We are the Revolutionary War Veterans Association (RWVA) and we offer a marksmanship program that we call Appleseed. The RWVA is a 501.c.3, tax deductible, non-profit, insured organization that is staffed by volunteers dedicated to reconnect the modern-day rifle owner to the American Rifleman heritage of the Founders of this nation. We do this through our Appleseed program, by conducting marksmanship clinics. Appleseed shoots are intended to take the participants back to the original struggles faced by the American Rifleman, back on April 19th, 1775. On this date, the average rifle owner grabbed his average, everyday muzzle-loader and defended his new nation against the most advanced military known at the time.

The American Rifleman did not have special equipment or special skills, just a standard muzzle-loader, fundamental shooting knowledge, and his heart. In the spirit of what these incredible “Citizen Soldiers” accomplished with their personal firearms, our Appleseed shoots require no special equipment. While the modern equivalent to their muzzle loaders would be a modern semi-automatic rifle -- much like the M1a, AR-15 or FAL -- participants could quite possibly utilize a Mosin Nagant, Springfield 1903, 30-30 lever-action, or even a 22LR semi-auto rifle. The point of the Appleseed shoots is not about shooting the rifle you wish you had, but learning to shoot well with the one you already have. We teach the modern rifle owner how to accurately and effectively use their rifle in field conditions -- no bench-rest, no bipods. These skills will improve the shooters’ shooting abilities, regardless of what rifle they have in their hands. Appleseed teaches the skills needed to be able to accurately shoot out to 500+ yards.

This skill greatly improves the shooter’s ability and confidence to shoot their rifles to their maximum effective range, like our Founding Fathers could with their firearms. Our goal is that these new skills and a renewed Rifleman spirit will motivate the Appleseed shooters to “spread the word”. That they would teach these fundamental skills to others, be inspired to actively promote the Second Amendment, and continue to honor and pass on the legacy of the American Rifleman that has been entrusted to us by our Founding Fathers. Preservation of our heritage, our Constitution, and our nation is the goal of the Appleseed program. Education in Revolutionary War history, of the legacy passed on by our Founders, and the passing on of marksmanship skills are the ways that we intend to protect and strengthen the Constitutional Republic that they have pass on to us. Appleseed shoots are a two day event, usually over a weekend.

The preferred rifle would be a modern semi-auto rifle, like the M1A, FAL, or AR-15, but Appleseed shoots are designed to give the shooter instruction on THEIR rifle, the one they have now. At any given Appleseed shoot, you will see M1a’s, M1 Garands, Springfield 1903’s, SKS’s, and modern bolt- or lever-actions. Since the bulk of our instruction takes place at 25 yards, with reduced-size targets to simulate 100-500 yards, many shooters bring .22LR rifles and gain valuable shooting experience with an incredible ammo savings (contact RWVA for information about the 22LR “Liberty Trainer”). Since our goal is to pass on shooting skills and a Rifleman’s heritage to those who can do the most with them, kids under 21 shoot and Military members shoot FREE.

The Appleseed shoots are a basic marksmanship training program that teaches students to shoot their own rifles, with the only restriction being that they are under .32 caliber and in safe working conditions. Iron sights are preferred, however, scopes/optics are allowed. The weekend course (one day attendance is allowed) will require about 400 rounds of ammo. The range/club provides facilities and range services, thus may collect a small range fee at the door, the RWVA fee can be paid on-line or at the door, to cover the cost of the course. RWVA hopes that you see the value in the Appleseed program, in strengthening our Rifleman heritage as well as supporting the Constitution and America. We thank you for your consideration in joining us in our efforts and look forward to partnering with you in promoting this worthwhile program. Please visit our web site for additional information about the program www.appleseedinfo.org

and please contact us with any questions that you may have.