AAR for Myakka,Fl July23-24

[Sly223]

 Bright and Early, The attendee's showed up at 8:30,actually prior to, with huge smiles.
Signed in at the admin. table and liability waivers.
So we were able to start right out of the gates.
Presented the intro, covered the safety rules, and how to make a rifle safe, the line boss and RSO's  released shooters to their vehicles to retrieve only the Rifle they intended for this event, We started off with the red coat-Hits count Target, the results were indicative of some much needed improvement. These Shooters all had great teachable attitudes,  they absorbed the fire hose of information and instruction, like a sponge and things really started to HEAT up! The shooters started tightening their groups by proper index,strong positions, good form,implementing the six steps, our instructors started getting in the weeds and these patriots started showing us much improvement in short fashion.
By lunch it reached triple digits that's right folks 100 degrees. I then presented the first Strike at lunch and was impressed at the undivided attention given, with 0 interruptions.
This group was Fantastic they weathered the Hottest weekend of any where in the World! That's right I have been to several three digit climates in my life and when we are 96 or above This is the Hottest.
Bruce then presented the second strike and we got back to honoring the founders, in the tradition of Marksmanship! By now Eric presented the third strike and closed the day with the benediction.
I must admit early the next am I was nervous that the heat just did everyone in!
Present it and they will return, We were also Graced with the presence of the beautiful, Lizette,Who was our photographer for this event.
Sunday started, out much the same with a quick review and off and Blazing, in more ways than one. At lunch it again was hot, we did a Round Robin,DOM&BW & children of liberty. We started the Apple seed Qualification test,Grind, ~~:)Just before we all
We broke for the Quick and dirty KD portion followed,with one more AQT and then at 100 KD The students had little faith in themselves, implemented what they had retained and like Magic all were not only on paper but mad hits exactly were they were supposed to, followed by a sight adjustments and presto impressive three MOA presented By all five shooters!
Quick back to the line little, break and back to the AQT's. The heat that had accumulated over the last two days started to affect everyone!
However, an amazing show of Grit when all decided one more AQT before the Red coat and closing ceremonies.
We had two youths David and Chase, these fine young patriots Know very well what they are about.
Father and son teams were on the line, Yes the Parkers the Harringtons Hosmers and Many others that not only were on the Lexington common but all through out our war for Independence.Thank you All, I am now exhausted and will release this post, for now and will let some others, share their experiences and I will post again, to fill in any blanks that my mind is drawing.

[airplanejoe]

Hello folks!!
Another Appleseed under my belt; another great learning experience!! Think about it, if I thought I knew it all, I wouldn't have a good reason to go back. My objective is figure out why I failed, work out fixes and then see if the fixes work. The military cliche "improvise, adapt, overcome" says it all. And again, it's the Indian and not the arrow. A hint of what I'm working on; a scope is a usefull tool, but my use of it need to be improved. Arnie S+: "I'll be back".
Yes it was warm, but I like it bettter than an air conditioned indoor range, and to stop shooting during the summer moths would be unsat. That's life in central Florida.
Sly223, My computer skills are limited. I finally figured out how to send you a PM through the Appleseed mail, but I can't send attachments. ley me know where to send you the pdf file we talked about.
itsansks, was the tape you were using 2" electrical tape?

airplanejoe

[9mm4545]

Thanks to all for braving the heat and coming out for Lady Liberty! I do know the effort it takes to leave the air conditioning and spend a weekend sweating it out and this group was most certainly not comprised of "sunshine patriots and summer soldiers". It has been my observation that with each 20 degree rise in temperature, there is a commensurate decrease in AQT scores. Simply put, an already challenging task--fine rifle marksmanship--becomes even more challenging. Despite the sweat slick rifles, the fogged glasses, and a misery index creeping into the red zone, our shooters displayed excellent attitudes and there was marked improvement over the weekend. If you could "cut and paste" various AQT's shot during the event, we would have had at least a couple of Riflemen produced but alas, it all has to come together on one target at one time to count.

I think that what made the nasty conditions much more tolerable was the realization that, compared to our brave ancestors in April of 1775, we have it pretty good. The stories of the difficult choices, sacrifices, and heroic actions of those early Americans tends to put our sweaty discomfort and sore muscles into a totally different light.

Tell everyone you know about Appleseed and perhaps next time we can make enough noise down on Area 51 that the whole range will come down to see what the fuss is about. Practice your positions and transitions, dry fire "by the numbers", spread the word, and I'll be seeing everybody at another event soon.

[tigerD]

First of all, I want to thank our fine instructors for a job well done, and providing all the loaner equipment.  Also my wife for being there, enduring the heat, and taking the pictures.  And my fellow shooters who provided ammo when we ran out.  We had a blast! 

Being new to long guns and to Appleseed, I am sure the sound techniques we learned will translate into shooting success in due time.  Those well-timed mini-history lessons gave us perspective of the sacrifices made by our ancestors. 

My wife was impressed by the safety procedures and never felt in danger, high praise coming from somebody who has never pulled a trigger no matter how much I beg and plead.

I already sent for tech sights, sling, mat, mags and ammo to make sure our next Appleseed goes smoothly, as we weren't quite prepared with our off-the-shelf 10/22.  It was quite a learning experience in more ways than one.

Here are some pictures, courtesy of my wonderful spouse:

[Sly223]

Great Pics Tiger Thanx a ton,
Good luck with the perfect practice, remember the better you equipment the more limited your excuses!
P.s.Lizette is welcome as a photographer any time,Bring on the new and improved Tiger Family.
As always thanx for the e-mail and I'd rather see you on the Trail!

[DrJohn]

Great job Rick, Eric, Bruce (sorry if I left anyone out!)

I have shot in extreme cold and in intolerable heat, and believe me, heat is far more challenging and difficult. Congratulations to the stalwart shooters who braved the Florida summer and came out to learn the fundamentals of rifle marksmanship and hear the message of Liberty. And Well done! to the hardy instructors who continue to spread the Appleseed message. Huzza!!

[S1gnal.Zer0]

I have to say this was a great event, twas my second appleseed and I am looking forward to many more. I learned the difference between a 10/22 and an AR-15 this weekend. My goal is to continue learning and improve everyday. My eyes are telling me that I need a scope or new glasses(maybe both  . Thanks again to all the instructors and I can't wait to work with all of you in the future. Well gotta run for now, I am already thinking about my next appleseed.