Laramie Wyoming Patriots Day Appleseed AAR 22April 2023

[M1bzrk]

    Laramie Rifle Range 22-23 April 2023
   Snow on the ground, ice on the road and a persistent breeze.  Ideal shooting weather.  We got started at 0830: 3 eager students, 3 10/22s, 1 scoped, 2 tech sights, all with slings.
Redcoat showed competency to 200,  and one Morgan Shingle hit. 
     They ate up instruction so quickly that their groups had shrunk to the point that Jacob presented an excellent IMC.  We adjusted sights, confirmed zeros and broke for lunch in the Clubhouse.  Most welcome shelter as the temperature had dropped even more and the breeze was picking up.
   At lunch Jacob gave the 1st Strike, I did the second and we worked on sitting position with a dummy rifle, and demo'ed with a green laser.
1315 back to our range for ball and dummy, finished the square target, discussed the AQT then did transition to sitting on the green target.  Then transition to prone and on to AQTs as all were shooting well and those using irons were doing extremely well.  Two AQTs were enough, it was 1530 and cold enough that I had 5 layers of clothing on and could not feel my fingers even with insulated gloves.  It finally dawned on me that I needed water - yes, even in winter!  There was still plenty of daylight, but there was an excessive amount of malfunctions, so we quit for the day, omitting the evening Redcoat.  At that point, Burton was shooting in the 180s and the other two were in the 150s, not bad for the first day.

   Sunday 0730  much warmer, the sun was out, and at least above freezing!  Obviously, reviewed safety and SHF, then shot the Redcoat.  Much better today with everyone hitting 200 and hits on 3, 4 and Morgans Shingle ( though not by one person).   By 0930 we'd gone through the SHFs thoroughly and the crew was champing for an AQT.  We shot 4 before breaking for lunch!  Jacob shot, too, to demo - shot a 233 and accepted the Patriots Day Patch, which gave the students a little push.  Scores were up for all shooters, they were listening and responding well.
   1200 broke for lunch.  Jacob presented Riflemans Bubble and Dance, KD, and DOM, and demo'ed his AR with Mantis Black Beard dry-fire device.  He sold me!
   1300 Back to range for 2 more AQTs.  At 1400, we shot a Memorial Volley, the students did a great job and it was very moving, as well as excellent of how effective AIMED volley fire can be.  2 more and we had to quit because of student commitments elsewhere. High scores were 151, 188 and 201.  You're almost there, folks.  Persevere, and you will do it next time!
   1500 we finished up with brief benediction, presentation of a Redhat to Jacob. He surely earned it and I am very pleased.   
   It's been a while since we last promoted a Redhat.  Thank you for stepping up, Jacob, and for all the work you do on the Laramie Range.  Thanks to the Range for supporting Project Appleseed.  Thanks to the students for coming and doing so well.
The first Wyoming Appleseed 2023 was a success.  A gleam of light in the clouds of the recent past.  Thank you all.

[Captain]

Huzzah!! Sounds like a great way to commemorate Patriot's Day in Wyoming!

Congrats to Regular Guy on the Red Hat! It's been a LONG time coming.

[Lead Sled]

HUZZAH! Congratulations Regular Guy! Well deserved. Sounds like a great start to the season in Wyoming! 

[regularguy]

Thanks to a great group of students and Berk's mentorship this was an extra special weekend. I couldn't have done it without many of the great people who have come to Laramie for a shoot (Rob, Will and Chris just to name a few) and help me keep progressing.

[regularguy]

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[regularguy]

[flux]

Congratulations Jacob!