AAR: Hartford, CT - Apr. 17-18 2010

[The Log]

Well, Todd said he was sick of starting all the Nutmeg State AARs, so I decided to pitch in and record a little about our shoot which concluded a mere 4 hours ago. This was my first AS as an IIT, and I can't think of a better way to have started my seventh-step journey! First and foremost, this was the first 100% certified Nutmegger-staffed Appleseed - no need for any border raiders this time around (not that we don't appreciate the help, mind you.)  Hopefully we can keep that going in the future, and to that end we got Eric to take the orange hat on Sunday - welcome aboard! I suspect that we'll be calling the entire Connecticut Corps of Instructors to duty frequently, judging by the enthusiasm of the shooters and the promises of return visits at future shoots.

I'll let the Shoot Boss take care of summing up the shoot by the numbers, save to say we made a total of 6 Riflemen out of roughly 30 shooters, and stick to general impressions. First of all, the weather was about as good as can be expected  for April in Connecticut - 50's, drizzly on Saturday, windy on Sunday. Watching the line on Saturday was very impressive - it was the longest line I've seen at a shoot so far. We had a really good mix of ages, from about 8 up, and a good number of women on Saturday. Range rules prevented us from getting lead downrange until 10AM, so the morning was a bit slow to start, but the shooters very quickly warmed to the task and took the instruction eagerly. Improvement was rapid, and many of the first time shooters were starting to show tight groups by lunchtime and the First Strike.

I was lucky enough to be RSO on the left side of the line with all the big-bore boys, and I had a great time watching them get tossed around - I literally caught shooter Tish when his M1A1 double-tapped on his first try at the kneeling position! I was really impressed by the persistence of the big-bore shooters - Tish for dealing with a herniated disc, Thad for working through problems with a wonky SKS front sight, Brian who just kept shooting even though he had a killer headache, and Jeff for getting COFs done despite using a lever-action .30 cal. Although we didn't get any of these guys to Rifleman this time, I know they can all do it, and I really hope to see them all again.

Other shooters of note - James and Keith for traveling all the way from Brooklyn, NY for both days of the shoot, Gary for bringing an unbelievable amount of personality and knowledge to the line (and for being our first Rifleman of the weekend), newly minted orange-hat Eric for bringing his sons Reilley and Andrew, Brian for bringing his boys Austen (another Rifleman) and Taylor - one of which is their IIT uncle Fred's favorite nephew, although we never found out which one - Dan and Fred for finally, FINALLY getting that coveted Rifleman path  , Lisa for generously sharing Shoot Boss CortJestir with CT Appleseed, and their British friend Ti for bravely facing a horde of angry, armed Colonists being whipped into patriotic frenzy by the emotional telling of the three strikes. And A special HUGE thank you to IIT ChuckWagon for that crock-pot full off moose chili - that really hit the spot and warmed us all up.

Of the Sunday returnees, all I can say is - wow! As Line Boss for most of the day, I didn't get much chance to walk the target line or see the AQTs, but when I did, I couldn't believe some of the groups I was seeing! The Six Steps and the SHF were really sinking in, and when we got into the Grind the scores really started coming up. Heartbreakingly close scores were put in by Mike (199) and by Thad, who suddenly jumped from the 130s to 197 for both of the last two AQTs of the weekend. Everyone improved, and the feeling of camaraderie that developed by the end of the day was amazing. Several shooters (and no doubt future orange-hats) helped break down the target line and police up brass - greatly appreciated, fellas!

All in all, an excellent shoot. I really appreciate having had the privilege of being part of this shoot, especially since it was an all-CT staff. I'm really looking forward to my next IIT gig - probably Colebrook in August, where I will have the extra pleasure of watching my wife try for her Rifleman for the first time. See you on the firing line.

2paranoid

[vernic82]

2P - an excellent AAR!

An Appleseed of FIRSTS as it were, many were made.

Least of which was CJ's 1st stand alone Shoot Boss gig was FLAWLESS!

We couldn't ask for a better State Coordinator and no doubt future Senior Instructor

Most impressive was this group of Americans, er um New Englanders, Connecticut Men - 5 Rifleman on the 1st Day?!?!?!?!?!

I'm honored to have met each of you, to call you friends and know that you are my neighbors.

[Riptide]

Fellas, I thank you for putting on such a terrific event. It was my first AS, and I will be back for more. Would like to join the instructor ranks as well one day. It was a powerful weekend for me; the shooting was just icing. Fred, no doubt the Story evokes emotion for you. It does for me as well.

I wish I could have stayed the entire Sunday as well. CJ, I thought you did an excellent job. You know your stuff, and seemed comfortable with the curriculum. Plus, you kept the pace up, which really maximizes the chances of a good AQT. I like that.

I'm settling in with my Paul Revere book, now that the "fire hose" has been turned off, for now.

Pat

[CortJestir]

Thanks, 2P, for saving me some keystrokes... Great write-up!

Indeed, this was a special one for many of us in more ways than one. A year ago, a bunch of us were attending our first Appleseed as shooters - the commemorative Patriot's Day shoot for 2009, bossed by kDan. We had many alums of that shoot on the line as Hats this year. My wife, Lisa, and good friend, Ti, in attendance. Shoot Boss Thor's wife, Laura and their friend, Pam, also in attendance. (BTW, thanks Thor, for the teaching aides as well as the Lexington bookmarks to give away!).

We couldn't have asked for better shooters this weekend. Hartford Gun Club always turns out some amazing folks, doesn't it? Sure, the weather was iffy on Saturday, but there were no sunshine patriots this weekend. Our line was full. And Sunday remained dry and warm when the sun was out. My voice is still recovering from having to shout over planes and the boom of .45 caliber pistols next door at the pistol range, but it was well worth it. It always is.

5 Riflemen on Day 1. I couldn't believe it. At one point, I was worried I'd run out of patches at the pace we were going. I should have known though. Those Saturday morning groups were some of the tightest I've seen so early during an Appleseed. Once we got through the fundamentals, it was like clockwork it seemed. "WE HAVE A RIFLEMAN!" seemed to be shouted after each string of fire, as kfish hurriedly scored many many AQTs.

We slowed down Sunday, with the production of 1 Rifleman, but it was our very own vernic82. Congrats, Fred, on earning your patch. It was a long time coming, but I had no worries that you wouldn't get it. Everyone else on Day 2 made significant strides. Thad jumping 60 points within one AQT? Wha? When I asked him what was different, he just said, "I got angry." LOL. Whatever gets you in that Rifleman's Bubble, Thad!  Good job! A high of 197 - almost knocking on the door. You'll hit 210 at your next one.

We took on another Orange Hat to help us out. Eric, welcome to the team. Thanks for stepping up and thanks for bringing your kin again. They are the future of this country.

More soon, including pictures and names of our Patched Ones...

CJ

[CortJestir]

And now for some names and photos. I have no idea what's up with Vernic82's camera and the dates on these, but it seems to be living in the past. Trust me, these photos were from this past weekend. At least I think they are.    

Our newest CT Riflemen, the first 5 earned their patch on Day 1, folks. I'm pretty darn sure vernic82 would have as well, but we needed him on the line instructing on Day 1!

Gary G. who even with a torn AQT, managed to score a 217 - I'm told he has the missing piece which held an extra 3 points


Dave K. who shot Riflemen and then just kept shooting RM consistently on every AQT thereafter. He then asked to shoot one of my loaners for the heck of it and continued to blast away way past 210


Justen K., one of our youth shooters and vernic82's nephew - the blood of the Rifleman runs strong in Vernic's household


Dan M. of Dan and Caitlin fame, who having traveled throughout New England and New York chasing that patch and always knocking finally blasted down the door this weekend and scored RM in the 2-teens. Well done, Dan! I was honored to give you that patch! Do I see 2 new IITs in our future?


John H. capped off a wonderful Saturday with the final Rifleman score of the day. He'll be back for another one and I'm sure is thinking hard about the Orange Hat.


Fred V., aka vernic82, telling us like it is with his Rifleman score. Way to go, Fred! Now you are complete.  


More photos soon...

[CortJestir]

Eric takes the Orange Hat


Youth Shooters


Volley for Liberty


Circle up!

[crak]

Jeez, you could've called and told TOM and me.  That would've saved us about an hour at dinner Sunday night scheming about how and when to kidnap Fred, drag him to an undisclosed location, and make him shoot AQTs until he did it.   

Congrats Fred!   

[Glock23]

I have to say, being my first Appleseed, last weekend was definitely not what I expected. I've been out to Front Sight in Nevada a few times for handgun courses and they run a very tight ship. Thousands of students go through that place every year and their curriculum is very well-rehearsed and professional. I went in to Appleseed not quite sure what to expect from an "all volunteer" staff...

I was pleasantly surprised and thoroughly impressed! You guys were like "Front Sight with a Smile" - well rehearsed and professional, but warm and inviting, without the macho intensity. It was a safe, but relaxed atmosphere that really put me at ease. I was able to really "settle into my sling" and enjoy the learning process, the camaraderie, and above all, the history! I was there for the shooting, but I sure will be back for the history. I've always enjoyed Colonial history, but you put it into a new perspective and have inspired me to learn more. If all goes well, I'm looking forward to Colebrook in July!

Food for thought: Before this weekend I hadn't really shot a rifle since I was a Boy Scout at camp some 18-20 years ago. In fact, I only bought my Ruger 10/22 two weeks ago. The fact that I could go from nothing to a 230 on the AQT on the second day is a huge testament to the teaching capability of the instructors and the Appleseed curriculum. You guys were great and the program is excellent! Your enthusiasm shows and is infectious...

I want to thank all the Orange hats for their time and the Red hat for running a flawless show. I walked away with something learned from each and every one of you.
In particular thanks to "CJ" for letting me have a little fun with "Black Beauty" at the end of the second day. That was the icing on my weekend.
I also never got a chance to thank "Chuckwagon" for the Moose chili - it was awesome!!

Hope to see you all again soon!
Dave K.

PS - Some pics...





2nd Strike of the Match - WELL TOLD Fred.


An M1A-dug trench behind the target stands. 500+ rounds of .308 can dig a big hole!

[vernic82]

I got wind of the plan -   Just the thought of crak & TOM sitting on me, er um dragging me pushed me over the TOP!

Jeez, you could've called and told TOM and me.  That would've saved us about an hour at dinner Sunday night scheming about how and when to kidnap Fred, drag him to an undisclosed location, and make him shoot AQTs until he did it.   

Congrats Fred!   

[CaptMac]

Cortjestir, Chuckwagon, 2 paranoid, kfish, vernic82, and Len (who along with CJ was there at my first Appleseed):

Thanks for putting on a good event.  CJ, it was an honor getting a patch from you during your first time as shoot boss.  As you know, I've been to a few Appleseeds and seen a number of hats of different colors talk.  You performed well and demonstrated that you knew your stuff. 

As at every Appleseed I've been to, the best part of it is not the shooting, the marksmanship instruction or the history.  The best part is being around the people who come to Appleseeds.  That starts with the people wearing the orange, red and green hats, who set a great tone.   

I'm still smiling after finally shooting a score.  Yes, I travelled across state borders seeking that score.  Yes, I had a few things go wrong with my equipment.  There is nothing like being in the middle of an AQT and looking for a sight that is no longer on your rifle.  There's nothing like going back and forth between rifles during consecutive AQTs.  There's really nothing like finally shooting the score you've been trying for after shooting over a dozen that were within a few points.   

As far as the orange hat, I've got some homework and negotiation to do before taking it.  Perhaps during my negotiations, I can convince the person with whom I am negotiating to also don an orange hat.  She wore it once, just to call a red coat.  I AM working on it. 
I cannot simply walk away now that I've shot a couple RM worthy scores.   If I had not learned so much and had so much fun at the first one, I am not so sure I would have kept coming back.  I owe thanks to a bunch of people who encouraged, coached, cajoled, and helped me enjoy Appleseeds, all of them have worn a hat with RVWA on the front. 

Thanks,

Dan 

[dwarven1]

And A special HUGE thank you to IIT ChuckWagon for that crock-pot full off moose chili - that really hit the spot and warmed us all up.

MOOSE chili?

Hey, Crak... you're on your own next year. I'm going to Hartford again for the moose!!

Great job, guys - I'm glad to hear that CT has a full crew of it's own. I've got a soft spot for Hartford since that was where I attended my first AS... and since I helped set up one of the shoots there a year or more ago.

Now... we need to drag Rhode Island into the Project... kicking and screaming if necessary.     MA has their northern border, you guys got their western border... we need to converge on them.

[CortJestir]

Now... we need to drag Rhode Island into the Project... kicking and screaming if necessary.  MA has their northern border, you guys got their western border... we need to converge on them.

Hear, hear, Ross! CT Patriots are ready, waiting and chomping at the bit to get into RI. 

And yep, Chuckwagon does live up to his name. Come to Colebrook and try the sausage patties he grills up. Un-freakin'-believable! [Why is there no emoticon for Yum?]

[crak]

Heck, we should both go to Chuckwagon's next Colebrook shoot, then.  Moose are real big, right?  There has to be some leftovers...

Yeah, this RI thing cannot stand through this year.  We have three or four IITs there too.

[dwarven1]

And yep, Chuckwagon does live up to his name. Come to Colebrook and try the sausage patties he grills up. Un-freakin'-believable! [Why is there no emoticon for Yum?]

July 31st seems to be the next Colebrook shoot. I may have to make the trip down... is Colebrook a full distance range?

[CortJestir]

Perfect. LOL

July 31st seems to be the next Colebrook shoot. I may have to make the trip down... is Colebrook a full distance range?

Out to 200 yards. So KD.

[dwarven1]

Perfect. LOL

Feel free to borrow them.

July 31st seems to be the next Colebrook shoot. I may have to make the trip down... is Colebrook a full distance range?

Out to 200 yards. So KD.

Hmm... Betsy may have to make a trip back to CT, then. (Betsy is my M1.)

[LKB3rd]

And A special HUGE thank you to IIT ChuckWagon for that crock-pot full off moose chili - that really hit the spot and warmed us all up.

MOOSE chili?

Yea, and it went fast!  Very tasty

Thanks to all for a weekend well spent

[CortJestir]

Great to have you back in the saddle, Len!

And to Dave, Pat and Dan, thanks for sharing your thoughts. Front Sight with a Smile, huh? Tee hee.

[crak]

Len!   Good to see ya man!  I thought I'd driven you out of the program.  

[Chuckwagon]

Looks like I missed some fun on Sunday. Sorry I couldn't make it. Family commitments.
I would have like to see Vernic82 get his RM. I was impressed with all of the instructors and their passion for the Appleseed program.
CJ looked very comfortable in the Red Hat position. Looked like he had been doing it for years. Great first time as shoot boss.
Yes Crak. There is more moose where that came from. I'll have something cooked up for the Colebrook AS.
I hope I can find some time to bone up on the history end of AS. I thought you all had a great understanding of or heritage and it came across in your presentations. I'm really looking forward to having my club host AS again.
I took a few pics on Saturday. It felt much warmer than it looks in the pics.
Enjoy!

[CortJestir]

Great pics, Chuckwagon!

CJ looked very comfortable in the Red Hat position. Looked like he had been doing it for years. Great first time as shoot boss.

First time flying solo without a copilot, for sure. Turns out I didn't need one, though. I didn't even need to be there, our crew is so awesome. 

[dwarven1]

Yes Crak. There is more moose where that came from. I'll have something cooked up for the Colebrook AS.

I'll be sending in my volunteer to instructor scheduling today.