What non .22LR would you take to a 25m Appleseed Shoot?

[PogoJack]

Vinnie, did you pass the AQT with the boltie? I don?t really care any the patch this time cause I?m taking a bunch of people. I have an American Rimfire with a scope. 5.56 would be cool but not in these times.

[Cal Lefty]

To answer the OP's questions:

What iron sights center fire rifle that allows sling manipulation would you recommend?

Would next best be an AR15 with A2 carry handle sights?

Thinking of using a 22lr CMMG kit on a sacrificial PSA beater and MBUS/A2 combo for the wife, though I tried it at the range and it was jamming like crazy with my Aguila ammo.

AK? SKS?

What have you done or seen at Appleseed shoots and who have you seen qualifying?

If you want to go iron sights, bravo to you. Just pick ones with a small peep rear and a system that is adjustable for elevation and windage. And make sure that thing is zeroed to 25 meters and you'll be okay. Like Vinnie said, it is easier with a magnified optic. Optics let you see the immediate effects of sling adjustments, natural point of aim adjustments, and application of steady hold factors on the actual point of impact which is valuable for learners.

I have seen some folks bring AR-style 22LR or ARs with 22LR adapters. Just make sure you are happy with the accuracy and reliability. Make sure your rifle will work with the GI sling.

Yes you can use .30 caliber, as the course of fire was originally designed for the M1903 or the M1 Garand. I have heard of people using Garands. I once saw a guy with a Ruger Mini-30. Some folks have come with .223/5.56. But realize that you will be firing upwards of 400 rounds in the weekend. And you probably need to practice on your own if you intend to make Rifleman. It's up to you if you really want to spend that cash. I think it would be fun, so if you're up for it, bravo to you.

Most people use a dedicated 22LR rifle. You can use a semi-auto or a bolt action. I probably would not recommend a takedown rifle. I would strongly recommend a magazine-fed rifle.

1/2" at 25 yards is nothing to brag about. That's about 2moa. Larger than 1/2" at 25 yards is embarrassing for a precision shooter.

Appleseed is often misunderstood. You are there to learn fundamentals of field marksmanship. This is standing, sitting/kneeling, and prone shooting. This is without a bipod, a bench, a chair, a pole, or a rest of any kind. You are assisted only by your knowledge, experience, skill, and rifle sling alone. You are expected to engage man-sized targets (20" wide) out to 400-500 yards. This requires accuracy of 4 MOA. Some stages are time limited so you have to shoot quickly. The limiting factor is usually not the rifle, it's the shooter. Are these fundamentals also applicable to the bipod shooter, the bench shooter, the "precision rifle" shooter? Of course. Another aspect of Appleseed is to reconnect with stories about colonial Americans and among other things, how they woke up in the middle of the night, traveled by foot up to 20 miles, and joined the fight.

The 25 meter Appleseed clinics are just the first steps. The targets are scaled to simulate 100, 200, 300, and 400 yards at the more convenient range of 25 meters. Once you understand the fundamentals, the next step is the Known Distance Appleseed events where you will take your rifle out to the actual distances with additional influence of bullet drop, wind, etc. If you can shoot 2 MOA prone consistently, you'll probably make Rifleman, but there is only one way to find out...