Wallingford, CT - July 12, 2014

[CaptMac]

The first and only Appleseed of the year in Wallingford produced no new Riflemen.   However it did produce better shooters, and we even saw some improvements during the few AQTs we got in at this one day event.   

We had sixteen shooters on the line, and for our morning redcoat, half did not qualify at any distance.  While we had far fewer shooters for the afternoon redcoat, all of those on the line were qualified at some distance. 

One shooter would have made Rifleman with a little more time, but Ed also had received some trying many years ago during his military service.  Thanks for your service Ed.  He shot a 203 on one SxS AQT, without shooting three rounds.  He did not have the time to get out all ten during stages 2 and 3.  That would have changed with more time. 

Blue Trail Range was a great place to have an event.  They gave us the range, and I never heard from anyone there.  When we arrived, the gates were open, we set up, had our Appleseed.  When we were done and cleaned up, we'd been left the range again, so we locked the gates as we left.  It was great to feel that welcome and trusted.  It's also nice to have a store with everything you might need right on the property and a nice facility.

The day was hot and humid, and there was not a lot of shade on the line, but we made use of what we had.  We began with the Safety Briefing then a red coat.  We jumped right into teaching how to build a solid prone position and sling usage. We continued with the 6 Steps, Steady Hold Factors, NPOA, Ball and Dummy and IMC, with each spaced in between sighter groups. During lunch we had our First Strike.  We started the afternoon with standing and sitting positions and safe transitions.  We posted AQTs shortly before 3:00 in the afternoon.  We shot 2 AQTs, then took a rest from the shooting in the afternoon for the Second and Third Strikes.  As we ended the Third Strike, it was clear that a bunch of shooters were ready to leave, so we added in the Benediction a little early. The day ended with two more AQTs, a Red Coat and clean up. 

With a little more practice many will soon to 210 - see you all at the next Appleseed!

Many thanks goes to the Blue Trail Range for being great hosts. 

Please post your pictures and comments!