Macon GA AAR 2-3 Oct 2021

[brianf31]

On a beautiful early fall weekend, Marion Road Gun Club in Macon, Georgia hosted a two-day Appleseed clinic on 2-3 October 2021.  Twenty eager shooters, five of whom were youth, showed up to learn American history and marksmanship. 

After introduction and a safety brief, students shot their first redcoat to gage their skill level. 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. The shooters' groups got progressively smaller as we went, just as we all desired.

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 secured by those courageous countrymen. 

Lessons were given on talking targets, Inches, Minutes and Clicks and firing in rifleman's cadence. Later, shooters learned and applied the fundamentals of shooting in seated and standing positions.

An Appleseed Qualification Test (AQT) were shot Saturday afternoon. Many shooters showed improved skills with good scores. Return Appleseeder Kevin shot the rifleman's score with a 221/250 to earn his patch. and Eddie showed that they know how to handle a rifle. At the end of the day, we had two shooters who cleared the redcoat target while a total of 8 (!) made the tough shingle shot. 

At the end of the day, instructors were honored to present Luther Blanchard patches to five youth. These youth - our future - were an absolute pleasure to have on the line. Eli, Christian, Elijah, Bethany and Lindsey were very attentive and showed great progress through the day. Thank you, parents, for bringing them out. 

On a beautiful Sunday morning, we shot an AQT where George made the rifleman's score with a 212/250. Huzzah! Immediately following, we reviewed all of Saturday's instruction. Shooters then practiced NPOA drills to perfection and ran several time management and mag change drills. Another AQT was shot before lunch, where Appleseed veteran Don requalified with a solid 221/250. Several shooters were knocking on the door with solid scores.

At lunch we heard the stories of Dangerous Old Men and Brave Women and capped it off with a roundtable discussion on how we might each work to preserve Liberty. In the afternoon, 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. Zeroes were reconfirmed with hits to steel targets to end the day.

Thanks to Marion Road Gun Club for being a faithful host for nine continuous years now! We couldn't do it without your hospitality. Thank you all, shooters, for your teachable attitudes and enthusiasm. It was a privilege to work with you all. We hope to see you on the trail again.

[Roswell]

Talk about a full line and a great group of shooters! 9 walk-ons doubled our line and we ran relays (something new to some of the Instructors and all the shooters), but everyone took it in stride.



This Instructor strided a nit too hard.  Aggravating an already sprained ankle.  (Worth it!)


I can NOT complain though! Not only was I in the company of outstanding Patriots, but all I need do was look to my left. Heidi, had both her feet wrapped and was shooting a single shot bolt action rifle!




AND! AND! During Standing she was holding her rounds in her mouth at one point. It was a joy to watch. (Did I mention she was hammering it?) 



I wish I had taken more pictures. Each of you was a joy to work with. Congratulations to Riflemen Kevin and George! And to returning Rifleman Don!
The rest of you have what it takes. A rifleman persists! Continue that perfect practice and dry-fire as much as you can.

In Liberty,
Roswell