Old Fort, NC 25m Appleseed AAR - Nov. 1-2, 2025

[Tar Heel]

Maybe the air was a little dusty at the Virtue of Defense Range in Old Fort, NC, this weekend. Maybe there was some early fall pollen swirling. Or perhaps it was an especially meaningful Appleseed rifle clinic that caused several grown men to get a bit teary throughout the course of the weekend. More on that later.

A jovial group of shooters persevered through the challenges of mastering their rifles and their own bodies and minds to progress their shooting. Highlights include Steve starting strong and maintaining his accuracy from target to target. If there was a national award for Most-Improved Shooter it would go to Hugh. His first AQT score of the weekend was 36. Not great. But for all his knowledge and experience, Hugh does not know what the word "Quit" means. He progressed his score into the 140's, then the 190's, and he wrapped up the weekend with a qualifying score of 212 and a Rifleman patch!

Bulldog14 delivered a Second Strike with such commitment that he got a bit choked up. There's a guy with a real connection to the history! In any case, that same passion came out on Sunday with an emotional account of dangerous old man Sam Whittemore.

As a special bonus, Upacreek came to join us from Georgia on Sunday. Bulldog14 surprised her with a gift: A commemorative oar to mark her recent 100th volunteering event. She'll always be Upacreek, but at least she now has a paddle!

For my part, I couldn't help but get a little emotional awarding Devereux from Tennessee his brand new red hat. Devereux is one of the finest folks you'll ever meet, so of course he found his way to Project Appleseed. His instruction throughout the weekend was top-notch. The Volunteer State has a really good one to add to their cadre! Plus, North Carolina will borrow him as often as we can.

Other folks had their own meaningful experiences throughout the weekend, including a father who's been looking forward to sharing Project Appleseed with his son since the lad was born. Another participant who came through a prolonged period of caring for a sick family member counted this Appleseed weekend as a celebratory coming-out since the health situation has improved.

Thanks to all the shooters who learned and improved, and thanks to all the dedicated instructors who travelled from Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, and eastern North Carolina to keep the ball rolling.

[Lucky3]

Congrats Deveraux and Upacreek!

[DEH]

Congratulations Devereaux and Upacreek

[UpACreek]

This was such a special weekend.  I'm so glad I got to attend on Sunday.  You guys even got me to tear up a couple of times. Congratulations, Devereux!!!  You are awesome and already a huge help for every shoot. 

Thanks a lot for the paddle, Bulldog.  How unexpected and appreciated.  It will hang on the wall very soon.  Sueb - thanks for letting me share a room and yak your ear off until late.  Tar Heel - the teacher in you shines through.  I learn something every time I see you interact with shooters.

Now for the shooters!  I must have missed a great day on Saturday - you guys kicked butt.  I was line boss Sunday morning and could only look from afar - the steady hold factors weren't just ok - they were fantastic, particularly Shannon's (with wedding nails - how did they survive 2 days of shooting???)!    Congratulations on shooting the Rifleman scores Hugh and Steve.  BenX2 - I can't wait until Benjamin grows into that beautiful rifle.  I love seeing families shooting together.  Keep practicing that perfect practice and I hope to see you all again real soon.

[Bulldog14]

It was a great weekend. A little cool first thing but it warmed up nicely. The fall colors are showing up, making that range really beautiful. It was a great group of shooters and instructors. Congratulations again to Devereux on that shiney new red hat and to our riflemen...1 new and 1 requal. Upacreek, you are quite welcome. I hope to hit 100 one day. Thanks to tarheel for putting on a great event. Looking forward to the next one.

[JustKim]

Sounds AMAZING!  Nothing like a weekend of the history of our great country along with some great shooting and celebration of our amazing instructors!

Congrats to the two new Riflemen, and the great shooting by everyone else - I'm very impressed that the nails survived! 

Special congrats to Devereaux on earning his well-deserved Red Hat, he is a great instructor and to Carol for hitting the 100 mark!  You are a fabulous instructor and I can't wait to work with all of you again soon!!

[gunjunkie]

Congratulations to all the patriots that improved their rifle skills. Congratulations Devereux and Upacreek our country is a better place because of you.