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Fred's
Articles
FAQ for the Nationwide Tour/AQT Rifleman Shoot
Fred, I want to attend, but I want to know the following, so I don't make a dope of myself:
Question: What do I need to bring?
Answer: Yourself, a rack-grade rifle, and 400 rds of ammo (you won't use more than 250, probably, but it's better to have too much than not enough).
Bring ear muffs AND ear plugs, especially if you're not used to shooting on a line with others. It gets NOISY. Doubling up on ear protection will take the sting out of being close to other shooters in rapid fire.
If you don't have one of our shooting jackets, bring a mat along with a soft towel to put under your elbows to keep them from hurting by the end of the day. Marksmanship is hard enough, without the distractions of "ouch" elbows...
But that's not enough. Bring a buddy, and carpool it. Particularly bring someone 20 or under, so they can get to shoot free, and we can get some young blood into the marksmanship game. It's a key part of the Appleseed curriculum. Your kids are important. They are the future of this country, and how you raise them impacts on the future of all of us.
As for the rest, bring food/drink for refreshment on the firing line, clothing suitable for the weather, etc. Usually there are camping facilities nearby, as well as motels. [In a pinch, might find you room on the floor of Fred's motel room - sorry, the beds are all filled :-)]
For a schedule of upcoming Appleseeds around the country, go to http://appleseedinfo.org/smf/index.php?topic=1043.0
Question: Is there gonna be any way I'm gonna feel like a fool or be embarrassed if I come?
Answer: No sir. There will be nothing like that on the firing line.
We are all there to learn to shoot. The instructors want you to learn, and learn well. So you can take what you learn home, and hone your rifleman skills. And so you can take what you learn home, and teach it to others...
Question: Can I bring a military bolt-action rifle, or is a semi-auto required?
Answer: There is no requirement that you bring a semi-auto, just like there is no requirement that you bring a center-fire. So you can bring a .22 for yourself or your kid(s). And you can bring a military bolt-action if you want, understanding that the rapid fire part of the course is much easier with a semi - but, hey, those guys back in the early 20th century fired the same course of fire with 1903 Springfields and if you're man enough, go for it. A rifle capable of rapid reload is more important than the type of action. Special rules will govern .22 rimfire shooters, who we're seeing a lot more of since the recent run-up in ammo costs.
Question: Can I only attend one day?
Answer: You can attend one day, but we sure wish you'd come both days. But even one day beats no day, right? So if one day is the best you can do, sign up now. Let us worry about it. Once you pay, you have your spot on the line. So get the pre-reg in, just to make sure you have your place on the line. If you can't make it until the last minute, call (336-879-2144, 8-10 PM EST) and we'll get you a spot, if we have to open another firing line to do it...
Question: I need to use a scope. Is that all right?
Answer: We don't care what you bring in terms of sights. It's marksmanship, and if you want to use a scope or aimpoint, or whatever, fine. If you can use iron sights, it would be better to use 'em, sorta like learning to drive with a stick shift - once you learn, you know how to do it. But sights are not a factor anyone is going to be worried about, certainly not Fred. He just wants you there, with all your friends, and your kids.
Question: Are you going to have stuff there for sale?
Answer: Not planning on bringing anything except maybe some AQT/Guides for those who want to take a set home to practice with. You can order stuff, and within reason we'll try to bring it, saving you shipping... We will have RWVA patches, "Rifleman" badges, "Rifle Instructor" badges, and RWVA membership cards for those who want to sign up as Associate Members and participate in the CMP M1 Garand Purchase Program. The Appleseed AQT Rifleman Shoot meets the marksmanship requirement for a Garand purchase.
Question: Do you have room for volunteers?
Answer: If you have experience running a range or a match, let us know, and we'll gladly integrate you into the proceedings. Every bit of help is appreciated, and you'll benefit as much as we will.
Question: I understand we're gonna be there not only to learn to shoot, but to learn to teach others to shoot. Is that gonna be hard?
Answer: No, it won't be. It may play a few games with your mind early on as you're trying to learn, but also trying to learn to teach others, but we're going to simplify it by emphasizing basic marksmanship skills on Saturday, and focus more on the teaching of others on Sunday.
On top of that, everyone will leave with an informational package on how to set up a range, how to run a match, how to call a line, how to teach others, even suggestions on how you get others to the range. We want you to go home and be successful at teaching others, so we're gonna do all we can to help you out. You betcha!
Question: Is it gonna be stag only, or are the ladies allowed?
Answer: Ladies are not only allowed, they are welcomed! In fact, we have at least one "lady" instructor. And be polite to her, for she can knock a man over at 500 yards, with a thirty caliber, every time! In other words, she's been through the course, and knows what she is about. If you can beat her on the AQT, you're holding up your end for sure - big time.
Any other questions, email. Hope to see you at one of the shoots. |
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