Rifle 125 (Basic Rifle) – Two Day Inaugural Event (Willisburg, KY)

Rifle 125 (Basic Rifle) Overview

Prerequisites: None

Estimated Ammunition Required: About 200 rounds/day.

Rifle Requirements: You will need a safe rifle chambered in your preferred caliber (loaner rifles are generally available; if you need a loaner rifle, please indicate such when filling out your ticket information). Magazine-fed semi-automatic rifles generally work best for our classes, but any other type of rifle (tube-fed semi-automatic, lever-action, bolt-action, etc.) can be used as well. Bring whatever rifle you have and we will work with you.

Required Equipment: You should plan to bring the following equipment to the event:

• at least two magazines for your rifle
• a way to take notes
• hearing protection
• eye protection
• plenty of your preferred method of hydration (both plain water and something to replace electrolytes you will lose via sweating is ideal)
• clothing appropriate for the weather (loose fitting clothing, especially around the neck, is discouraged as hot brass can lodge against the skin and cause a burn)

It is helpful that all ammunition be of the same type (i.e. same weight, manufacturer, etc) for this event. Our volunteers have identified several accessories that may be helpful at this type of event. Shooting will primarily be at 25 yards all day Saturday and Sunday morning. Sunday afternoon, time permitting, those who bring a centerfire rifle may have the opportunity to shoot steel targets out to 400 yards.

Optional Equipment: The following equipment is not required but may come in handy at the event:

• sling for your rifle (a US GI sling is preferred; loaner slings are typically available at the event)
• shooting mat, carpet remnant or similar
• hat with a brim (to deflect flying hot brass)
• folding chair
• lunch
• snacks
• sunscreen and/or bug spray

Loaner Firearms: loaner firearms suitable for use at this event are generally available but limited. Please contact the Event Director if you would like to request a loaner firearm.

Overview: This is our signature offering, based on traditional American riflecraft that teaches “Hits Count!” It is appropriate for a wide breadth of student skill levels. This course lays a sound foundation for students to shoot groups under time pressure from a variety of practical field positions. Rifle 125 includes classroom and range time learning to shoot rifles. Students learn:

• Rules for safe gun handling & range rules
• Rifle parts and operation & ammunition
• Shooting fundamentals: Five steps to firing each shot
• Natural Point of Aim
• Shooting from the prone, standing and sitting/kneeling positions to include use of the sling
• Introduction to Sight Adjustments and basic calculation of minutes of angle
• 25 Yard “Morgan’s 13” Classifier
• 25 Yard Rifle Qualifier
• Two Day Only: Intermediate calculation of minutes of angle for precise sight adjustments at all ranges
• Two Day Only: Introduction to Field Shooting, to include basic ballistics and live firing to longer distances (if the range facility permits)
• Two Day Only: As time allows, there may be additional opportunities to engage in challenging competitions to include the Rifle Qualifier, Classic Carbine Qualification, Battle Rattle, and/or Field Shoot

The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere

Hear the true story of Paul Revere’s famous ride and learn about the events that immediately precipitated the Revolutionary War. Paul Revere did not ride alone – many individuals played crucial roles in the events of April 19th, 1775.

This history presentation begins with alarm riders warning “the Regulars are out!” You’ll hear about the dramatic stand on Lexington Green and the “shots heard ’round the world” at Concord’s North Bridge. The tale concludes with harrowing life-or-death choices made along the 17 mile “battle road.”

This exciting tale will be woven throughout the day’s marksmanship events.

Win a Copy of “Paul Revere’s Ride”

Our history presentations are based on “Paul Revere’s Ride” by David Hackett Fischer, a thoroughly researched recounting of the events leading up to the historic skirmishes between Patriots and Red Coats at Concord and Lexington on April 19, 1775.

“The true story of Paul Revere’s ride is very different from the popular myth of the lone rider of the Revolution…This is a tale of contingency, with great events hanging in the narrow balance. It is the story of free people, making hard choices. Most of all, it is about America’s half-remembered heritage of collective action in the cause of freedom. When Paul Revere and his many friends alarmed the Middlesex countryside, they were carrying that message for us.”

We will be giving away a softcover copy of “Paul Revere’s Ride” to one lucky participant at this event.