Macon, GA 10-11 June 2017

[brianf31]

Marion Road Gun Club in Macon, GA hosted a two-day Appleseed clinic on 10-11 June 2017. Twenty-two eager shooters came out to hear some American history and learn traditional rifle marksmanship on a beautiful summer day.

After introduction and a safety brief, students shot their first redcoat to gage skill level. Instructors quickly discovered that we had many able shooters on the firing line. We rolled right into instruction, teaching steady hold factors, six steps of the shot and natural point of aim, each lesson put into immediate practice with a drill following. It was quite common to see the majority of hits inside the black target squares as shot groups decreased in size.

Throughout the day, shooters heard the true story of April 19th, 1775 through the telling of the Three Strikes of The Match. The history of Paul Revere's ride, Lexington and Concord was told to share the fact that we are all inheritors and stewards of liberty and freedom that was paid for in blood.

Lessons were given on talking targets, Inches, Minutes and Clicks and firing in rifleman's cadence. Targets paid the price as shooters learned and applied the fundamentals of shooting in seated and standing positions.

The Appleseed Qualification Test (AQT) was shot Saturday afternoon. We had those among us who knew what they were about. Isaac, Daniel W. and Scott V. all shot 210/250 or better to earn the coveted Rifleman patch. Kyle and Trevor requalified with high scores, as well. 

Thirteen shooters returned Sunday for continued practice. After a brief sighter period, we rolled right into the first AQT of the day. A review of Saturday's instruction was given and specific drills were ran to work on natural point of aim, transitions to seated and prone, magazine changes and the six steps of the shot.  The ol' ball and dummy drill was then ran between shooter pairs to identify any shooter problems.

Marion Road Gun Club president Kyle provided us all with a wonderful barbeque lunch. Lunch was followed with tales of Dangerous Old Men and Brave Women before we headed back to the firing line. Two more AQTs were shot Sunday afternoon, one in rapid fashion. The afternoon revealed more riflemen; Michelle and Charles both shot Expert scores while instructor Free requalified. Huzzah to all!

Full distance shooting was taught, where students learned how to apply come-ups and deal with wind at extended range. The lesson was put into practice as we backed up from 25 meters to 100 yards. After an initial string of fire, students applied Inches Minutes and Clicks to get their hits on target. With zeroes confirmed, we engaged in a little friendly team competition on a series of steel targets. Kyle, Michelle, Tim, Isaac and Dan put on an marksmanship display as the steel rang repeatedly.

Thanks to Marion Road Gun Club for being such a faithful and hospitable host. Thank you all, shooters, for your teachable attitudes and enthusiasm.  It was an honor and privilege to work with you. We hope to see you again.

[Roswell]

Looks like an awesome event! Good job everyone!

Great video interview by the local paper too!

http://www.macon.com/news/local/article155595544.html

[DrJohn]

Great event and wonderful press coverage. Congratulations to all. Keep up the good work, and hope to see you soon.

[freedomzxcv]

Impressive group of students that showed a ton of improvement over the weekend. It was a great class to be a part of.