Port Townsend, WA - AAR - 2-3 November 2024

[CaptainRebop]

This chilly November event was a perfect time for all of us to reflect on the spirit of the American Revolution, to remember the sacrifices of those who gave their lives on April 19th, 1775, and to refamiliarize ourselves with the responsibilities we all have as Americans.  Ten dedicated patriots joined us to learn more about our shared history and embrace our American heritage.

I guess I should mention that we also taught them a thing or two about shooting.

Our shooters showed up with varying levels of expertise, but from their first sighter squares it was apparent this was a focused and determined group.  For some shooters this was only their second time shooting a rifle, and yet across the board they started out with 6-8 MOA groups!  The entire instructor team was thrilled at how quickly everyone applied the skills we were teaching, and we were able to stay ahead of schedule most of the weekend.

Even with such an advanced group we saw huge gains in everyone's marksmanship.  At the beginning of the weekend most shooters were able to score 3 hits on our 100 or 200 yard Hits Count silhouettes, and by the end of the weekend most of them were clearing the 300 or 400 yard silhouettes!  Fully half our shooters cleared the last Morgan's Shingle of the weekend!

I am very pleased to announce that we get to welcome 3 new Riflemen to the cadre!  Congratulations to Brett (212), Matt (215), and Landon (229) on earning your Rifleman patches!  Chris also posted several (re-qualifying) Rifleman scores, proving that he has not lost his edge.  Well done!

Even more exciting, we also get to welcome a new Distinguished Rifleman to the cadre.  Not only did Ian post a Distinguished Rifleman score (240) - he did so after we had to remove several points due to a neighbor 'helping' him with Stage 3 of the AQT!  Ian was extremely consistent, clearing every single Hits Count target we posted this weekend and earning a RARE Washington State patch.  Our hats are off to you, sir.

The rest of our shooters are nearly there!  Everyone else this weekend scored between 180-208, and they are all knocking on the door of a Rifleman score.  Folks, with a little more dry practice and some time getting comfortable with your NPOA and Steady Hold Factors, you will be ready to take home a Rifleman patch at your next event. 

To all of our shooters this weekend:  Thank you for being an attentive and safe group of shooters - but thank you further for being a group of Americans who are dedicated to improving themselves and who are continuing the proud American tradition of marksmanship.

A special thank you to Jefferson County Sportsmens Association for hosting us this weekend.  Shooters, if you're local to the Port Townsend area, please consider a membership with their facility.  They are one of our most supportive ranges in Washington, and without their members and range staff we couldn't have brought this event to you.  If you enjoyed our event this weekend, please let them know by sending an email to info@jeffersoncountysportsmen.org.

To Iborche, Manofwords, Mike AKA Bandaid, PNWCarrier, and tionico:  Thank you for everything you give to this program.  You are some of the most inspirational Americans I know, and it is a privilege to work with this team to wake up sleeping Americans!

Now, I've been saving the best news for last: Pictures, and New Volunteers!

Dan (PNWCarrier) joined us for his first event and did a great job as Line Boss, RSO, and coach on the line.


Brett (Manofwords) decided to take on a new hat color after joining our cadre of Riflemen!



CaptainRebop tells the First Strike of the Match:


Mike AKA Bandaid covers IMC with panache:


One of our shooters was feeling "Locked In":


Matt scores Rifleman!


Landon scores Rifleman!


Our line of shooters receiving coaching on Prone Steady Hold Factors:


The Shoot Boss smokes Morgan's Shingle - the old fashioned way:

[Mike AKA Bandaid]

Students were like sponges! And they participated too! When we had them chorus at first it was softly, by the second day they were chorusing back with feeling.

"Turkey Neck and Cheek weld gives us?"
"Sight Alignment!"

This may have been one of my favorite groups to teach. And the "cease fire"? It was like they froze! We did not have a single late shot. NOT ONE! You read that right. They would even chorus the cease fire as well. I blame it on the shoot boss.