Muenster, TX July 18/19 25M Event AAR

[ScottInTX]

     When you sign up for an outdoor event in Texas in the latter part of July, you won't be surprised that it's going to be a scorcher.  This weekend's 25m event in Muenster was no exception.  The forecast didn't discourage 6 enthusiastic students from coming out.  Thankfully there was a bit of breeze which made things a bit more bearable, combined with fans and shade from the roof over the firing line.
     
     LittleMissE taught the class the safety rules, safe rifle, and ammo malfunctions, and the day kicked off.  The first Hits Count target showed that this wasn't a class of beginners.  Yours truly and AF5US presented the instruction on positions and the 6 steps to firing the shot, and the class fired at some squares targets.  Some nice groups were fired, but there were a few students who needed some sight adjustments.  AF5US taught the class IMC, some adjustments were made, and the group demonstrated that they understood the material by punching lots of holes in the squares.

     The AC was cranked in the range office, and the class moved inside for some history and conditioned air.  After some rest and cooler temps during the first two strikes presented, the class ventured forth back to the firing line.

     New positions were taught, and practice ensued.  The class retired to the office and cooled off while listening to the Third Strike.  With a little break from the heat, the class was ready for the first AQT of the weekend.  The first AQT produced two new rifleman and a requal.  The Hits Count target was posted and the class showed their improvement from the morning. 

     Sunday morning started out with a review of the instruction from Saturday.  The class voted that they wanted to start out with an AQT.  The nights rest show as the class show improvement from the day before.  This was followed up with some additional practice on Greencoat targets, followed up with Carding the Sights.  Additional AQTs were fired, with some more solid scores and two students creeping up on Distinguished scores. 

     Lunch time was upon the class quickly, and everyone moved inside for lunch in the classroom with KD presentation.  The class put their lunches up and ventured back into the heat for some more time on the firing line.  Whereas Saturday had a lovely cool breeze, the wind on Sunday was much warmer, much to everyone's chagrin.

     Additional AQTS were fired, and the scores matched the thermometer, continuing to climb.  That impressed the shoot boss in no small measure, with temperatures right around the century mark, it's easy for focus and concentration to lapse.  As there was a front moving in, the shoot boss suggested wrapping things up about 4 o'clock, and the class agreed, which turned out to be a good call, as a thunderstorm rolled in right as the weekend drew to a close.

     I would be remiss if I failed to give recognition to the students in the class.  Two of the students were using bolt action rifles, which offers a bit more challenge than semi automatic rifles.  Jared and Nathan fired progressively better scores as Sunday progressed.  Joshua's scores progressed all day as well, with the final AQT producing his highest score of the weekend.  Calvin and Theodore shot solid scores throughout the weekend both flirting with distinguished scores with centerfire rifles.  With this being said, the record must show that Theodore retains bragging rights until the next event.

     Thank you to all the shooters who helped police up all the brass for the range owner, and helped to move the benches back to where they belong.
By the thermostat in my truck (in the shade no less), the temperature was 97 at day end, and when the thunderstorm rolled in, it dropped down to 72!  Thankfully there was no circular cloud action.     While the weather was what one would expect for Texas in July, the diligence of the students was clearly demonstrated.  I hope to see each and every one of them back on the line in the future.