Coeur d'Alene, ID AAR Aug 8-9, 2020

[Mr. Clean]

This weekend proved to be a great success in riflemanship skills improved and in determination to become more engaged citizens. With a SOLD OUT event, we were able to spread the Appleseed message more efficiently. Thanks to all who gave their weekend to become better riflemen and to those who helped spread the word to fill the firing line. Also a big thanks to our host range, the Fernan Rod & Gun Club. Without their enthusiastic support and first class facilities, we would not be able to do as much with Appleseed here locally.

The perfect weather made it an easy environment to learn and even comfortable on the line. August is supposed to be blazing hot! Much more of that and we will become spoiled, but hopefully not the "summer soldier...sunshine patriot" our ancestors warned us about. I was very pleased with the progress made by all shooters, especially those who achieved rifleman status. Huzzah! What a father/son team Roy and Mike made. Roy shot 7 rifleman score AQTs and Mike 2. Clearly they got this. Also of note, this was Mikes last weekend home before shipping out for Navy basic training. We wish you safety and success starting your military career. Another rifleman, Joel also brought his son to hand on the tradition as he received it. This was Joel's 2nd AS shoot and it is clearly paying off. Not to forget our own IIT, 2X4, who shot a personal best yet score. Huzzah! Others like Mark were so close to crossing that threshold, knocking at the door of rifleman. Persist and come back again. Hone those skills over the coming winter at home with safe dry practice.

For those who were "knocking at the door" with AQT scores above 185 or so, I want to remind you to sign up for the October Known Distance shoot at Fernan. This is a bit more advanced but your are at the point where you will get a lot out of it compared to a newcomer. Space is limited to only 12 due to a narrow target line, so sign up now and secure your spot.

It was an unusually safe group to work with this time. The newby mistakes like muzzle sweeps, reaching out in front of the firing line, etc, were minimal. Good job putting those safety rules to work! Check the website for next year's schedule for dates and locations to come back again. Better yet, tell a friend and come together. Maybe the highest scoring shooter gets treated to pizza in a post shoot celebration. See you next time on the firing line.