Gainesville TX 08 2021 AAR - Half Day Event

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This past weekend I had the pleasure of running the half day event in Gainesville, TX.  This event was focused around the newer shooter; ages ranged from 8 through 80 (yes, really).   

Of course we covered safety, including some nitty-gritty like the importance of matching the correct ammunition to the firearm and how a .38 is different from a .380, which is also different from a .308  Participants learned the major fundamentals of marksmanship including steady hold factors, natural point of aim and the six steps to firing the shot.  Of course no event would be complete without a bit of history around the 2nd amendment and the founding of our nation - in this case a deeper-than-normal dive into Captain Morgan and Timothy Murphy, and the impact a couple of dedicated, stubborn ol' grouches can have on a nation.   

Seems to me that our 10 participants had a great time, despite the Texas heat.  Our three youths struggled just a little bit with some not-quite-right length of pull issues, but our superhero instructors were ready to save the day with some loaners to the rescue.  We were able to knock out two different "hits count" targets before the end of the day, which resulted in 6 marksmen, 5 sharpshooters, 3 sharpshooters-plus.  3 of our participants scored 40 points or better, and earned the coveted Project Appleseed lapel pin    These particular events are designed to help newer shooters be safe and introduce the fundamentals of marksmanship, and this event made that happen in spades.  One particular gentleman in his 30s had never fired before, and was asking excellent questions to ensure that he was safe and knowledgeable when he goes to purchase his first rifle.  He made impressive progress in only a few short hours and was making excellent shot groups on target before we wrapped! 

Sincere thanks to my fellow instructors Kevin, Robyin and Mackey that carried this event - a strong team makes all the difference!    In fact, the shoot boss may have neglected to take any pictures - but the instructor cadre may have saved his bacon 

[AF5US]

Instructor pics

[Steck]

Excited to see your shooters soaking up the fundamentals in a safe, supportive half-day Appleseed!