Ames, Iowa - AAR Pistol Clinic May 23, 2026

[Ames]

The Ames Izaak Walton League hosted its first Project Appleseed Pistol Clinic.  Thank you Ikes for the great facilities and hospitality!

This one day clinic began with our instructors getting the clubhouse and indoor range ready for what proved to be a fast paced day.  Thanks go to Rex, Mark and Joe for their help and excellent instruction.  We had a full roster of 15 students and we were very pleased with their effort and results.

Student began showing up around 8am and by 8:20, we were on our way with  introductions, opening remarks and the First Strike story.  Students came from all parts of Iowa, as well as Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska!

Throughout the morning and early afternoon, students learned fundamental pistol marksmanship skills as well as a very important lessons on the events and the sacrifices made on April 19, 1775 by our country's founders.  The day concluded with the opportunity for each student to try their best taking the Pistol Qualification Test.  Everyone had great attitudes and handled well everything we threw at them.

Everyone did extremely well on the test, with five of our group earning their Pistoleer™ patch.  Congratulations to Bryce, Jeff, James, Charles, and Henry!  James did particularly outstanding by achieving a Distinguished score using iron sights!

Thanks again for everyone coming.  Hope to see you all again on the Appleseed Trail!