AAR Marion, OH June 22 & 23, 2019

[Cadence]

Finally an Appleseed weekend where we didn't have to contend with the rain - well kind of. Hard rains during the previous days (really its been weeks) made the the access road to the range a challenge for vehicles with low ground clearance.

However, this did not deter a small but determined and enthusiastic group of 3 patriots who came to drink from the fire hose of Appleseed. After the safety briefing, we brought rifles to the line and the Saturday morning Redcoat showed we had our work cut out for us with 1 person hitting the 100 yd target, 0 at 200, 1 at 300, and none at the rest of the remaining targets.

We proceeded with the steady hold factors for prone, the six steps, and NPOA demonstration. Groups steadily decreased and soon it was time for a lunch break and the First Strike by Corvette.

After lunch it was time for seated and standing position demonstration and drills. The Second Strike was presented at the afternoon break and then we shot a practice AQT, followed by the Saturday afternoon Redcoat. The afternoon Redcoat showed marked improvement from the morning with 2 shooters at 100, 2 at 200, 0 at 300, 1 at 400 and 1 shooter joining Morgan's men.

The Third Strike was given along with the call for Action and the Saturday instruction was concluded.

Sunday dawned with the promise of a dry but warmer and more humid day than Saturday, All 3 shooters returned with the same enthusiasm as Saturday. After the safety and position review, we posted the Sunday AM Redcoat. Results showed a better start that Saturday with 4 shooters at 100, 1 at 200, 1 at 300 0 at 400, and 2 joining Morgan's men.

After confirming our Zeros from the previous day, we began the AQT grind with scores showing steady improvement. The KD lecture was given at the lunch break and after lunch we posted steel and paper targets at 200, 300, and 400 yards to give the shooters a chance to prove what was presented at the KD lecture works for the longer distances.

Finally on the Last AQT of the day, Chris showed that he knew what he was about by shooting a 213 and getting his Rifleman's patch. HUZZAH! We had to convince Chris to go the adaptive Appleseed route on Sunday for the last 2 AQT's because his recent neck and back surgeries placed too much strain on his body. Chris did persevere on Saturday doing all the positions and transitioning as well.

The final Redcoat was shot with 4 hitting at 100, 3 at 200, 3 at 300, and 1 at 400.

Adam showed improvement all weekend and was shooting in the 190's and wanted the patch so bad we shot another AQT at his request. Unfortunately, he put so much pressure on himself he ended up short of his goal, but promised to return to get his patch. He was also somewhat handicapped in that he was using a loaner rifle, but proved he has the skills to become a Rifleman. Keep practicing at home and dryfire and I'm confident you will get that patch.

Steve showed market improvement throughout the weekend, also with a loaner rifle.  Keep working on what you were taught this weekend and I see great success for your future hog hunt.

Thanks to all shooters for a safe and fun shoot. Also thanks to Corvette for his mentorship and guidence during my Appleseed endeavors.

A special shout out to Countzero who tried to repair the water system at the clubhouse in time for the weekend shoot. The only person who responded to the club e-mail that the water pump service had died.

[Cadence]

Pictures just to prove it really happened

[Corvette]

Great event.... and let's not forget our leader.

Cadence was awarded his 50 shoot pin on Saturday for working more than 50 Appleseeds during his time with us. 

He also earned his Shoot Boss hat this weekend by completing his SBIT3 and running a great shoot.

Corvette

[Corvette]

Steve getting ready for the Hogs in TX.

One of our shooters has been invited by an In-law to come to Texas this fall and hunt wild hogs.  He brought his newly acquired Savage in 6.5 Creedmoor (and which he has never shot).  He said given the cost of the ammo, he didn't want to do anything until he learned more. 

So on Sunday afternoon, after a day and a half with us, he brought out his new beast and we proceeded to "dial it in".  After several three shot groups at 25 meters followed by scope adjustments, he was on at 25. 

Now its time to confirm the far zero at 300.  Below are some photo's of that 300 confirmation.  He sent a three shot group onto one of our full size center targets and when we couldn't tell if they were on target or not with our spotting scopes, he switched to a steel sillouette we had at 300.  The pictures tell the story, (and, the three on the paper target were also in the black). 

Steve thanked me and Appleseed for saving him a lot of time and ammo (we used a single 20 rd box of ammo for the entire process) getting the rifle ready to go to Texas.  Them hogs better look out, he is ready to "reach out and touch" any within the "rifleman's quarter mile".

Corvette

[Texas T]

Sounds like an awesome weekend. A 50-shoot pin plus a promotion to Shoot Boss!  Well done, Cadence.