Project Appleseed

The second Appleseed at the Gunnison CO Lost Canyon Range began under high-altitude bright, clear, sunny skies with light breezes.   The staff welcomes the 18 Appleseeders as they began their Rifleman journey. 



Instructor al smith reviews the Line Commands.  After the necessary safety briefing, rifles were moved from the vehicles to the impound area and vehicles were removed from the range.  Once everyone had returned to the range, rifles were moved from the impound area to the line and instruction began.  As you can see above the berm, the view from Lost Canyon is spectacular. 



Soon the Appleseeders were down in position putting their new knowledge to use.  Is the Line Ready?  Ready on the Right? . . . .



At the target line, al smith presents Inches-Minutes-Clicks; remember One MOA is One Inch per hundred yards . . .



The breeze picks up over lunch as al smith relates the First Strike.



What were the colonials thinking as they mustered in response to the alarm "The Regulars are out"?  And how would you respond in the same situation?  Thanks to them you won't have to make that decision, but how would you?  We owe them so much . . .



At the target line.  What are the first two things a Rifleman asks when the look at their target? And what is your target telling you?
The clouds increase and the wind picks up a bit.  It did get a bit cooler once the sun went behind the clouds.
 


Saturday's Group photo.  There were ten Saturday-only Appleseeders; some drove over four hours one-way to participate and couldn't make it back Sunday.  We're glad they came and hope they can continue their Rifleman journey at another Appleseed in the near future.



As forecast, Sunday weather was cloudy, windy, and colder.  Anticipating snow/sleet/rain, al smith brought a pole tarp shelter.  EZ-ups don't last too long in this area.  It doesn't show in these pictures but there's a very artistic bend in one of the support poles caused by past weather.  Here al smith relates more history lessons over Sunday lunch.  Note the flags on the berm . . .



Another shot of the flags on the berm as things get a bit 'airish' while some flapping targets are restapled downrange.  Flexible PVC flag poles worked better than wood or metal poles, but it was still a little startling to see them bending like that.  Wind chill was becoming noticeable; layered clothing and snuggy suits were the order of the day.  The rocks on the tarps were just barely able to keep them down. 
 


The Sunday afternoon Group photo; those who persevered through wind, cold, wind, rain showers, and wind.  Sorry Cindy - if I'd noticed I'd have had everyone take off their hats so we'd all have a "bad hair" moment.  On the other hand a lot of us don't have the necessary hair, so -- oh, forget it: you looked just fine.



The staff with our new Rifleman.  Jim persevered throughout the weekend with his AR.  Good job under trying conditions!
From l-r, new IIT iron site, al smith, new Rifleman Jim, cowboy, and ashrn03.



Congratulations to all who came, learned, stayed focused, and persevered.  Our Country is better for your efforts.  And we hope to see you at the next Lost Canyon Appleseed on October 24-25!

Great job everyone!
And what a blessing to have a DAR in Gunnison.
Thanks again cowboy for making the DAR on your land!
Lady Liberty is proud of Colorado!

Tremendous Job Gunnison, CO!!!!!!!!!!

Keep up the strong work!!

Thanks to all of the RWVA Instructors that were there with their boots on the ground. THANK YOU!!


All of you are very fortunate to have the instruction of Ashrn03.

Ashrn03 is a humble fellow, and it's unlikely that he'd tell you about his knowledge on riflerly.


I will tell you.


The knowledge that Ashrn03 knows about riflery is a pearl.


Pearl, meaning, in one's lifetime they'll likely not find one, but by chance.


By chance, Ashrn03 and I met in Davilla at an RBC.   When I thought I knew everything about shooting rifles since I was a firey young buck deer hunter to when I instructed/attended RWVA RBC's, I met Ashrn03.



Take heed Gunnison and Amarillo.


Ashrn03 is without a doubt in my mind one of the best RWVA Instructors, across the nation.

If you want to learn how to shoot REALLY, REALLY well, look at the schedule where Ashrn03 will be instructing.

I instructed with Ashrn03 at a Davilla, TX RBC.

From what I learned from him, my AQT score went from 223 on the AQT to 241 shooting an M1A with ball SA.


Thank you Gunnison for a terrific shoot!



Thank you RWVA instructors for realizing it's success!!!!!



Brett

Thanks for the the comments bret. 

We have indeed been fortunate to have ashrno3 in our neck of the woods.  One more event to go before we turn into a frozen wasteland.  Cowboy's Lost Canyon Range is probable at 8000+ ft asl.  It is not uncommon for us to see 30 below zero in the winter. 

Thanks very much to the great crew from new mexico whose hard work has planted the seeds for central colorado.  And thank you texas for loaning us Paul Seeley.  And thanks to Rifle woman and fred for getting the IBC together and making IITs into RED Hats.

It is very sobering to have the well-being of a firing line in our hands as we call the line.  It looks easier than it feels. But it is totally worth it when shooters take the time to thank us for the instruction and camraderie.  This is the BEST Volunteering I have ever done.   And with hard work and some luck, we just might save he country in the process. 

Sounds like a heckuva DEAL.

See you at the next Appleseed.

al  smith