Information:  The RWVA (Revolutionary War Veterans Association) is (per their website www.rwva.org): "The Appleseed Program is designed to take you from being a simple rifle owner to being a true rifleman. An American tradition, the rifleman has been defined as a marksman capable of hitting a man-sized target from 500 yards away - no ifs, ands or buts about it. This 500-yard range is traditionally known as "the rifleman's quarter-mile." A rifleman can hit just about any target he can see within that radius. Marksmanship skill (albeit with smooth-bore muskets) was particularly evident in the birth of our country, and was the difference in winning the Revolutionary War, right from the first day. "

My Expert: 

Chris Webb, an Army veteran of 10 years plus with a huge variety of experience with long range shooting, various weapons systems, as well as long range rifle competition experience.  Chris currently instructs with the RWVA and gives his time to coach a variety of people in developing their long range skill.  To contact Chris, email him at: oldgrunt33@yahoo.com for more information on the organization, or his coaching and mentoring programs. 

My Goals:  I will begin to work with Chris on fundamental shooting techniques to build my skill as a rifleman.  This fall, around September, I hope to be ready for a local or state level match to test my skills.  I am REALLY excited to learn some things and get to know some of the shooters that do this sport/area of shooting. 

Training Log:

Day 1 06/10/10:  Today I met Chris at USSA's 100 yard carbine range.  When he told me that is where we were to meet, I thought that we might be working at 100 yards.  I was wrong!  We never left the 25 yard line and Chris started me off with the basics.  I really liked how he did not assume I knew anything, and we covered rifle 101 from the ground up.  Most of the concepts I was familiar with, but had not been involved with for many years.  Chris really emphasized learning the proper position to fire a good shot, and he had me build and find my NPOA (natural point of aim) for each position he taught.  Using bone support rather than muscle tension.  He also helped me change my trigger finger placement and we worked a ton on breathing and finding my natural respiratory pause.  Chris left me with some targets, and guidance to work on my positions until we met for our next training session.  Great stuff, thanks COACH!