9-11 lb. M1A could become labor some over the course of the day as well as ammo.

I would say our KD's are set up perfectly for both of your rifle platforms.
Our KD instruction covers both M1 and AR rifles quite thoroughly, and we frequently see both of them on the KD line.
Of course, with the cost of ammo, and the inherent ease of use, there are a lot more AR's at our KD events than there are M1's.
The Net/Net, it's personal preference.

The AR with optic will be easier on the eyes, body, and wallet, but the M1 will present a real Rifleman's challenge! And, shooting the M1 will also likely earn you a tip of the hat from the generation who utilized them on the field of battle with such skill.

I'm curious, did you shoot a Rifleman's score at the 25m clinic you attended?

No Sir,
I only made Marksman I think my best score was a 194
If I may ask, were you at the Puryear event?

Glad to hear you were knocking on the door! 194 is just a couple steady squeeezes away from the magic 210!
I was not at the Puryear clinic.
Most of my leg work occurs in the east TN area.
I encourage you to enjoy the journey, a rifleman persists!!