AAR Macon, GA 26-27 Sep 2020

[brianf31]

Marion Road Gun Club in Macon, Georgia hosted a two-day Appleseed clinic on 26-27 September 2020.  The weather was nice for the month of September in Georgia. Rain threatened on both days but the sun came out and kept our eager students going.  We had eight shooters on the line, all thirsty to hear some American history and learn traditional rifle marksmanship.

After introduction and a safety brief, students shot their first redcoat to gage their skill level. The instructors found out that we had some very skilled shooters on this firing line, with 3 making the tough shingle shot and one shooter that cleared the whole target.  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 to follow.

Throughout the day, shooters heard the true story of April 19th, 1775 through the telling of the Three Strikes of The Match. Shooters heard the history of Paul Revere's ride, Lexington, and learned that we are the inheritors and stewards of liberty and freedom that was paid for in blood. The history was told with heart and grit and well accepted by the students.  There was even a 14 year old young man there by the name of Riley that knew the story of the youthful drummers that called the militia to fight. After his telling of the story, the instructors cheered Riley with a loud Huzzah!!

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 a solid score. Jeremy requalified on iron sites but also acquired a distinguished patch with a score of 239. Tim qualified for the first time with a matching score of 239 and acquired his Distinguished patch as well. Incredlible! Special congrats to Kevin who qualified with a score of 213, earning his rifleman's patch. Huzzah!

Bill made a gallant effort and much improvement with ever-shrinking groups. Riley was our sole youth and shot very well, receiving his patriot's patch at the end of the day. Mike requalified as Rifleman, but doing it this time with iron sight s for a 211 score. Our returning Rifleman Don showed up with has AR-15 and impressed us all with a 221/250. We ended the day with another redcoat target where 4 shooters got all 3 shots in the 400 yard, 3 shooters made the shingle shot and 2 cleared it. Impressive!

After review, some drills and a couple AQTs on Sunday, full distance shooting was taught. 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 the 25 meters to 100 yards. After an initial string of fire, students applied Inches Minutes and Clicks to get their hits on target.

With zeros confirmed, we engaged in a little friendly competition on steel targets. Jeremy, Don, Riley, and Mike all took prizes after a shoot-off had to be done at a 6 MOA targets from the standing position. After the older folks witnessed young Riley hit 2 MOA steel from prone, they took their turns at it, often hitting while only using iron sights. This group knows what they are about!

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 a privilege to work with you all. We hope to see you again.

[scarlett]

What a great day we had.

[Roswell]

What a great weekend! Thank you to everyone for coming. I hope to see all of you again on the trail.