Cameron, MO -- 4-4-2009

[Varmit]

Wow -- attended my first Appleseed -- in Cameron, MO on April 4th.

We had a good 40 mph+ tailwind to keep the bullets moving towards the targets,
and the swamp-like conditions of the field made for a nice soft shooting platform
that you could really comfortably settle down into.     

But kidding aside, it was a great shoot.  Despite the somewhat challenging weather,
me and all my friends had a great time, and we'll be back for future events.

The instructors were all top-notch and very easy to get along with.

But proof is in the pudding, as they say.  Attached is my target from Saturday morning. 
5-shot groups, labeled 1 through 4, show what Appleseed can teach you.

Group 1 was when we just showed up, and put some rounds down-range.
No instruction -- let's just see what you already know.  (Ignore the two
stray shots below group 1 -- looks like a target later in the day overlapped
and punched a few extra holes.)  OK, so it was wet, and windy, and cold,
so not ideal shooting conditions, but still, a 3" shot group at 25 meters
certainly shows room for improvement.

The following shot groups, 2, 3, and 4 show progression as we learned a little more
each time.  Use of a sling, 6 steps of shooting, and natural point of aim.  Took
about an hour that morning to get to the 4th group, which was now down
to about a 0.6" spread.  I couldn't believe it.

I didn't bother to score my AQT at the end of the day, thinking I wouldn't
be anywhere close to a qualifying score of 210.  But we all scored our targets
later on at dinner after we left.  Shot a 204.  Pretty darn close.  Most of the
stuff Appleseed taught me still seems awkward, so lots of practice is needed,
but I'm coming back for the 210 score -- you can bet on it.   

Can't say enough good things about this organization.  The history lessons
were great too.

[The Guy]

Isn't it nice when it all begins to come together?

[ben1775]

Glad you came out! 

That last group is a definite Rifleman's group (sub 4 MOA) and a 204 is only a couple days of dry fire practice short of the hallowed 210. I have no doubt you'll make it at your next AS and I hope you'll don that orange hat and share your knowledge with all those unknowing Americans who have never heard of any 6 steps or of Jonathan Harrington or Issac Davis or the multitude others who gave all so we might be free.

Look forward to seeing you out on the trail.

Ben