Bunnell, FL., 11/6.7/2010

[PHenry]

28 Fine Americans came out in unseasonably cool weather to practice one of the traditional skills of their storied ancestors last weekend at the Flagler Gun and Archery Club outside of Bunnell, FL. I have to say that this was the best event I have worked in some time. Between the people and the range, it was truly a great event all around. I measure the success of an event in the number of handshakes and heartfelt looks from the attendees as they leave and this event brung them both in spades. I hope that everyone present, instructors and attendees alike, enjoyed the same lifting of their spirits that I did.

Many thanks to our own 9MM4545 for getting the Flagler range to afford us a chance to bring an event to their excellent facility and also to Don, their Chief RSO for all of his help and also for shooting a Rifleman score (222) at his first event - a somewhat rare occurrence. Near half of the attendees were members of this fine club and that speaks volumes for the kind of people they draw as members in my mind. I have tried for three years to git my own local club to host an event to no avail.  

The weather, whilst cool, was a nice break from the oppressive summer heat here, but the wind on Sunday - wow what a challenge! A group that would, on a more static target, have resulted in five holes touching on Sunday resulted in a vertical string 1.5" long and still two Riflemen were revealed - now that is grit and persistence.

We had Dani from Romania who brung her husband to serve as her coach and chief mag loader. She started out all over the paper and by Sunday PM,was shooting on the KD line with the best of them. Then there was young Anthony who was as quiet as he was polite and made great strides. Ivor came to look and ended up participating. Steve found time in between telling jokes to score 211 and get a patch. Aaron, who brought his son Malcom, knew a great deal about the history and has already been so kind as to forward some info to me that I will incorporate into my three strikes story - many thanks sir!

Tom and Teresa knew the event was sold out, but came anyway and waited with the patience of saints to see if they could get on the line and get on they did. Allen volunteered to put up our Rev War flags and never stopped helping the entire time he was there.

9MM4545's lovely spouse struggled with ill-fitting rifles both days, but during the Rifleman's Cadence Drill, shot one of the tightest groups of the day - way to go Janet! I knew Glen was my kinda guy when he pulled out that awesome .30 - always nice to hear a real rifle all day long!  

I want to apologize for not getting time to let some of you who wanted to, shoot the battle rifles - I will do my best to make them available at the next event in Bunnell, should we be afforded the opp to return. Don assured me that he will do his best to talk the board into having us out again - fingers crossed!

Well, I bushed, so signing off for now, but I'll return with pics and more details of a great event.

Many thanks to all who attended and served,
PH

[a_gee]

PHenry - you're very welcome. 

This appleseed event was our first.  Malcolm shot the Ruger 10/22 that I received for my 11th birthday which fit him well, and I shot the Marlin 39a that was his grandfathers that he received for his 6th birthday.  We both improved and learned a great deal over the course of the weekend.  Thank You!

Memories and lesson's learned day one;

1. Concrete is hard and cold
2. "You can't miss fast enough to win" accompanied by the sweet smell of a cigar
3. A wide un-adjustable hunting slings make a rifle comfortable to carry, it also provides an "interesting torque" when used to support the rifle requiring a counter force to keep the rifle from canting.
4. Our English RWVA volunteer calling the next course of fire caused Malcolm to turn to me and say "He sounds just like the guy on top gear!"
5. Malcolm & Jake (Another young shooter there on day one) both shooting the wire holding the targets.  One cannot score well when your AQT is upside down facing the wrong way.

Malcolm and I nearly didn't make it to day 2 of the event.  Like Chris & Jake who were there the first day, we had a "schedule conflict" on Sunday.  If it had not been for the enthusiasm and excitement that dripped from every pore of Malcolm's body, we wouldn't have made it.  Even though Grandma was there from out of town, Maclolm couldn't contain himself, what mother could say no?  What sealed the deal was bedtime.  Malcolm was still so jazzed from the day's event that he was having trouble getting to sleep.   His suggested solution was "to practice a few dry fires" to help him relax (No Malcolm, get back into bed!)

Yep - we were going to be at the range bright and early.

Memories and lesson's learned day two

1. Concrete is STILL hard and much colder with a stiff wind in play
2. BrownBess's quiet continued encouragement
3. The resident RWVA gunsmith and volunteer, who walked with a cane, getting down on the ground and coaching Malcolm.  Both his advice and dedication are much appreciated.
4. You can muscle the rifle onto a target for a few rounds, but if your natural POA isn't right you will not shoot expert -period-
5. I learned an amazing amount shooting the rifleman's cadence.  Instructors - you should do that exercise pre or post every AQT.

After Event Lessons:
1. Ibuprofen is your friend
2. One has muscles in places that one never realizes
3. Chapstick is a necessity like water
4. Shivering will NOT improve your score
5. Malcolm needs to have his homework done before he practices dry fire or else he will sit with a rifle until it's bed time

A big thank you to all of the instructors and volunteers.  What a wonderful event, and if WHEN there is another event I will encourage everyone I know that can muster TO muster.

Respectfully
-Aaron

[PHenry]

a_gee,

"You can't miss fast enough to win" accompanied by the sweet smell of a cigar

I am sure I have no idea what you mean by this. 
From what I can tell - it it looks like there will be another event at Bunnell, as Don has put in a good word for us. With 9MM4545's help - I hope to see you and Malcom agin soon.

Many thanks,
PH

[9mm4545]

While it is not scheduled yet, you can count on there being more Appleseeds at the Flagler Gun and Archery Club. In a few more days the word will be getting out at the range about what an outstanding event this truly was and how those who remained home on the couch missed out big time. I, for one, want to make this venue a regular stop on the Appleseed circuit and I think we have many others in the club who feel the same way. Congratulations to all the shooters who came out in a cold wind and persevered. Everyone did a great job and the improvement in marksmanship was gratifying indeed. More importantly, I really think that the history and heritage lessons really resonated with the group. Genuine interest and rapt attention is always a good sign and we had plenty of both. Can't really think of anything else to add but I sure wish I had a video of the targets thrashing about in the howling wind on Sunday. Now that was entertaining--and even more challenging than usual! A heartfelt HUZZAH! to everyone who came out to play.

[DeadEyeDonCoz]

Gentlemen,

I can honestly say I didn't know what to expect when attending the Flagler Gun & Archery Club Appleseed event at our club last weekend but was pleasantly surprised by  the way you gentlemen explained our countries RW history , it was presented in away that was gripping and attention grabbing  as well as the knowledge your instructors had of firearms, NPOA instruction, attention to safety, individual coaching and the commradery that was projected to everyone who attended. I was pumped through out the whole weekend and was focused on getting my "Rifleman Patch" mission accomplished and a job well done by every instructor and we will be having Appleseed back in 2011!!!

"Return To Your American Heritage And Become A Rifleman"

Thanks

DeadEyeDonCoz
Don Costello
Governor FG&AC
FG&AC Chief Range Safety & Security Officer
NRA Certified Range Safety Officer
NRA Certified Firearms Instructor
NRA Certified Personal Protection Instructor
IDPA Certified Range Safety Officer
Flagler IDPA Match Director

[PHenry]

DE Don,
Many thanks for kind words sir - it was a pleasure all around! Hope to see ya'll agin soon.
PH

[TomM1Thumb]

I really wanted to go to the Bunnell, Appleseed Event, But I waited too long to register. The event is only 40 miles from Home so Teresa and I packed up the truck with all those appleseed recommended goodies and off We went.

Arrived at 7:55 AM, Two walk-ins. Signed in then waited, Talked to some old friends from the Silver Springs event in June. Two of whom are now Appleseed IIT's. This is one Beautiful Rifle range, Most stations are for 25-50 Yards/ Meters, Others are 25-200 yards/meters.

Instruction was top notch, Safety was stressed heavly, History was very interesting. Appleseed People are always so nice and Friendly!

Still a Cook, But going to go to New Smyrna, on Sunday to check out the Range there and see if I can get closer to rifleman.

Again Thank-You all!!!

Tom
(AKA) TomM1Thumb

[PHenry]

Glad we could get ya'll on the line sir - twas a pleasure to have you there. 
PH

[Gomerbubba]

PHenry and all instructors,

I thoroughly enjoyed the weekend at the Flagler Gun & Archery Club. This was my first experience with Appleseed.

I have to say the first day was quite a humbling day. I used to shoot many moons ago as a child/teenager.
Of course, I had forgotten most of the good stuff and what I had remembered were all bad habits!

Thanks to all of the polite Instructors with their helpful advice and kind kick in the pants.
A few light bulbs started to turn on on Sunday.
Even a blind cow finds grass every once in awhile!

The historical facts and stories were great to hear throughout the entire day. I did not realize what I was getting into with Appleseed. Now I am hooked!
I cannot wait until I can attend again. I am going to get that Rifleman's Patch come hell or high-water! Or with MUCH practice at home!
I want to thank Allen W. for asking me to attend this event at such a nice facility (to put it mildly)!

Congratulations to Don and Steve for your accomplishments.

Thanks again,
Brian (Gomerbubba)

[PHenry]

Gomerbubba,
Many thanks for kind words - makes it all worthwhile.
PH