I just got back from the Ottawa Illinois Appleseed Shoot. It was a three day event, but I could only attend the Saturday and Sunday. The information I learned was highly valuable and beyond my expectations for the standard of marksmanship. I brought my newly acquired ar15 and put about 500 rounds downrange over the two days. The methodology for firing a shot was consistent and foolproof. I was taught how to make every shot in the same way, set up, find your natural point of aim (how to align your sights so your aim does not depend on inconsistant muscling), how to fire a shot and call it, and follow through to the next shot. Every detail in the process of firing a shot was accounted for, there was no mystery to what the proper technique would be.
At the beginning of the course, I was shooting maybe 10 moa groups at 200 yards. By the end, I was hitting torso-sized targets at 400 yards, and making consistent head-shots at 250 yards. Not only have I improved, I learned how and what to practice. Future range time will not be wasted.
We shot many Army Qualification Tests, requiring a shooter to make shots from 100-200-300- and 400 yards, standing, sitting, and prone. Every aspect was covered in a clear consistent manner by the very informative and passionate instructors. Where I did not qualify as a "Rifleman" on the AQT's, I greatly improved my score, established a comfortable and unwavering process, and learned how the shooting of a modern rifle fit into the scope of American history. I think 8 of the 24 or so in my group took home the "rifleman" badge.
I would highly recommend this course to anybody, expert or novice, ar15 or .22 cal. They take everybody, and everybody learns, and everybody improves. I am going to try and attend the weeklong bootcamp in october.
there is more info here:
www.appleseedinfo.org
