Project Appleseed

The final Pistol Clinic for 2026 at the Fernan Rod & Gun Club went quite well. Nine students under the watchful eyes of four instructors and one Apple Core volunteer taught all of the skills a pistoleer needs to have. This group of students was exceptional in the level of seriousness, their teachable attitude, and persistence that paid big dividends by the end of the weekend. Of the nine students and one instructor that shot the PQT, we had 7 people shoot qualifying Pistoleer scores. Huzzah! Well done future orange hat Deb (who shot every PQT with a qualifying score!), husband and wife team Ashli and Don, aspiring orange hat Barry, Jesse, Alex, and Pat. Two of the students expressed interest or are actively pursuing the orange hat of the Instructor In Training. More than one student had had some more advanced training elsewhere but were missing some fundamentals. Once they had a more comprehensive skillset, the results were evident. It is a good example of the efficiency of learning the fundamentals as a good foundation on which to build more advanced skills. I think all were happy with the results of their persistence.

We talked about the importance of dry practice between trips to the range. Just remember the elements of doing so safely at home. Don't even have any ammunition with you in the same room, conscious and deliberate dry practice, more short sessions rather than long grueling ones work better. You will improve your trigger control, grip, stance, 6 steps of firing the shot, NPOA, smooth and efficient mag changes, etc. Persist in your dry practice and see the results your next trip to the range.

I would love to see all return next year for a follow-up Pistol Clinic (Pistolseed revamped curriculum), so check the schedule for upcoming events and make plans. Next year's schedule is being worked out right now, so check back soon for dates.

It was a great time. Im looking forward to the next one guys!

Great Shoot Mr.Clean!

This was probably the first ever Fernan event where locals were outnumbered by Montanan's and West Siders. Good safe group of class participants! I particularly enjoyed getting the opportunity to work one on one for extended time periods with a couple of the newer shooters. I think utilizing the SIRT laser pistol and trigger device were highly beneficial to the newer shooters. Hope to see you all again.

Sent via Starlink from the St. Joe River backcountry!

I want to personally thank Mr. Clean and the other instructors for stepping up when I was unexpectedly unable to run the event as planned. By all accounts, it was very successful, so perhaps next time I'll show up as a student and just learn from Mr. Clean, lol! 

Sounds like it was a great group of students who were well-primed to receive the fundamentals that we teach at Appleseed. Please tell your friends and help us to fill the line every time!

Thanks again to all of you - I am sorry I was unable to be there.

Quote from: eert on October 14, 2026, 05:01:02 PMGreat Shoot Mr.Clean!

This was probably the first ever Fernan event where locals were outnumbered by Montanan's and West Siders. Good safe group of class participants! I particularly enjoyed getting the opportunity to work one on one for extended time periods with a couple of the newer shooters. I think utilizing the SIRT laser pistol and trigger device were highly beneficial to the newer shooters. Hope to see you all again.

Sent via Starlink from the St. Joe River backcountry!

I have to loudly second that about using SIRT pistols, it helped make a significant improvement in two students
who were struggling on finding their grip and learning to press the trigger without disturbing the sights. 
I think Appleseed might be well advised to consider partnering with SIRT to get a discount for members/Instructors.

It was a lot of fun to work with your instructor cadre there, and since I'm still working on earning my
pistoleer patch I have an excuse to go again in the spring.

Shadow Catcher

This was my first shoot and I had a blast I hope to attend more of these and hopefully other events please bring more to Montana!!!

Sounds like a great event! 

Shadow Catcher,

SIRT dies have a pro deal for AS instructors. I'll send info when I return home next week.

Eert/Pat