Colebrook, CT Dec 03-04 2011 AAR

[The Log]

Coldbrook didn't exactly live up to its reputation weather-wise this time around, but it certainly met (and exceeded) expectations on the quality of the shoot and the quality of the shooters. A lucky 13 shooters came out over the two days, most of them repeat Appleseeders -we must be doing something right if they keep coming back!

I think it's the patch - there was a gleam in many an eye this time out, and this crew was highly motivated and very enthusiastic. We got right to business on Saturday morning, engaging a horde of marauding Red Coats after the safety briefing. Despite having to compete with a club work party who were using two chainsaws, a sawmill, a wood chipper, and wood splitter, we worked through the program, groups got on paper and shrank, and by the end of the morning we had gotten all the way through our ball and dummy drill.

By that point we were all ready for a hearty lunch in the NWCSA clubhouse, and Mrs. Log showed up with the happy green car full of goodness - chili, cornbread, beer-boiled dogs in kraut and onions, chocolate cake, and a special Glock23 coconut custard pie. Knowing we were racing the sun, G23 masterfully truncated his First Strike while we chowed down, then with full bellies and warm bones, we headed back for the afternoon program. By the end of the day, we had shot a stage-by-stage and a rapid-fire AQT, done our afternoon Redcoat, and heard the rest of the Strikes, when finally the sun failed us and we retired for the day.

Sunday started with the promise of being warmer, but the wind soon put an end to that. Most everyone returned, and we added on another shooter, and we quickly got into the program. No Riflemen after the morning grind, but some were obviously knocking at the door. A quick recharge at lunch was apparently what it took, because the scores started heading into the 190s and 200s until finally, first-time Appleseeder Richie broke through the barrier with a 218 - same score and same spot on the line as my first Rifleman score, as well as Who_Me's!! He was followed shortly by another first-timer, John, who punched a scorching 227.

That was it for Riflemen patches for the weekend, although everyone on that line was definitely a rifleman in spirit. Some were very close - Denise busted a 198, Ron was getting close too - and some were heartbreakingly close - my nephew CJ shot a 207 on the last AQT before light failed! Next time, CJ...

Congratulations to all for turning out and sending the 2011 Connecticut Appleseed campaign out with a bang. It was great to see the line so full for a change - Colebrook rarely disappoints. I'll post some pictures after the day job.

We'll see you again in 2012. Huzzah to all!!

</log>

[The Log]

OK, one quick picture before work:


A view from the top of the berm - it ain't Calverton, but it's still home to us.

[The Log]

It's lunchtime - time for a few pictures:


Doing the Hokey-Pokey - freedomwon holds forth in The Circle. This is the first time we tried using The Circle, and it worked like a charm.


A bigger view of The Circle. It makes it really easy to keep the shooters attention - but of course, these were exceptional shooters! Thanks to Old Ironsights for suggesting this technique.


A (nearly) Rifleman persists, even when the only hat available to block the setting sun is pink. CJ makes a statement late on Sunday, secure in his masculinity. He might look good in a LadySeed Man-slave shirt come July, eh?


The Sunday morning line, looking fine for the morning Redcoat. Note the plaid jacket at the end of the line - that's Colebrook AS fixture Coke, back from a too-long hiatus and persisting as he works toward that Rifleman's patch. It was good to have him back.


Rifleman Richie sporting his new patch and a huge smile. And who's that clown in the background? Some joker who like to get himself into pictures of famous people, no doubt. Somebody call security!


Jeez, there he is again! Rifleman John and his smoking hot 227 AQT.


Shooter Cynthia parachuted in with her M1 carbine to finish up what she started at HGC a couple of weeks back. We'll see her again soon - she wants that patch!


Rifleman Richie pitches in on the line, helping Coke out with a problem. Appleseed brings the best out in people!


Kristen, one of our youth shooters - Appleseed vets Will and CJ had to peel off early - getting her youth patch from Who_Me?. Kristen was smiling pretty much non-stop, and seeing her accomplish so much in two days was a real treat. I really hope we see her and her dad back on the line soon.


Shooter CJ, 4 minutes before coming tantalizingly close to being a Rifleman. He busted out a 207 using freedomwon's advanced phased-plasma rifle with geospatial autodetection and Heisenberg compensation. And that's Glock23 in the background requalifying with a 218.

[CTShooter]

Thanks for having me for the weekend, have room for more instructor trainees?

[CortJestir]

This looked like a great shoot! Congrats to all the students and especially our new Riflemen!

CTshooter, we're always looking for help! I'm sure Dan will get in touch with you soon about particulars.

Well done, everyone!

CJ

[Mr.Freedom]

The Log does a very nice job with the pictures and the captions. I particularly like the dry wit and comments. My son and I will try to get to a shoot in CT in 2012. Mike

[Glock23]

And that's Glock23 in the background requalifying with a 218.

Well, I have my integrity to consider, so in the interest of honesty...
It was a 205. End of the day, tired, full bladder, 1st AQT I've shot in...well, forever...blah blah.
I've found that bladder capacity is directly proportional to accuracy on Stage 4.
However, don't forget I cleared a Red Coat in sitting earlier that day (while obnoxiously canting the rifle). 

[Old Ironsights]

What cant?  It was the earth that was tilted   

My only AQT of the weekend was only good enough to score sharpshooter.  Just glad I was able to get a wee bit o' time on the line.