Quick notes from my first Appleseed Shoot

I had the pleasure to shoot my first Appleseed this weekend. I’ll leave the more in-depth review to others who where there, but here are some quick things I learned.

• When they say you need a GI Sling, they mean you need an M-1 Garand sling, not some crappy 3-point you bought 5 years ago. The GI Sling has a loop in it that I can’t really describe (due to not personally having one) that allows you to disconnect the rear sling point and wrap it around your arm so that you get good support structure in prone. I didn’t have that, so I shot hasty-sling all weekend.
• QD Sling swivels are awesome. I also discovered that the rail-mounted sling adapter I’ve had for years actually has a QD sling point, which was neat. (It is this one, though I don’t see myself having paid $40 for it.)
• Use a 10/22. With a scope.
• When they say you need a shooting mat, they really mean a Shooting Mat–not a doubled-up comforter or some foam padding. My ribs started digging in about 2/3 of the way through day 1, and I have a visible bruise.
• Bring a bore snake and some CLP
• My abdominal muscles hurt today. I suspect that means I wasn’t doing something right
• My shoulder also hurts. 500+ rounds of .22 with no rubber pad seems to have taken a toll, though I’m not sure I’m ready to admit that. Also: I’m not as young as I used to be.
• From a training perspective, you can skip Day 2 if you’re on the fence about attending one of these events but don’t want to dedicate an entire weekend. There is no additional instruction on Day 2…just repetition. Go if you can, it’s useful.
• The history lessons were awesome.

The shoot boss told us that next year they’re planning on having some events at a range that’s about a half mile from my house. I almost qualified twice, so I really want to get back and do it.