Riflemen!

This is coolbert:

"To drop ten targets at 400 yards in less than a minute was regarded as good but by no means exceptional"

Here with some interesting stuff.

Appleseed!! Persons desiring to become expert shootists please apply!

An American private and non-profit concern, devoted to creating a "nation of riflemen" Persons, civilians, adept at firing military-style rifles at long-range, able to hit targets with impunity.

Firing high-power military style rifles in a rapid fashion, hitting targets at DISTANCE with ACCURACY!

NOT an easy task. A series of contradictions present and apparent. Distance and accuracy with power create dilemma for the shooter. ONLY the properly trained, experienced, practiced and knowledgeable can achieve such a goal!

Appleseed advocates:

* Using high-power rifles of the 7.62 NATO round or the 7.62 X 54R old style Russian caliber. "Inferior" calibers such as the 5.56 NATO [M -16] or the 7.62 X 39 Soviet [AK] are not favored.

* Riflemen are trained to hit a 20 inch [8.3 centimeters] target at 500 meters with accuracy and rapidity, an aimed shot being fired every three seconds being the goal!

* Riflemen firing from one of three positions [standing, sitting, prone], using a military-style SLING for support and steadiness!

Riflemen using the semi-automatic M1A1 [civilian version of the military M-14], the FN FAL rifle, or the Mosin-Nagant [7.62 X 54R]!

[Appleseed has overlooked the British .303 caliber SMLE rifle! This is a glaring omission. That quote from the start of this blog entry refers to British troops at the Imjin firing the SMLE! A guild of riflemen!]

"The Rifleman is a person capable of hitting 20 inch [8.3 centimeters] targets from 500 meters with standard, rack grade equipment and ammunition. The Rifleman does not rely on special equipment for excellent marksmanship, but on true skill and knowledge."

"For this reason, the 7.62×51 nato (.308 winchester), 30.06 springfield or 7.62x54r are preferred over smaller or more unstable calibers. The other common calibers are 5.56 nato (.223 winchester) or the 7.62×39. These are inferior because they are not as effective at longer ranges."

"Riflemen’s Cadence"

"The Rifleman is capable of delivering rapid, well aimed fire. This is accomplished through good position, natural point of aim, the Nine Steps to Firing the Shot, and cadence. Cadence is the Rifleman’s rhythm, delivering a well aimed shot approximately every three seconds"

Marksmanship of the rifleman accomplished using the NINE STEPS!

British soldiers from the era of one hundred [100] years ago would feel right at home during an Appleseed event. The "Lord Roberts" shoot where a Sergeant Instructor Snoxall would display his mettle is the type of thing the Appleseed movement seeks to emulate!

OR - - the Designated Marksman [DM] program of the U.S. military [a squad level marksman able to deliver accurate semi-automatic rifle fire on enemy targets at ranges up to 800 meters] OR a Dragunov would also feel "right at home" during an Appleseed event!!

Best wishes to Appleseed and good luck to them!! Their intentions are noble and worthy!

Personally - - it would be hard for an old-timer like me to SEE a target at 500 meters!

coolbert.