M14 Forum

cowpoke · September 22nd, 2011, 09:15 PM

I'm going to my first Appleseed shoot next month and I've decided to go big and shoot it with my M1A.

Tonight I took the scope and mount off so I can start getting back to the basics. I printed off some AQT targets and man, they get looking pretty small at 25 yds. I've always been just fine qual-ing expert with the M16 at 500 but I got a little doubtful snapping in on the AQT. I guess I'll just have to take her out and practice.

Any of you shot Appleseed with your steel and woods? Got any advice?

I'll be sure to post up my results....

Xsail · September 22nd, 2011, 09:34 PM

Well, if you shoot the M1A both days, for what you are going to spend in ammo you could trick out a pretty nice 10-22! Not sure what to suggest that doesn't apply to any rifle. Read the info on what to bring but the most important is a teachable attitude. It's a competition only with yourself. Good on you for going with irons...O.L.

charlie98 · September 22nd, 2011, 09:41 PM

I went with my Socom16 intending to use it, but decided to start with my Ruger 10/22 until I got the drills down, and the sling techniques down. That was sort of a love/hate decision... I don't really like my Ruger (It doesn't fit me very well) and the slippery butt kept sliding down when I was trying to shoot prone. I did get in the groove with slinging up and the breathing/cadence.

The 2nd day I switched to my AR... I thought it was the better choice over either the Ruger or the Socom. It was sort of a courtesy, too... the Socom is loud and I was next to two women trying to learn to shoot. I can really get around on an AR, and I did fine.

Definitely stick with the GI cotton web or nylon sling... it really is the best choice for what you will be doing. If you have a QD sling stud up front, that will help also (I do for my bipod, I just took it off and used it with the QD swivel... it made getting on and off the firing line much easier.)

Good luck, have fun! Let us know how you do and your thoughts on your Appleseed!

M1A's r BEST · September 23rd, 2011, 04:39 AM

I used my M1A at my first appleseed (Sept. 2006) and at the RBC I went to (Feb. 2007).

Ammo was cheaper then (paid $210 for a thousand rounds of S&B corrosive .308 ammo and cleaned the rifle every night and again when I got home.)

.22's are okay but nothing beats the feel (physical and emotional) of doing it with the big gun.

Make sure its properly cleaned and lubed. I cleaned/lubed mine after Saturday so it was ready for Sunday. With the move towards shooting .22's at Appleseeds these days I'm sure you'll get a lot of attention from the newer folks who don't have a .30 caliber rifle and will want to look at your M1A and ask you questions about it.

Don't forget the slling. You will need that sling to build a stable shooting position so that rifle hits where you want it to heat and doesn't beat you to death over the 350 to 400 shots you'll fire (maye more).

Good luck, have fun, bring an open mind, use what you learn, keep your Saturday morning redcoat targets to compare to your Saturday afternoon/Sunday redcoats so you can see how much you improve.

You'll most likely be tired/sore by Saturday afternoon and you may see your groups begin to open up. Try not to get frustrated (seen it happen often). Just take a break (sit out a couple of targets) and then get back to it. It would help if you practice moving from standing to sitting and getting back up, moving from standing to prone and getting back up and getting your joints/muscles used to doing that. You'll get sore if you're not used to it. Take an Aleve tablet (if you can) Saturday night and another Sunday morning to help with the soreness/stiffness.

Again, good luck, its well worth it.

bigbang · September 23rd, 2011, 07:15 AM

Gentlemen, couldn`t find anything about "appleseed" on google. Could you explain to a dump european what it is?
Wolf

Divepanama · September 23rd, 2011, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigbang

Gentlemen, couldn`t find anything about "appleseed" on google. Could you explain to a dump european what it is?
Wolf

Here's the link:
http://appleseedusa.org/

vanagonjon · September 26th, 2011, 10:42 AM

I will chime and and recommend bringing a 22 trainer with you. I have shot at several appleseeds and own a few M14 types, but I think that you are way better off learning the basics with a rifle that doesn't bark and growl at you and your neighbors on the line while trying to learn the ropes. Bring out the brass hog on Sunday afternoon after lunch and give it a go. Stay on the right end of the line if possible to keep your hot brass off of your fellow students.

The learning on a small bore will transfer to high power, keep your eye on the front sight and squeeeeeze the trigger!

Good luck
John

Xsail · September 26th, 2011, 11:04 AM

Unless you've got a .22 that's not reliable or severely doesn't "fit", and you can't consistantly shoot a riflemans score with a .22, you aren't going to do it with the big guns. No use in wasting the $$$ on ammo unless it's strictly for entertainment. A screw up is a screw up and it shows, no matter the caliber...O.L.

tmuenster · September 26th, 2011, 11:28 AM

+1 for shooting Day 1 of an Appleseed with a .22 caliber rifle. These are popular events and there are many folks squeezed in on the firing line. You would not be popular shooting the M1 on the first day of an Appleseed event.

Day 2 is a different story. By all means, take the M1 and do some shooting. Depending on the range where the Appleseed is being held, you may have 500 yards to shoot in.

I would definitely bring the recommended items to an Appleseed event. Practice the basic positions and loading/unloading mags. Most importantly, practice your safety procedures.

Appleseed events are very well done. You will learn valuable marksmanship skills and our nation's history. Appleseed training is as good or better than any firearms training I received in the military. I highly recommend an Appleseed event to anyone with an interest in firearms and the United States of America.

cowpoke · September 26th, 2011, 01:12 PM

I have a great .22 and I intend to go all Day 1 with it and, if feeling right, I'll pull out the big gun for Day 2. I think more than anything, qual-ing with the M1A is a pride and challenge thing ha. I'll pass or fail and have a hell of a good time either way. Thanks for all the advice guys!

pine snake · September 26th, 2011, 04:43 PM

do a quick search through the rifle competition forum here, lots of guys have posted regarding the appleseed shoot, check out all the pointers, there's a lot of good info there.

i just shot in my 1st appleseed two weeks ago, shot rifleman (217) on the 2nd day.

in the time between now and then i recommend that you practice with your equipment- gun, sling, magazines and mat, etc.-, in standing, sitting, prone, and transition between positions. i wasn't sore from all the moving but if you are familiar with the positions and your equipment it is two less things to worry about.

i shot with my 10/22 just for the sake of cost. i probably shot 400-450 rounds in 2 days.

have fun and be sure to give us a report after its over.

ps

Xsail · September 26th, 2011, 10:01 PM

That's good shootin Pinesnake. On average it takes 3 shoots for most to get their patch. It took me 2 because I was so out of shape and 45 years of bad habits to break! :) Follow through, what the hell is that! LOL My wife shot a 239 the other day, with a dislocated shoulder!....O.L.

M1A's r BEST · September 27th, 2011, 03:16 AM

Be aware that many people who use a .22 and then switch to a big rifle have some problems with flinching, jerking, etc. that results in some ragged groups. Then it takes you some time/effort to get over that before your groups tighten back up again.

The 25 meter shooting with a .22 is great for learning the fundamentals and cheap practice. Doing the AQT at 25 meters with that .30 caliber rifle shows you can put the fundamentals into use with that big rifle.

Doing it at full distance (100 yds. standing, 200 yds. sitting, 300 and 400 yds. prone - all with the same time limits, magazine changes, etc. as learned/practiced at 25 meters) shows you are on the way to being a rifleman.

As said earlier, learn, enjoy and grow your skills.

Wireman134 · September 27th, 2011, 03:30 AM

I don't even have the privilege of using .30 Cal. The shoot here at the Illinois State Rifle range restricts any larger than the mouse gun .223/5.56mm. Probably because some will be non members of the range and "newbies" with little experience with a rifle. I'd try it with a .30 cal if I use my hand loaded ammo or found some cheap surplus which ain't so cheap no more. If not, and I won't so my tricked out 10/22 gets the call.

RegularGolf · September 28th, 2011, 09:27 PM

I just did my first AS this past weekend; shot 212 on my second AQT. I felt I was most aided by practicing ahead of time with the sling, positions, and a lot of dry firing. I went with my bone stock 10/22 with Tech-Sights and M1 sling the whole day. I would recommend running the 10/22 until you get your patch and then switching to the M1A on at least one AQT. I wish I had brought mine just to do one of the AQTs with. Have fun and enjoy.