Griffin, GA AAR - Sept 7-8, 2024

[upacreek]

This weekend, we held our second shoot at the beautiful Griffin Gun Club.  The weather cleared up just as we began to set up for the shoot, with the rain staying away all weekend.   While we had hoped for a larger turnout, we were fortunate to work with two exceptional shooters.

One was our dedicated Applecore volunteer, D360—an eye doctor, history enthusiast, and meticulous shooter. The other was Tim, a newcomer who was encouraged by his daughter to join us (a big thanks to her for that). We also welcomed our newest volunteer, Gearjammer, who had previously shot Rifleman at our Griffin event in March.

Mechanic did a stellar job sharing the First Strike before we reviewed our safety rules and shot our first Hits Count Target. Tim and D360 soaked up all the information like sponges, allowing us to quickly move through our morning exercises. I presented the 2nd Strike before noon. With a 1:1 ratio of shooters to instructors, we moved right along through all shooting positions. By the end of the day, after several breaks, we managed to complete two AQTs. D360 came very close to a Rifleman score with a 203, but humidity and fatigue were factors. Tim scored very well for his first Appleseed.

Sunday morning saw everyone back with renewed energy, despite some lingering soreness. The group was upbeat and ready to go. We started the day with some engaging Dangerous Old Men and Women stories.  D360 shared a few new ones. He and Tim made great models, demonstrating and explaining all we had covered the previous day. Mechanic joined in as a shooter, while Gearjammer made notable progress in calling the line. They all scored their best Hits Count targets of the weekend, with Mechanic clearing his. We got an AQT in, hoping to beat fatigue. Both shooters improved their groups, but still chased that rifleman score. 

The Ball and Dummy drill was awesome, they each showed a great knack for helping each other out.  At lunch we discussed the known distance block of instruction.  We practiced magazine changes and another AQT right after lunch and then headed to the range next door to shoot out to 100 yards.  We wrapped up the day with one last AQT and the Hits Count target.

We concluded the event by awarding Tim his well-earned Rifleman patch, and he was understandably proud. D360 performed admirably throughout the weekend but faced challenges with different stages each time. Many of us have been in the same position. I'm confident that D360 will soon join the ranks of Rifleman.

I can't wait for our next shoot in Griffin.  I hope to see all of you back with friends and family.


Gearjammer had to think about joining us as a volunteer after shooting his rifleman score in March, so we had to wait to hand him his orange hat.  I'm so glad he decided to help out.


They've made improvements on their range since we were here last.  Nice!


Mechanic helps Tim adjust his sling.


1:1 ratio getting slings adjusted Saturday morning


LOL


D360 gives Max Ordinate a run for his money on coolest shades.


Prone position


Seated position


Standing position


D360 looking good in prone


LOL  Dinner with friends on Saturday.


D360 demonstrates the standing position.


Tim shows us the seated positions.


Mechanic reviews IMC with input from both shooters and Gearjammer.


4 volunteers, 4 different colored hats.  All learning from each other.  It was a great weekend to be at Appleseed!


Gearjammer calls the line.


Sunday morning Hits Count Targets.  Sorry for the closed eyes, Mechanic.  It's the only picture I took.  Nice shooting everyone!


Ball & Dummy Drill D360 marks Tim's witness target.  He is a great coach.


Tim returns the favor.  Both were very encouraging and very perceptive - picking up ways to improve their techniques.


This is a beautiful 100yd rimfire range!


Shooting at 100y.  Tim was a little doubtful he'd hit the target.  His groups were less than 5 MOA. 3 shots were within an inch! D360 had already done this exercise - his groups were about the same.  Awesome shooting from both.


Tim shows us his 100y target after we made adjustments for the drop.  He had great groups!


D360 shows us his 100y target - great groups here too!


D360 models one of our DOM shirts available in our Appleseed store.  Looks good on him.


Tim celebrates after hearing he shot a 213!  Well done!


Way to go Tim!  I hope to see you back soon.

[Roswell]

Great pictures! Looks like a good event!