Kingston MI Pistol Clinic, July 9-10 (Michigan's First!).

[Rangerat67]

Michigan's first Pistol Clinic was held at the Marlette Sportsmen's Association.  Eight Yoopers representing "Bullseyes to Badguys" made the 7 hour drive south and joined four trolls for this sold out event.  As an illustration of the character of those that attended (And let me tell you, several of them were characters!) the event started 15 minutes early as everyone was ready to go.  In fact, this group was ahead of schedule throughout the entire weekend and we were able to sneak in several extra "impromptu" history stories.

Saturday started with the pledge, introductions, presentation of the safety rules, and steps to making a safe pistol.  The students demonstrated throughout the weekend that they understood and respected safe handling of pistols.  The group worked through the various POI's (points of instruction) and drills designed to improve skills.  Superheat, Mr. Zeke, and Steal Thunder all did an excellent job presenting the events of April 19th 1775.  In fact, during dinner Saturday evening, several students used the word "Amazing" to describe the history presentations. 

Steady progress was made on Saturday and by 2:00 pm, the first PQT (pistol qualification target) was posted.  Anthony has the honor of being the first student at a Michigan hosted Pistol Clinic to achieve Pistoleer™ Status with a score of 219.  An achievement that can never being surpassed. 

Sunday started just as Saturday had, 15 minutes early.  Not even the local road patrol could slow this group down as all arrived early and we again started and ahead of schedule.  After a review of the POI's and a few drills, we were into PQT's before lunch.  Pete was the next to score Pistoleer™ with a 224.  Pete followed this achievement with several more qualifying scores.  Fidget, an Appleseed instructor that was able to find an open lane, crossed the threshold with a score of 217.  On the last PQT of the weekend, Mike fought off the heat and fatigue and earned his Pistoleer™ patch with a 216. 

On Sunday, Mr. Zeke presented the story of Sam, Sam, and Sam.  During lunch we heard about Sam Colt and Sam Walker.  Later in the day, Mr. Zeke presented Sam Whitemore!  We also learned about James Hayword and the various flags of the revolution.   

I admire this group of student's optimism, perhaps they were a little overconfident when a "Know Your Limits" fun shoot target was posted.  Congratulations to Kristy for being the only shooter to "Know Your Limits".  Congratulations to Kala, Steel Thunder, and Fidget for winning the Battleship tournament by sinking four out of five ships during the final matchup.

The Bullets to Badguys crew from the UP were clearly having a good time away from home and they also demonstrated excellent marksmanship skills.  Anthony has the patch to show he can shoot fast and accurate.  Jason and Amy, husband and wife, make a nice team.  Jason had excellent groups during the rapid fire stages while Amy cleaned up on the slow fire stages (including a perfect Hits Count target!).  If they had shared a PQT, together they may have scored a perfect 250.  Carmen, our ambidextrous shooter, spent the weekend experimenting with griping the pistol left and right handed.  Cross eye dominate Kristy also spent time working on pistol alignment and switched pistols more than I can recall.  Kala was so close to patch with just one or two shots being the difference maker.  Thomas made steady progress and he commented that he improved with every PQT.  Megan, our youngest and perhaps least experienced pistol shooter, demonstrated persistence throughout the weekend.  If we had a "most improved" award, Megan would certainly have won.       

The shooters from the mitten were not intimated by the Yoopers.  Pete and Mike earned Pistoleer™ patches, Josh was in the 200's and David made steady progress by more than doubling his PQT scores over the weekend.   A would like to say "Thank You" to all the students as your attitudes and enthusiasm made for an enjoyable weekend. 

I would also like to acknowledge the instructors - Steelthunder, Superheat, Fidget, and Mr.Zeke for bringing your "A-Game" to this event.  Thanks you for your willingness to donate your time, not only to the weekend away from home, but also your time and commitment before the event as you clearly were prepared for this first Michigan pistol clinic.  Congratulations to Mr. Zeke for earning a "ten event pin"! 

Pictures?  How do we know the event actually occurred if we do not have pictures?  A link will be sent to all students with all the pictures from Fidget and Alex.  Alex was too young to sign up for the event but he tagged along with the UP crew and used his drone and talents to make a video for each day.  Thanks Alex, the videos are awesome and I have no idea how you turned them around so quickly.  I selected some of the best pictures for sharing on the Appleseed web site and they will be posted below shortly.

Thanks again and always cherish your freedom!

Rangerat67

[Rangerat67]

It was a weekend full of great students and instructors….

Pictures of the event:

Group photo:



On the line:






Instruction:







Those who patched:






Cleared the red coat!



10 event pin:



Flying targets!



Targets!



Winners!




They couldn't go home until they hit the button! (Driver's requirement, not AS) 😊

[IRONSIDES]

What can I say, Another great event! The Instructor's did a great job. It seemed like they have been doing this clinic forever. It ran that smooth.
This was the only actual pistol training I've had and I learned a lot. The student to Instructor ratio was spot on with a lot of one on one time.
Hopefully somewhere down the road I can get the wife to attend one.

once again great job Instructors, Mike