I didn't get an exact headcount, since my AQT stage scores kept intruding in my brain when I tried, "7...8...9...43, 42x2..." but it was more than three, Fred, so don't be poking us Texans with a stick so much in SGN, wouldja?

Seriously, though, it was my second AS and a great shoot. Fewer folks than last time,

but still a good turnout of some good folks. It was nice also to put names (and forum names) to faces again, as it takes me at least twice to have them stick and the first shoot I was too busy learning anything but the six steps to even try, but a big thanks to all the instructors who were there: Dean, Brett, Mark, Dennis, (edit: Steve, too!!) Scout for being a gracious host yet again, Greg, not only for the coffee since I forgot my stove, but also for the opportunity to try out his M1A (quick capsule review: excellent rifle and I have to get my grubby paws on one ASAP) and everyone else whose names I haven't been able to get into my thick head yet.
Saturday started out a little cool and cloudy and a lot windy, directly from astern, which went on both days, covering everything and everyone with a nice layer of Scout's genuine red Texas grit. That didn't stop Scout from giving an excellent rendition of the "Three strikes of the match" which was just as good the second time and had some details I hadn't heard the first time around.
The first redcoat of the day said I hadn't been dry-firing enough. No matter, learned my lesson on that and warmed up soon enough. The instructors did an excellent job of balancing the teaching parts and the shooting parts, without letting people get too bogged down on theory, but not so much firing that you wouldn't get feedback in time to improve your shooting. The sighters were fun and that's when I tried out Greg's Springfield. Grouped pretty well with my SA surplus for my first time ever firing one, once I made a couple of small sight adjustments (two clicks up and one left to get it back where you had it, Greg!

). Back to the poodle shooter for practicing the positions and the AQTs. The wind made the shooters on the line into sails and made the standing stage more "fun" I guess you could say. Oh well, y'all know what Fred always says about riflemen and persistence. When I was on, I was on. I had the cadence down and was making hits by the numbers, but my inconsistency meant I wouldn't be able to hold it together for the whole AQT, lowering my scores. At least I know where I need to focus my practice...prone work and keeping the dang front sight in focus and not trying to see the stage 4 tiny targets instead, as tempting as it is to try.
Day 2 started a little cooler and cloudier, but with the same amount of wind and grit, so we didn't miss out on a chance to thrive on adversity. Nice. Scout continued with strike 2 of the match, and we were back to positions and AQTs. Dean (didactic) ran the line the second half of the day and wow, he ran it like a machine! I found myself filling mags if I had any time left on the stages so as not to cut into my precious prep period between stages. All for the good, though, as we were able to get in at least four AQTs during the second half of the day and made another rifleman. Monroe (

not sure how he spells it) said that he'd been doing the AQT at home and it showed. He turned in rifleman score with his 10/22 in no time. Finished up the day with the last Redcoat target (a lot better on this one!) and the last strike of the match. Went home grimy and tired, but satisfied nonetheless, since both the rifle and I managed to digest all the grit without malfunction. I find I have a taste for that grit now, so I guess that means I'll be there for AS #3.
That's my "quick, before I disremember" impression. I'm sure there are still a thousand other things I forgot to mention, but a great shoot and a great group. I look forward to seeing everyone again in February as an IIT. Does my ear protection in the picture makes me look fat? LOL.
P.S. The free hot chow was excellent, too. didactic's "whatcha got?" soup was a welcome hot meal at the end of day 1. Don't bother asking him for the recipe. It changes every time.
