Sparta, IL World Shooting and Rec Complex, Mar 8-9 25M

[Geek]

What better way to spend a weekend in March than at a premier shooting facility with Appleseed?  We had a group of 5 shooters attend our inaugural event here.  We had a couple experienced shooters and a couple folks that were new to this.  The weather cooperated and we had a wonderful time.  On Saturday, we started off with quick introductions and a First Strike presented by ChuckA set the tone of our weekend.  After the safety brief, our first Hits Count Target showed we had a lot of opportunities for improvement.  As the day progressed, the instructor crew shared marksmanship and heritage with the participants.  By the end of the Saturday, we completed the first AQT  and got a great baseline for where we are.  The final Hits Count Target proved what we do works.  We went from no shingle hits in the morning to 4 out of 5 in the afternoon.

Everyone returned on Sunday for more heritage and to prove they knew what they are about.  Our first Hits Count Target, after the safety brief, was a good indicator the skills and knowledge stuck.  We reviewed everything covered on Saturday as a refresher and shot an AQT.  Larry was the first to break the magical 210 mark with a 214.  He requalified as a Rifleman and backed it up with a 219 as his high for the weekend.  Josh was able to hit 219 and distinguished himself a Rifleman as well.  We also shared some rousing heritage of events involving individuals' actions on April 19, 1775.  We were able to let our 2 youth experience an French musket by firing it at the 25M targets.  A special thank you to Flintlock54 to making that happen.  We closed out the weekend with a presentation of the William Diamond Patch awarded to Colt and Barrett.  Sunday was Colt's birthday.  What a great way to celebrate.

I want to congratulate all of the shooters for their improved skills.  Angela was our most improved.  She was new to rifle shooting on Saturday.  By the end of our first day, she was working the rifle like a pro. Barrett was our youngest participant and did a wonderful job of being safe and knowing when he had enough.

I want to thank the crew that put on this weekend of exceptional marksmanship instruction and history.  ChuckA, JHB, Peper 5150, Big John, and Flintlock54.  I appreciate the miles traveled to make this happen and the practice you all put into our craft.  Saving the country is a mission you all embody.

The host range, World Shooting and Rec Complex, is a one of a kind place.  3.5 miles of trap line for the world trap event in the fall is something to see.  They have opened their doors for Project Appleseed and we are grateful for the opportunity.  We already have the next event scheduled.  We will have a Ladyseed 25M event here in Nov.   

The last thing to note here is Hobbs.  Brian is the range manager at WSRC.  He is a supporter of Project Appleseed and was a retired IIT.  Hobbs took an Applecore hat and will be our local boots on the ground in Sparta.  He is a great supporter of our program.  I was honored to bring him back into the IL Cadre.

[ChuckA]

Huzzah    Mirrored thanks to all the Border raiders who made this event possible and a success.

Great shooters, fun weekend, joyous sunshine, and lots of Liberty!

[Big John]

Good shoot and great weather. The students worked hard.

Pictures will open up to full size when clicked.

[Jayshoneybunny]

What a great weekend! The sun was shining and rifles were being shot, what more could you ask for?  Our students were top notch and I left tired but refreshed.  I'm so glad that there are Project Appleseed supporters everywhere I go.  Great pictures.