Liberty Center, OH, AAR - November 2-3, 2024 - Pistol Clinic

[Third Degree]

The Henry County Sportsmen's Association in Liberty Center, Ohio served as host for an Appleseed Pistol Clinic on November 2 and 3, 2024. We experienced excellent weather conditions, which are not always a guarantee in northwest Ohio as you move through the fall season.

The clinic had 2 students register for the event and both were experienced pistol shooters. One student was returning to Appleseed after having not attended for a couple of years. The Henry County Sportsmen's Association has accomplished much in the way of rebuilding since the fire of 2022. A new clubhouse and a new dedicated pistol range. The pistol range is now immediately to the left of the trap houses in an alcove surrounded by tall trees and a hefty berm. This arrangement minimizes the impact of wind.

Following registration, the pledge and safety instructions the first Hits County Target was posted. The results of this Saturday morning A.M. pretest indicated that both students could benefit from the blocks of instruction. Instructor support was provided by Doc Willi (SB), who brought a wealth of experience.

The various blocks of instruction were provided and by the early afternoon the students were anxious to move to the Pistol Qualification Test targets. Both students scored north of 190 on the first set and were ready for more. On the second PQT Shane G. became a new Pistoleer™ with the score of 226. With the third and final PQT of the day, Shane G. requalified with a score of 215.

One of the benefits of scheduling an Appleseed clinic on the weekend for the time change is that students and instructors alike enjoyed an extra hour of sleep. After a review of safety rules, safe pistol procedures and steady hold factors it was on to the Sunday morning Hits Count Target. Results were much stronger, with Shane G. clearing the target, qualifying him to receive the Ohio Appleseed patch.

History story telling duties were shared between Doc Willi and the SB. Doc told the Sam and Sam story, which triggered (no pun intended) many questions and discussion. The ball and dummy instructions were very helpful in understanding trigger control issues. The rest of the day included 4 more PQT sets. Shane G. requalified with a score of 219 using a centerfire pistol. The fun shoot was a game of battleship. Both shooters were given 45 seconds and 20 rounds to sink a capital ship of the line. Mark B. was the winner of the competition by placing 4 hits on the largest warship. The Sunday afternoon Hits Count Target was posted and fired. With the benediction and clearing/removal of pistols from the line, the event came to a successful conclusion.

I want to express sincere thanks to the Henry County Sportsmen's Association for allowing Appleseed to hold this clinic. We look forward to setting more dates with the club for 2025. Congratulations to Shane G. for the Pistoleer™ scores and clearing the Hits Count Target. Congratulations to Mark B. for the excellent naval marksmanship. Many thanks to Doc Willi for again providing his expertise.

Third Degree

 

[Mozambique]

I'll see you up there one of these days.

[topper]

I'll see you up there one of these days.

Come on up, Third Degree and Doc Willi know how to run a clinic

[topper]

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