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It's incredible how much you don't know you don't know 
After a couple of years of @Kimber Custom offering to comp my entry fee, and a couple years of me saying I'd try to make the next one, I finally made it out to an Project Appleseed event this past weekend. I felt the need to do a short write-up to let others know about my experience.
I didn't really know what to expect when I signed up for the class, only that the course would supposedly teach me how to shoot more accurately and that there was a historical component to it. At the beginning of the course we were told about the Project Appleseed organization, went over a bit of history, and were given basic instruction on the format of the event. It was after this that I realized how much more this was than simply an instructional course. Not only did we learn how to shoot more accurately, we also learned what it takes to be a rifleman. As someone who loves our history, the 2A, and the constitution, I found the (unexpected) historical information on the revolutionary war period fascinating. Honestly, I'd probably pay just to listen to the stories
A confession here; my knowledge of and experience with the AR15 platform is comically lacking. Those who assume the owner of NWFA must be an expert should have seen me this weekend! Wanting to improve my familiarity, I opted to take an AR15 rather than a 22. I'm happy I did, as I now feel much more comfortable (and accurate) with the AR15 platform, but I do feel I might have got more from the class if I'd have brought a 22 without the distraction of the recoil. After this weekend my thoughts have shifted from tactical rifles and accessories to accuracy and proficiency with a 10/22 (which I'll bring to the next event). I want that Rifleman's Patch.
I'm not sure if it was the number of rounds (400), the transitions from position to position, that I've never fired from prone in my life, or that I must be out of shape, but I can't remember the last time I was this tired and sore (I consider this a good thing!). Don't let this scare you though, each and every part of the class was optional. People with medical conditions or those who didn't want to do a particular drill were more than welcome to sit out, and this wasn't conveyed in a passive-aggressive manner at all. Every volunteer there (their staff is all volunteer) was friendly, helpful, and safe.
Over the course of two days I went from this (83 points):
To this (207 points):
Clearly there is much work to be done, but that improvement is astounding.
One point which I and others in attendance couldn't get over was the cost - only $60 for two full days of instruction! This has to be the best training bargain out there. In short, it was a fantastic experience and I can't wait to go again.
After a couple of years of @Kimber Custom offering to comp my entry fee, and a couple years of me saying I'd try to make the next one, I finally made it out to an Project Appleseed event this past weekend. I felt the need to do a short write-up to let others know about my experience.
I didn't really know what to expect when I signed up for the class, only that the course would supposedly teach me how to shoot more accurately and that there was a historical component to it. At the beginning of the course we were told about the Project Appleseed organization, went over a bit of history, and were given basic instruction on the format of the event. It was after this that I realized how much more this was than simply an instructional course. Not only did we learn how to shoot more accurately, we also learned what it takes to be a rifleman. As someone who loves our history, the 2A, and the constitution, I found the (unexpected) historical information on the revolutionary war period fascinating. Honestly, I'd probably pay just to listen to the stories
A confession here; my knowledge of and experience with the AR15 platform is comically lacking. Those who assume the owner of NWFA must be an expert should have seen me this weekend! Wanting to improve my familiarity, I opted to take an AR15 rather than a 22. I'm happy I did, as I now feel much more comfortable (and accurate) with the AR15 platform, but I do feel I might have got more from the class if I'd have brought a 22 without the distraction of the recoil. After this weekend my thoughts have shifted from tactical rifles and accessories to accuracy and proficiency with a 10/22 (which I'll bring to the next event). I want that Rifleman's Patch.
I'm not sure if it was the number of rounds (400), the transitions from position to position, that I've never fired from prone in my life, or that I must be out of shape, but I can't remember the last time I was this tired and sore (I consider this a good thing!). Don't let this scare you though, each and every part of the class was optional. People with medical conditions or those who didn't want to do a particular drill were more than welcome to sit out, and this wasn't conveyed in a passive-aggressive manner at all. Every volunteer there (their staff is all volunteer) was friendly, helpful, and safe.
Over the course of two days I went from this (83 points):
To this (207 points):
Clearly there is much work to be done, but that improvement is astounding.
One point which I and others in attendance couldn't get over was the cost - only $60 for two full days of instruction! This has to be the best training bargain out there. In short, it was a fantastic experience and I can't wait to go again.
