A Nation of marksmen? (Ruger Mini 14~ official 'Grok "ranch rifle")

Given the events in India, and the general downward spiral of public safety in an era of terrorism, this is something that merits some thought and attention. Says the Second Amendment,

A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.

Indeed. As has been demonstrated time and again, when certain tragedies occur in which people get killed with safety and security forces "en route," had there been armed citizens on the scene-- trained and able to shoot back-- perhaps the final tolls might have been less. It goes without saying that when an entire populace of honest law-abiding folks are well-armed and practiced in their use, any potential intruder must take heed. And sometimes, such weapons can become the instruments of freedom...

According to their website, The Revolutionary War Veterans Association (RWVA)  pays tribute to the events of April 19, 1775 (the "shot heard round the world")

"through awareness, learning & marksmanship."

To that end, they have created the Appleseed Project:

The Appleseed Program is designed to take you from being a simple rifle owner to being a true rifleman. All throughout American history, 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. This skill was particulary evident in the birth of our country, and was the difference in winning the Revolutionary War.

This country was founded and won by riflemen who fought and beat British forces. We invite all interested marksmen to learn the skills and techniques necessary to shoot proficiently; and then hope you'll participate in teaching and practicing with others so that together we can save this great land. Why you? Well, that's simple: if you're on this page we're betting you're a patriot, and we hope you answer the call.

What's a rifleman?

In short, a rifleman is an armed American, trained in the tradition of American Liberty. It's a man who has learned to shoot a rifle accurately — accurate enough to score "expert" on the Army Qualification Course. Until you can do that, you're considered a "Cook," unprepared and unqualified to carry a rifle on the firing line of freedom. But after attending an Appleseed AQT shoot, you'll have the credentials necessary to be a true rifleman, and will understand the critical need for defending freedom in this country.

The RWVA is dedicated to the Appleseed Program and encourages every American to learn to shoot.

I absolutely couldn't agree more. They have even gone so far as to define exactly the qualifications each and every "rifleman" should aspire to attain: