Palm Bay FL, RKD Sep 9-10, 2023 AAR

[TheMenace]

The weather cooperated for an interesting 100-yard Rimfire Known Distance event at the Port Malabar Rifle & Pistol Club Sep 9-10. I say cooperated because we had every imaginable scenario to challenge our shooters. Saturday was successful with three shooters scoring to earn their RKD tab. Kevin (Trident) requalified (42) and Cody (codyClemonade) earned his tab with a 42. Mike shot a 40 at his second Appleseed event to earn both his Rifleman patch and RKD tab. HUZZA!. Sunday the shooters were constantly chasing the wind dope. Scores were considerably less all around except for Mike who shot a 41 on the last AQT.

The Known Distance event offers a more in-depth look at the Three Challenges of KD Shooting than we can present in a one-hour lecture during a traditional 25-meter event. The KD is designed to introduce the shooter to the various aspects of trajectory and external ballistics, compensating for environmental factors, primarily wind, and learning the various options for shooting at known distances. We also subjected the shooters to a range estimation drill using their scopes as a tool to determine the distance to a known size target at an unknown distance.

The RKD requires a high level of commitment from the shooters. Multiple trips to the target lines, sweat, blood, and a few tears are the norm. It is soon evident if you come without your equipment squared away and your skills sharp. The takeaway, as always, is dry practice until you are efficient and economical in every motion. The three legs of marksmanship: solid position, Six Steps of Firing the Shot, and Natural Point of Aim must be ingrained.

Carlos and Dale, work on your skills and come back again. You too, can earn that RKD tab!

Thanks to Malabar and Sieggie for rounding out the instructor team. Great job guys!

Pictures available here:
https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAUodj

[codyClemonade]

Thanks to everyone who helped make this event a success! It's been a while since I attended a shoot, and boy was this a warm one. Thrilled to have shot the score. I'll be looking for a centerfire 25m event next, then a full distance KD!