St. Augustine, March 8-9, 2014

[9mm4545]

Quality will trump quantity in many instances. The shoot at St. Augustine was such an example. I have been asked by people why we do Appleseeds weekend after weekend. It cannot be for the money, fame, glory, or recognition. We do it because the idea of Appleseed is worth teaching; because we see the smiles and attitude of success in the students we reach. We do it because it is a cause we believe will save our country. The three students were outnumbered by instructors at the Ancient City Gun Range. This made for a very informal setting and gave the opportunity to interact to a degree much greater than usual. With the usual safety briefing and details of line commands, safe rifle, and a brief statement of purpose quickly accomplished, we go down to the business of making marksmen. Building upon the Six Steps came how to make a more solid position using a sling and early on, the concept of Natural Point of Aim was introduced. The groups shrank and our efforts were rewarded. During the weekend we shared the story of April 19th, 1775. I have told this story countless times now and I still feel my heart touched that Liberty was so important to those people of so long ago that they would challenge their own government--the most powerful nation and military on earth at the time--to preserve the jewel known as Liberty. In the history of the world the battle against tyranny is never-ending and it is our great fortune that the American Revolution turned out as it did. By the final shot on Sunday afternoon we had seen remarkable improvement and perhaps a better understanding of the Revolution that gave birth to our country.

Summer, your enthusiasm is unstoppable and you are growing into a fine marksman. Keep up the good work and we will see you next weekend in Bunnell. Cam, you and Jessica were a delight to meet and work with. 10 minutes a day doing "Rifleman's Yoga" (aka "dry fire") while chanting the sacred Six Steps to Firing the Shot and relaxing into your NPOA will leave you refreshed, flexible, and much more accurate the next time you are at the range. And remember, your trigger finger is not meant for dancing...

Here are a few pictures that Rambo Granny snapped.

[FLawyer]

It was truly a rewarding weekend.  Summer (age 10) started on Saturday as a designated marksman using the pistol grip of her rifle as a monopod.  As she gained confidence she became more determined and by the end of the weekend was shooting all positions properly.  Standing was a challenge, but as Janet's pictures show, she persevered.  I look forward to seeing her again in Bunnell next weekend.

I hope that Cam and Jessica enjoyed their father-daughter weekend as much as all the instructors enjoyed working with them. 

Huzzah.

Evan, Gloria, Bruce, Janet - Thank you for making the weekend such a success for our shooters.