There will be an Appleseed event at Memphis Sport Shooting Association next month on September 25-26. It is not sold out yet. If you haven't heard of Appleseed it is a two day rifle marksmanship and heritage event where you will hear the events of April 19, 1775 and also learn a great deal about rifle marksmanship. April 19, 1775 is the day the Revolutionary War actually kicked off. It is a very interesting story and one you don't hear much any more, esp not in schools if you have younger shooters.

This event will be a 25 meter event but don't let the range fool you. You will be shooting at reduced silhouettes that represent full size targets at 100, 200, 300, and 400 yards. You will shoot from standing, sitting or kneeling, and prone. There will be timed strings of fire with reloads. It is a challenging course and can prove humbling. But don't worry, there will be instructors there to work with you. You will learn how to turn your body into a solid shooting platform, and use natural point of aim and rifleman's cadence to place fast, accurate fire on target. You will also learn a lot of other info like range estimation, and the easy way to zero your rifle quickly.

You can use any rifle but with the ammo situation the rimfire is probably the best choice. A Ruger 10-22 with a scope or Tech Sights and a GI sling is probably the perfect Appleseed trainer. No rifle? No worries. Loaners are available on a first come, first served basis. If you have shooters under 18 years of age, 22 ammo will be available at the event at cost. Also, the Smith and Wesson MP 15-22 has been reauthorized for Appleseed after some safety issues.

I can't say enough good things about Appleseed. The history is great and if you put the instruction into practice you will be able to hit a 12" plate at 300 yards with a centerfire like ringing a bell from field positions. It is a great time and if you have younger shooters it will really ground them in the fundamentals and safety. Plus they will learn to run their rifle like a pro. If you are an experienced shooter you will still learn a lot. When I did my first Appleseed I had spent years with a rifle in my hand all the time. I had killed a train car load of game and hit prairie dogs out to 500 yards. It greatly improved my shooting.

It is a lot of fun too and something your kids won't forget. Don't take my word for it though. Check out this article from Ash Hess who rewrote the Army marksmanship manual and see what he has to say about Appleseed.

Hess Info

Take a few minutes to peruse the Appleseed website. Check out "How to Prepare" and click "Find an Event" to sign up

Appleseed Home page

This event sold out and we raised the limit. If you are trying to sign up and discover it is sold out again, message me and I bet we can squeeze you in.

You don't need fancy equipment and we can put you on a rifle if you don't have one. So come on out and become a Rifleman instead of just a guy with a rifle. You will be glad you did.

Rifleman here.  GREAT events.  Very fun, very educational.  Highly recommend.

Just  2 slots left. Come on out and spend some quality time with your rifle.

One more bump. Two guys cancelled so there are still 2-3 slots left. The weather is looking fantastic. Still have some loaner rifles available. Going to be a large time for sure. You would be crazy not to come.

I'll be there!

Way to be!

‘The guy with a rifle’ instead of a rifleman describes me perfectly. I’m mid 30s, hadn’t shot anything other than a BB gun until I was in my mid 20s, and I’ve still never had any formal training. Just saw the news you can use a 15-22 yesterday and immediately signed up for October event in Cleveland. I’m excited, can’t wait.

Will I be alright using magpul buis on my 15-22? I was looking through the checklist, looks like I need to order a sling and some kind of bag or case too.

You will have a great time and learn a lot! BUIS are ok. A lot of people like a scope. It is actually easier to learn with a scope then switch to iron. A simple 4 power is all you need for Appleseed. The Simmons seem to be the best cheap scope.

You can get a USGI sling a lot of places for around $20. The Ammo Garand ones are quality. Not sure what hardware you need to attach it to your rifle but shouldn’t be too hard to figure out. Good idea to have a case.

Glad to hear you are signed up. Best time of the year to do it