Macon, GA 13-14 June 2020 AAR

[brianf31]

Marion Road Gun Club in Macon, GA hosted a two-day Appleseed clinic on 13-14 June 2020. The weather was nice as they come for a mid-June day in Georgia. 16 eager shooters came out to hear some American history and learn traditional rifle marksmanship.

After introduction and a safety brief, students shot their first redcoat to gage skill level. Instructors discovered that we had some 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.

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.

Two Appleseed Qualification Test (AQT) were shot Saturday afternoon. Several shooters showed their skill with solid scores. Don F, Mike J and John O all requalified. Special congrats to Gavin E who scored a 212 to earn his riflemen patch. Huzzah! We ended the day with another redcoat target where 4 shooters got all 3 shots in both the 400 yard and shingle shot target while 1 more cleared the whole redcoat target!

It was great to have five youth on the line. Autumn, Kylie, Jacob, Reagan and McKinley made great progress and, by the end of the weekend, they were able to put many of their shots in the black squares with regularity. Thanks, dads, for bringing them out. They are our future.

All 16 shooters returned Sunday on a beautiful day for shooting. After a brief sighter period, we rolled right into the first of three AQTs for the day. A review of Saturday's instruction was given and specific drills were ran to work on natural point of aim and magazine changes.  The ol' ball and dummy drill was then ran between shooter pairs to identify any shooter problems.

Lunch was followed with tales of Dangerous Old Men and Brave Women before we headed back to the firing line. Tim H, Vern H, Brad M, Jordan B, Lauren O and Chris A all shot very well. Iron sight shooters Don F and Jeremy H scored 215 and 217, respectively while John O managed an impressive 232 with irons on an AR-15. Nicely done!

Full distance shooting was taught, where students learned how to detect targets, estimate range, 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 competition on steel targets. McKinley, Mike, John and Jeremy took the prizes after a shoot-off on 4 MOA targets in the standing position. Amazing marksmanship! Next time I'll bring smaller targets.

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.