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Gainesville, FL June 4-5, 2011

Started by 9mm4545, June 06, 2011, 07:12:39 PM

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9mm4545

June 06, 2011, 07:12:39 PM
The day started with early arrivals, eager to learn the fine tradition of marksmanship and a bit of our nation's unique and thrilling history. Well before the official starting time, everyone had checked in and we began two days of hot and heavy shooting 'n history. We had a variety of ages and experience levels on the line but universally great attitudes. Even though the temperatures were well into the 90's and actually topping 100 degrees on Sunday, our folks showed grit and determination and nary a complaint was heard. The Gainesville Target Range was a gracious host but outdoor air conditioning was beyond even their capacity.

Our first Redcoat showed some real promise on the part of several shooters and we even had one who cleaned the target. Josh, who had already shot Rifleman in the past, showed he had not forgotten how to do it. That six shooters made the 250 yard "head shot" was impressive. However, the caution about one shot "on target" possibly being a lucky accident comes to mind, as the subsequent groups showed room for improvement. Before very long at all the groups were shrinking as the temperature rose and the team really started to pull together.

I think by lunch time everyone was ready for a break and we were brought back to early in the morning of April 19th, 1775 with a telling of the First Strike of the Match. The pace through the afternoon remained quick as sitting and standing positions were taught. Then came group "Rifleman Calisthenics" as we practiced transitions from standing to sitting and prone. Up--down--up--down! The day was winding down as we shot the fabled AQT. No Riflemen were revealed on Saturday but several were close and the day ended with marked improvement on everyone's part.

By Sunday morning, we lost two shooters out of our original crew as the heat and orthopedic challenges claimed Bud and Linda. I know both will be back after cooler weather and a chiropractic overhaul. Bud, my hat is off to you for sticking it out as long as you did with a sciatic nerve acting up in a most vicious manner. You are a tougher man than me and a place on the line has your name on it when you have recovered. And Linda, I promise that I will find you a shoot in the cooler part of the year. Bob was also unable to make both days but I feel certain that we will be seeing him again. Now, on the other hand, we were joined by William who had been an assistant/observer on day one and was now ready for some trigger time of his own. A very quick review and a few squares showed that this crowd was ready for the AQT grind and grind we did. I frankly lost count but I think it was around 9 AQT's by the end of the day, including two rapid fire AQT's right after lunch. Our best score of the day (by Josh) was on one of these 4 minute 40 shot "exams". Way to go Josh! As Josh explained: no waiting, just shooting! We had already cranked out one AQT before lunch and hearing the stories of some remarkably dangerous old men and incredibly brave women. Orange hat "Rambo Granny" has adopted Prudence Cummings Wright as her personal hero and brought Pru's actions to life 236 years later.

The heat was brutal and Florida lived up to its reputation as the Sunshine State throughout the weekend but by the time it was over we added two new Riflemen to the ranks of those "who know very well what they are about". Hearty congratulations to William and Patrick; you guys certainly know your way around a rifle and those new patches do look good on you and achieving Rifleman status at your first event puts both of you in rare company indeed. Josh, you obviously haven't forgotten a thing and your scores showed consistent Rifleman performance. Thank you Josh for stepping up and accepting a shiny new Orange hat. You will be a great instructor helping to bring marksmanship and heritage to our fellow Americans. I really look forward to working with you. Milagros and Victor, your enthusiasm and great attitudes are exactly what brings joy to an instructor's heart. Bill, I really thank you for your help on Saturday and you are truly knocking on the door of Shooting the Score. So so close! Tyler, you have a great attitude and you will be over the top very soon. If we had just one more day of Appleseed you would be there already. Justin, Lori, and Mark: you guys rock and are great shooters just needing a bit more polish. You are the kind of folks that I am proud to call my countrymen. Thanks a gazillion for the really big cooler of ice. By the end of the day I think most of us were ready to crawl into that cooler! And uh, Lori, do you think we might see some of those photos you took? Jupiter, you were showing some downright scary accuracy for one so young. You had some targets to be proud of. Heather, your husband may have been the first Rifleman in your family but he certainly won't be the last. Your shooting was really looking good and now it is just a matter of more practice and persevering. Kevin, don't you just love it when your kids excel? With your dedication it won't be long before you have your patch and you and Patrick can share equal bragging rights. William, you were really looking good on Saturday; one more day I think would also put you in the Rifleman circle. And finally, thanks and thanks again to our excellent instructors: Eric, Smoak, Janet, and Douglas. You make my job so much easier and it was a pleasure to work with each of you. You did Project Appleseed proud this weekend!
The American Constitution is remarkable for its simplicity; but can only suffice a people habitually correct in their actions, and would be utterly inadequate to the wants of a different nation.  Change the domestic habits of the Americans, their religious devotion, and their high respect for morality, and it will not be necessary to change a single letter in the Constitution in order to vary the whole form of their government. - Francis Grund 1837

9mm4545

#1
June 07, 2011, 12:30:30 AM
The American Constitution is remarkable for its simplicity; but can only suffice a people habitually correct in their actions, and would be utterly inadequate to the wants of a different nation.  Change the domestic habits of the Americans, their religious devotion, and their high respect for morality, and it will not be necessary to change a single letter in the Constitution in order to vary the whole form of their government. - Francis Grund 1837

pikid89

#2
June 07, 2011, 01:50:09 AM
^ I think that thermometer might be reading a bit low

I sure had a good time

...still a bit sore from the sling but ill be back in october to shoot rifleman

Tyler

Mailliw

#3
June 07, 2011, 01:04:57 PM
Jup and I had a great time.  I (Bill) will see you again in October.  Jup had previously made a video about Paul Revere for a school project and says it was very helpful to learn what really happened.  Douglas, thanks for the help with my rifle, Eric for the breathing tips and everyone else for everything I can't remember. 

Bill and Jup

 

pikid89

#4
June 07, 2011, 02:52:07 PM
Ill be back in october as well!

Tyler

9mm4545

#5
June 07, 2011, 11:15:30 PM
For thems that will be back in Oct.--that gives you over three months to practice dry fire! With some luck the weather will have moderated just slightly by then and we can do more shooting than sweating... See you then.
The American Constitution is remarkable for its simplicity; but can only suffice a people habitually correct in their actions, and would be utterly inadequate to the wants of a different nation.  Change the domestic habits of the Americans, their religious devotion, and their high respect for morality, and it will not be necessary to change a single letter in the Constitution in order to vary the whole form of their government. - Francis Grund 1837

smoakingun

#6
June 08, 2011, 12:48:03 AM
What a great weekend! Despite sweltering heat, dripping sweat, and no relief to be had, the group as a whole persevered without a complaint. Milagros and Victor, the two of you were an inspitation, you worked hard and didn't quit. William and Heather, I still find it hare to believe you drove all the way from Orlando just to attend, but you great attitudes make me glad you did. Tyler and Justin, tell your parents thankyou, they are doing a fine job of turning you into good men, teens like you give me hope for the future of our nation. Thanks to all of you for making my job worth while. Now Eric, about that Hellseed patch.....
A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercises, I advise the gun. While this gives moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise and independence to the mind. Games played with the ball, and others of that nature, are too violent for the body and stamp no character on the mind. Let your gun therefore be your constant companion of your walks.

Thomas Jefferson

Sly223

#7
June 08, 2011, 09:49:17 AM
I want a  Hell seed patch, :D
since we missed our only chance this past winter to get that patch, !@#)
It was cold enough in the am but, as per usual, warm afternoon with everyone shedding layers of cloths. >:D
"Smoakin'2" IBC11/12
"Plattka 3-12"(IBC)FL
What have you done for this program lately?
IBC-Tampa 8,'10
RBC-"Myakka12'10"RCR
C-1, Do-1, Teach many!
"Run all you want, you'll just die tired"!
There is U.S. & there is Dems!

pikid89

#8
June 08, 2011, 06:01:46 PM
hey Smoak im 21 haha, but i appreciate that


btw Ive got 3 more people that will be joining me in October as well

Tyler
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