Bloomfield, IA: Izaak Walton League (Two Day Rifle Clinic) AAR May 2-3, 2020

[Captain]

I thought I would kick off with a post from last weekend's Appleseed in Bloomfield and I hope other folks will jump in with their thoughts. The "real" shoot boss let me have the chance to pull out my green hat on Sunday - thanks Twineagles! I did get a couple of pictures on Sunday so I will put those up with a little recap of that day.

Of course it's tough to have an Appleseed without a range but the Bloomfield Izaak Walton Range has really gone above and beyond. Their club building has a covered picnic area for everyone to have some lunch and for the telling of stories from April 19th, 1775. And I have to say that their restrooms are a much nicer place to "catch up on some reading" versus the normal porta-johns at most ranges. Really the gem is the new "short" range that they've just built that is perfect for Appleseeds. Instructor "25/20Marlin" is a member of the club and has worked on every aspect of helping to bring that new range into being, from proposing the idea and selling it, getting dollars get the project completed to "Official NRA" berm design. They are even in the final stages of adding concrete and covered shooting positions! It also meant that 25/20Marlin was extra busy between working the line and getting out to circulate and explain Appleseed with all the members who stopped by to see the first shoot on the new range. Anyway, the results are a beautiful place to get out and embrace our heritage and honor those who helped us win our rights.

Lake Fishers Park outside the Izaak Walton Entrance	Sunset over the new range after setting up
Flags of our Revolution - another project from 25/20Marlin!

More to come as I get caught up . . .

[Captain]

Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations; and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us.

Just as Lexington's training band consisted of families, of fathers and sons, this Appleseed in Bloomfield was mostly families too. The shooters who were able to return on Sunday consisted of one group of a father and his two sons. A family of Riflemen is a strong family indeed, and a blessing to our country. (If you "click" on the pictures you can view them at full size.)

Sunday's shooters


I'm not sure if you can see it in the picture, but Dad set the example by earning his Rifleman's patch. Jeremy and Isaac worked hard all day Sunday and made improvements of 30 and 60 points respectively - great job! And for Jeremy, that was while his rear sight kept coming loose! Everyone on the line took one of our Appleseed mantra's to heart - A Rifleman Persists!

[Captain]

After we had pretty much finished up for Sunday, 25/20Marlin had another surprise. He brought out his M1 Garand and a friendly contest took place as every shooter took a turn behind that freedom maker.



What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed, if so celestial an article as Freedom should not be highly rated. - Thomas Paine

[Captain]

This last post is a collection of the pictures of our shooters working from different positions.







The best part of Appleseed is the great people you meet.

Homeland security is a nation of Riflemen ~ TaosGlock

[leadaddict]

What a great weekend!  My most sincere thanks to Captain, 25/20Marlin, the other instructors, and the  Bloomfield Izaak Walton. (also Max, the Appleseed dog for the intermission entertainment)

My sons and I came away with knowledge, experiences, memories, and motivation thanks to the great instruction and stories. (also sore arms, those slings are tight!)  I'm extremely proud of both my boys with their great attitudes and perseverance over the weekend.  Despite not shooting as well as they'd imaged or hoped (does anybody?) and some equipment issues, they continued to improve and had fun doing it.

My favorite leaning from the weekend was the cross ankle seated position.  On my last few targets I found stage 2 to be the easiest and most comfortable.  I've tried the crossed leg position in the past and early this weekend but have never been able to make it feel right.  The cross ankle was a great alternative for me and is a great item to have in the toolbox.

My biggest challenge was prone.  I'd find a good NPOA once in a while but it took me forever.  Hence, stage 3 was my nemesis all weekend.  Most of my dropped points came from stage 3.  I will definitely spend some time working on it.

This was our first Appleseed but I'm confident it will not be our last!  I'll be returning with some Tech Sights and some daughters! (also maybe glasses, I might need glasses) 

[Captain]

Leadaddict - so glad you and your sons came out. It really was a pleasure to be out on the range with them and see them make so much progress. Welcome to the forum and thanks for the kind words.

Congrats also on making Rifleman on your first outing!

[Twineagles]

We had a great group of shooters on Saturday. The shooters were very attentive to the instruction. We watched groups shrink all day. Due to work committments only 3 shooters were returning on Sunday. I opted out to pass Sunday on to Captain and Wayne. We didn't need a 1-1 ratio 

The new range was fantastic it will only get better as they finish it. We had been shooting at a rather rustic police range in the past. Next year we can do some KD at 200 yards.

First shoot of the year for IA thanks to the shooters and Ikes for letting us share Liberty.

Mike