Racine Dec 7-8th 2013 Deep Freeze AAR

[Janir]

Thank you all for coming out this weekend. Students and instructors alike!
It was cold, frozen and even our heat gave out by mid Sunday, but you guys all pushed on and gave a little bit of yourselves to participate in your American Heritage. Great work from all of you.
And a special shout out to joel for stepping up to the Orange hat!

I got 1 pic here for now, but Keep an eye on this page as there will be more from the other instructors real soon!

[BrightSparc]

What a freezing cold adventure!  Saturday was frigid, but no snow.  Sunday the snow started and the wind picked up - even colder.  The best day was Sunday.

Although not for everyone - like polar bear club - it was truly an experience.  I had never shot in weather so cold or the snow. It built up a lot of confidence and admiration for all riflemen in the snow.  The attached picture which resembles a snow pile was actually my rifle after lunch.  With a chamber and barrel full of snow, it was still able to clear the redcoats.

Great instructions on both days with no impact on content from the weather.

Lessons learned. Irons sights and optics are best covered in blowing snow.  Uncover, shoot and cover again for the next string.  Cleaning is highly recommended after digging out your rifle and returning home.  My rifle was soaking after I brought it indoors.

To those who were on the line last weekend, both days were a memorable experience for me and only possible with your participation in Appleseed.  Joel is the Snow King.  I could not have put anywhere near the number of rounds downrange he did in the freezer. 

Thank you all for conquering the elements.

[Laredo]

Great weekend.  The cold was bitter and ruthless!  But no match for an American Rifleman!  Although, I must admit that Bearcub and myself didnt make it to day 2.  My hat is off to those that braved both days.

To follow the above post.  I learned some valuable lessons about the cold.  Proper footwear is so important.  I had some quality hiking boots with wool socks and a nylon sock to wick the moisture.  It was not enough.  I had two toe warmers in each boot and it was still not enough.  Hiking boots do not necessarily equate to cold weather boots.  They were tight and did not allow for pockets of air to warm up.  Time to hit the store!

Here are a couple if pics

[Reckless Rick]

way to go!!!Not everyone knows how or if there rifle can function in the cold