AAR: Leyden, MA 11/6-7/2010

[lupis42]

Another Appleseed for the history books, and a good one at that.  

With only two shooters pre-registered, and 8 Instructors and IITs, it was a perfect opportunity for an IBC, so Crack, Dwarven1, and Luv2bfree stole most of the IITs away, and left Goodpiper and I to teach the shooters (whose numbers doubled, thanks to walk ons).  Despite the chilly air Saturday morning, they payed close attention, and the groups were visibly shrinking.  
Even more awesome, though, was the rapt expressions on their faces every time we circled up around the fire to hear the history.
Sunday morning, bright and early at 7am (or 8 for those who didn't adjust their clocks) we met back up at the range.  Our shooters were so fired up, they came early, and listened to third strike as we built the fire.  Rounds were going down range as soon as we could shoot, with a mix of AQTs and drills, and even though we broke for lunch a little early because of the early start, Blake still managed to get his 212 in before lunch.  
The afternoon took us to the KD range and after the .22s were allowed to stretch their legs at 100 yards, we gave our shooters instructors the story of Timothy Murphy, and a crack at the true Daniel Morgan challenge!  One shot at a 7" pumpkin at 250 yards, with .30 cal or bigger, no optics.  At that distance, the pumpkin is pretty small, so we allowed our shooters one modern convenience: the use of a rear sight!  Nobody hit their pumpkin on the first shot, so we left them up as inspiration and set them to ball and dummy with the .30 cals.  Once ball and dummy was done, we went back to the 25 yard line for a few more AQTs and the final redcoat, and then, as the light was fading, we welcomed our newest addition to the MA instructor crew!

[dwarven1]

Yup, rifles are dangerous... keep out of the hands of children.




Unless the children are well on the way to becoming Riflemen, that is.




This is an incipient RIFLEMAN's target. It was shot with a brand new Marlin 795, with a new scope that had been mounted about 20 minutes before and boresighted ONLY. Can you guess which shot was fired first? The shooter (AmericaStandsStrong) knew.



It was the shot just above the 200 yard target, which was aimed for the 100 yard target. For the rest of the target, he held high. A Rifleman fires one sighter shot and puts the rest of his shots on target...


Rifle + scope + target + persistance = Rifleman




A bundled up Luv2BFree demonstrates kneeling. Hmm... might want to get that elbow up a bit, Alix.




Since the shooters were way outnumbered by the Instructors, IITs Voidoid, MetalgodZ & NightJade got dragooned into an impropmtu Instructor Boot Camp.



Newly minted Red Hat Goodpiper.



Shooter Blake (AmericaStandsStrong) came out in May having never shot a rifle. His "groups" were more like shotgun patterns. He persisted, shooting off of a rest for most of the weekend. He came back in September, and again this weekend... where he shot a 212. After discussions with his parents, 14 year old AmericaStandsStrong is our newest IIT in Massachusetts. Very well done, Blake!!!



Blake's dad, Mike, is going to have to do the cooking since his son is a Rifleman! Here he is congratulating his son.





Shoot Boss In Training Lupis42 gives a very nice benediction as shooters and instructors huddle around the fire. It was a typical New England November weekend - chilly and raw (with some occasional sunlight). So we lit a fire and put on more clothes. SOP for New England.




The Instructor Crew (L to R): Lupis42, Crak, Naya & NightJade (holding Naya's leash), Mike93LX behind AmericaStandsStrong, Luv2BFree, Goodpiper (kneeling), MetalgodZ (behind him), Voidoid and the Dwarven1.

[AmericaStandsStrong]

What a fun shoot!

I am still in awe that I am now an IIT. 
Seems like there was a lot of cameras out so I can't wait to see the pics!

-Blake

[dwarven1]

The four folks who got pix of you getting your Rifleman patch should be along any minute now... right?

[AmericaStandsStrong]

The four folks who got pix of you getting your Rifleman patch should be along any minute now... right?

I would hope so, I am suprised that there hasn't been many comments so far.

[Mr.Freedom]

The afterglow of an Appleseed shoot......I arose on Monday morning to start the work week. But today, something was different. I was proud to be going to work. There is something about an Appleseed weekend that leaves me calm, peaceful and spiritual.

But lets flip back to Sunday night. After Blake and I said our good byes and thank yous, we headed down the infamous dirt road. I guess we couldnt have been more than a 100 feet or so from the campfire when a beautiful doe jumped across the road in front of the truck. I would say about 10 feet in front of us. It was cool for me to think just moments before, we were gathered around the fire, and nearby Gods creatures were watching over us. At least that is how I took it, because I believe seeing a deer is a sign of good luck for me.

The drive home was pleasant as Blake and I recalled the days events. There was just this great feeling passing back and forth in the truck as we discussed Blakes rifleman score and stepping up for an orange hat.

We both seemed bummed about going to work and school the next day. I tried to explain to Blake it was more important to be grateful for the day we just had and that tomorrow will take care of itself. As it turned out, we both woke up in very good moods and we both carried out our responsibilities.

These Appleseeds are bringing us closer together and the best part is, IT'S FUN!

With that being said, I just think it is great to see the same group of instructors and friends. We look forward to attending a Harvard event in the near future.

See you guys on the trail. Matt, I gotta get some envelopes out and start writing down some names and addresses.

Once again, thanks for a great weekend.  

[R1SGx2]

Newly minted Red Hat Goodpiper.

Goodpiper, CONGRATS.[/i]

Looks like it was a nice shoot with some more of those top notch AS Instructors, have never met a bad one... 

Nice job to shooters and crew.

[goodpiper]

AmericaStandsStrong with The well earned Patch


Welcome aboard!


Great weekend, Everybody!