Boy, this thread took a serious surge.
OK, let's start, centerfires are definitely OK. Our staff that will be there is pretty well versed across the board.
The 5 of us currently slated for Harvard should be able to answer your questions on about ANY rifle you an think of. AR, AK, M1, M1A/M14, M1 Carbine, FAL (both kinds), Dragunov/RomAK 3, Tokarev, Mosin, SKS, Mauser, Krag and many others.
Ruger 10/22 22" rifle (Wally World Special)? Yes, I have one. I like the fit and feel, but frankly, haven't shot it yet.
But, it shouldn't be any better or worse than the 10/22 Carbine or International, and I have some of those as well, thanks to a kind dealer in VT and a kind citizen in NH that donated them to the cause for trainers.
2 of those 10/22's are scoped, the International and the Rifle. The Carbines (4 of them) have Tech Sights. If I have any more come in this Spring, they may or may not have Tech Sights in time for Harvard. They would likely be scoped then.
We really discourage scopes that are higher than about 6 power max, with a 2-7, 2-8 or 3-9 power variable, on the lowest setting being the best. Why? Your groups may well show it to you. That 10/22 Rifle has a T-6 Weaver scope on it, and that's what it will wear long term.
We are a 501(c)3 Non-profit organization, and so you know, at many events, we don't break even. Our Instructors are volunteers, and most of the time get reimbursed for lodging and travel expenses, and get ONE free meal over the weekend. Needless to say, we believe in what we're doing.
Ross mentioned a reliable rifle. I'll second that comment. Reliability is far more important than zeroed. A good 25 meter zero is best, know that your zero may change, as you learn to shoot in the proper positions. If you're on the paper, that's good too.
I will say here that an Appleseed is NOT the time to do a "break in" of a new rifle. That tends to drag the line down, while everybody waits while you clean. If you've got a new rifle, and want to slowly break it in, do it well before you come.
Try to have enough magazines to hold 40 rounds. 4 ten round mags is best. 2 20 round mags works, as does enough M1 en bloc clips. We are distance limited, so I can tell you that you are going to be doing some rapid fire (shot every 3 seconds) exercises, including a few Rapid Fire AQT's (40 rounds, 4 to 6 minutes, all 3 positions and 4 simulated distances).
Take a visit to
http://appleseedinfo.org and check out what you should bring. Visit the forum while you're visiting. If you wish to join, do so, and if you have trouble getting accepted, let me know by PM here (it may take a day or two to get accepted). We screen every potential new member so we don't get people with multiple user ID's (yes, it has happened).
Oh, 8:30 sharp, and so you know, I'll be over at Concord, on the North Bridge at 6:00 AM that Saturday for the opening volley at the Minuteman Park. I had 2 relatives that stood on Lexington Green that fateful day in 1775 (and others that responded from other towns, but got there too late), and I wish to honor their memory. I wish it had been at Lexington Green instead, where they were.