2026 Wyoming/Western States “Big Event”

[Captain]

2026 Wyoming/Western States "Big Event"

Riflemen - Time to stand and be counted. Laramie, Wyoming is the gathering place for all lovers of Liberty! Come up this June and be a part of the tradition!

Attendees – Please read all the posts in this thread! Also, set this thread to "Notify" to get the all the latest and greatest as new information is posted!

The Wyoming IBC/RBC is the longest running Rifleman's Boot Camp on the Planet! For many years, it has also been the only RBC west of the Mississippi. We call it the "Big Event" because it will be Four Separate Events back-to-back. Ten full Days of Appleseed Awesomeness! Here is a listing of the individual events. Information for each event can be found further down in this thread.

	Pistol Clinic	Friday, June 5, 2026	1 Day
	Instructor RFKD (TBD)	Saturday, June 6, 2026	1 Day
	RBC – Rifleman Boot Camp	Sunday, June 7, 2026	6 Days
	Regular Appleseed 25m Rifle	Saturday, June 13, 2026	2 Days

The star of the show is the Rifleman's Boot Camp or RBC, but the main thing is that you should be here. Attend any of the individual events or even a part of an event as your schedule allows. Or . . . do the whole enchilada! Put your amplifiers on eleven and let's celebrate Ten Glorious Days of Liberty!

During this intensive week, you'll have the chance to get to know your dedicated volunteer instructors and your fellow shooters on the way to forging lifelong bonds and friendships. Primitive camping is available on the range! We already have participants coming from seven states (Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Arkansas, North Dakota, Nebraska, and Indiana).  This is an event for our entire nation of Riflemen and aspiring Riflemen.

	One of the best weeks of my life . . .
	I came to learn to shoot; I left determined to preserve Liberty
	If you're serious about becoming a better rifle shot, and even thinking about becoming an Appleseed instructor, it's the place to be.

Mastering the Rifleman's Quarter Mile, embracing our history and learning to pass that heritage on to our posterity - Wyoming 2026!

Captain/Rob
Official GWOG
Aka "Get the Word Out Guy"

[Captain]

Logistics and Who's Coming?

Camping – The Laramie Rifle Range (LRR) has opened the range to our event and will permit camping on range property. The club will charge a $5 per night (per family) camping fee. This is primitive camping (no hookups) in an open field across from the Club House /Office. Campers will be required to show registration and proof of insurance for their vehicles. Tents and RVs have been set up in this area in the past. There is a bathroom and a single shower in the clubhouse. It is also the start of mosquito season so bring that bug spray.

Lodging – Laramie is about a 15 minute drive from the range and has an assortment of Hotels/AirBNBs and a regular campground etc.

Altitude – The Range is located at about 7500 ft! If you are coming from a lower altitude, you may experience some symptoms of altitude sickness. Normally, getting sufficient sleep, avoiding heavy meals and staying hydrated (with electrolytes) will do the trick.

Weather – Although June normally marks the start of summer, weather in Laramie can be unpredictable. Thunderstorms are common and there's always a small chance for an out-of-season snow storm. Generally, expect hot and windy (last year was cold and rainy). The sun can be intense; bring sunscreen and appropriate clothing. Altitude, heat and wind will all combine to cause dehydration. Drink plenty of water and include electrolyte drinks (Gatorade Zero).

Food – Bring lunch each day. There is no food available on the range. We will have a "working" lunch break each day so please bring a small lunch or some snacks. We would also like to plan some of our other meals together as a group. Those will all be optional and open to anyone who would like to contribute/join in. More to follow. . .

Sun and Wind – already mentioned but . . . Laramie is a windy place. If you bring a popup (nice to have for the sun), we will have to secure it against the wind. We have some weights available on the range (old car parts) but it's limited so bring what you can. Also, bring weights and stakes to secure shooting mats and other gear.

Participants Here's a list of everyone who's signed up so far. For your name and each event you'll find a letter . . .
S – Shooter: you're a registered shooter (or you're an Appleseeder who is coming to shoot)
I – Instructor: not planning to shoot. Primarily there to instruct or help with the event.
? – Let me know your goals and we'll update the plan.
There also some training events taking place on the final 25m Appleseed event which are listed.

Update your Information - Send "Captain" a PM (Personal Message) or email (preferred)

Forum Name: Captain
Email: rlytwyniuk@gmail.com

[Captain]

Appleseed Pistol Clinic

Appleseed Pistol Clinic will help you develop the skills you need to feel comfortable and prepared for that first defensive pistol class or competition shooting class. The course is shot "from the table" (no holsters required) at a range of 7 yards. The emphasis is on safety, marksmanship and fundamentals.

Time:
Friday, June 5, 2026
     8:00 - Registration Opens/Gear setup
     8:30 - Start Time (we start promptly at 8:30)
     5:00 - We'll be off the range by 5 PM

Where:
Laramie Rifle Range – Tactical Bay

Range Fees
$10 per shooter (please bring exact change)

Carry Restrictions:
Please leave all firearms in your vehicle (including your concealed carry pistol) until instructed

What to bring:

• Pistol (or revolver) – centerfire or rimfire
• Magazines – at least 2 (or speed loaders for your revolver)
• Ammo – at least 250 rounds
• PPE – Eye and ear protection
• General – Stapler, staples and sharpie
• Pistol rug or small light-colored towel
• Lunch – we'll eat on the range
• Comfort – a small folding chair for lunch/breaks
• Protection – Sunscreen and clothes for a day outside
• Hydration - Water and/or electrolyte drink (Gatorade Zero)
• A great attitude and some way to take notes

Extras . . . things to bring if you already have them and it's convenient.

• Small folding table – a place to prepare magazines and place your gear
• Popup canopy – to help keep the sun off (bring weights to help secure in the wind)
• Snap caps or dummy rounds in your pistol's caliber

[Captain]

Instructor Rimfire KD (RFKD)

Who:
This will be scheduled as a private event for Appleseed volunteers (and "friends of the program") who are in town for the RBC. When we breakdown the range from the RFKD, we will also get things set up for the RBC starting on Sunday.If you are not yet a volunteer, but would like to attend, please contact Captain or RegualrGuy to discuss your situation.

One Day! Our goal – give volunteers an opportunity to shoot a RFKD and get the range setup finalized for Sunday morning.

Time:
Saturday, June 6, 2026
     7:30 – Arrive early to complete registration and range setup
     8:30 - Start Time (we start promptly at 8:30)
     5:00 – We will wrap up and get off the range by 5:00 PM

Where:
Laramie Rifle Range – Tactical Bay (100 yd)

Range Fees
$5 per participant (please bring exact change)

Carry Restrictions:
Legal concealed carry is authorized for those not shooting the event. 

[Captain]

Rifleman Boot Camp (RBC)

The Wyoming RBC is the longest running Rifleman's Boot Camp on the Planet! For many years, it has also been the only RBC west of the Mississipp!

This is the most comprehensive program offered by Project Appleseed - nearly a week building on the skills you've acquired at previous Appleseeds and Known Distance events. The RBC puts you on the fast track to becoming a Rifleman - or an Appleseed Instructor. You'll fine tune the fundamentals of marksmanship at 25m and, when you're ready, you'll apply your talents to engage targets at 100, 200, 300 and 400 yards . . . and beyond!

It's about a lot more than just shooting!

In addition to the stories of April 19th, 1775, you're going to hear other stories from the founding of our nation. You'll gain a new appreciation for the Liberty we all enjoy as Americans. Our founder's example will be yours, to guide you through the challenge of being a leader in our modern era. We'll work to make these stories your own, so you can start to be a messenger of Liberty to help pass on and protect our heritage for posterity.

During this intensive week, you'll have the chance to get to know your dedicated volunteer instructors and your fellow shooters on the way to forging lifelong bonds and friendships. Primitive camping is available on the range! We already have participants coming from around the country.  This is an event for our entire nation of Riflemen and aspiring Riflemen.

	One of the best weeks of my life . . .
	I came to learn to shoot; I left determined to preserve Liberty
	If you're serious about becoming a better rifle shot, and even thinking about becoming an Appleseed instructor, it's the place to be.

Mastering the Rifleman's Quarter Mile, embracing our history and learning to pass that heritage on to our posterity - Wyoming RBC 2026!

Who:
RBCs are for every Appleseed volunteer of every hat color. We also invite those who have a hunger to learn and a passion for Liberty to come out and be a part of this event. Those who have attended previous Appleseed events will get the most benefit from an RBC. Everyone will leave as a more skilled shooter and a more effective ambassador for marksmanship and Liberty.

RBC Schedule (tentative and subject to change)

Day 1 (Sunday) – First Day on the range – 25m Fundamentals
Day 2 (Monday) – 25m Fundamentals – review, refinement, and practice
Day 3 (Tuesday) – 25m Fundamental – AM will be practice and AQTs, then centerfire rifles out to check zero and prepare for Known Distance (KD)
Day 4 (Wednesday) – Classroom Day – AM – KD Academics learn about the "Three Challenges of the Rifleman". PM – Introduction to instruction and coaching. How to pass on the skills you're learning.
Day 5 (Thursday) – KD on the Canyon Range and shooting rimfire beyond 25m on the 100 yd range.
Day 6 (Friday) – KD Day. Gather actual data on your equipment and practice lessons from the "Three Challenges" Final 25m shooting with participant instruction. Boot Camp Review and "Graduation".

Day 1 (Sunday) will begin at 8:30 AM Sharp. Please arrive by 7:30 to complete sign in and registration and get setup on the range. The remainder of the RBC days would normally run 9 to 5. The last few years, we've opted to move the start times up an hour (8 to 4) to maximize our time with light winds and miss some heat and sun.

Times:
See above . . . Sunday through Friday, June 7-12, 2026
Sunday . . .
     7:30 – Arrive early to complete registration and get setup.
     8:30 - Start Time (we start promptly at 8:30)
     4:00 – RBC Day 1 Completed
Monday through Friday, probably 8 to 4.

Promotions: For IITs, attending an RBC may help you earn a promotion in conjunction with your next follow-on 25m Rifle event. These will not require a PC and may be accelerated (you may skip a level). There are no promotions made at Boot Camps.


Where:
Laramie Rifle Range – Day 1 on the 100 yd "Tactical Range". Clubhouse classroom and various ranges for the remainder of the week.

Range Fees
$25 per participant for the entire RBC (please bring exact change)

Carry Restrictions:
Please leave all firearms in your vehicle (including your concealed carry pistol) until instructed

What to bring:

25m Range

• Rifle (rimfire recommended, centerfire allowed)
• Magazines – at least 2
• Ammo – at least 250 rounds per day (~1000 rounds total)
• PPE – Eye and ear protection
• Sling – an inexpensive, cotton GI sling is highly recommended
• Sight adjustment tools / tools for your rifle
• Items needed to clean your rifle (dry lube is best in dusty Wyoming).
• General – Stapler, staples and sharpie
• Shooting mat
• Weights – something to secure shooting mat and gear in wind
• Lunch – we'll eat on the range
• Comfort – a small folding chair for lunch/breaks
• Protection – Sunscreen and clothes for a day outside
• Hydration - Water and/or electrolyte drink (Gatorade Zero)
• A great attitude and some way to take notes

KD Shooting
All the gear from above plus . . .

• Rifle (centerfire rifle required)
• Magazines – at least 2
• Ammo – at least 250 rounds per day

Extras
None of these things are needed. These are items we normally get questions about. Feel free to bring them if you'd like but most shooters will do best by keeping the gear list down to a minimum. The Appleseed goal is minimal gear and unsupported field shooting.

• Small folding table – a place to prepare magazines and place your gear
• Popup canopy – to help keep the sun off (bring weights to help secure in the wind)
• Spotting scope (binoculars) –  definitely not needed, but you're welcome to bring it if you want
• Shooting glove – a leather work glove works fine. Also not needed.
• Shooting coat – if you already have one, feel free to bring it.
• Elbow pads – some shooters will want these after a couple of days. Cheaper is better.

Attire
Appleseed volunteers should wear their red, orange, grey or blue hats (if you have one). Only the event Shoot Boss is authorized a green hat. Everyone else, dress comfortably for an active day outdoors. Brimmed hats are highly recommended.
 
Prepare

• Reference the handouts from your previous events (Rifleman's Guidebook) and review the fundamentals. A little dryfire practice can be very helpful.
• Spend some time cleaning and organizing your gear.
• Download and print the manuals for your scopes/reticles/sights.
• Find the manufacturer's muzzle velocity for your ammo. This may be printed on the box or available online.

[Captain]

25m Appleseed (Regular 2 Day Rifle Event)

(placeholder)

[Captain]

Food and Fun

One of the most rewarding parts of Appleseed, and especially Boot Camps, is the time spent with fellow Appleseeders. This thread should be a good spot to start gathering ideas for some shared time and meals together off the line. Many participants and volunteers will be camping at the range, so that might be one location for get togethers.

Reminder . . . Politics
Anything thing done after the completion of the day's schedule is not part of the official event. However, Appleseed volunteers should still avoid modern partisan politics. We also invite attending shooters to direct political conversations toward the liberties and rights from the founding of our country. Appleseed focuses on those things which bring us together as Americans.

In addition to registered participants and volunteers, there will be several folks attending as a family!  There are currently 35 people attending over the entire event and a few family members who will be in Wyoming but not on the line. I can imagine 2 dozen of us eating together at the range some nights!

Captain
Trying to bring a 36" flattop griddle
Small two-burner camp stove
Big salad bowl
Chili pot

Dinner ideas

• Grilled burgers
• Brats/Hot Dogs
• Chili
• Tacos/Fajitas
• Pizza ordered and picked up
• Sub sandwiches
• Spagetti
• Pulled Beef Sandwiches
• Ice Cream Night
• Movie Night

The first four ideas should be easy to do on the griddle (if I can bring it). A couple are ordered out. The pulled beef can be done in a instapot plugged in at the clubhouse.