Myakka City, FL December 12 & 13

[RickB]

What a weekend.  Though the weather was warm and sunny and it was eclipsed by the bright faces and warm hearts of our shooters!  Just when I think an Appleseed can't get any better another group of enthusiastic attendees proves me wrong.

A number were repeat students, bursting with a love for liberty and doggedly determined to earn a rifleman's patch.  We also had quite a few first timers and the growth in skill and the way they learned to pull together as a team formed the only paycheck the instructors wanted.

First of all, a big thanks you to the Manatee Gun and Archery club for hosting the event.  Next year we have a shoot scheduled there almost every month.

One of club employees was an especial help to us: Rod.  Rod also attended the Appleseed (his second) and earned a Rifleman's patch. Then he volunteered to become an IIT!

Besides Rod, we had three members of one family shoot rifleman scores.  Congratulations to Brien, Karen, and Dan.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention all of the lovely lady shooters we had on the line: they pulled together in a wonderful way and their teamwork, enthusiasm, and hearts for service were a huge part of what made the shoot such a great success.  Many thanks (in alphabetical order) to Karen, Karen, Kayla, Lori, Mary ann, Michelle, Mollie, Ruth, and Taylor.

Thanks to all of the shooters for a great weekend,

RickB

[willorith]

Shooters! Listen up!

Karen, who shot her first Rifleman's score at this event, was a shooter at my first Appleseed event. I scored an 82 and she was in the low 190's. Madam Yotnottin was shooting with me at that event. Madam Yotnottin became an IIT along with me and instructed at one or two events where Karen was still climbing the Rifleman's hill. A friendship developed between the two women. Madam Yotnottin passed away this past September. When Karen arrived at this Appleseed, I gave her the sad news. She was heart broken, but a Rifleman perseveres. She earned her badge and we hugged and agreed that Madam Yotnottin was coaching her that day. It was one of those moments we treasure in our lives, when we know there is something greater than ourselves at work in the Universe.

[BrownBess]

What a fantastic weekend!!!! All you shooters deserve a Triple Huzaah......Looking forward to seeing everyone of you  at the next Appleseed.....BrownBess

[BrownBess]

A Few More Pics......

[BrownBess]

And a few more Great Appleseeders......

[BrownBess]

Thanks so Much for Posterboy coming al the way from Ohio.......

[Tru Trak]

   Great job on your successful Appleseed at Myakka Guys! It sounds as though you had good weather and a good crew not to mention alot of patriots attending. We also had a great shoot at St. Augustine in the Ancient City Range. The weather was trying the first day with lots of continuous rain, but we persevered and produced 1 Rifleman that day. Sunday we pulled together as a team and exceeded my wildest expectations and produced 4 more Riflemen! (no rain Sunday!) Florida is doing well in my eyes. We also had great help from the Northern States and became good aquaintences. Again, Great job to you Instructors and Rick B as Shoot Boss. Tru Trak.

[PHenry]

Man this is killing me! What a great event - soooo sorry I couldn't be there!

Glad it went well and I'll be back on the trail next year!

Hat's off to all who were there. 

PH

[reagansmom215]

Well, since my name is on the list, I guess I'll count myself as one of the "lovely ladies" present this weekend! Can I just say that this was the most intense, educational, exciting yet RELAXED weekend I've experienced in a long time!!  This was my first Appleseed, and I said at the end of the event, I really only signed up in order to spend more time with my husband; if I gained a skill and/or some confidence, that would've been just a bonus. Boy, did I achieve all 3 goals! 

While I also gave thanks to God for all He has given me, I'd really like to again thank all the instructors for being so patient, dedicated and out-right friendly. You guys really made the weekend a success. I had many issues with my rifle and scope, yet you kept encouraging me and pushing me and reinstructing me until I finally got on paper. Boy, did that feel good! Toward the end of the second day, I can remember RUNNING out to my target when given the command and jumping up and down when I saw that I got the headshot! What an awesome feeling to know I was gaining the same skills as our forefathers, for whom I now have a new-found respect. This event should be subtitled "Everything you ever wanted to know about April 19, 1775 that your textbooks didn't tell you." I'd love to see some female IIT's....maybe Karen and I will team up once I qualify, LOL! (what do you think, Karen??)

Rick B, Dr. John, Hopalong, Brian, Posterboy, Peter, BrownBess - thanks for everything! Especially the loaner-jacket when I kept catching hot brass!

[ThaiFighter]

ya, the hot brass can be nasty!   Ya gotta practice the "rifleman's bubble"  so ya tune out the fact that it's searing into your flesh!     





stage three of the AQT... 

Hit me on the fourth shot...

Still managed to finish my string and score a 39...

Doc counted four other pieces of brass in the small of my back.  The guy next to me had a SUPERBLY accurate rifle in that regard. 

and a good time was had by all!

[Camljr]

A true rifleman's Tattoo!!!

Thank god you had your belt tight or it could have been worse...

[SendIt]

There are not the words to express my feelings of elation, pride and fatherly love and accomplishment when I found myself between my wife and my son with our badges this past Sunday afternoon .  My family composed three of the four patriots qualifying as Rifleman this past weekend in Myakka.  This is truly a memory of a lifetime.  We are a knot to be reckoned with!  My hat is off to my wife Karen and my son Daniel for their tremendous, patient, accomplishment.  My son brought his friend Joey with us and while he was close to qualifying he is nonetheless, hooked on Appleseed.

Karen invited her colleague and her husband, Michelle and Rick, to their first Appleseed.  They suffered through a very frustrating Saturday, plagued by equipment problems. I could sense their disappointment and wanted so badly for them to succeed.  Michelle's beaming smile of accomplishment Sunday afternoon was priceless and helped me to understand why the Appleseed cadre of volunteers do what they do.

I am equally at a loss for words to express my heartfelt gratitude to and admiration for all the Appleseed instructors and shoot bosses that made that moment possible.  I am humbled by your selfless sacrifice, your dedication to a cause and your sterling leadership by example.  I am even more awed by the genius that is Appleseed.  I am elevated by rubbing shoulders with this great group of patriots. A bellowing---Huzzaaaaaahhhhh!!!!!

[burrisbrow]

Thanks to the volunteers for all your help and guidance this past weekend. Great pictures too! 

Mollie, Kayla, Taylor, and myself (Ryan) had a blast. I don't know if we'll be getting Kayla or Taylor back, but I know Mollie now has a goal of earning a Rifleman patch. Also, I'll probably be seeing you all again sometime in the next six months to bring some more new people.

Remember that shallow looking cut that I got from the scope on the first shot Sunday? Turns out it went so deep that it severed a muscle. I now have 2 internal stitches preserving my ability to scowl/frown and 6 stitches outside. Heh, that Red Coat is gonna get it the next time I see him!

[PHenry]

BB,
Ouch! Now that's what I call persistence - the sign of a true Rifleman!

Heal well and we'll look forward to seeing you on the line again soon (with a scope mounted further forward for sure).

PH (the slacker si who wasn't at this event  )

[MeanStreaker]

Great job everyone!  I really enjoyed reading the report and seeing the pics.

Especially Posterboy's tactical sandals!!!     Hey friend, how about you reserve those for only when you're south of the Mason Dixon line?   

[posterboy]

Excuse me those are MANdals !!!

And I was having a great time helping Floridians re-discover their American birthright while you were freezing your hiney off in Ohio ... a double bonus

Thanks to RickB, the IIT crew and of course all of you wonderful shooters at Myakka for welcoming this yankee down south. It truly makes me sleep better at night knowing that there are people like you all over this great country. Sorry I couldn't be there for the whole weekend and I hope to come back.

One thing is consistent from Ohio to Florida....and that is the enthusiasm I witness on the Appleseed line .... !! Huzzah !

pb

[RickB]

burrisbrow,
That's one way to pick a screen name--but not one I want to try myself.  I'll be praying for you to heal up fast so you can get back at them darned redcoats.  You've shed blood in the cause of liberty!
RickB

[laddchic]

Thanks again all for the help and training...I will see you in January.
laddchic

[MumMollie]

   Just a note to say, I HAD THE BEST TIME!  What lessons we were able to pass on to my two girls.  History and education and awareness of blessings given to us through the sacrifice of others. 
Thank you Brian, Paul - all of you.  You were most kind and patient.  See you in a couple of weeks.  I will be practiced and have that rifle ready. 
Ryan is doing great, Dr. and Mrs. Catalano met us at their office Sunday night and after 8 stitches he was my new FrankenSon.  He can't wait to get back with you, (Sorry Burrisbrow - I don't mean to be speaking for you)
Thank you again.
See you soon.
MumMollie

[Funkdore]

This was my first Appleseed. It was amazing and inspiring. All the Instructors were first rate and by singling out a couple, it doesn't mean to imply that they weren't all WORLD CLASS. But special thanks to Brian, Paul, and Posterboy. Dr John, you are a scholar and a gentleman and it was a pleasure sharing the weekend with you. Can't wait to attend another.
Lance Lubin
St Petersburg, FL 

[reagansmom215]

OK, Rick and I are coming back in January and bringing our daughter!  Yay! Can't wait! (can't wait to see THAT after action report too!!) who else is going??

[ThaiFighter]

I'll be there.  and I've been practicing...

wally world synth stock ruger 10/22 with a bushy 4x, cci minimags, 5 shots per target from slinged up prone. 12-18 mph gusting winds constantly changing direction.  400 yard "D" targets reduced for 25...



I've also swapped out my 16" carbine on my Ar for a rifle length.   This should help tremendously as I am too damned tall for a tiny lil' carbine.

I look forward to seeing everyone there.  Esp Funkdore (Lance) as he has brass-branded me and this time I will be on his right to shoot. 

I look forward to sharing the line with laddchic (shouldn't that be lass?), mollie, reagansmom, burrisbrow et. al...

and of course RIck and Paul and Doc an the rest of the instructors...

CHeers in 2010!   

[panhead]

howdy

when do you slow up ThaiFighter? Good lookin target!

I dont get out much, BUT:

I see you at the gun show first weekend of December, helping us run the Appleseed table. AFTER you helped your brother move. Thanks for that, from both of us! Then running the table solo on Sunday.

THEN, he goes to Myakka and gets a tattoo the next weekend...

I see him and his bro at Hernando, Christmas weekend shooting on the public line. T/F is showing a lovely young lady from Colombia the safety rules, and providing solid replies to her questions about her shooting. I stood back with his bro and watched the man go.

Then he posts a target like the one above...in his spare time, I guess   

I'm not sure what a 10/22 would look like in your hands, or if we could see much of it  . This is a big fella, but I think we have an orange hat that will fit when you are ready...

See you on the trail again my friend 

[willorith]

Nice shooting, Thai fighter.

It helped me to break each stage of the AQT into simple component parts, then practice each part to competence, then combine the parts to build the complex whole. Practice the most complex and most difficult parts to achieve competence there. Then the easy stages will be a snap - stage 1 & 4 150 free points.  Break the two transition stages down 1- transition, practice the transition until you are smooth and quick. Practice it by doing it slowly and deliberately. Analyze each motion required. Decide where your feet will be when you start. Where they will be when you finish. Where you have to be standing at the start to land in your shooting position with your muzzle correctly positioned on the firing line to maintain safe muzzle plane. Practice landing in the correct position. Remember your steady hold factors for the positions. Stretch now so your elbow will go all the way under the rifle. 2- Load, learn exactly where your magazines have to be for your hand to fall naturally to them. Figure out how you will make sure you start with the 2 round mag. Practice the motions required to load your rifle. Practice it slowly to avoid fumbling. Do it hundreds of times slowly - the speed will come naturally as your muscles learn the precise path from the magazine position on the ground to the magazine well of your rifle. Try different rifle angles to find what works best for you. Canting the mag well of the rifle towards my trigger side helps me load in the prone position. 3- NPOA, the most important element to consistent high scores.  Learn to acquire your NPOA quickly after you have landed in shooting position. Remember the NPOA drill. The first three steps to firing the shot, sight alignment, sight picture, ...close your eyes... respiratory pause, open your eyes (both of them) that is your NPOA. If your NPOA is not on the target, shift the position of your entire body. In the prone position, only your support elbow doesn't move. Every other part of your body must move to shift your NPOA onto your target. 4- Six steps to firing the shot. You know what they are. Practice each step with deliberation. To work on sight alignment, sight against a plain white wall. Without the distraction of a target, it is easy to isolate and work on sight alignment.  Now is the time to pad up your cheek piece and lengthen or shorten your buttstock to give you a good cheek weld for correct eye relief and sight alignment. When you can consistently plant your cheek on the rifle and have your eye fall into perfect alignment with the sights, move on to sight picture, . A 1/4" square 20 feet away is 4 MOA (you remember what 4 MOA is, right?). Dry fire on that 1/4" square a few thousand times before Jan 16. Practice your respiratory pause. Know what it feels like to hold the pause too long. know what it feels like to pause at different points in the breath cycle. You will probably find that empty lungs gives you the most consistent results. Trigger squeeze. you can practice this sitting at your desk with a retractable pen. You saw us demonstrate this at the Appleseed. Make sure you are visualizing the rifle when you practice with the pen. Visualize the air gap between your finger and the rifle stock. Hold the button (trigger) down as you ride out the recoil. Release the button. Conciously feel the reset click. You will need a partner to practice follow through and trigger reset while dry firing your rifle. Hold the trigger back while your partner cocks the rifle. Release the trigger only enough to feel the click. Don't forget the mental snapshot.
Practice each of these component motions until they are natural and smooth and quick. String them together to develop each stage of the AQT. Come Jan 16, you will shoot a 230+ on the first AQT of Saturday. 

We gave you all the knowledge you need to earn your badge. Careful practice will convert that knowledge into skill.

[ThaiFighter]

Thanks for the encouragement Panhead.  As soon as I've shot my Rifleman, I'll work on making sure my ego stays to a dimension where my head will still fit in my hat.  See you on the range there in Hernando.

Willorith,

Sage wisdom... 

That should be a whole separate post and it should be made a sticky for those who are finding the AQT as a whole daunting.  Thank you.

[reagansmom215]

thanks for all those reminders Willorith - can't wait to try it again next weekend! see you in Myakka City!

[danpass]

Looking forward to this weekend 

Anyone have a 4-prong sight tool for an a2 AR front post?