Kingston MI Rifle Event - August 20-21

[Rangerat67]

To say that the shooters that attended the Kingston MI Appleseed event soaked up the marksmanship instruction is an understatement.  They persisted through a wet weekend of puddles, mud, targets that turned to mush, and heavy downpours.   

The event started with the pledge, introduction, presentation of the safety rules, and steps to making a safe rifle.  The students demonstrated throughout the weekend that they understood and respected the safety standards of Appleseed.  Our goal is that these safety standards become lifelong habits to be shared with the shooting community.

We then made our way to the 25 meter range and the fire hose of marksmanship knowledge was opened.  The students soaked it in throughout the day as group sizes gradually reduced.  In addition to the marksmanship instruction, the story of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775 was presented.  Who can forget the sacrifices of so many to preserve our freedom? 

"Posterity! You will never know, how much it cost the present Generation, to preserve your Freedom! I hope you will make a good Use of it. If you do not, I shall repent in Heaven, that I ever took half the Pains to preserve it."  John Adams

Day two was an accelerated version of Saturday.  In the morning, the students received extended time with laser training rifles.  This helped the students find stable positions and practice establishing NPOA.  After a couple of AQT's, a magazine changing drill was conducted and the AQT scores "Shot Up", pun intended.

Congratulations to Joe for achieving an official 212 on the final AQT of the day!  Unofficially, Joe may have had a 223 as his brother Josh tried to help him out with a few extra holes.  On his own, Josh had a high AQT score of 181 while their father Mark scored a 187.  A see future riflemen in the Campbell future!     

First time Appleseeder, Patrick went from a first AQT score of 80 to a 189 while shooting a centerfire 5.56.  Your time on the laser rifle shows the NPOA lessons are taking hold.  Patrick also ended Sunday by being the only shooter of the weekend to clear a red coat!   

On every AQT, father/daughter combination Tom and Angela always seemed to be within a few points of one another.  Examples are 190:191, 174:170, and 180:200.  Angela won the weekend with a high score of 200 and Tom was right behind her with a 190.  Nice shooting to the both of you!

Patrick, Tom, Angela, Mark, and Josh all qualified as "Sharpshooters"!  Keep working on NPOA (relax!) and the six steps and a riflemen patch is in your future.

Mike toughed out the weather.  His first AQT was a 77 and his last was a 152.  Jacob went from a 71 to a 154 and TJ topped out with a 167.  Nice shooting to all of you as you made steady progress throughout the weekend!

Earning a Rifleman patch at you first event is rare.  Earning one at your second event is an accomplishment.  Earning one at your third or fourth event is average.  Based on the skills demonstrated by these students, I see a Rifleman patch for each of them at their next event!

For reference, some of the instructors had itchy trigger fingers and sneaked into an open lane.  Mr. Zeke scored a 236 while your shoot boss shoot had a 226.  Applecore volunteer Homerange gave it a try and scored a 189!   

On Sunday, a dueling tree completion was held.  The team comprised of Tori, Joe, and Mike were the victors.  TJ, Angela, and Josh were second while Tom, Jacob, and Mark finished third. 

Thank you to all the students as your desire to learn, attentiveness, and persistence made this an enjoyable event for all the instructors.  I look forward to seeing you at a future Appleseed event. 

Thank you to the Marlette Sportsman's Association for hosting this Appleseed event.  This was a great venue and we look forward to returning again next year.

Finally, thank you to bogie, Pookie, T.Wolf, Mr. Zeke, Macula Mamma, and Homerange for donating your time and talents to this event.  The Appleseed instructor cadre are some of the best people you can ever meet and it is a pleasure to know and work with all of you.

Feel free to post your own and share any comments you have about this weekend Appleseed event.  Tell your friends or better yet, bring them to a future event!


Best regards,

Rangerat67

See this link for pictures!

https://imgur.com/a/Bg2dPWA

[Rangerat67]

Pictures!

[Rangerat67]

More Pictures!

[Rangerat67]

Congratulations Joe!

[Homerange]

This was my 4th Appleseed and first one as a blue hat. I can say I really do enjoy the program. The learning of marksmanship is very helpful when it comes to keeping coons and possums out of our barn. And the learning of of our country history, fights for freedom, sacrifices made  and being made so we have the right to get together and send lead downrange.
I look forward to helping in my capacity with other events.

[T. WOLF]

That was a memorable event!  Proud of our shooters for persevering through the nasty weather with positive attitudes!  Congratulations, Joe - it was great to see you make Rifleman on the final AQT of the day.  Your focus paid off.  Excellent progression from all of our shooters at this event - I hope to see you all on the Appleseed trail again.   Thank you, Marlette Spotsman's Association for the hospitality - it's always a pleasure being there.

[MrZeke]

Any weekend at the range is a good weekend.
Add in a healthy dose of history, and you have the makings of a great weekend.

The shooters SHOWED what it means to persist.  From weather, to equipment, to "helpful" neighbors adding hits on targets they stuck it out and the scores showed.

So many building up to that ellusive 210, continue to perservere and you will earn it.  Keep practicing, transitions, mag changes, NPOA can all be fine tuned in a living room between events. 
Can't wait to see you cross the line at your next event.