Gainesville, TX - AAR - Jan 28-29, 2023

[Captain]

It was a fantastic weekend at the range at Goin Firearms and Shooting. This range is probably one of the most supportive of the Appleseed mission in the country; monthly events in rifle, pistol and known distance. Big thank you to GFS. Keep checking the Texas schedule to sign up for more events at this range.

Four first time Appleseed shooters arrived Saturday morning, along with seven Appleseeders from 3 states (both sides of the Red River). The flags were flying and we kicked off our day with the National Anthem. After that, we tore into a weekend of Liberty including healthy doses of safety, history and marksmanship.

" . . . the proper measure of the success of any Appleseed event. How many people hear the call, and take up the challenge?" ~ Fred (Appleseed Founder)

[Captain]

We worked all morning on the fundamentals of position, firing the shot and natural point of aim. It was chilly, and when we broke for lunch we all shared in a pot of chili and learned about the sacrifices made on April 19th, 1775.

Morning Safety Brief


The Regulars are Out


Afternoon included instruction in different shooting positions, more history and a first AQT (Appleseed Qualification Test).

Group Photo (Day 1)


We started to wrap up our first day when we realized that one shooter had made a 195 on his first AQT and wouldn't be able to return for the second day. We reopened the line to give him one more chance to qualify expert. It was worth the effort as he made a 218 and we joined him in a photo to celebrate the first Rifleman of the weekend. Well done.

Chris with his Rifleman Patch


After the close of Day 1, the instructors managed to get in shooting and then had a cookout at the range.

The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."― Edmund Burke.

[Captain]

Over night a cold front rolled through and Sunday started with temps at freezing, winds blowing and drizzle coming down. Temps continued to fall by the time we had shots down range, the Gainesville Winterseed was officially underway!

The morning started with AF5US showing the way with a clean Hits Count target and picking up a Saratoga Quarter


Lunch gave us a chance to warmup in the classroom, hear some great stories and grab some hot dogs.
Then the shooting continued. Our three remaining shooters made great progress. "Francisco" (newly registered on the forum packed up a little early to help cheer on his brother's shooting. "His names not Josh" persisted all day through the cold and showed big improvement. Our final shooter, got over the line and earned his Winterseed Rifleman's Patch. He was joined by 3 instructors who requaled and also added a Winterseed patch to the mix.


When we wrapped up the weekend, all shooters made impressive progress, there were two new Rifleman and three new Winterseed Patches earned by instructors.

It does not take a majority to prevail... but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brushfires of freedom in the minds of men.~ Samuel Adams

[Francisco]

I had an amazing weekend hanging out with all of you and learned a ton about Liberty and marksmanship! I didn't shoot as well as I had hoped but I'll be back! Already looking forward to my next event and learning even more!

[AF5US]

Loved having you out with us; you're welcome back any time!

I had an amazing weekend hanging out with all of you and learned a ton about Liberty and marksmanship! I didn't shoot as well as I had hoped but I'll be back! Already looking forward to my next event and learning even more!

[ScottInTX]

This was my first experience with Appleseed, and I can say you all know how to make a good first impression.  I met a bunch of nice folks, and received a lot of quality one on one instruction.  I look forward to seeing you all again, when hopefully it will be well about the freezing mark.  Thanks for a really great experience.

[AF5US]

Come back and help spread the message.  We have a nifty new hat set aside just for you! 

This was my first experience with Appleseed, and I can say you all know how to make a good first impression.  I met a bunch of nice folks, and received a lot of quality one on one instruction.  I look forward to seeing you all again, when hopefully it will be well about the freezing mark.  Thanks for a really great experience.

[ScottInTX]

Will do.  I'll see everyone in February, and I signed up for the Pistol Clinic in March as well.

[AF5US]

Awesome!

Don't take it too personally, but after last weekend I realized that February is one of those rare times where you won't see me.  I have a personal obligation that requires me to be out of town and I just can't miss it or move it. 

I'll see you in March for the pistol clinic though!

Will do.  I'll see everyone in February, and I signed up for the Pistol Clinic in March as well.