Sturgis, MI, AAR, 10/2 - 3/2026, 25M Rifle Clinic

[MI-copperhead]

It was a cooler but pleasant Friday and Saturday for our Project Appleseed 25M rifle clinic at the St. Joseph County Conservation Club just north of Sturgis MI this year. 17 Participants showed up ready to absorb the instruction and history, 9 of these were first time attendees with 2 of those being their first time shooting a rifle. The first Red Coat hits count target showed that the instruction team of wingwrench, Pookie, Potato_Hole and copperhead had some work to do as only 10 shooters had 3 hits on any of the silhouettes. Our crew set to work presenting the Steady hold Factors, Six Steps to Firing the shot and Natural Point of Aim while adding personal coaching to assist our shooters in shrinking their groups. Interspersed with the instruction was our instructor's telling of the History of the First Day of the American Revolutionary War. All to soon, it seemed, our day was used up and Friday's second Hits count target was posted and shot showing some modest improvement for the shooters who didn't have to leave early.
After a nights rest 14 of our intrepid shooters returned for Saturday's instruction and the Hits count target revealed that Friday's instruction had payed off and 12 of our shooters had placed 3 hits on at least one of the silhouettes, with 2 of our returning Riflemen cleaning the target. Congratulations to Sirius Grey and Bruce for clearing their targets and earning a commemorative quarter, featuring the Surrender at Saratoga, from the Shoot Boss. Our crew continued on where we left off on Friday with more instruction and drills until it was time to shoot the day's first AQT. That AQT produced the first Re-qualification of one of our seasoned rifleman, as Sirius Grey posted a 242 for distinguished honors. A number of our younger shooters had to leave us for other events so we broke for lunch and Dangerous old men history before continuing with the AQT's.
Our second AQT re-qualified another returning rifleman, with Bruce posting a 211. There were no rifleman scores on the third AQT of the day but several shooters posted their best scores, with Bonnie coming agonizingly close to re-qualifying with a 208. Lauren was in the neighborhood with a 198 and first time Appleseeder Michael, posted a 185 shooting his centerfire AR. At this point we were down to a group of 8 shooters and the Shoot Boss divided them up into two teams for a Parker's Revenge fun shoot with each team containing a rifleman having to shoot from seated. Team Lamson camp out on top of Team Whittemore, 24 to 12, and got to choose prizes from the SB box of fabulous Appleseed stuff. The runners up also got to select from the price box as well. The last two AQT's were shot and only Bruce posted his highest score with a 224. We finished up the day with just 7 shooters but 3 of those were first time attendees, and everyone had 3 hits on silhouettes, and 5 got Morgan's Shingle including 2 of our new shooters. ( HUZZAH, Sheri and Michael)
We congratulate all of our attendees for getting of the couch last weekend and coming out to make a difference and learn the American heritage skill of marksmanship and our shared heritage of Liberty !
A big thank you to the St. Joseph County Conservation for the wonderful facilities to host an event at.
Thanks to Bruce our range liaison for getting us access to the range early and help in setup and tear down.
An even bigger thank you to Sirius Grey for the use of his travel trailer for our instructors to overnight in at the range on Thursday and Friday.
My instructor and AC team of wingwrench, Pookie and Potato_Hole have my undying gratitude for signing up and working this event and traveling some distance to do it. Thank you gentlemen.
I look forward to see everyone at an event next year.

In Liberty
copperhead

[MI-copperhead]

Pictures

[MI-copperhead]

More pictures

[MI-copperhead]

Even more pictures

[M16Mike]

It was fun, I learned a lot. Thanks for all the instruction and the help. I feel like I have a much better understanding of shooting rifles correctly now.

[Potato_Hole]

What a great weekend with an enthusiastic group of shooters!  I really enjoyed meeting and working with the great MI crew and look forward to crossing paths again soon.

[wingwrench]

Thanks to all for once again proving that Appleseeders are some of the finest people to be found, both shooters and instructors.

  I salute a couple of the shooters there for their tenacity and ability to I.A.O. (Improvise,Adapt, Overcome) some real challenges.

  A great couple days spent with quality people!!

  Bless you Thank you for use of the camper for a place to bunk and get some sleep.

[Pookie]

Great bunch of shooters, Sturgis is always a joy to work. Thank you Newel for the hospitality.