Muenster, TX Known Distance March 22-23 2025

[AF5US]

Well ladies and gentlemen . . . this after action report is later than I would normally like.  Unfortunately a sick family delayed this report.    Let it never be said that the quality of this report's timeliness matches the quality of the shooters' performance though! 

Temperatures were fantastic this lovely March weekend - we're talking mid 70s all weekend.  9 shooters came to brave the . . . seasonably mild weather, and show what they were made of.  Some were first-time KD participants, and some were returning hands.  Three separate instructors did double-duty, taking their place on the rifle line while helping to instruct and run the event between courses of fire.  That's just fine with this shoot boss - We believe in investing in our instructors, and it paid off this weekend (as we'll see shortly).

After setting up the range and checking everyone in, it's time to get started.  ScottInTX was kind enough to take us on a review of MOA, a discussion of MIL and a deep dive journey of trajectory and maximum point blank range.

Then it's off to the 100 yard firing line.  There's a large gulf at 25 meters and this range requires a qualification shoot at 100 yards for distance, so known distance shoots work just a little bit differently here.  Mackey Morgan gave a review of the ever-important 6 Steps of Firing the Shot and NPOA.  Then it's on to the range qualification - 5 shots in a 4" target at 100 yards.  It's a point of pride that before this event only 1 person has been unable to qualify, and that was due to a rifle that was verified to not group.  This weekend we did have one person of, shall we say, experienced years, really struggling to qualify.  Talking with the shooter it became clear the issue was not his skill, it was due to neck issues and the challenges of life.  What now? Will this brave shooter become the second person to fail to qualify?  Nay nay, we say!  After brainstorming with instructors, we decide it's time for an Adaptive Appleseed solution and out comes the folding table and chair.  Using these adaptive tools the shooter is able to qualify, and a pickup truck helps move the table and chair to each distance throughout the weekend.

The day continues to lunch, when ScottInTX regales us with the history of Alamance Creek.  We discuss wind and then per the shooters' request, we discuss mirage.  That had been planned for day 2 but the people speak, and we must answer!  Then it's back to the line, verifying drops and shooting the AQT.  Unfortunately while the students did admirably, the wind just did not want to cooperate.  Other instructors that have worked this range before agree when I say, this was the most challenging day for wind I've ever experienced at this range.  The wind was constantly changing both speed and direction all across the 400 yard line.  Shooters gave it an admirable attempt and the wind was discussed in detail, but it's no small task to factor wind when it's doing something different at 5 different spots every 15-30 seconds.

Day 2 finds us starting bright and early.  We continued an exercise we started (1? 2?) years ago - some poor sucker (ugh, fine, I'll do it) walks 500 yards away while an instructor discusses target detection, movement, and how a random-totally-not-me person might look and sound at various distances.  Then it's on to range estimation.  SOMEONE got ahold of a 3D printer and re-did the MOA / MIL gauges and the feedback was very positive - and some feedback to make it even better for next time.  Got it - I'm on it.  Everyone did great with the ranging exercise, except for the shoot boss.  Note to self - On one of the targets, don't give the students the theoretical WIDTH and then use it to calculate the HEIGHT.  Ah well - this is why we go through the answers as a group.  After a quick fix, we determine the winner and award the coveted Project Appleseed chalice, which is DEFINITELY not a patriotic cup from Buc-ee's.

Next up, the coveted Morgan's Shingle exercise - great job to "Doc" and "Mackey Morgan" for connecting!  Hmmm . . . this time around it was all instructors that connected - seems like maybe this program helps people know what they're doing     The shoot boss also accepted the challenge and took the shot at the target using his non-dominant side, and missed.  Womp womp      Hmmm . . . I thought I was on.  Perchance using the non-dominant eye shifted alignment?  Not a large margin of error for this exercise.  That's a note for the shoot boss to explore later.

Finally, it's back to the AQTs and lunch when appropriate.  Lunch takes us to the Overmountain Men, Slope, and other environmental changes. 

Then it's back to AQTs.  And it's a good thing, too.  The ever-humble shoot boss and the ever-persistent ScottInTX have been working through multiple equipment issues on Scott's rifle.  We've identified multiple issues, come back, and learned that something else was hidden.  After finally resolving everything else we've realized . . . this rifle just will NOT group past 200 yards.  As in, there's a clear keyhole.  BUT - Scott is a rifleman, and a rifleman persists, so out comes the backup rifle for the last AQT.  And wouldn't you know it . . . 39 holes out of the needed 40.  Ladies and gentlemen, I can't express the heartache we felt.  For you see . . . several weeks ago these two particular individuals went up to the same range for a personal range day, and this same brave Scott ALSO scored 39 holes . . . with #40 literally 0.5mm away from a hit, striking the white space at the very base of the target.  Is today to be yet ANOTHER disappointment?  Wait . . . WAIT!  WHAT'S THIS?  LOOK HERE!  SOMEONE (not to name names, but it was the ever-humble shoot boss) finds the coveted #40 hole hiding to the far left side of the target, clearly hitting the black.  That's it!  That's it!  Ladies and gentlemen, ScottInTX, ANOTHER brave green-hat with Project Appleseed, endured heartache and sadness to persist and earn the coveted Known Distance Rifleman qualification.

I genuinely could not think of a better way to end the weekend.  Well done all, and thank you for coming out.  I look forward to seeing you all later on down the rifleman's trail.

[ScottInTX]

With the exception of the swirling wind, one could not have asked for nicer weather in north Texas.  Those mil and MOA markers are a solid upgrade, and I think really helped everyone determine the size of the graduations in their optics.

[Doc H]

Howdy from north of the Red River, Boys.

Had a fabulous time with a couple of outstanding instructors and some determined shooters last weekend. Thanks to Jason and Scott for clear and precise instruction on the points of KD shooting and some inspiring history. Scott, the details you added about the marksman at the Battle of Almanance Creek made that story much more relevant to Appleseed. And Jason when you told about the reply the Over Mountain Men gave to Ferguson's threat-"Do not trouble yourself to come to us, we're coming to you" I wanted to stand up and cheer and now I'm sorry I didn't. Funny how something as simple as knowing how to shoot on a slope can win a battle too. Yes, the wind was a challenge, but isn't that one of the main reasons we have KD's is to learn how to deal with wind? I think all the shooters would agree that it was a superb learning experience. Congrats Scott on KD Rifleman and Mackey on the Shingle. I sure wanted the Standing Shingle, but maybe with some more practice-next time. I want to say thanks to the North Texas Cadre for such warm hospitality and fellowship- Scott, it was great to see you again and Jason and Mackey-a pleasure to meet you both. Hope to see you all again soon.

Doc H

[AF5US]

Check it out guys - one of our attendees won the monthly drawing for a $1,000 gift certificate to Palmetto State Armory!!!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRS33lmqAD8

    Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah!