Project Appleseed

We had a great time today.

8 shooters.  Had 2 baby sitters watching 11 children. 4 people working to provide breakfast and lunch.

We started with a pancake breakfast.

Next was a short talk on the history of 1775.

Our first target was the red coat. 1 person qualified at 200, 2 more at 100.

Back to basics.  Firing at one inch squares, teaching NPOA, 6 steps, loop sling, steady hold factors, etc. 

The group made rapid progress.  One thing that was helpful was using Steve (who has excellent technique) as a model.  He would get into position, and explain the steady hold factors.  He then would fire the stage for everyone to watch.  Once everyone knew what to do, we fired that stage, too.

We progressed from prone, sitting, and to offhand, teaching the hasty sling.

We shot the green target, then finished with the same red coat from the morning.  All shooters improved. 1 shooter 300, 4 at 200, 2 at 100, 1 didn't qualifiy but still had improved. 
We ended the day with lunch, and a walk through the orchard, which is in full bloom.

My wife, 17 year-old son, and I were at this Mini.  Thanks to Beford and his family for setting it up.

Bedford has a nice range with a good backstop and a good size hill behind it for a backup backstop.  (I heard a tom turkey gobbling somewhere behind the hill once and a grouse drum back there also.)

I tried shooting with a scope this time and did somewhat better but still not as well as I hoped.  The positions are a problem for me (except offhand) and I shot the 200 yard stage from standing because of that.   My son outshot me again (young whippersnapper!)   

My wife borrowed an AR with .22 upper from Bedford.  The adjustable stock worked better for her than the fixed ones on the rifles I had.  The red dot sight may have been a better fit for her too.  Our Federal plated hollowpoints worked fine in it.

Breakfast and lunch were great, the orchard was full of blooms and bees, and we bought a quart of maple syrup to bring home.
I hope we can get to Bedford's place again this summer or fall.     

We are hosting the next mini Appleseed June 27th 8:30 - 11:30.

There will be a $15 per person charge to cover targets and range maintenance.

It will be geared towards new shooters, so if you or someone you know needs to focus on the basics, this would be great.

If there is interest, an afternoon practice shoot for more experienced shooters is possible if someone can call the line.

Free camping will be available.  We have M1A, M1, and AR rifles to loan if you bring the ammo.  We shoot about 100 rounds during the morning.  We also have mats, etc.

I hope to see you there!

Here are some pictures 

   ooops had a little trouble....double post