Organizing your Project Appleseed "stuff"

[JustKim]

I have been a SB for 10 years and my Project Appleseed "stuff" taking over.  I am not a super organized person.  I have a question for not only Shoot Bosses for for anyone who has accumulated a lot of stuff.  How do you store it and keep it organized?  I have a shelving rack in my laundry room that is FULL, and I just need a better way to store it.  I am talking about all the stuff that I take to all events: printed manuals, supplies for building up cheek risers, tools, printed paperwork, etc.  Many of you will know what I'm talking about.  I also have some shirts, targets (we try to use these before ordering more).  This is all in addition to what we keep in our target boxes - it would be nice to keep just targets in our target box.

Will some of you type A, very organized people please tell me how you do it    (that is not a negative), and include photos if possible.

I can't wait to hear/see what you do.

Thank you!

[LDB415]

I'm just barely in the getting started researching and planning for my .22rf 25M clinic stage and will definitely be interested and watching this. Already trying to figure out how to tote all the stuff on the bring list. Great inquiry.

[Zorak]

As an IIT with exactly one day of volunteering on my resume, I don't have a grip on all the things a shoot boss needs to worry about. On the other hand, I am a chronic geardo who also volunteers as a coach at local range events, so I've been pondering this since before I volunteered. I have a backpack that contains things I want to have on hand any time I'm working with shooters. That includes eyes and ears (with extras), spare batteries, basic tools, and a storage clipboard. I also have a bin that contains stuff specific to Appleseed, such as a binder full of reference materials, a spare GI sling and some miscellaneous hardware, and my oversize clipboard for scoring targets. I borrowed that bin from some other crap in my basement, and I'm already wondering how big a bin, or how many bins, I may need as I grow into this project.

[Mahamotorworks]

At some point I inherited two SBiT 3 shoot boxes, and another shoot bosses order for a 25m that he was traveling here to run. So having "extra" was an under statement.

Tip 1: Don't horde stuff just "in case".
For most students, not having a t-shirt or getting an older version is not a deal breaker. The Store is amazing at being instock and having what you need.

Tip 2: Targets and other booklets update, use the old ones first. I find it very annoying when grabbing targets and seeing a stack of "un-usable" older versions the shoot boss doesn't want to use. Cross level with the shoot bosses in your area.

Tip 3: Figure out your build to list.
Take your max student count and figure out what targets and how many you need to run a shoot. For me it is 20 students. So I need 4 red coats per student. I need to have have 80 red coats. We shoot less than 4 squares at a 25M event. So I need 80 squares targets. Due to the hours at the range here getting to 5 AQT would be amazing. So 100 AQT. 20 students means 20 chamber flags. They don't take up much room so 20 RF and 20 CF is easy to have on hand. Figure out what you NEED to run a shoot and see Rule 1... Having a little more is not bad, but we don't need to have a stack of AQT 5 feet tall sitting in a container/trailer.

Tip 4: Be organized. 
I have 4 totes for a 25m event. The admin box, the target box, target line tote and the t shirt box. Load the totes in the truck and we are set for 80% of what we need at a shoot. Take an AQT to lowes and find the tote that the AQT will lay flat in. One tote will hold all the targets for an event. Binder clips hold targets in nice stacks. The target, target line box and t shirt/hat box are all the same size. They all stack.

Tip 5: Take an inventory at the END of the event. Figure out what you need to order for the next event.  Don't place a shoot box order thinking you need or have something. You will not have it, or have 100's. Inventory is in a note on my phone, I can pull it up at any time.

Tip 6: I house the target backers which consist of 2 step in, and a 2'x2' cardboard per backer. They get taken apart after each shoot, the store smaller that way. Takes a little time to build them before an event, but easier to store.

Tip 7: Have a designated cadre to be the Loaner.
One person who owns/tracks the loaner gear. Easy to have slings and equipment get lost of forgotten on a student rifle. Put someone in charge at each event to loan the equipment and track who has it.

I am sure there is more. These are what came to mind.

MAHA

[ScubaSteve]

I have been a SB for 10 years and my Project Appleseed "stuff" taking over.  I am not a super organized person.  I have a question for not only Shoot Bosses for for anyone who has accumulated a lot of stuff.  How do you store it and keep it organized?  I have a shelving rack in my laundry room that is FULL, and I just need a better way to store it.  I am talking about all the stuff that I take to all events: printed manuals, supplies for building up cheek risers, tools, printed paperwork, etc.  Many of you will know what I'm talking about.  I also have some shirts, targets (we try to use these before ordering more).  This is all in addition to what we keep in our target boxes - it would be nice to keep just targets in our target box.

Will some of you type A, very organized people please tell me how you do it    (that is not a negative), and include photos if possible.

I can't wait to hear/see what you do.

Thank you!

Ok let me give two answers to this question one for all the shootbosses current and future out there and one directly to Kims question.

Everything we need to run and event should come in the Shootbox. I have worked events all over the country and even had conversations with possible future SB when they have said they cant afford to be a SB. There are just too many things they need to buy and carry to an event to be able to run an event. If that is the case you are not doing it right. Everything you need is in the shootbox and it is free. Maha had some good advise don't stockpile. If we all followed that thought organization would be easy.

Kim, yes, I know you have a "few" extra items you bring to an event.   I admit I sometimes do as well.

I use the attached totes to keep things in. The picture with the size fits the targets (Pistol targets have to be folded. They are way too big). All my targets go in that box and they are easy to find during the event as well as easy to inventory after an event.

The larger box has everything I need for an event. My hat is in there,Ear protection, copies of history, a manual although they have gotten rather large lately and I have quit carrying them. A rod that doubles as a pointer for demos, a clipboard with timer and even loaner gear like mags and slings and basic tools. If it won't fit in that box, then I need to scale down and not bring it.

Those boxes are available at Walmart. They are around $5. They have locking lids so the wind does not blow them away and are reasonably waterproof. Think, Light rain good. Toss them in a lake bad.

I also have an Admin box for all that pesky paperwork. It is not necessary, but my admin (Denise) does a great job and she deserved a nice box. I hate paperwork.

There you go my two cents.
Steve

[MattNH]

I've pared my stuff down over the years.

Four stackable, clear Sterilite boxes with lids, big ones sized for AQTs to be flat
1. Shoot boss stuff (clip board, flip chart binder, dry erase, staples, push pins, sharpies, tools, and ... youknowalltheotherstuffinhere) if you haven't used it in the last three events, take it out
2. Rifle targets (AQTs, Hits Count, left over greens, a few big dot little dot. All in binder clips)
3. KD targets (folded over based on size)
4. Pistol targets (PQTs folded and dots flat)
I keep these separate, but consolidating the targets you need into one for that event is an option.

Two medium ones - sized for Drill target
1. All 8.5"x11" targets (all in binder clips) - can be consolidated to larger target box for those needed for that event
2. Handouts - booklets, tri-folds, business cards

Two small ones - just to be organized to grab as needed
1. Patches, pins
2. Chamber flags

MTM Ammo crates (ACR5-72)
1. Line kit: measuring tape, 550 cord, stakes, tools - nice to have all together for set up then put away until the tear down.
2. Stock fit up kit: foam, vet wrap, loaner slings, etc.
3. Pistol box: blue guns, dummy rounds, holsters

All these boxes have painter's tape on the ends with notes:  SHOOT BOSS STUFF, RIFLE, KD, PISTOL etc.

Bigger, more rigid HDX box (maybe 27 gallon)
1. Dummy rifles, flags, hats, extra generic eyes and ears, the two small patch and chamber flag boxes go in here too

Admin box - hanging folder style for all the paperwork, zipper bag with pens collected from everywhere

Loose: Direction signs with arrows, camp chair, white board, easel, modeling shooting mat, and map (in a frame built from strapping).  Target backers, as needed

T-shirts brought to range in the shoot box shipping box (I really try and not stock t-shirts), recycle the cardboard box at the range

All stacked up on one of the 6' tall 4'x2' wire shelves in the garage and then stacked up in the truck bed with a soft tonneau cover

My impact driver, batteries, charger, bits and screws lives in the truck full time

[Bundt Pan]

Ive been doing the plastic totes (Menards Version in my case) a large for AQTs/Redcoats and a small box inside holds squares (same size works with a light fold for Pistol). Smaller box's of the same brand cover a range box, admin box, prize/hats box. They nestle on top of each other enough to not slide to far in the truck bed, and also fit 2 high on a plastic shelving unit in the garage. A big 50 gal tote holds the odds and ends (shooting mats, bag of flags, etc). A few other general range items get added, but they live separate for personal range trips.

Shirts i have stashed in another tote that stays inside. I just pull what i need for an event and dont haul them all.

All my paperwork and binders live in what was sold as a LEO Patrol Bag. It holds plenty of binders, pens, and basically the stuff i would haul to any event regardless of my role.

Still streamlining some, but its working so far.

[JustKim]

THANKS everyone!  Great suggestions. 

[wingwrench]

F.W.I.W....  Here in Michigan, there are at least couple small trailers with posts, wire, backers, flags, post puller, and generic "gotta have it" supplies that get circulated between shoot bosses.

  That reduces what the shoot boss for a particular shoot has to bring, assuming the trailer gets placed ahead of time.

  Personally, as an instructor, I have a plastic 5 gallon bucket with a lid. Some storage, serves as my seat also. A backpack rides in the truck for tomorrow's clothes and tonight's clean up. A fifty five gallon drum with lid and lock ring for rain or snow events. ("Dry Box") storage. Clipboard for paperwork, cooler for meals for two days. Shooting mat(s), rifles and such behind the seat of the truck. Steel ammo cans for dry gear (foam pad glued to bottom surface to not damage surfaces / prevent sliding around...  A fold up military cot & sleeping bag when needed. Big ziplock bag for clipboard when rain events.

  Mobilizing / demobilizing is typically a couple to several day event.  The other choice is do without.

[codyClemonade]

I have stuff in a couple locations around my house. Most lives in the home office closet, with the T-shirt box under the guest bed.

Pelican 1510 case with lid organizer
I know, kinda expensive, but I love it. This is my admin tote and travels to any event I attend. Me or my wife usually get tagged with check-in table and we like having our stuff to do it. Paperwork in an expanding file folder, clipboards, pamphlets, chamber flags, patches, prizes, name tags, etc. All lives in here, nice and organized.



Shoebox-sized clear totes
Stock building and sling kits. These are independent and easy to identify. Placed next to the Line Boss's feet so any instructor can grab it as needed. Should probably keep better track of my sling stuff, but :shrug:


T-shirt box
I ended up having a huge number of no-shows at my SBIT3 event, so I've been trying to get rid of some odd size shirts. Organized by size and individually rubber banded. I pull from here and my shoot box into a reusable shopping bag to take to the event. Hats are typically included in this as well, just not pictured.


Target box
Same as everyone else on here. Fits AQTs flat. A stack of coroplast signs goes on top for backers.

Personal range bag
Eyes, ears, minor tools, lots of spare ear plugs, spare AAA batteries, range waiver cards for the ranges I frequent but aren't a member of. Stays separate from my Appleseed gear.

Whiteboard
Travels by itself.

First aid kids
I keep a trauma kit on my headrest in my car, that comes out and on a table for events. I bring a boo-boo kit from home with bandaids, etc.

Notably missing is a target line. The range I usually run events at has stands and sticks. I just bought T-posts for an event at a different range, but I don't like it. Doesn't fit in my car, I have to steal the wife's car. I was working on a modular target line that would break down into a small box, but it wasn't very stable.

That's everything that's really "required" for an event I Shoot Boss.

I usually also have a super small chair, several pop-up canopies (Florida), cooler, etc. That stuff lives in the garage and gets used outside of Appleseed. Then loaners and ammo to share if necessary.

Everything (including 2 10x10 canopies) fits in my compact car and I can carry another person in the front seat. I'd really like to keep that true and carry a target line, so I'm going to continue working on that.

[Zorak]

I look at that Pelican case, and my bin feels so inadequate.

[JustKim]

WOW - that is SUPER nice! But it is expensive. 

Oh BTW, one of our SBs, Mrs. Waky, made us a cool quilted cover with handles for our whiteboard.  It's super nice. 

Not sure, but she might be up for making others.

I'll ask her to post a picture.

[codyClemonade]

WOW - that is SUPER nice! But it is expensive.

I picked mine up used. Hard to find but was around $100.

Oh BTW, one of our SBs, Mrs. Waky, made us a cool quilted cover with handles for our whiteboard.  It's super nice. 

Not sure, but she might be up for making others.

I'll ask her to post a picture.

That sounds great! Mine has gotten scratched and bumped over time.

[LDB415]

I like Condition One cases, same idea as Pelican but a Texas company and Texas made. So better. (Native Texan)

[UpACreek]

I know that we should be ready to go with just what comes in the shoot box, but that leaves a lot of new and inexperienced shooters without tools they need for a comfortable shoot and quite a few ranges don't have the supplies to have an easy shoot - like canopies in GA sun or rain or backers that aren't holier than the pope.  I've got a couple of shelving units of Appleseed stuff, plus the bulk stuff to set up a shoot, like canopies, step-in posts, target backers, tables, shooting mats, loaners, etc.  The stuff I need for individual shoots still fits inside my car.  Sometimes I can even fit another person too.

I buy in bulk and when I see a good sale I grab it and usually share.  I swear I've given back extra shirts a few times but I'm convinced they multiply like rabbits whenever I shut off the light. 

The white board goes on top of the pile in the car so it doesn't get scratched and I turn the child locks on the car ever since a loaner rifle shifted and rolled down the window while I was driving.

[Mrs Waky]

I use labeled totes and shelves to organize my shoot supplies.
It was important to me to separate pistol and rifle shoot supplies.

[JustKim]

Yay Carol!  Finally someone who has more stuff than I do -- or close anyway

[Mrs Waky]

Because I have to store and transport my white board (I'm sure I'm not the only one), I've designed a quilted case for it. It keeps the board in good condition and it's easy to transport.


This was my prototype.
I'm might try to design one with pockets for accessories. I enjoy designing custom items so this should be fun.
Let me know what you think

[DEH]

Keep what is necessary to run an event and delegate everything else.

[Rangerat67]

One tip I can share: It took me a long time to find a low profile plastic storage container sized right for the PQT targets (Pistol Targets). I found one at Ikea. (Not Amazon, Home Depot, Lowes, Mernards, etc.)

https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/samla-box-with-lid-clear-s39440814/

Rangerat67
Rick

[Zorak]

One tip I can share: It took me a long time to find a low profile plastic storage container sized right for the PQT targets (Pistol Targets). I found one at Ikea. (Not Amazon, Home Depot, Lowes, Mernards, etc.)

https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/samla-box-with-lid-clear-s39440814/

Rangerat67
Rick

You are a scholar and a patriot, sir.

[NorCal22Gal]

I have been a SB for 10 years and my Project Appleseed "stuff" taking over.  I am not a super organized person.  I have a question for not only Shoot Bosses for for anyone who has accumulated a lot of stuff.  How do you store it and keep it organized?  I have a shelving rack in my laundry room that is FULL, and I just need a better way to store it.  I am talking about all the stuff that I take to all events: printed manuals, supplies for building up cheek risers, tools, printed paperwork, etc.  Many of you will know what I'm talking about.  I also have some shirts, targets (we try to use these before ordering more).  This is all in addition to what we keep in our target boxes - it would be nice to keep just targets in our target box.

Will some of you type A, very organized people please tell me how you do it    (that is not a negative), and include photos if possible.

I can't wait to hear/see what you do.

Thank you!

Wait....We're supposed to be organized??

[JustKim]

GREAT!  So, I'm not the only one!   

[scuzzy]

Wait....We're supposed to be organized??

My method is organized chaos.

[Ohio Piper]

Reading this with interest.  My SBIT3 is coming up.  I've learned under shoot bosses that run from one end of the spectrum to the other.  Trying to develop my own method now to stay organized.