Canton, Ga October 28-29, 2017

[76Patriot]

I want to thank all of the students that showed up for this event; I am in absolute awe as to the quality of shooters that attended.  We had two new riflemen, as well as several requals.  Several others were knocking on the Rifleman's door!  There was so much improvement throughout the weekend, in spite of miserable weather, yet lots of excitement could be felt from the students.

I will post more later, but feel free to add any pictures or comments.

76

[DrJohn]

The instructors were totally blown away at the mental toughness and determination of our gallant group of students. In spite of cold and drenching rain all day Saturday, and even colder temperatures and wind so strong it literally blew the shooting mats and rifles up in the air on Sunday, all of you stayed the entire course and demonstrated an enthusiasm and persistence that was totally inspiring. What an honor to work with such a great group of people. Blessings to all, and may Liberty increase forever!

[CokeGuy]

Kudos to students and instructors alike for making this inaugural event in Canton a total success!
In spite of the very tough conditions, everyone stayed the course, As the Sheriff said as he observed, "If it ain't raining, you ain't training!"...so true for Saturday.
I, too, must tell you how much I was so impressed with the grit demonstrated by this outstanding group of people...you are why we, instructors, feel honored to be able to serve at these events. Continue with your practice and persist...dry fire, dry fire, dry fire...then come to another event to prove what you can do. May you all join in the cause of Liberty!
CokeGuy

[76Patriot]

As I said before, this was an outstanding group of students, showing so much persistence through the nasty weather.

The day began bright and early... well, early anyway; it was pitch black when the instructors arrived and set up for the event.  And it was most definitely cold and wet.  After the students arrived and welcomed, we went over safety and brought our rifles to the line.  Red Coats were shot and the fire hose of instruction was opened. 

Six Steps of Firing the Shot, Sling Use and the Prone Steady Hold Factors, and Natural Point of Aim were followed by a succession of squares and Talking Targets.  Lunchtime arrived and we were treated to the First Strike and Inches, Minutes, Clicks.  More squares were shot before learning about Rifleman's Cadence and hearing the Second Strike.  We then learned about shooting in various seated positions and were given an opportunity to try each of them before shooting one more square with our least un-favorite seated position.  After that, we did an NPOA/Mag change drill before taking a break to hear the Third Strike.

We returned to the line to learn the Standing position and shoot an AQT.  We ended the day with a reading of the Patrick Henry speech.

Sunday morning arrived, dry but very cold.  The students returned, eager for another sip of water from the fire hose.  We reviewed all of the modules from Saturday and brought our rifles to the line.  We then shot a Red Coat and a couple of sighter squares before shooting our first AQT of the day, which yielded a new rifleman and a re-qual!  Huzzah to Bill with his 210, which earned him a baptism with water from the North Bridge.  Congrats to Charles' re-qual of 228.  After congratulating these riflemen, we proceeded with Ball and Dummy before taking lunch, where we heard about several Dangerous Old Men. 

The day then continued with an NPOA/mag change drill, followed by another AQT.  We took a break to hear about the Rifleman's Bubble, the Rifleman's Dance, and Known Distance shooting.  We returned to the line to shoot two more AQTs, followed by a Red Coat.  As we finished out the day with some final words, we discovered that we had yet another rifleman.  Matthew had shot an impressive 221 at his first ever Appleseed!  Congrats, Matthew!  And several more were knocking at the door with scores in the upper 190s.

Guys and gals, practice what you have learned.  Continue to persevere the way you did this weekend, and I promise that each of you can earn that Rifleman's patch.

[Overmountain]

What an honor it was to learn from you all!

[WVIrish]

Thanks to the great cadre of instructors who made this weekend a great event.  We all learned so much, even (or especially) those of us who had two previous AS under our belts.     Also, thanks to the individuals here in Cherokee County who made possible the use of the range and facilities, and the support of the County Sheriff who came out for a visit both days.

I suspect that the next AS here will have two full relays of shooters, and my wife and I will be there again. 

Dr. John and Cokeman, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for your encouragement this weekend !

Finally, I was the one who finally qualified as a Rifleman early on Day 2 at 210 (see photo), and was able to requalify again later in the day with a 226.  This was due to the great instruction from all the instructors this past weekend.

[Roswell]

 



Apologies for taking so long to get pics up. I returned from the weekend to find my wife and baby sick for the next week. And since Photobucket changed policies I had to find a new host for my pictures that was free.

What a weekend! I am still energized from this event. What a great group of Patriots!

Saturday:

Our Shoot Boss for the weekend, 76Patriot, doing the welcome speech.


DrJohn instructing and CanBrit modeling the prone position and sling use


CokeGuy instructing and CanBrit modeling NPOA as 6Bones holds up a target


We did not have "summer soldiers" or "sunshine Patriots on this rainy day. Thomas Paine would be proud.






CokeGuy telling the third strike


Closing out the day with a Patrick Henry speech related to us by 76Patriot



Sunday:

Our 2 youth shooters returned and got their well earned Luther Blanchard patches


Bill earned a 210 and a Rifleman's baptism




Matthew, sorry I didn't get a picture of you getting your patch, but I think I was outside watching the line at the time.

Thank you to all! I hope to see all of you again on the line soon!