Project Appleseed

Wow, what a weekend! We had two beautiful days to shoot. First I would like to thank Rick for allowing all of us women to come on to his land to have the first ever women's Appleseed. I know we all appreciate you taking the time to get it set up. Second, I would like to thank Brokensling for being our man servant and hauling our of our gear and us up and down the hill many times saturday and sunday with his truck.

I think this AS with 12 shooters on saturday and I think 10 on sunday was very successful since there were many women there who came not really knowing how to use their rifle to scoring very well (between 150-203) by the end of sunday. It was also very successful because they left knowing how to use their rifle, and knowing all the steps to becoming a better shooter. These women were very persistent. They wanted to shoot and shoot as much as possible especially on sunday since they didn't get to shoot much on saturday, since they were still learning their rifle and all the steps to help build their foundation. I had one shooter, Deana asking me to do the history talk on sunday while everyone was eating, and I think this was because she wanted to get back down to shooting as soon as possible.

Mogget did an excellent job with the first strike right after lunch on saturday and I followed her with the second strike. Then we all were hauled down the hill again so we could continue with the shooting and learning. After they shot another square, they were taught IMC and it seemed like they understood it really well. We ended at about 6:30 saturday night.

When sunday came around, the women were ready to shoot. They continued to ask many questions, especially ones about the AQT since they didn't get the chance to shoot that on saturday, but they wanted that Rifleman's patch. On sunday we split up the line a little bit since two of the ladies had to leave early on saturday so they missed the teaching of the sitting and standing position. And another woman joined us since she was going to start using a different rifle on sunday. The three ladies, Mogget and I made up the super squad and we were able to get the women caught up with the other women on the line and just before lunch the three women joined the rest of the group. The blonde, .5, MamaBear and Dinky took the rest of the group and it seemed you all were doing a fantastic job with those ladies. Everyone improved a lot and it helps to have good instructors such as yourselves, so keep it up!

After everyone ate lunch I finished the strikes and Mogget and I talked about the 7th step. The women also heard about "the tale of two communications" (I think that is what Mogget called it) and I told the story about Prue Wright during the time that Brokensling was trying to drain some of the water away from the target line. After lunch the women shot at least 4 AQTs, and we had one woman who knew what she was about. Kira, 15 years old shot Rifleman and received a Rifleman's patch and she left wearing an orange hat. Welcome and congratulations, Kira and I hope to hear much more about you in the future! After that, Dinky told the Dangerous Old Men stories along with some brave women stories. It was nice to hear more stories of what people did during that time.

We finished on sunday around 6 and there were still a few women who continued to shoot. I unfortunately had to leave at that time so I wasn't able to see if they scored Rifleman or not since I know one of them were shooting a 203 when I left, so I can't wait to hear what happened.

This was the first time this range was used, so the women did an excellent job breaking it in. Since the only way the trucks could get up and down the hill is if the shooters were away from their rifles, which took time away from their shooting, but they did not complain one bit about it! They also didn't complain about the porta-potty was on top of the hill, so I hope the next time there is a shoot there, that the porta-potty gets down closer to the shooters so no one had to shoot with full bladders. Even though there are some things to work out and figure out, the women did not complain. BTW there were so many bugs out there and I don't remember really any of the shooters complaining about them!!!

Thank you ladies for being part of the first ever women's AS and I do hope to see you out on the trail again really soon!

Woohoo!

Congrats Kira!  I knew you could do it.  I'll bet you had fun waving that patch in front of your sisters...

I hope I will see that new orange hat on my line in a couple weeks. 

Robin was sorry she couldn't make it to this shoot, but hopefully MamaBear will get her to the next one.

Well done ladies!

Greg

ps.  Thanks for showing us what we should be doing with BrokenSling as well. 

Quote from: Greg in MO on June 01, 2009, 02:50:32 PM
ps.  Thanks for showing us what we should be doing with BrokenSling as well. 

ummmmmmmm....  not going there.

Kira, for those that don't know, is my daughter.  I can tell you, she was positively beaming when Mamabear dropped her off last night, and her sisters Kimberly and Kaitlyn were turning various shades of green.

I'll be setting Kira up this evening with a user name for the forum, getting her on Nickle's list, and we'll get her on the schedule.  Greg, you can expect her on Sunday only at Bates City, and all weekend at Osage Beach... and yeah, Kimberly is more than a little peeved that her baby sister got there first.

Dinky, you got some rave reviews last night... thanks to you and Mamabear for looking out for my little girl.

Anyone have a guess as to what size shooting jacket I should be ordering for Kira?

Great job ladies!

Thank You, Trisha, for the great AAR. It sounds like this is one for the books.

CONGRATULATIONS!! to Kyra and welcome to the Instructor Corps!!

I will add more later, have PM's to deal with. I wanted to see how this one went first. 

~SS

Great job on the recap, Trisha!

It was a pleasure to finally meet some of the faces behind the screen names!  Dinky, we couldn't have asked for a better shoot boss for this event.  Having your instruction is invaluable and should inspire more women shooters that being not only a shoot boss, but a senior instructor is attainable.  All you have to do is *earn* it...easy, right, Dinky?!    Working with the other instructors at this event was a privilege to say the least.  To a "green" orange hat like me, seeing how it should be done by female instructors was amazing.  Trisha, Mogget, .5, TheBlonde, and Old Glory!... you all inspire me to go to every shoot I can and practice, practice, practice.  Maybe one day my presentation will be as crisp as yours.

I was pleasantly surprised at the increased number of women on the line!  At last count, there were 8 signed up and we ended up having 13!  Amazing    At the end of Sunday, I believe that the true spirit of the Rifleman came out in these women- we were seeing scores being doubled and even tripled!  On the third AQT of the afternoon, a Rifle(woman) emerged, and took the orange hat, to boot!  Kira, congratulations, and grab your bucket, sweetie!  All we need to do now, is find you a nickname!

I enjoyed working with each and every lady at this *historic* event.  I can only hope that we have more opportunities in the future to have women-only Appleseeds!  Those ladies were there to learn, to shoot and to become part of the solution for America.  

Quote from: MamaBear on June 01, 2009, 05:07:31 PM
 Kira, congratulations, and grab your bucket, sweetie!  All we need to do now, is find you a nickname!

Wait...wasn't her name going to be Little Bear? 

I forgot to add something really important in the AAR...that is we had one woman come out to this shoot and ended up in a tank top and shorts, shot all day and her hair stayed perfect the whole time! I don't know how she did it, maybe it is because she was a hair dresser! and she is the one who was knocking on door for that Rifleman's patch. I told her that since she is a hair dresser, and she talks to many different people all the time, that she will "own" 7th step! One of the other instructors told her to post her targets on the mirror and it will be a good conversation starter. I expect to see a picture of that, Deana! Keep it up girl, I know you will get that Rifleman's patch in no time!

Quote from: Trisha on June 01, 2009, 05:10:14 PM

Quote from: MamaBear on June 01, 2009, 05:07:31 PM
 Kira, congratulations, and grab your bucket, sweetie!  All we need to do now, is find you a nickname!

Wait...wasn't her name going to be Little Bear? 

Sounds better than being named after her dad, "Little Greybeard" would be horrible.

Quote from: greybeard on June 01, 2009, 04:15:16 PM
Kira, for those that don't know, is my daughter.  I can tell you, she was positively beaming when Mamabear dropped her off last night, and her sisters Kimberly and Kaitlyn were turning various shades of green.

I'll be setting Kira up this evening with a user name for the forum, getting her on Nickle's list, and we'll get her on the schedule.  Greg, you can expect her on Sunday only at Bates City, and all weekend at Osage Beach... and yeah, Kimberly is more than a little peeved that her baby sister got there first.

Dinky, you got some rave reviews last night... thanks to you and Mamabear for looking out for my little girl.

Anyone have a guess as to what size shooting jacket I should be ordering for Kira?

Great job ladies!

Hey Chris,

It was my *pleasure* to bring Kira to IA, and I hope to be seeing her at many more shoots!  I couldn't have been any more proud of her than if she were my own daughter receiving that patch!  She definitely earned it!  Ask Kira what she thinks about the name, "Sheet 'O Beef"  (a little inside joke on the way to IA)  she should get a good laugh out of that one 

As for the jacket- I've been waffling between a medium and a large- I think a medium would be more than enough room for her even in the winter when she's wearing a sweatshirt.

have her PM me when you get her set up with a name- Kira, I'll see you in Bates City on Sunday!

Congratulations again, Kira! 

Mamabear kept me up until almost 2am with her stories, I think she might have had a good time! 

Looking forward to seeing all of you on the Appleseed trail.  Well done.

Great Job Ladies and Gentlemen, a great job and it sounds like it was a smashing success. I would like for these ladies to keep in touch and keep track of each other, they are kind of a special group and I think they could rely on their closeness and this special Appleseed to keep them together as a unit and as a strong bond helping them while working the seventh step.

Once again, a great job by all and when will we see the next event?

Quote from: Scout on June 01, 2009, 11:52:16 PM
I would like for these ladies to keep in touch and keep track of each other, they are kind of a special group and I think they could rely on their closeness and this special Appleseed to keep them together as a unit and as a strong bond helping them while working the seventh step.

Once again, a great job by all and when will we see the next event?

On that note- Can I get a roll call?!

If any of ya'll want to come visit the northeast, let me know! Just don't be waiting an eternity to get here!
I'll even bring the chocolate! (not necessarily in brownie form) 

And I'm curious- Who plans on getting their own rifle after attending this shoot?!

Quoteps.  Thanks for showing us what we should be doing with BrokenSling as well.  Evil

Pictures depicting the proper use of a Manservant will hopefully be uploaded tonight or tomorrow night.   

 

QuotePictures depicting the proper use of a Manservant will hopefully be uploaded tonight or tomorrow night.   


 

Poor Lil' Feller 

!!! WAYLAND !!!                                                          !!! FIVE-OOOOHHHH-NINE !!!
Women came from as far as NY, WV, OH, IND, IL, WI, MN, MO to join the serious, persistent, beautiful young Iowan team of Appleseeders. 

Dinky:  Thanks for taking up the challenge (and fun!) of a whole line of women, for driving FOREVER to shoot boss this event, and filling up the car with shooters to boot!   Thanks for your passion and dedication to Appleseed.     I don't know how you do it?!? Almost EVERY weekend.    Loved the Dinky special NPOA, 16 round silhouette target drill!  You gave the most extensive presentation of the Women of 1775 I have ever heard.  Duh! It was an ALL WOMEN'S APLLESEED!   Most appropriate!

Priscilla, Chrissy, Chris, Heather, Heather, Deana, Rachel, Ariel, Sara, who am I forgetting?  You are a fantastic Iowan Appleseed team.  I enjoyed your enthusiasm and EAGERNESS to learn.   I was so impressed on Sun a.m. with your desire to know ALL ABOUT the AQT!   

.5:  More like .75!  Did you grow 12 inches since the IBC in Dec?!?  Too bad you didn't grab my second AQT to score - you know, the one I actually confirmed my Rifleman score with!  Shooting is so humbling for me.

Trisha:  You are an Instruction Machine!  I CONTINUE to be amazed at your drive to become a full instructor, tackling the most challenging aspects of instruction.  History and IMC!  You are my hero.

Mama Bear:  I admire your courage in tackling the instruction.  That sweet MO accent brings joy to the line, but Mama's have to be firm, and you are that too!   You did a GREAT job calling the line!   Thanks for sharing your DEET 40%  OH MY! 

The Blond:  Thanks for the invite to the Northeast!  I hope I get to take you up on that!  You are the queen of the dry-fire line patter.

Mogget:  I look forward to working AS's with you.  Your first strike and "the two communication systems" was most clear and engaging.  You drove to make efficient use of time on the line, humor included and duly appreciated! 

Kira:  Welcome to the Appleseed Instruction team.  Chris, you have a very mature daughter who knows very much what she is about.

Sue/Palin?  : You proved to be an excellent student.  A picture of persistence, and dry firing. Maybe your homeschooling cirriculum will include some range time.  Being close to Chicago you will have numerous opportunities to get your family to an Appleseed.  Check out the schedule.  Or maybe July 4 at LaCrescent, which will appear on the schedule soon.  

Pebbles: You have already taken the 7th step; keep it up!  Soon enough you will get that patch.  It was great to meet you. 

Rick:  YOUR STEW IS THE BEST!  Along with THE BARBEQUE on Sunday.  It was a great break for us, not to have to cook.  Your land is gorgeous!  When fatigue was setting in, just looking at those high hills of blowing grass above the range was a visual refreshment.  That was THE CLEANEST portapottie EVER!  By next year I know you will have it located at the range!  That will be awsome. 

Manservant:  You saved us a lot of walking uphill and carried tons of weight for us; you handled the abuse with great dignity.

All:  The book that the history comes from is "Paul Revere's Ride" by David Hackett Fischer.

The iron-on rockers can be applied by placing them letter side down on the shirt, iron on high, no steam, press and hold for about 30 seconds, checking to make sure you are not scorching the fabric.  Then let it cool a little bit before you carefully peel  off the paper back.

It was an honor to be with you all and remember the sacrifices made for this country.    Women can accomplish great things.  We can choose to be that group of Americans who work within a well organized team, called Appleseed, to make a difference in the future of America.  This foum is a great communication/working tool.  Register!   Like The Blond said:  "Can I get a role call?!"   Sign in and let's hear from you. 

  Pictures, pictures, pictures......


To see all of them or get a full res image, click this link:  http://www2.hosley.com/AS/index.html

The road down....


Last minute....








Motivated....






Mogget and Trisha demo loop sling and prone...






Six steps...





NPOA!....


Shady spot for history....




Trisha goes over IMC, public math anyone.  I don't think it bothered these ladies one bit.








The AQT...


MamaBear takes over the line.  Great job!



TheBlonde gets her turn with some friendly razzin...


New RifleWoman - Congatulations Kira


The hat looks good on you.  Welcome aboard!

Since the pictures are up and many gentlemen will now be looking at this thread, I have a bit of advice...     

Women in every athletic or skilled endeavor often face a challenge with equipment that doesn't fit right.  In our case, rifles that are too long, too loud, or too heavy for inexperienced folks with shorter and slighter builds make the natural learning curve just that much steeper.

So if you want that Special Someone to come to enjoy shooting and in so doing to support you and your love of America and rifles, don't hand her your rifle and wish her luck because if you're 6'3" and she's 5'4" it's not going to work.  If you've added a bull barrel and mounted the Hubble Space Telescope above it, consider the possibility that she'll have trouble with the additional weight when she first picks it up.  And above all, don't let her leave the house thinking that if she changes the sights you'll be upset!

Instead, please consider getting her a rifle that fits her, or have one altered.  Do this far enough ahead of time that she can become familiar enough to work it with ease -- yeah, I am talking about the bolt release on the 10/22, among other things.  Make this rifle hers, and hers alone, and if the law allows, let her keep in in her space.  Do not try to convince yourself that she can use yours and then you'll see if she wants one of her own because my guess is that she won't after an initial experience filled with unnecessary frustration.

Set her up for success, just the way you'd set yourself up!

Gentlemen: listen to Mogget, she speaks the truth.

(not so) Long ago, I bought a handgun that I *knew* Mamabear would just love.  It got good reviews, didn't break the bank, and was small enough for CCW duty.  About two (unhappy) months later, it was sold so that SHE could buy the gun that SHE picked out.  Lesson learned.

I fancy myself a fairly quick study, so when it was time for Appleseed, SHE picked out her rifle, the stock, the scope, the trigger group and where to put the sling.  After that, mission accomplished: Rifle(wo)man patch.

Our relationship has been (relatively) abuse-free since I just go with what she wants to do.

AWESOME job with the pics, "Manservant"!    You did a great job of capturing the spirit (and fun) of the weekend.  The only thing I think you missed was the cloud of bugs that seemed to hover around Dinky's head    (not to mention everyone else's!)

I would LOVE to hear from some of the women on the line last weekend- I sure hope they get signed up on the forum so we can get some honest to goodness feedback about how this weekend was for them!

Old Glory!  you are a treasure!  Thanks for your kind words, they were much appreciated-although, I had no idea that I had a "MO accent" 

I'm gonna have to agree with Mogget on the ladies bringing their OWN rifle's to the shoots from now on- it seemed like many of them struggled with the weight, length, scopes (or lack thereof), and just good 'ol basic knowledge of what they brought (ie; bolt release, mag release, sights, etc...)  But here at Appleseed, we adapt and we persist    Despite having those obstacles to work around, many overcame them and shot very well!!

Great job ladies!
Sorry I missed y'all. It looks like everyone had a great time.
Especially during story time, under the shade of the tree!!

Congrats to our newest female rifleman!

Hopefully I will get a chance to meet some of you out on the trail.

DW

Sling Demo



Steady Hold Factors



Boy, was this shooter serious- She's ready to take notes!!   



Shooters! You may proceed downrange to check your targets and chat! 



Our manservants providing their services for a vital mission!  BROWNIES!!!  What is an all-female event without chocolate?!?! 



Our Rifle(wo)man! 



SUPER SQUAD!!!


Hrm... seems like I don't have the pics that I thought I did for the Manservant!  Sorry Ladies!!

I should point out that I knew they were giving me the bunny ears, well ok only one of them not TWO! 
jk 

GO SUPER SQUAD!

Great Job pulling this off!

I am very  curous about the target backer in the downrange photo. What is it made of?

Hmm, where to start?  Wayland was "the first all woman shoot" - and it was in my humble opinion a great success.  As others have stated there were participants from all over the country, I drove in from West Virginia, via Ohio to pick up Dinky and Pebbles and bring them (chauffeured them  ) 
I took on (a really long drive) a little more than I could handle in that I was up by 4AM, driving by 8AM and after waiting for Conference Call Meetings and the loading of all the gear we arrived at Wayland about 3AM.  Needless to say I was, at 56 years old, totally wasted on Saturday and was unable to shoot, so I just hung out at the tent and rested that day.  I was quite disappointed in myself!
On Sunday I did participate and had a great time and ended up being most envious of those who were able to shoot on Saturday also - shame on me!
All of our instructors were most helpful and gave great presentations, best of all, we all did well from their instructions.  As a participant I would like to say that I (and I am sure everyone else) appreciates the fact that all the instructors are keenly aware of safety at all times and at the same time they were constantly guiding us with little tips to help us shoot better, whether it be "leg up", elbow in, no white knuckles and so on - the constant reminders of those little details are sincerely appreciated.
My next "out of town" shoot will be Virginia Beach in June - I hope to see all of you there then!


Maryetta

"Beware. Beware of the thing that is coming.
Beware of the risen people, who shall take what ye would not give.
Did you think to conquer the people? Or that law is stronger than life, or than man's desire to be free?"
Padraig Pearse

I just finished listening to the Appleseed radio from last week.  Dinky Dao was on with Sam D and Jr Biirdman.  All you gals would enjoy Dinkys report of your Appleseed.  Here is the link:http://www.blogtalkradio.com/AppleseedRadio/2009/06/03/Will-America-Still-be-Here-When-You-Wake-Up-Tomorrow

enjoy,

Colycat

Yes, listen to the show everyone
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/AppleseedRadio/2009/06/03/Will-America-Still-be-Here-When-You-Wake-Up-Tomorrow

It's our Shoot Boss's after action report!  Be sure to listen all the way to the end because the report continues toward the end.

I was listening to the show live last week, and chatting on line with Dinky and the other listeners; Scout was asking for people to call in, and my computer crashed.  Pixilated screen and loud hisses!    It sounded downright evil!  Yes, it did not survive.  With a new computer, tonight was the first chance I had to listen to the show.   Dinky, you did a REALLY GREAT job on the radio talking about the joys and challenges of the All Woman's Appleseed. 

We ALL owe it to Dinky, and to Appleseed to listen to this special show. 

Dinky, I just got done listening to the radio talk show and EVERYONE needs to listen to it! Thank you for all the kind words.

She is right all the women transformed right in front of our eyes! I hope to hear from more of the shooters! Get on the line.

You would have this Radio Show the week I was at AT.

Download time.

Hi Girls!
Thought you all might be interested to hear what my cousin had to say about her weekend in Wayland.  So with her permission........

Thank you so much for inviting me to the women's weekend.  It has sparked much conversation with my friends about guns.  he he he When (my husband) went to church Sunday he reported that I was out shooting!!!    There are two kinds of truth: My wife is out learning to shoot a gun this weekend. OR My wife is spending the weekend in Iowa with her cousin. 

Anyway, no one has excommunicated me from their friend list as far as I know.  It was a great experience for me all around.  I learned about myself and my capabilities.  I learned something completely new!!!  And I will not feel as afraid around guns with being familiar with how they work.  I would like for the family to attend a shoot in the future. 

Hope to see you in Ottawa this weekend!

 

HEY LADIES!!!  I found what all you gals were talking about!!!!  Thank you for the best weekend ever!  Saturday was fun to learn all the basics to shoot well and THEN SUNDAY!!!  ALL THE SHOOTING THAT I COULD DO!!! That was a blast! 

Trisha: Loved the story about the weekend!  It makes me want to do it again!  I also loved the added part about my outfit and my hair!!  My husband says that I am silly b/c I make sure that my hair is done even when I go mow the lawn!  I can't help it!!  Someone might see me!! 

I talked about the Appleseed shootout for weeks!  I still am!!  I ended Sunday's shooting around 8pm, I still wanted to shoot more b/c my last score was a 205!!  But Dinky is soooo cool that she said that I could come back in the morning early and she would do the test again with me!!  SO...if you can picture me sleeping that night, you are crazy.  All I could hear was "breath in, breath out, relax, SQUEEEEEZE, recover!!  I had everything laid out before I went to bed so I could get up and go!  I wake up at 5am and got ready! (yes, trisha, I did my hair and and makeup and wore shots and a tank top again!)  I knocked on Dinky's tent bright and early and she was soooo not awake yet!  She took a bit longer than planned b/c she had to brush her teeth and hair and put on new clothes and all that girly stuff   We also had to get Rick up and going!!  By the time we got down to shoot it was 7:30.  I had to be at my first job by 9am and sooooo WE HAD TO GET THE SHOW ON THE ROAD!!  Well, a combo of dirty gun and sticky wheather, it made my gun jam after everyother shot.  THAT WAS NOT GOING TO WORK!!!  So I didn't even get through one test.  I left with a final high score that I shoot on Sunday night of 205!  I am planning on shooting again this weekend to get my patch!!  WISH ME LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!