I just wanted to throw this out there: The Appleseed program run by the Revolutionary War Veterans Association is definitely a worthwhile way to spend a weekend. I've been to their event twice in Manheim, PA and they now have one coming up a little closer near Philly.

The event is all about riflemanship and the importance of marksmanship in the Revolutionary War. You meet some great people there and learn some good shooting techniques as well as interesting history. Doesn't matter what your'e shooting - I've seen ARs, 10/22s, bolt actions, etc. In fact, they had an 11-y/o girl earn their Rifleman badge using a bolt action! Impressive, when you consider some of the qualification rounds are timed.

It's also apolitical and if you go political commentary isn't welcome, fyi.

 

It's $70/person unless you're female (free), 21 and under (free), active, Reserve or Guard (free), police officer (free), disabled (free), or a re-enactor in period dress (free).

 

Lots of information here: http://www.appleseedinfo.org/

 

My two cents.

I just wanted to throw this out there: The Appleseed program run by the Revolutionary War Veterans Association is definitely a worthwhile way to spend a weekend. I've been to their event twice in Manheim, PA and they now have one coming up a little closer near Philly.

The event is all about riflemanship and the importance of marksmanship in the Revolutionary War. You meet some great people there and learn some good shooting techniques as well as interesting history. Doesn't matter what your'e shooting - I've seen ARs, 10/22s, bolt actions, etc. In fact, they had an 11-y/o girl earn their Rifleman badge using a bolt action! Impressive, when you consider some of the qualification rounds are timed.

It's also apolitical and if you go political commentary isn't welcome, fyi.

 

It's $70/person unless you're female (free), 21 and under (free), active, Reserve or Guard (free), police officer (free), disabled (free), or a re-enactor in period dress (free).

 

Lots of information here: http://www.appleseedinfo.org/

 

My two cents.

 

What is the deal with one day versus two day instruction? Is one day lecture and the next shooting? Is the second day a repeat of the first?

I attended one a few years ago and it was a very worthwhile experience. I learned a lot about our history and the untaught heroes in American history. I was very pleased to have earned a Rifleman patch. I might have to do it again with my son this year. He shoots an AR pretty good. My only issue was the 25 yard zero. Kind of tough to get zeroed in for that short distance. But man, some of those targets are no bigger then a postage stamp. My favorite was getting head shots on British Officers sitting in the rear. Hit them with the first volley to leave the Red Coats leaderless.

 

I missed the first day and only showed up to shoot the qualifying round on day 2. If I do it again with my son, I'll do the two day event.

What is the deal with one day versus two day instruction? Is one day lecture and the next shooting? Is the second day a repeat of the first?

 

The first day they take you through all the steps at a reasonable pace, you get a chance to zero your sights and shoot at their "Red Coat" target as well as the "Quick and Dirty Army Qualification Target". Day two they go over the instruction again, but much quicker. Also, the focus is on the AQT - you get multiple opportunities to score "Rifleman" on the AQT. I actually shot the qualifying score three times (on day 2) and my son made it twice. We also got the opportunity to shoot at the 100 yard range at Manheim. Appleseeds at other locations usually have longer ranges for the entire event, but Manheim does it at 25 yards. Believe Wojo - the smallest targets simulate 400 yard silhouettes and are about postage stamp sized.

 

We earned the Winterseed patch, which is pretty nifty looking:

I saw Moose wearing an Appleseed Project shirt the other day, was wondering what it was about. Sounds tempting!

An appleseed weekend is about the best money spent if you want to shoot a rifle well. If u think u are a good shot now, go do a appleseed and be humbled. I did one last spring and did not make rifleman.... but I learned a ton. I have a review posted here on the site, search for it.

It is the best 70 bucks I have ever spent.

I like that Winterseed Patch. I might have to see if I can't take again with my son in March. Might be a little chilly for him laying prone...old sleeping bag time.

An appleseed weekend is about the best money spent if you want to shoot a rifle well. If u think u are a good shot now, go do a appleseed and be humbled. I did one last spring and did not make rifleman.... but I learned a ton. I have a review posted here on the site, search for it.

It is the best 70 bucks I have ever spent.

 

What rifle did you use? I was thinking about a 1903 Springfield. Possibly a Garand or an M1A? No scope, right?

I used a Mossberg 597, but I had a M1a with me. Most will alow you to shoot any caliber, optics or not. The goto setup is a Ruger 10/22 with TechSites. you really need a sling, one of the slide types so you can create a good triangle support. At least three mags and 500 rounds. Bring a shooting mat or piece of carpet.

I like that Winterseed Patch. I might have to see if I can't take again with my son in March. Might be a little chilly for him laying prone...old sleeping bag time.

 

Midway has some great mats for about $25. And wear snow/ski pants, they make all the difference. You don't want to get wet from melted snow. It's a lot of fun!

I used a Mossberg 597, but I had a M1a with me. Most will alow you to shoot any caliber, optics or not. The goto setup is a Ruger 10/22 with TechSites. you really need a sling, one of the slide types so you can create a good triangle support. At least three mags and 500 rounds. Bring a shooting mat or piece of carpet.

 

500 rounds of 30-06 or 308 ain't cheap, even with reloading. Maybe I should be bringing a 22LR/17HM2 instead.

you know... I had some great experiences at the shoot I attended. I got to shoot a Garand at 400yards. I got to shoot a .50 Steyr at 500 and 1000 yards. I made some great friends, learned how to shoot and learned alot about our history as citizens, free citizens and what that meant to the colonials. But one of the best things I took away from my experience, was the satisfaction of being able to hit very well with a 22lr up to 100 yards. I am not talking pie plate accuracy.... I am talking 2"x2" gray square at 100 yards. Try to hit that... without optics.

 

I need to practice. I might take the GSG out tomorrow to shoot.

500 rounds of 30-06 or 308 ain't cheap, even with reloading. Maybe I should be bringing a 22LR/17HM2 instead.

 

The RWVA's suggested setup, at least for 100 yards and under, is a 10/22 with Tech Sights and basic GI Sling. Optics are fine, but you really need a sling that will work in at least one of their taught configs, preferably as a "loop" sling (only the front is attached to the rifle, the rear of the sling is in a loop on your arm). Tech sights aren't cheap (for non-glass), but work much, much better than the standard 10/22 sights.

 

I used Wolf Match .22LR in a basic 10/22 with the sling and Tech Sights and was able to shoot Rifleman three out of four times in one weekend. This is someone who hardly gets to shoot and only started shooting two years ago.

 

Tech Sights: http://www.tech-sights.com/

 

GI Sling: http://www.appleseedstore.flyingcart.com/index.php?p=detail&pid=10&cat_id=

Thanks for the Tech Sights link. It look like I will be ordering a set for my Marlin for my son to use.

Midway has some great mats for about $25. And wear snow/ski pants, they make all the difference. You don't want to get wet from melted snow. It's a lot of fun!

 

I have a couple of shooting mats, but snow pants for him will be the ticket.

Will the flip long range peep sight on the M&P 15-22 work?

Will the flip long range peep sight on the M&P 15-22 work?

Absolutely! I used the same type on my AR. You'll want to use the smaller aperture if conditions permit.