Project Appleseed Report - 4/18-19

Went to my first one this past w/e. Had about 28 or so shooters, from a 9-year-old to at least me (63), several girls, and (don't misconstrue this, I think it's relevant and important) a black couple. Everyone was as nice as could be, and we all learned a lot - both about the roots of the (1st) American Revolution and shooting techniques. More info at: The Appleseed Project

Click the "Schedule" link to find one in your area.

As for myself - I had fun....sort of... Found out that getting old, getting fat, being out of shape, and going blind isn't the ticket to success! Found I needed an optical assist - unfortunately, my 2 rifles with optics (can't count the '03 since it's a LN AND a bolt gun isn't the best choice for one of these matches) are both without slings. Next time, I'll be ready! Putting a new stock on my Mini-14 (Tapco) with Millett Redot and sling.

Otherwise, 2 people qualified as "Rifleman" (at least I'm no longer "Cook"!). One was that 9-year-old! Yes, he received certain "dispensations", but the shooting was all his!

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...100_1189-1.jpg

Course of fire was the Army Qualification Test, reduced to 25 meters.

10 shots offhand, "100 yards"
10 shots, standing to sitting/kneeling, 5 shots at each of 2 targets, "200 yds"
10 shots, standing to prone, 3 shots each at 2 targets, 4 shots at a third, "300 yds"
10 shots, prone, 2 shots each at 2 targets, 3 shots each at 2 targets, "400 yds"

Obviously, the "standing to..." required a reload - 2/8 at "200 yds", 5/5 at "300 yds".

Overall, I'd reckon that I fired ~450 rounds in the 2 days....and those "standing to...." transitions slap wore me out!

If anyone gets a chance, go try it! Now - I'm off for the Absorbine Jr and Excedrin PM!!!

It has been a long time since I tried any of this. In my case, I can get down into position from standing, however standing up again is another story. Thanks for the info and photo.

I did the Osage Beach shoot and earned my Rifleman patch on the first AQT Saturday. It was my second AS and I had a great time. I'd encourage anyone to do this for the history as well as the shooting skills.

The Appleseed Project is awesome! I took my brother-in-law, his 17 year old daughter (never fired a gun in her life) and 10 year old son (2nd time in his life) to the Birmingham, AL, event. I coached & they shot. There were 49 or 50 shooters. About 25% or 30% were under age 20. We were divided into 2 groups, experienced & beginners. Both my nephew & niece enjoyed the experience. I learned about Appleseed about a month ago from a flyer advetising the Birmingham event. My brother-in-law lives in Tennessee & from the website found two others a lot closer to his home. The kids will probably do another this summer.

The Appleseed staff was A-1!

I've looked at a couple-three of these events, and I have to say, they have evolved considerably....from a relatively useless "moral rearmament camp" with some HIGHLY "casual" shooting tossed in, to a solid marksmanship training course. While not as complete a marksmanship training experience as say a CMP Highpower Clinic, the last one I observed covered the bulk of the critical basics (NPOA, trigger control, sight alignment, sling usage (probably their weakest area....but they adjust the curriculum to the rifles/shooters in use) , and at least a hint that wind is something that you too can learn how to read and ultimately deal with!), all while keeping the HIGHLY diverse collection of shooters and firearms engaged and involved in the process.

The best yardstick? EVERYONE I saw was shooting significantly better when they left the event than when they arrived...and was quite enthusiastic about it!