For those looking to earn a “Pistoleers” patch through expert marksmanship, check out the Appleseed schedule for a pistol clinic.  Similar to the rifle clinic, the pistol clinic focuses on speed, accuracy, transitions, reloads, Strong hand & weak hand shooting techniques.

I really want to do one!

Gonna try to make one in May

I wish otherwise but nothing offered within 300 miles where I live.

Sadness.

Patience, my friend.  The pistol program is very much still growing.

I had no idea this existed! Looks like a few options close-ish, will have to try to get out to one this year.

Bumping this... Keep an eye on our state schedules folks... I see more winter pistol events in the future, especially in the northern part of the country.

Much easier to shoot indoors with pistols.  First indoor Michigan events for pistol we be at Fenton, we'll be getting some dates firmed up shortly for late 2023/early 2024.

I just shot a pistol clinic today, my first Appleseed, and would highly recommend.

There is another pistol clinic in October at the same location that I’m already trying to fit into my schedule. I’m signed up for rifle in August and am really looking forward to it.

I did not shoot well enough to earn a patch, which I’m okay with. My shooting did however improve a huge amount from the beginning of the clinic compared to the end, which is really what it’s all about.  I got a couple of takeaways from the instructors that I’m super happy with and I’m looking forward to practicing them.

The history lessons about the three strikes of the match were fantastic. Coincidentally the Mrs and I are spending our vacation this year in Lexington and Concord so that made the clinic that much more fun. Sadly she has zero interest in firearms but the vacation plans are her idea.

OP, I’m guessing from your screen name that you were the shoot boss today. Two thumbs sir!  You guys did a great job with the instruction, safety, and history lessons. Thanks for volunteering your time to share all of that with us. This will hopefully be the first of many for me, and hopefully will leave the next with a patch.

Very interesting, didn't know they had a Pistol course! Very curious about courses of fire.

I've shot in 3 Appleseeds, have yet to earn a patch.  Ironically I feel I am a much better long gun shooter than I am a handgunner...so....  

(None in my AO.  But, they're out in CO, which I never mind traveling to.  Might be a vacation idea for next year!) (Also looks to have some in IA and AR, so there are some options)

While I've done Appleseed Rifle events for many years, I attended my first Appleseed Pistol event this weekend.  

The class makes no assumptions and works hard to get everyone up to a level playing field as quickly as they can.  There is a fair amount of discussion the first morning... and lots of shooting in the afternoon.  Round count is 500 for the weekend.

We had some excellent instructors.  Matt is an up and coming instructor who recently bested Scott Jedlinski at the 2023 Tac-Con competition.  Steck is very experienced, having taught over 90 Appleseed events.  The range facility was excellent, although overhead cover did not extend to the pistol firing line.

Texas is experiencing some extra heat this year and the day was scorching.  Temperatures reached 108 degrees heat index (in the shade).  Texas Appleseed is now recognizing such things and will be sending all those who endured the Caliente Seed patch:



For my part, I also performed in the Sweltering heat and both made a perfect score on the "Hits Count" Redcoats and also earned my Pistoleer patch:



Looking forward to Appleseed eventually offering a Distinguished Pistoleer recognition.

It sounds like you REALLY earned those patches!  108...  dude.... Well done!

I had 102 in Albuquerque over the weekend, but we had shade on the firing line.  We, too, had Caliente patches.

An important thing to note, though, is that the Caliente is not an official Appleseed patch. It was cooked up (see what I did there?) in the Southwest region, and any shoot boss is welcome to participate, but they don't come from Appleseed.  It's just something some of Shoot bosses have chosen to do.  I only mention it so that others don't go to a shoot in the sweltering heat and ask, where's my Caliente patch?? Their shoot boss may not be among the handful that participate.


*** on a hilarious side note, the photo you linked to of that patch was taken by me, and it's in my hand

Thanks for the photo, LOL!  I'll post my own when I receive it.

I’m glad there is a pistol focus being added. Many people have a pistol daily. Actual training and skill is crucial. It is more than just having a gun.

Patch earned along with an Appleseed challenge coin against the T-shirt provided at the event:

I practiced up on these Pistol Targets - The Quick and Dirty Part 1 & Part 2 before the event.

Please note that Stage 1 is now shot in 10 seconds without the reload.  Stage 1 is now very similar to The Test