First Cowboy Action Shoot

[Morne]

So I finally made it out to a Cowboy Action Shoot yesterday. Drove down to Mt. Vernon to shoot the monthly main match with the Ohio Valley Vigilantes. It's only $15 for a one day pass or $20 to join the club, so it is quite affordable.

I was not the only newbie there. There were a couple others, too. Fortunately, these folks are very welcoming and encouraging. I had some issues with my shotgun extracting shells so after 2 stages of trying to wrestle with it another shooter, Slow Movin Ron, loaned me his shotgun. Of the six (6) stages we shot I managed to shoot two (2) of them "clean" which means there were no misses at all.

The stages typically required 10 revolver rounds, 10 rifle rounds and 4 shotgun shells. I used my .38 special lead handloads and only had one instance where a primer needed a second whack.

Getting a stage briefing:


Cowboys at the loading table:


My mentors for the day Old Smokey (left) and Slow Movin Ron (right):


Downrange view of a stage, notice the knockdown steel targets with the reset ropes:


The start of the stage...your cowboy line to tell the timer you're ready was, "It's a lead offering...":


Here you see the rifle laying center, shotgun left while the shooter is on the right engaging the revolver targets;


Shotgun for the knockdown steel targets:


Emptying the shotgun after clearing the stage, smoke lingering in the air:


It was a riotous good time! I got to meet the famous bullet maker "Doc Adams", too. If you get a chance go see one of these wonderful events. I'm sure I'll be shooting CAS again sometime soon.

"Doug Grave"
SASS # 102100

[Sky Pilot]

Well done and delighted you Cowboyed Up!
Been shooting Cowboy for years (when the work schedule allows!) and it's the most fun you can have with your clothes on!

[Sevens]

Terrific pictures! I'm going to re-load this thread when I get in front of a bigger screen. Looks like a heap of fun.

[MyWifeSaidYes]

My dad shot SASS for a while but didn't care for it.

There were a lot of 'silly' scenarios and a lack of skill (rifle targets set at pistol distances and pistol targets within spitting distance).

He sold his Beretta .357 Stampedes...I miss those guns.

I miss my dad, too...but, damn, I miss those guns.

[Brian D.]

My dad shot SASS for a while but didn't care for it.

There were a lot of 'silly' scenarios and a lack of skill (rifle targets set at pistol distances and pistol targets within spitting distance).

He sold his Beretta .357 Stampedes...I miss those guns.

I miss my dad, too...but, damn, I miss those guns.

Cowboy Action used to feature targets at a more challenging distance but things were simplified as you describe for a couple of reasons:

1) Less intimidation for newbies in the game.
2) Less time needed for each shooter to complete a stage. A six stage monthly shoot that draws say 75 competitors, plus throw in a few side matches, it makes for a long day. Especially in the summer, while wearing more clothes than most folks normally would. If a stage takes 25 seconds raw time on average versus 45, probably an hour or so will be saved conducting the match.

[Daniel Dodge]

Morne,

I was at the OVV match and in your posse. I remembered (just now actually) overhearing you say something about posting a report on an Ohio Conceal Carry site. So I did a search and found it here. I have my CCW and usually carry my non-cowboy Ultra carry, but I'm thinking about a small .38 cowboy gun for a backup.

I'm glad to hear you had a good time, CAS shooters are some of the best folks out there for treating others well and watching out for new folks. I started back earlier this year after a 12 or so year break and everyone helped me get up and running. I hope you come up and shoot with us again soon. If y'all got any questions or such give me a shout.

P.S. - I'm surprised that your camera did not break, because that ugly fella in brown pants and vest in the first two pictures is me.

DD