Leaderboard

Thanks guys - appreciate your care in knowing my condition. All is good...I'm vertical and still breathing. When I got a penalty point from a Moderator for speaking frankly, I basically quit the Wire. I'll be at WR...say hi. Or if one of the Wire Wranglers want to take an issue up with me Face to Face...I'm up for that too! Take care and keep supporting your local SASS Clubs and local Gun Shops! Phantom

In to the wild blue yonder.... Leaving for Albuquerque tomorrow to fly to Charlotte on Wednesday. Should be there for about 3 months. I’ll miss the homestead, but I’d go to the ends of the earth to help my bride. updated 2-21 below

My girls wanted to get me this for Christmas 2018 - but between false modesty and not wanting them to waste their monies for a vanity; I declined. So when my girls asked me last year, "What do you want for Christmas?". I shocked them by admitting, that I really wanted to get a buckle to commemorate being honored as 2018 Jedi Gunfighter of the year. So finally after a long wait - here it is. I know pride is a sin; I just can't help it.

Our good buddy Noz and his lovely wife Lorrie stopped by our house this afternoon on their way back home. Great news - Noz convinced his therapists that he is now safe to resume driving a car! He had to demonstrate that he could drive all over Springfield with one of his therapists as a passenger in a dual control car, and upon completion was certified to continue driving. So last year's head bump appears to be officially resolved, and congratulations are in order!! His knee has been giving him some problems, so returning to the firing line is still a while off, until he can be sure of his stability. But he's working on it. I figured his Wire pards would like to know.

I just popped in for a few minutes to catch up on Saloon craziness. It’s an 8 hour drive from here to the Mayo Clinic for Carol’s tests. Went down Wed and came back today. Kinda tiring. Not to mention driving around the hideous megalopolis in that insane traffic!! Have to go back next week for more procedures. Hoping for good news and trying to remain positive but it’s pretty hard. Nice to be back in the country for a few days anyway. Thanks for all your kind thoughts and messages.

Just a heads up, to keep your heads down. For various reasons, I shot my last match in November, 2017. Things got a bit better, and I'm going to try it out again, tomorrow, at the Cajon Cowboys grand re-opening. This should be fun. Words of encouragement appreciated; please, keep the laughter to a minimum. Cheers, FJT

1 day old, pair of 3" pink birds heads 22lr on the way. (How can I load BP?)

I started SASS circa 2000, so I can't really post on the early years thread. But! When I started, it was not uncommon to shoot rifles at 50 yards or more, throw yourself on the ground and shoot from under a wagon, then clamber back up and run across a creaky bridge, or some such. We threw tomahawks, shot bows, and fished cartridges out of bean pots. Fun stuff, good times, and great folks. I've gotten to witness the evolution of Cowboy Action Shooting from those days, to the more modern speed racer matches, and had a great time, through it all. Here's a couple of favorite pics from the Pre-Modern era. Jump in! Cheers, FJT Lefty Longridge, Lusty Lil, Lead Dispencer, and Frederick Jackson Turner at "The Last Stand, in Florida. Circa 2003... Badlands Bud, Autumn Sky, and FJT at EoT...Perhaps 2005? Team Shoot; Boots Robb, J.T. Wilde, Evil Roy, Long Hunter, and FJT. Hell On Wheels, ca 2004? (There's a truly legendary video clip of the Top Gun Shoot-off Finals between BR and FJT. If anyone has it and wants to post it, the embarrassment has somewhat abated...) Swifty Swede (R.I.P.) and FJT, fighting over a plywood saloon girl's honor. That was one well-traveled prop, btw...! Rick O'Shay and FJT in the Top Gun Shootoff at the Northwestern Regional, ca 2004. FJT, Rattlesnake Wrangler (now Matt Black) Shotgun Boogie, and Colt Faro, Bordertown...several years back.

Phantom at the Winter Range Speed Raking side match.

If you know how many guns you have, then you don't have enough guns.

I like anyone with the spine to step up and state their opinion (even knowing it may be unpopular). I like Phantom. But like is cheap. What I respect is anyone who has the testicular fortitude to stick to their opinion in the face of loud opposition. Folks that (when they're not wrong) don't apologize and walk it back. Folks that understand that if it comes down to a choice between telling the truth or hurting your feelings - the truth should win out every time. I respect Phantom.

Not a question that I would ask or answer.

Of course I know the difference, one is cold and hard and the other you can get ivory grips for. Maybe you should be learning from me.

I asked alexa to put the tv on criminal minds and she puts the debate on....

Found on Facebook: $5.37! That's what the kid behind the counter at Taco Bell said to me. I dug into my pocket and pulled out some lint and two dimes and something that used to be a Jolly Rancher. Having already handed the kid a five-spot, I started to head back out to the truck to grab some change when the kid with the Elmo hairdo said the hardest thing anyone has ever said to me. He said, "It's OK. I'll just give you the senior citizen discount." I turned to see who he was talking to and then heard the sound of change hitting the counter in front of me. "Only $4.68" he said cheerfully. I stood there stupefied. I am 56, not even 60 yet? A mere child! Senior citizen? I took my burrito and walked out to the truck wondering what was wrong with Elmo. Was he blind? As I sat in the truck, my blood began to boil. Old? Me? I'll show him, I thought. I opened the door and headed back inside. I strode to the counter, and there he was waiting with a smile. Before I could say a word, he held up something and jingled it in front of me, like I could be that easily distracted! What am I now? A toddler? "Dude! Can't get too far without your car keys, eh?" I stared with utter disdain at the keys. I began to rationalize in my mind! "Leaving keys behind hardly makes a man elderly! It could happen to anyone!" I turned and headed back to the truck. I slipped the key into the ignition, but it wouldn't turn. What now? I checked my keys and tried another. Still nothing. That's when I noticed the purple beads hanging from my rear view mirror. I had no purple beads hanging from my rear view mirror. Then, a few other objects came into focus: The car seat in the back seat. Happy Meal toys spread all over the floorboard. A partially eaten dough nut on the dashboard. Faster than you can say ginkgo biloba, I flew out of the alien vehicle. Moments later I was speeding out of the parking lot, relieved to finally be leaving this nightmarish stop in my life. That is when I felt it, deep in the bowels of my stomach: hunger! My stomach growled and churned, and I reached to grab my burrito, only it was nowhere to be found. I swung the truck around, gathered my courage, and strode back into the restaurant one final time. There Elmo stood, draped in youth and black nail polish. All I could think was, "What is the world coming to?" All I could say was, "Did I leave my food and drink in here"? At this point I was ready to ask a Boy Scout to help me back to my vehicle, and then go straight home and apply for Social Security benefits. Elmo had no clue. I walked back out to the truck, and suddenly a young lad came up and tugged on my jeans to get my attention. He was holding up a drink and a bag. His mother explained, "I think you left this in my truck by mistake." I took the food and drink from the little boy and sheepishly apologized. She offered these kind words: "It's OK. My grandfather does stuff like this all the time." All of this is to explain how I got a ticket doing 85 in a 40 mph zone. Yessss, I was racing some punk kid in a Toyota Prius. And no, I told the officer, I'm not too old to be driving this fast. As I walked in the front door, my wife met me halfway down the hall. I handed her a bag of cold food and a $300 speeding ticket. I promptly sat in my rocking chair and covered up my legs with a blankey. The good news was that I had successfully found my way home. Pass this on to the other "old fogies" on your list (so they can have fun laughing, too). Notice the larger type? That's for those of us who have trouble reading. P.S. Save the earth...... It's the only planet with chocolate!!!!! Oops, did I send this to you already?

Since I have ancestors from that region, I can post this with impunity. What really needs to happen is to have the vowel-deprived Slavs intermarry with the consonant-deprived Pacific Islanders, that way things would even out.

Sawmill Mary and I broke out of the cabin yesterday and took a ride south to Salem Missouri basically to have lunch out and to watch for hawks and eagles. We were nearly there when I got a text from good shooting partner Jackson Rose. He had spotted an old Colt at a gunshop close to him. He sent pictures and major details. We had lunch as planned and headed to the gunshop with the old Colt. It would add some 90 miles to our drive. We made it to the small shop and asked about the old Colt. They brought it out from the office area. It came with Colt factory letter and a homespun holster. Long story long, we bought it without dragging our feet too long. The weather was changing for the worse We turned onto I70 into snow flurries that kept getting harder as we headed west. Anyway, here is what we brought home. Made in 1881 Frontier Six Shooter 44-40. Nickel plated. It originally had a 7-1/2" barrel. Now 5-1/4". The sight expertly installed. All numbers match except loading gate. The the hammer is late 1st generation or early second. The base pin is not correct for black powder frame. Here is the great news. All the inside parts appear as new. It locks up solid as a vault and is timed well. The nickel plate is excellent from front of trigger guard forward. Flakey and worn from trigger guard back. Basically, everything inside the holster is in great shape. Everything outside the holster is worn to worn away. Grips are some homemade handiwork. I'll probably make a video and include more details. Between the weather and no black powder 44WCF loaded, it may be a bit. Thanks to Jackson Rose for birddowging it for me.

I just wanted to share a new rig I just built for myself. Matt Black and I came up with the esthetic design a few days ago. The base of this rig is the Matt Black World Champion Gun rig. This is not for sale. I’m just showing it is all. It started as an idea Dylan and I both had. My crazy mind went to work on it and wouldn’t shut down until I built it. I kinda laid it all on the line with this one. I’ve second guessed myself worried it wasn’t good enough as it was being built. It all came full circle this evening though. I came to the conclusion that it doesn’t matter if anyone else likes it. What matters is that I like it and that it is a part of me. Starting with a blank canvas can sometimes be in itself a challenge and sometimes it all falls together. This in my mind is the best I’ve done to date however I will continue to challenge and push myself in the future. My good friends this new holster is called “The High Country” It starts as the Matt Black World Champion design with 14 oz overall leather weight. It is lined in the back with 22 gauge steel making it adjustable to your body and style. It has a 3/4 skirt, cut away at the back for unobstructed access to the gun grip, hammer thong, belled out top lip, wide rear spine, branded belt keeper, three point fastening system in the back. Those are some of the standard features on the Matt Black rig. Now comes the High Country embellishments. Basket weave tooling Engraved nickel spots Two toned finish Holster lip overlay with engraved nickel spots Holster bands with silver and gold plated slot concho held on by an alcantara strap and adorned with engraved nickel spots. 24k Gold plated (by me)star concho with 7mm Swarovski clear crystal. Built in screw knife holster basket weaved and treated with engraved nickel spots. Then I brought it all together with a black highlight around the perimeter. This brings together two worlds great looks and extremely high performance! Blending high function with class and style This one is built to last a lifetime and beyond. I absolutely love the way this one came out! i know there are leather hobbyists that are much better than I am but I had fun making this one! I am just glad to have a new rig for myself for a change!

I saw two today, that I just must share. They made me out loud. Feel free to post some you come across,

Having a Mitt with no balls.

The Gamer topic comes up ever so often and even recently but I did not want to interfere with that recent OP's thread so thought the following might be interesting to some. As many of you know I used to write having numerous articles make a few publications, a part of SHOOT magazine, and one particular website of period. The following article was published in The Chronicle in 2002. One can tell by products mentioned, it was "the ol'days". In fact, I was 57 and now still shooting CAS at 74. Judging by times mentioned, I had not even tackled the double duelist style of shooting, still trading off left gun to right hand....but definitely a duelist. In reading this old article that I inadvertently found this morning, I suggest the argument, if that, is still much the same in, at least my conclusion then. Note: An interesting connection to this article was that my late friend Wes Fargo began using the term "Time Shaver" himself in his gunsmithing tricks or perhaps he thought of it first, I don't remember. (Miss you Wes.) Article is lengthy as I was, and still am, rather "long-winded". Hope you enjoy. Time Shavers By Billy Boots 20282 LTG Although I have followed arguments and finger pointing about so-called “gamers” for three years, I have basically stayed out of discussions in writings and on the wire since I’m a disciple of the “The more you stir it, the worse it stinks” school of thought. After all, a gamer to some could be anyone who places above them. Truth is, I probably fall into many shooters’ eyes as fitting the mold of such a competitor for the simple reason that I often share the winners’ circle in the areas I shoot. Another justification for branding me with the g-label is that some of the shooting transitions and moves I thought “gamey” two or three years ago by some, I find myself doing today. I have henceforth accepted the fact that according to those definitions, by golly, I must be a gamer. But now the gamey insinuations by some have gone a step further, and I am bothered. I do not mean to suggest that all that toss this label about mean harm, but I do take exception to the charge that others and I might be negligent of, or lacking in, Spirit of the Game. Here’s where I must draw the line and wave hands as unacceptable. Agreed, there is a hairline percentage of competitors who have no regard for SOG, but gee whiz, it is such a small few, who cares? Besides, a couple of SOG penalties and that should educate them or send them packing. Better yet, if you see a negative SOG trend in a new shooter, especially younger ones, bring it to his or her attention that you do not think they are working within the intent of the scenario and that is not the cowboy way. What is lack of Spirit of the Game? I think of it as a tendency by a small percentage to go further than merely making a few “short cuts” when shooting a stage, to additionally placing far too little importance on assisting in posse chores. Yet, I get the impression that many shooters perceive that procedures and practices that get into the boundaries of competition and out of the ring of “childhood cowboy fantasies” are wrong for our sport. Hopefully, I am mistaken in my observation. In a quest to declare if I really have evil (gamey) intentions, let’s take a look at my attire and equipment, although you could plug in many fine shooters like Dan Nabbit, Pearl Hart, Sundown Jones, Single Action Jackson and hundreds more that have invested plenty in equipment and clothing (not to mention travel). Firstly, I am dressed to the hilt in period-correct apparel, looking more like a true cowboy in pre-1900 than The Duke ever looked, in garments bought mostly from match vendors and fellow CAS shooters. Leather consists of a custom-made holster rig by Big Ed and a contoured shotgun belt by Rimrock-- both fellows are fine leather craftsmen and big SASS supporters. I shoot fine-tuned revolvers in 38 special caliber. Why this caliber instead of the 45 Long Colt which some folks declare THE cowboy cartridge? With thirty years of shooting magnum cartridges, including a good diet of full throttle 454s, I assure you a match of even 38 specials will often make my wrist ache. But mainly they are my caliber of choice because to me they are the most fun to shoot, not to mention one of the most economical means of shooting available. I shoot firearms from companies who give me a little special attention and actually express that they appreciate my business. I use gunsmiths to tune my guns who I trust and have admiration for their work. Do these things make me a gamer? OK, now, how about the match. Let us consider this hypothetical scenario. Rifle is staged in corner about four steps away from door, shotgun on bar five steps right of corner. Standing in doorway at the buzzer you are to step forward and sweep five pistol targets with each revolver. You are to then engage three rifle targets with three rounds each. Then, finish the stage with four shotgun knockdowns. Simple instructions, right? Almost too elementary, but these directions are open to interpretation with little chance of a procedural call. Think about the stage and decide how you would shoot it. Am I a gamer if I stand in the doorway taking a little more time than another shooter to re-access the stage in my mind before taking a deep breath and nodding for the buzzer? Is it taboo for me to step close to my rifle so when I finish firing the last revolver shot I can be leaning to pick up the rifle as I holster the revolver? And, is it taking unfair advantage that I can be holstering one gun as the other is drawn? It is simply making use of both hands at the same time--hopefully, cowboys in the 1800’s had instinct to do the same thing. Since the stage instructions lack the phrase “no double tabs” nor do they describe the direction of sweep, I would probably sweep right then left which might save a hint of time but happens to be one of my favorite ways to make the run. I will even triple tap rifle targets, not sweep since it did not instruct. Is this a gamey trick? While on the way to the shotgun, I have procured two shells in my left hand-- one does not have to be weasel smart to figure this a good idea. I then snap the shotgun stock into the sweet spot of the shoulder, drop the two shells in, snap action closed, and whammo! Instantly action is broken open, chambers pointing slightly downward as the empty hulls fall out with a snap. Quickly the shotgun butt is back to shoulder as left hand is bringing up a fresh pair of shells. Bam-bam…stage is over. Most any cowboy shooter could do all this in less than a minute with slow movement, decent out of the box firepower, store bought ammo, basic leather, with little exertion of energy, and all left-right sweeps. Let us assume I conservatively shoot the stage in 36 seconds in my usual duelist fashion. Did I have fun? You dern tootin’! Did I cheat or abuse Spirit of the Game? I don’t think so, and I also suggest to you that I had just as much fun as a cowboy who did it HIS way, but twenty seconds slower. My ability to shoot the aforementioned stage in the thirties is due mostly to my enjoyment of some 20-30 thousand rounds of live practice annually, almost daily dry-firing exercises, schooling at Evil Roy Shooting School, getting tips from some of the best cowboy action shooters in the world (many I call good friends), and proper mental assessment of stage. Notice, I did not mention a regimental diet and heavy physical work-outs, a good idea and a tad of it I do; however, I also accept being guilty of a few bad habits at 57 years of age. The equipment I used possibly shortened my raw time by a few seconds, and several more seconds were shaved in time through mentally processing the stage beforehand and using proper transitions. Yes, done in order to surpass fellow competitors, but also to appease myself for all the practice. Is this unsportsman-like? We do still refer to this game as a sport, and a sport signifies competition. If you relate it all to early West, then let’s say the cowboy did it to win the gunfight. He might have been gamey, but he did not end up in Boot Hill. Many of the legends of the West such as Wyatt Earp and Tom Horn were known to have practiced their shooting skills. (Heck, I would like to think that if there had been an Evil Roy, Tequila, or San Juan shooting school near them, they would have wanted to attend.) I pretended as a cowboy about as frequently growing up as any shooter alive. I was spoiled with the newest of play guns since my family’s business had toys in the inventory. I was not big into baseball or football; I preferred “make-believe”, especially the fantasy of cowboys and gunfights. I also shot over twenty years of competition before I joined SASS. Other shooters and myself have that desire to win in our blood where others may not. Do those of us who shave time in thought, equipment, and speed due to the competitiveness in our veins, yet have the fantasy and costume, not have a place in this game? If any one feels that way, then try a match without a timer and see how many shooters show up month after month. I doubt it will prove worth your time in preparation. Nevertheless, I guess you would have a nice costume and plinking party, It is time for the whiners to get over it. The majority of the folks they're sneering at put our hearts, souls, and money into the sport by traveling to more matches and buying more advertisers’ equipment than most. And while we may play the game differently, it doesn't mean that we don't play fairly. SASS is a sponsor that is close to my heart, and I invest a lot with the peace of mind that the majority of members appreciate what others like me bring to it. So let us call my kind TIME-SHAVERS, not gamers. I’ll wear that title, and if the boot fits, you wear it also. But do not say I lack Spirit of the Game. SOG is also about friendship, sharing tips, loaning equipment, and being a good posse member. Ninety-nine percent of those folks in the winner's circle are all about that, as are most SASS members. After all that is the cowboy way. Reprinted from September 2002 issue of The Cowboy Chronicle, The Monthly Journal of the Single Action Shooting Society.

Had someone tell me we need more gun laws today. Yep, they were serious. They said we needed to do away with ARs and AKs and all those Army guns. It all started when she came into the break room while I was talking to a guy about buying his first car. This guy is 26 and just got his license. He's from californy. She asked why we had to be talking about cars and I said well, we could talk about guns. Oh she about crapped in the middle of the floor. Said shes never touched a gun and dont like them. After her tirade, I told her there's no real difference in those pesky army guns and any other semi automatic rifle. She said there should be a law against crazies having guns. I said, there is already. She said we just need more gun control laws. I said Chicago is one of the most strict places in the US for gun laws and they ain't helping them folks a bit. She said people don't need them. I said it ain't about need and wasn't her place to decide what I need. She said people shouldn't have them. I said people have drivers' license that I don't think should either but it doesn't make me right.(she had just talked about how she couldnt drive one of my company vehicles because it was too big.) She then said I've never had a wreck. I told her I wasn't talking about her specifically, I said people. Well, she just left the break room. The guy from californy, said he needed to get him a pistol. We may go shoot this weekend. I just had to vent. I've never met a die hard anti gunner in the flesh before. That one was enough. Phew.

6fu3maP.mp4

If I attended a match that were such sticklers for authenticity I wouldn’t return. If we want to grow the sport video technology should be one of our greatest tools to do so. If that young man shares his videos of his experiences with his friends and associates they may choose to join in. If I could figure out how to use my GoPro and editing I’d wear it every stage I shoot and nobody would care.

None! You want to grow the game and get young folks involved you have to use technology so let’s put the boomer mentally away.

Opinions vary. As I said in my earlier post, I use a camera on my hat, it's a black torpedo shaped camera, with black straps, on a black hat, so it blends in, more or less. As Warden said, there's the camera glasses. Another option would be a chest mounted go pro 'box' camera. No, none of these are period correct, nor are our safety glasses, hearing protection, gun carts, etc etc etc. And yes, I get that to some 'body cameras' for lack of a better term are not in the theme of the old west. However, they (more specifically the videos shot with them) are very useful tools. Both for instruction for the shooter, but also as promotion for the sport.

I have always thought that actors, athletes, musicians and entertainers should not be listened to in any regard when it comes to politics or people’s rights. Think about it. You have an individual with a talent that has nothing to do with real life espousing their beliefs and feelings onto others that give them credence simply because the can bounce or throw a ball, run fast, play a mean guitar or they are attractive and can fool you with their abilities to “act” but not actually “do”. I like Clint Eastwood’s characters but I doubt I would actually like him as a person. His political opinions are worthless to me. The last person I would ever trust in this world is a person that makes their living acting like something or someone they are not. Which is also why I distrust politicians...all politicians, not just the ones I do not agree with.

Here is the link: https://twitter.com/i/status/1206291944411926532

The Rossi is still a good rifle. Is it a race 73’? You know the answer to that already. You absolutely can get started AND enjoy the game with one. If it were not for a Rossi 92 I would not have afforded to start the game. I can get you a brand new Rossi 92 blued carbine in .357 mag, tuned and with lever wrap for $750 delivered to your FFL. If interested drop me a line at deucestevensllc@ gmail.com . (Note to the wire vigilantes I’m a SASS Affiliated Merchant) PS, just checked and I also have 24” octagon available in blued or stainless but the price goes up a bit.

Shot my first 1st place Outlaw match. WooHoo kR

Same here ... I try not to think. Once you start people will expect you to keep thinking.

Yeah, well, hot or cold all you have is a wide awake drunk.

Defending the Heritage February 8, 2013 at 5:52 AM · "My Captain shouted for us to 'fix bayonets!'....I told him that mine 'Wasn't broken'; Then the 1st Sgt said that I was 'special'...; and that's why I'm on picket duty...again..." Unknown Confederate soldier

I just got tickets for the whole family to see President Trump when he comes through my city in a few weeks. Regardless of how you feel about the man, he is the president.

Mark this day down, ladies and gentlemen, because Alpo is on to something. So there I was...testifying in court. The answer to the lawyer's question was rather complicated. Neither "yes" nor "no" would be the whole truth; it took some detailed explanation. When I tried to answer, the lawyer shouted me down and repeated the question. Repeat this process three or four times. Finally, I turn to the judge and ask, "Your honor, permission to depart from the truth?" Incredulous and glaring over the top of his glasses at me, he boomed, "OF COURSE NOT! YOU ARE UNDER OATH, OFFICER!" Me: "Well then, your honor, kindly inform the counselor to allow me to tell the WHOLE truth, because neither 'yes' nor 'no' is a complete and truthful answer. It's much more complicated than that, and if he keeps shouting me down and cutting off my answer, my answer will be a departure from the truth." The defense attorney, seeing that I had played him like a fiddle in front of the judge and 12 members of the jury, tried to save face: "PERMISSION TO TREAT THE WITNESS AS HOSTILE, YOUR HONOR?!!?" Judge: "Absolutely not. Counselor, you're the one being hostile. Let the officer give his WHOLE answer! Officer, please give your whole answer."

via Imgflip Meme Generator

I also believe that Billy Long was the one that grabbed DJT on his way out and had him sign his tie! I would rather see an elected official have a little fun with the President as opposed to the sour pucker face that was behind his left shoulder during his address!

Hi there . . . . I was selling guns . . ( is that a sacrilege ? ) . . . probably . . . but . . . Anyhow . . . I had taken a realistic look at my financial future . . . and realized that I had too big a percentage of my net worth tied up in Guns, . . most of which I was not using. They were nice guns and I loved them .. . but just too many. So I carefully figured out which ones I could part with, and proceeded to list them on the classifieds. I’m happy to have reduced my inventory of guns and happy as well that all purchasers got a good deal and are happy with what they received. Wolfgang . . . .