Bradford Sportsman's Farm Feb 13 and 14 2010

[BrownBess]

Well folks, it was cold and wet, in the 20's,  but the sun did finally come out for some KD shooting and a bunch of AQT's...we will let Itsansks fill you in on all the details, meanwhile, some photos.....BrownBess

[GunRights4US]

What IS that frost-covered thing in the 15th picture?   

[BrownBess]

Ear Plug.......kinda cold to put in......

[ItsanSKS]

An outstanding weekend was had by all, even though Saturday found us trudging though ankle deep mud, just to get to the target line. 

I would like to first thank the Bradford Sportsmans Farm for allowing us the use of their fine facility- there are not many ranges that sport distances to 600 yards, and to have one in a central location in N. Florida ensures a steady demand to hone one's long-range skill. 

Next, I would like to thank the fine instructor crew who showed up this weekend- Willorith, Brown Bess, Liberty's Daughter, Echodog, and Douglas- you did a fine job this weekend, proved by the dramatic improvement exhibited by all in attendance.  I look forward to working with you again soon!

We had 16 shooters show up Saturday AM, ranging from <10 to >55.  Not a single complaint throughout the day.  With mostly 'green' attendees, there was a lot to learn, and they put forth great effort; 'qualification' with the redcoat at the end of Saturday showed nearly triple the number of 300 yard shooters than a mere 8 hours before- a fact made possible only because of the dedication of an awesome instructor crew.  You guys (and gal) ROCK! 

A fine assortment of rifles were present on the line, including two M1A's, 3 FN-FAL's, and a handful of Ruger 10/22's, already setup in LTR configuration. 

Everyone was advised that Sunday would have us transitioning from the 25m line to the 200m line, and beyond- our attendees were stoked to try their hand at some 'long range' shooting, and many vowed to return the next day, though more than half had prior engagements that couldn't be broken, at the cost of relationships.. (Sunday was Valentines Day, after all) 

Sunday morning, seven of our shooters returned to find that morning had arrived with a CRISP breeze, forcing the mercury down to nearly 35 degrees- perhaps the result of an icy gaze from displeased wives and girlfriends which  followed our shooters to the line    Mud gave way to frost, and many of our shooters found themselves ill prepared for the cold weather... Thankfully, by the time we were done with the first set of sighter squares, the sun had crested the tree line, and things began to heat up, bringing the temps to a more friendly 60*. 

Also heating up was the marksmanship- though we had no-one shoot rifleman on Saturday, there were many shooters knocking on the door, with high scores ranging from 176 to a 207.  Scores on Sunday seemed to plateau, with many shooters finding themselves 'stuck' at scores just below the necessary 210- a little practice and they'll make it- PERSEVERE!  Getting EVERYTHING right on the same target seemed to be the biggest problem- if a shooter made a 49 on the first stage, fourth stage would net 18 points; if stage 2 was excellent, stage 3 would drag the scores back down.  PRACTICE THOSE TRANSITIONS AT HOME, DRY FIRE BY THE NUMBERS- FIND YOUR NPOA!!   

About 2:00 on Sunday, we packed up the 25m firing line and drove it back another 175 yards.  After a brief tutorial on the mechanics of 'long range shooting' such as bullet trajectory, the effects of wind, how to compensate for it, range-finding with the front sight or mil-dot reticules, and the 'standard come-ups' for .30cal rifles, and our shooters were ready to put some holes into those 8" squares. 

Those with .30 cal rifles found that their 25m zero indeed put them on paper at 200, with only minor adjustment necessary to get them 'in the black'.   Our shooters made the calculated sight adjustments, then tried their hand at a transition stage- standing to sitting, 2 magazines, loaded two and eight- stage two of the AQT, but at 200 yards, and no NPOA shift- it should be easy!!

Groups diminished significantly, indicating that further position practice would be necessary to achieve proficiency.   After a second attempt, which showed dramatic improvement in group size, it was decided that we should try our hands at 300 yards, too.  Back to the target line to post up 12" squares, then move the firing line...

Prone position at 300 yards was made impossible due to a rise in the ground, which left us attempting the shots from sitting- a position that we already determined needed some work.  Shooters were dismayed to see their groups as large as the target backer, with some rounds in the dirt, others in the berm..  An eye-opening experience though, and well worth repeating, after some dry fire practice at home. 

It was nearly 4:30 at this point, and it was decided that another attempt at that dreaded AQT was due- our shooters were determined to earn that coveted Rifleman patch! 

After two sighter squares to re-verify the 25m zero (which all shooters were required to record before adjusting for 200yards) and then a fresh AQT was posted.  A few minute break to discuss 'tactics' and to get some much needed hydration, and the grind began.. 3 AQT's later, and still no 210- the lack of sunlight determined that the end of the weekend was upon us, though no-one seemed in a hurry to leave.  Having just a few minutes of daylight left, it was decided that we should shoot a a low-light Red Coat.  Shooters found out how difficult a shot is in a low light situation, even at a mere 25m, and determined that illuminated reticule scopes were indeed a nice thing to have, as our only shooter to make the 'head shot' was using an aim point, mounted atop his FN-FAL. 

All of our attendees made great strides in their marksmanship, and more importantly, gained a new found respect for their founding fathers- the sacrifices that were made, and the ideals that they held so dear.  Many were astonished that the story of April 19th wasn't taught in school, as the intrinsic value of that lesson is paramount to securing Liberty for all time.  Attendees young and old vowed to spread the word about our history to any who would listen, and without prompting, cleaned out the box of Appleseed fliers that had been conspicuously placed on the tailgate of a truck..  I think the lesson on the 7th step sank in a little deeper than the preceding six, judging by the scores...

Speaking for the entire FL instructor crew, a hearty thank-you to all who attended this weekend; we hope to see you on the firing line soon!

-ItsanSKS

[RickB]

Looks like a grand time was had by all--and what a great crew! 
Congratulations on being able to spend so much time on the KD range--a very valuable experience for the shooters.
Ya'll done good!
I've got to get a pair of boots like Doug was wearing; our Florida ranges so often turn into swamps!
RickB

[BrownBess]

What happened to our House Host ThaiFighter??

[douglas34474]

I've got to get a pair of boots like Doug was wearing; our Florida ranges so often turn into swamps!
RickB

Waterproof and WARM. 

[douglas34474]

What happened to our House Host ThaiFighter??

We need to give him, and his Aunt and Uncle, a big THANK YOU for putting us all up for the night. 

[echodog]

10-4, Many thanks from Echodog and Libertys Daughter to Thaifighter and the whole crew for all the help and a great weekend . Lots of fun and we learned stuff too....who would of thunk it ?

[ItsanSKS]

A dramatic oversight on my part, indeed!

ThaiFighter has family that live in the area, and they generously afforded us the use of a rental home that was in the midst of a remodel.  With four sound walls, a roof, running water, and heat, the Florida Instructor crew made themselves at home.  Many thanks to ThaiFighter and family- your generosity saved us a bundle, and afforded us all an opportunity to build a closer bond as a group.  Looking forward to repeating this experience in two weeks' time.

-ItsanSKS