Rainbow, CA AAR - Apr 27-28, 2019 Patriots Day

[StormN]

Patriots Day at Rainbow Range, Ca was a great weekend with just about perfect weather on Saturday. We had a great group of students willing to listen to the instruction and history. Many that arrived were first time or nearly so shooters. A few have attended Appleseed shoots in the past and it was nice seeing them again and watch them put their skills to use. Dimitry posted the high score of the weekend and earned a distinguished patch, Chris was right on his tail consistently shooting his rifleman score with high's in the mid 230's, Minh came out to watch and encourage his wife and son who were there fulfilling his Christmas gift/wish that they attend an Appleseed. We talked Minh into getting on the line, he put that time to good use with a score in the 220's on his first AQT after a two year break. He had attended his first Appleseed in Corona and second in Wisconsin where he shot his rifleman score, we can count him among his fellow CA rifleman now. His wife Julie and son Kyan both showed they know what they are about as well, Julie improved immensely over the weekend, AQT after AQT her scores improved topping out at the 206-8 range. It was a pleasure to have them on the line and watch them both soak up the instruction and they never skipped a COF all weekend. Tim is returning shooter working very hard to get his rifleman score and came within just a few points a number of times, Tim please keep up the practice and I will work with you to get you over the line. Jeoffry and Jennifer just started shooting late last year, Jeoffry came prepared after spending time watching videos online and practicing prior to the shoot, he shot his rifleman score on the first Sunday AQT.
It was with great pleasure I was able to hand Brian his Red hat, a well deserved promotion, congratulations on your successful journey to full instructor.
These shoots give me hope for the nation, there are good people out there. I want to thank all of the shooters for coming out and a special Thank You to the best group of instructors and blue hats in Appleseed.

[ErinsDad]

Congratulations to all the new and re-qualifying riflemen, and also to Brian for his red hat!!

I completely agree with Norm, this was a great Patriots Day shoot with great people who came out to learn.   

Thanks to everyone for coming out, especially the young shooters!  You are the future of this country, and the reason I spend my time with the program.  Many thanks to Norm for running a well oiled shoot, my fellow instructors Mike, Brian, and Kurt who did a great job, Sherry and Kim for the admin work and scoring all those targets, and a huge shout out to Debby for instructing and providing the facility for us to use!!

Tim, you are on the cusp of a 210.  It's within your reach.   The smallest of details will make the difference. Remember to practice the transitions, dry fire, and magazine changes!

Looking forward to June to see all those that can make it.

Warmest regards,
Joe

[Jross239]

Norm thank you for such an awesome weekend. I really enjoyed the weekend.

Tim, we need to meet up and run some practice shoots to get prepped for next time.

Dimetry, congrats neighbor. Thank you for the encouragement and pointers. It was great to have you as my neighbor.

Way to go Chris. I'll be working towards my distinguished patch now.

This is such a great program and proud to be part of it. Looking forward to the next time.

[FlyBoy2019]

Except for one minor detail 😡 this was the best Appleseed I've been a part of yet. The weather gods were kind, and the Patriot's Day commemoration was especially heartwarming.

To Norm: Thanks again for all you do as the best kind of patriot. I'll be out again. I'm not sure how soon, June has me a little concerned about heat, but I'll play it by ear. Thanks for your patient encouragement and learned advice.

To Joe: You were the instructor bomb. Sorry I let us both down. You are so right about the importance of the little details at this stage. Not as an excuse, but by wearing a rough textured T-shirt and enduring slippage of my Magpul stock in prone position, I gave myself I raspberry of an abrasion right where the stock met the pocket of my shoulder. It now looks like a bad case of road rash, scabbing and all. Sunday was painfully difficult, especially in the prone position. Note to self (and all others): "Wear a soft shirt under a shooting vest or similar on these warmer Appleseed's". "Add a bandage or other protection as required".

I'll also be looking for something L or U-shaped to hold the rifle in position over the top of my shoulder. They use them in biathlon sports. See the attached image. The lower part of the U is for standing position and the upper part is for prone. I'd be happy with something to keep the rifle up in the pocket of my shoulder in prone. I hate to be relying on rifle accouterments, but I'm willing to cheat any honorable way I can at this point. And Mike and Jeoffrey will get this, but I'm willing to add an ear ring if that would help. 🤪

To Jeoffrey: Great to meet you too man. That first Appleseed/first day Rifleman Patch was amazing. Yes, let's meet up for practice, fellow San Diegan.

To Chris: Thanks for all the encouragement as my mat door neighbor. It helped to relax looking at the pretty scenery while waiting for the "F" command... You're a great shot...