Author Topic: So you want to be a Cowboy--now what??? (Read 1185 times)

Cheyenne Ranger · « **on:** December 11, 2002, 02:36:24 PM »

I thought we could start out by discussing just what to expect when you finally try out Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS). Each of us can drop a nugget of wisdom for all to read.
I'll start: it really helps to have a mentor when you start out. Someone who can, sometimes, literaily take you by the hand and guide you through your first match or two.
Also, finding a club can be a challenge, so check out the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS) at www.sassnet.com for an idea of what it's like and clubs in each state.

Graybeard · « **Reply #1 on:** December 11, 2002, 04:03:59 PM »

For a long time I operated under the assumption there were no clubs in Bama. Then I got to checking on th SASS site and found four of them in reasonable driving range of me here. Figure one of these days I'l drop by and check it out.

How serious are they about folks dropping by for such a visit and to check it out having the proper attire and such?

I'll likely never take it up on a regular basis as I really have retired from competition and don't want to begin competing again but for some reason I kinda look on CAS more as fun than competition and think I could enjoy doing it from time to time.

GB

Cheyenne Ranger · « **Reply #2 on:** December 12, 2002, 01:25:57 AM »

Only been to our club but they welcomed me with open arms. This type of shooting is more of a socil club with shooting as a part of it, not the main part. My wife has even expressed an interest!!
The club members go out and have dinners and the like, all in period costume of course. I'm looking forward to going a bit of a different direction from my UPSPSA shooting--still keeping that up though.
Walt

ButlerFord45 · « **Reply #3 on:** December 20, 2002, 04:11:27 PM »

Ya'll shouldn't have brought this up, I promise I will TRY not to go on and on, but this is a subject very near and dear to my heart!!

First rule of Cowboy Action Shooting:

BE SAFE!!!

Second rule of Cowboy Action Shooting:

Have Fun!!!

Third rule of Cowboy Action Shooting"

Look Good Doing It!!!!!!

First, ya gotta find a place to shoot. http://www.sassnet.com has SASS affiliated clubs listed by state and dates of shoots, also NCOWS (National Congress Of the Old West) I know they have a website, but I don't know the url, try a google search. Go to a shoot, don't wait till ya've got two or three thousand dollars worth of guns, just go! These people will be unlike what you will find at most competitions, most are there for a social gathering where a shooting competition takes place. Take ear plugs, shooting glasses, 3 boxes of 38's or 45's (lead bullet ONLY) if you get the ones marketed as "Cowboy" you'll be good, and a box of 12 ga. 7 1/2 (6's are SASS legal, but some clubs further restrict shot size, 7 1/2's will get you through 'bout anywhere) target shells ( if you want them to look upon you with great favor take Winchester AA's, you'll see what I mean in a bit). Get in touch with the contact listed find out times, and directions any questions you might still have. Go to the shoot!!! Get there early!!!
Socalize!!! Introduce your self!!! I'll make no promises here, but there is a good probability some one will offer the use of a set of guns, or just share theirs. I normally have an extra of everything, just in case some new folks show up and wanna give it a try. If you have a Cowboy hat and or boots, wear'em! a western shirt??? You Betcha!!! If You travel in tennis shoes, shorts, tee-shirt, and ball cap, your gonna feel REEEL outa place when you get there!!! Most clubs won't mind, they'll just be pleased to share their good time with you.
While your at the SASS website read the rules, down load them, read the rules, print them out, read them again. There aren't a lot of safety rules, but they are adamate about those few. Then go over to the sass wire, log on, and post a querie about shoots in your neck of the woods. There are a lot of clubs that are not SASS affiliated that people will know about, ask on the wire, ask when you go to your first shoot, ask at your favorite sporting goods store, they may not know, but I bet they know about someone who does!!
Since I promised to try and keep this to a minimun, I'll stop now, any questions, I'll be happy to try and help or I've met some really smart people that CAN.
I won't be your concience, but as a suggestion for thought, when I used someone elses guns, I just left my brass and hulls with them (most reloaders LOVE Winchester AA's)
Last word GO TO A SHOOT!!!!

Butler Ford

Pecos Clyde · « **Reply #4 on:** December 29, 2002, 06:28:19 PM »

Walt I certainly agree with you about the mentor thing. I initially did not have one and likely would have made some different equipment purchases than what I did. I have gotten hooked up to a slight degree with some of the folks at Walker 47. Fortunately that store is only about 10 minutes from my house. I have gotten some good advice on many facets of the sport from these kind souls.....without a sales pitch mind you.

Again I agree with you about the essence of SASS being a social event or gathering that also has shooting. For many years I competed in handgun, shotgun and rifle competition. At most of those matches the majority of shooters were walkin around grim faced, tight lipped and so intent on pre-match concentration that they appeared to be in another dimension.

At both of the SASS matches I attended I was amazed at the "good mood" everyone seemed to have. Bein friendly, smilin, havin a great time, jokin around, and tryin to shoot their personal best. Once I saw the way they all enjoyed themselves I knew I was hooked.

Cheyenne Ranger · « **Reply #5 on:** December 29, 2002, 06:32:31 PM »

I agree, after attending my two matches I can see why it's one of, if not THE, fasting growing shooting sport.

Jose Grande · « **Reply #6 on:** January 01, 2003, 08:07:37 PM »

We affiliated our club with SASS about 1 yr. ago. We've been cas shooting 2 yr. or a little more. Some of us quit NRA Highpower to do cas. We have one heck of a good time too. :-)

Cuts Crooked · « **Reply #7 on:** January 02, 2003, 02:38:40 AM »

Butler, here's the addy of the NCOWS website http://www.swiftsite.com/ncows/index.htm They are more focused on authenticity and are not as widely distributed as SASS. But they are a great bunch to shoot with.

Graybeard, If you show up at a SASS shoot dressed in jeans, a long sleeved shirt, and work boots, you will fit right in! If yer there just to observe for the first time nobody will say a thing about regular street wear either. But the minimun clothing is always as noted above. (and yes, you can roll up yer sleeves, but it does have to be long sleeved)

SASS has room for those who are really into competition and room for those who are into having fun!, some folks who paticipate in SASS are really into the costuming thing, some aren't....there's something fer everyone! Just GO and give it a try! :-)