What does a new CAS club really need?

[leverfan]

Howdy, all.

I'm not especially experienced with what all goes into cowboy shooting events.  In fact, calling me ignorant would be putting it mildly.  However, some far more experienced cowboy shooters are showing an interest in using a range that's very near my home.  Just by virtue of proximity, and the fact that I'm a member of that shooting range, I'm being asked to track down info on getting things rolling at this range.  It makes about as much sense as naming me an NBA scout just because I have a gym membership, but what the heck.

Here are some questions I've got for all of you more experienced folks.  First, does a match have to take place at a SASS affiliated site, or would folks come out and shoot even if things weren't quite as formal at first?  What sort of start up costs are there when it comes to buying steel targets and such, for a fairly basic set of stages?  I know you need to have electronic timers at events, but is it really necessary to have a lap top computer with scoring software?  Could folks get by with a clipboard and a pencil?  I've been getting mixed messages from a couple of cowboys that (hopefully) don't frequent this forum on GBO.  Rather than start any scraps on other sites, I'd like you folks to give me some feedback from your own experiences.  What do you really need to get a new posse off and running?

Prompt replies are welcome, as the initial "sales pitch" is supposed to be made by me to a club officer later this week, along with sounding him out on the club's insurance, availability, etc.  He's an old aquaintance, so he'll probably forgive me for my ignorance, but I don't want to waste his time (I guess I'll waste your time, instead ).  

To me, one of the biggest stumbling blocks would be the current paying members of the range.  Some may welcome cowboy action, but many may be ticked to find that the range they payed good money to join is being hijacked once a month by non-members from parts unknown in strange garb.  The only matches currently held at the range, to my knowledge, are Garand matches, and they don't conflict nearly as much with the hunters and target shooters just getting in their range time.  It sounds like a cowboy match would bring all other activities to a halt for a full day.

[KSR]

( First, does a match have to take place at a SASS affiliated site, or would folks come out and shoot even if things weren't quite as formal at first?)

No, one of the funnest and most laid back shoots around here is one that
is not SASS affiliated. It gets a very good turn out.

(What sort of start up costs are there when it comes to buying steel targets and such, for a fairly basic set of stages?)

It all depends on what kind of targets you get, from a couple hundred dollars
to a few thousand.

(I know you need to have electronic timers at events, but is it really necessary to have a lap top computer with scoring software?)

One timer for each stage, and all scoring can be done the old fashioned way.
But after you start getting 40 shooters each match you will want a computor.

(What do you really need to get a new posse off and running? )

A couple of guys that are WILLING to PITCH IN AND WORK.

(To me, one of the biggest stumbling blocks would be the current paying members of the range. Some may welcome cowboy action, but many may be ticked to find that the range they payed good money to join is being hijacked once a month by non-members from parts unknown in strange garb)

But at 10 dollars per shooter with part of the money going to the club and
part towards the Cowboy Matches, most people will like the extra targets
and supplies that you will be helping the club purchase.

Plus most would find it alot of fun to shoot cowboy expecially if you have
a free club member day to introduce as many as you can to the sport.

Have fun and good luck.

[Singing Bear]

Target costs will depend on how many stages y'all plan on shooting.   The range we started with, and our present range, only has enough room for 3 stages.  Our target acquisition is based on what we need for those stages to accomodate the required 4 guns.  We use poppers, falling plates, regular hanging steel targets and IPSC targets, much of which can be homemade.

Like KSR said, one timer per stage.  One backup is a good thing also.

We use a public range run by the state.  Our club is SASS affiliated.   We also have our own liability insurance, which may help with the host club knowing that their insurance won't be used for any liability issues concerning the CAS club.   This helped us a bunch with our first range which had a host club and is required at our present range.

[Holiday]

I also believe that, while not ideal, a stop watch can be used in lieu of a timer.

[Cheyenne Ranger]

Our club makes a lot of their own steel targets.  Several members do welding for a living and help out as needed.  We still have the problem of targets getting bent in from all the hits (not many are mine, though) but they do the job and can always be flattened or replaced for minimum cost.

Might want to see if you have some folks like this in your neck of the woods.

Paper and pencil along with a calculator works wonders.  

Let us know about any more questions.

ÇR

[leverfan]

You guys are sure helpful.  It's too bad none of you live anywhere near me!  If anyone thinks of anything else that you think I should know, I'm all ears.  I'm too ignorant to know what I should be asking, so just throw anything out there that comes to mind.

Thanks a bunch.

[Prof. Fuller Bullspit]

If you have to start cheap I would get enough steel for one stage and a timer. Then you can do demonstrations at the club to recruit members.  Then add steel as you can.

I think a small club could get by with enough steel for three stages. Start with three then if you want to shoot more, shoot the same steel laid out for the first three stages but write different stage directions. That way you can have 6 stages with three stages worth of steel.

This will work until you get too many people on a possee. Around here it seems to me that you need about 15 -25 people on a posse. Less than that means that you have to scurry to have counters, brassers and shooters.

As has been stated, the thing  you need the most is a core group of goon natured volunteers who will help out! Then you need shooters.

Good luck! I wish I was nearby because it sounds like fun to start a club.

[Cheyenne Ranger]

Our posses run about 13-15.  We usually have most pitch in and do something.  I usually go for brass picking as that's the most disliked of the lot.  
Figure I can complain in the newsletter as I have done my fair share.  Actually it just seems to pull everyone in when you start off working and others join in.

Some kind of website/newsletter is good to keep people in touch.  Even emails will do in a pinch.  

cr

[Cheyenne Ranger]

Well, it had to happen; a couple of weeks ago I dropped a primer pick-up tube and all 100 primers went BOOM!

It dropped from about 4 1/2 feet onto a wooden floor and after the smoke cleared this what was left:



Took some sharpnel in the lower legs and a hit on my cheek and glasses; ears rang a bit, too.

All in all, not too bad other than I lost 100 primers and a tube in the fun and games.

cr

[leverfan]

Well, it had to happen; a couple of weeks ago I dropped a primer pick-up tube and all 100 primers went BOOM!

It dropped from about 4 1/2 feet onto a wooden floor and after the smoke cleared this what was left:

Took some sharpnel in the lower legs and a hit on my cheek and glasses; ears rang a bit, too.

All in all, not too bad other than I lost 100 primers and a tube in the fun and games.

cr

CR, I want you to pick some lotto numbers for me.  You've got to have some good luck sometime, don't you?  Picking winning numbers for someone else might fit right in with Lady Luck's M.O. where you're concerned!