Thurmont, MD Pistol Clinic AAR - Dec. 10-11, 2022

[kniwolf]

Another great weekend at TCSC in the books!  9 students made the pilgrimage out to be on the line for this two day pistol event on this cold December weekend, including quite a few repeat students!

Saturday morning's hits count target showed that there was definitely skill present, but we also had some work to do.  The class stayed attentive and soaked up all points of instruction, even though it was blustery and sub 40 degrees for most of the day on Saturday.  All were attentive and asked plenty of questions with BBQ_Bandit's telling of the 1st Strike.   The end of the day Saturday wrapped up with my telling of Sam and Sam, and some significant improvements on the hits count target (but alas, no one was able to hit that darned button).

Sunday started off colder and wet, but that wouldn't stop our students from persevering!  The morning's hit count target showed significant improvement over the prior days' efforts, and I knew that I would be handing some patches out. 

We started off the morning with a PQT (with many to follow).  Afterward,  ProgressNotPerfection gave a rousing 2nd strike in her debut history presentation and had many students engaged in the story throughout.  Lunch brought on the 3rd strike, and In between PQTs we also covered a lot of ground with the Onion of Self Defense and holster considerations.  Everyone showed significant progress throughout the day, and Alistair T. took high score over Scott K. on the Big Dot Little Dot challenge!

First to qualify was Scott K., who achieved a 211 with a 1911 chambered in God's Caliber!  He then switched over to a Kimber revolver and made a valiant effort on the next few PQTs.  Andrew C. took the highest score for the weekend with back to back quals of 234 and 225. 
Many other students came very close...Alistair T. was consistently in the mid 190's,   Bonard G. was also in the 190s club.  We also saw many scores in the 170s and 180s from Bobby H., Doug B., and David R.  That said, PQT scores aren't the only thing that matters - I'm so proud of the significant progress made by Bob G. and Donna H.!  Each and every one of you made great progress throughout the weekend!

The last chance at Pitcairn's button proved elusive, and despite the challenges presented throughout the weekend with the weather and parking, all the students ended the class on a positive note.  As I said earlier, I couldn't be more proud of the progress made by each and every one of you - you were a fantastic group of students to guide through the Pistol Clinic.

I highly encourage you all to practice what you learned with both live and dry fire. Working under the pressure of the clock is something that some practice can also overcome.

Lastly, thanks to the instructors on the line for this event, and the host Club, Thurmont Conservation & Sportsmans Club, for a great weekend on the line.  I also want to give a shout out to the TCSC volunteers that cooked the phenomenal grub that was offered during the Tri-State Shoot on Sunday!

Pictures are available in an online album here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/dpQxbVJQGfoMJJYi8 and will soon be posted to our Maryland Appleseed Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064405762810

I hope to see everyone on the line at a future pistol or rifle event!