Hot Springs, AR - AAR - July 13 - 14, 2024 - Rifle Clinic

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Twelve shooters (Seven were first time Appleseeders!) came out the weekend of April 13 & 14, 2024 at MVSA in Hot Springs, Arkansas to improve their rifle skills. The weather, typical for July around here, was Hot!  Plenty of pop-ups were erected over the firing line and the equipment areas to provide shade and large fans kept the air moving over the line which made everything tolerable.  After everyone was checked-in, Jayhawker presented the First Strike to get the day going.  Following the safety briefings, rifles were brought to the line and cleared and the first Hits Count target was engaged. Everyone then got down to the business of marksmanship improvement.  At lunch, Tennessee Beast held everyone's attention with the telling of the Second Strike.  After lunch it was back to the mats for the rest of the afternoon.  We did break to hear the Third Strike told by Guns and Hoses before shooting the first and only AQT of the day. With that AQT, David W. earned his first (and the first) Rifleman patch of the weekend – Huzzah!   After the end of day Hits Count target, we packed up and left the range to cool down and prepare for Sunday. 
Sunday brought two more shooters to the line.  Leethar & MandyMonstar made the trip up from Louisiana and it was great to have them!  Once again, it was a hot July day in Arkansas.  After a review of Saturday's instruction, another Hits Count target and a few squares to warm up the rifle barrels, we turned our attention to more AQT's before breaking for lunch.  During lunch, more history was presented along with the reading of The Declaration of Independence.  Following that, a bit more instruction and then, once again, back to the mats for more AQT's before wrapping up the day with the final Hits Count target.  Results?  Improvements were made by all over the course of the weekend.  David & Bryan's sons, Jude & Samuel both did great as did James and his two sons Nathan & Seth as well as David P..   And – David W. followed up his patch earned on Saturday by shooting another Rifleman score.  Addisyn earned her first Rifleman patch with this being her third event.  Bryan got his first Rifleman patch with this being his first event.  Six instructors requalified with Leethar and MandyMonstar shooting first time Distinguished scores!  And with bolt action rifles to boot!  Huzzah!!!  Great job by all!  A fantastic weekend!  Special thanks to David P. for keeping us supplied with ice! 
I have to say I was very impressed with the perseverance shown by all the shooters throughout the weekend. It was hot.  Heat indexes edged up over the triple digits both days.  But I heard no complaints. I believe a good, productive time was had by all.  I hope to see everyone who attended at future events!

[Guns&Hoses]