Creeker, SASS #43022

What are they doing that impresses you? Are they selling product or image? And is there a difference between marketing a commodity (coffee) and an activity (SASS) Can we/ SASS replicate, duplicate or emulate it? Something they are doing has struck a chord with you - let us know what that is and how it could apply to our growth.

Anything is better than whining and kvetching that the sky is falling and "somebody" needs to do something. There are a lot of smart people playing this game. And a lot of them has already dedicated years to growing their local clubs, their annual events and by extension, growing SASS. All I'm asking for is a little spit balling. Maybe we hit on something; maybe we don't. If we don't; we are exactly no worse off than before this little exercise. If we do... Then I'll be the first in line to lead the charge. Some say it's a losing battle and no one is going to listen or change. That the status quo is good enough and if the game dies when we do, "So be it". But personally; I think tilting at windmills is far more satisfying than crawling in a hole and pulling dirt down around yourself. Don Quixote Creeker

I think if we limit ourselves in scope of search - we limit what we may find. I'm not sure changes "within" our game that only our current participants will notice will do anything to make us grow or bring in the next generation. That's why I don't believe moving the pistol targets out three yards further or doing the hokey pokey is the path to growth or that the cessation of same is the reason for our decline. I believe our future is digital. Networking, partnering and marketing. Exposure is the cure for most things. We need a strong YouTube presence. This presence needs to be done with a goal and direction to every piece of marketing placed upon it. A singular message about our game and invitation to participate. It's time that the Chronicle goes to video magazine format. This can be augmented and supported by linking to the myriad of independent channels - JediTV comes immediately to mind. We need a presence on other YouTube channels: Hickok 45, Yankee Marshal, etc. purport to be or to have been cowboy action shooters. They have millions of views and 1000's upon 1000's of subscribers - it's time to partner up or request their help. Wolf Bane is still appearing on TV regularly on various shooting shows. So we have a contact. SASS needs to step forward in cooperation with our firearms equipment manufacturers and importers to get cowboy action back on TV in some manner (a show, a segment or just Larry Potterfield talking about adjusting point of aim on a single action). We need a poster presence thru Scully, Ariat, Stetson, etc. in every Western wear and boot store in the US. Why is there not a single mention of cowboy action shooting in my local Boot Barn? They're selling the shirts to play the game - but not mentioning the game? If I purchase certain brands of firearm - I get literature to join the NRA. Am I getting the same pamphlet in every Ruger Vaquero, Henry, Uberti, Pietta, Stoeger, Rossi to join SASS? Isn't our survival in their best interest as well? Comic Con visitors and Video gamers are young and have disposable financials. A booth or exposure might do wonders. A pamphlet about SASS in Red Dead Redemption might gain a few eyes - especially in conjunction with a digital platform allowing immediate exposure online. If the six degrees of separation actually exists then many of us know folks in positions of power, influence or exposure. These folks may not have anything that directly connects to our game - but perhaps there are tangential connections that we might use to raise exposure? A spark in a rainstorm means little; but that same spark in a forest of dried timber can become a raging fire. We only need to see and pounce on the chance.

Ok, boys and girls... Unlike the past where members of the Wild Bunch bragged about their disinterest in the SASS Wire - we KNOW that Misty and others read the wire and from time to time respond. So here's your opportunity. If you think that SASS is on a slow decline toward obscurity... And.... You are appointed King or Queen of SASS; what steps would you take to turn cowboy action shooting around? I have zero interest in fatalism or "impossible". If your contribution amounts to, "Every one in SASS will be dead soon and the game with it" - please keep your comments to your self. But if you have an idea, a plan, an inkling - that might help our game survive and even grow beyond our current climate. Please share. Also please keep in mind that the finances of SASS are not infinite. Consider the financial, social and political costs of your idea. Lastly; please be civil. For all our differences of opinion; we all harbor a great protectiveness and love for this game - comment and adapt and alter others ideas if need be - but do it respectfully and with an eye on the prize. That our children and grandchildren and theirs as well; be given the chance to play our game - celebrate our heritage (SASS and the Old West of these United States) and to so freely.

Bull, hate to be the bearer of bad news... But as a concealed weapons instructor; your information, while commonly believed, is incorrect. In the state of Nevada; if the premises is posted with a sign that explicitly states "No Firearms Allowed", or even implies the same thru symbols (pistol with the line thru it) and you pass by in possession of a firearm; you are in violation of state law. This is a result of Nevada state public buildings/ grounds and private property open to public invitation (retail, restaurant, shop, bank, church, etc.) being held to the same standard. While I agree, that in most cases, the result of this occurance will be simply being asked to leave - the potential is present for police response, arrest and charges. If the premises is NOT posted (and not an understood prohibited carry location; i.e. private or public schools or public buildings upon public airports {excepting some very specific exemptions}) - you may legally carry (open or concealed). But then the person in charge of the property, still retains the right to request the person carrying to leave the property under trespass laws - but as long as the person being requested to do so leaves peaceably - under that consideration, there is no violation of any firearms law. And sadly with our current governor - the laws governing firearms use, ownership and carry in Nevada are going to become even more confusing with his allowance for local municipalities to enact their own laws (Nevada law has been that firearms regulations were enacted at state level - to avoid patchwork legislation and creating inadvertent violations with in-state travel).

My alias comes from growing up in Battle Creek, Michigan. When I had the opportunity... I dropped my ice scraper in the trash at Detroit Metro airport and said, "Never again". No matter how hot it may get in the desert Southwest; I never have to shovel it.

As a Las Vegas resident and poker player; I find myself walking past the newly posted firearms notice plaques in many hotel/ casinos. Since the Mandalay Bay shooting; a number of strip hotels have adopted various inconsistent rules regarding firearms on property. Some (the Venetian and MGM properties immediately come to mind) have adopted a knock and enter policy stating they may enter your room and inspect (for firearms) every 24 hours. They (and others) have also stated they will enter your room at least once every 24 hours regardless of posted do not disturb signage. As others have said; checking hotel websites for firearm policy and then following up by phone is the best way to determine actual information.

Have the match director announce at the shooters meeting that you need a couple spaces on a gun cart. When someone offers the space, (if you're able) offer to push their cart for the day. Easy trade off and most likely someone is willing.

At our monthly shoot this weekend; I was approached by a shooter that doesn't play with us much anymore. I lit up when I saw this shooter; because this man was an inspiration to me when I began shooting. This man is Irish Red; with his shamrock printed shirts and green felt hats - in the early 2000's, Irish was the Duelist to beat in Southern Nevada. I watched Irish Red and emulated him; taking his advice and guidance on shooting Duelist. I said often back then, "I want to be just like Irish when I grow up". With his help; I became a fairly proficient Duelist and won a buckle or two. I also watch Irish Red interact with other shooters and admired his willingness to mentor, advise and give of himself. I have tried to live up to the example he set as a leader and mentor; I have often fallen short of his level - but I always knew what I should be striving for. As we shook hands and caught up; Irish motioned me to follow him to his car. "I hoped you would be here this weekend" he stated as he opened his door. Reaching in, he removed a hatbox and handed it to me. Inside was one of Irishs custom felt hats; this one a green derby with red feather custom made for Irish Red with his name and SASS number inside. "What is this?", I ask. Not entirely sure why I'm being handed this box. "It's yours", Irish replied. "I want you to have it". This gift means more to me than I can express. It is a great honor and I will wear it with pride. Years ago; while at the top of his game - he thought enough of me to advise and direct and 20 years later as his participation wanes - he continues to give of himself. Thank you, Irish. I want to be just like you when I grow up.

I own Emmalees Guns & Emporium in Pahrump, NV. Well, if you want to be technical about it - Emmalee is Desert Scorpion and she will tell you she owns it. We charge $20 per FFL transfer plus NV required background check fee if the receiver does not have a Nevada Concealed Carry Permit.

There's a reason. It's poor stage writing; somehow attempting to apply a band-aid to itself by masquerading as creative. 10-10-4 is boring... Only if the stage writer is boring. 9-9-5 is exciting and creative... Only if the stage writer is exciting and creative. Matches are a stew... Consisting of target placement, target sizing, sequences, movements, props, lines, transitions and gun orders. If all the above are well done - then there is zero requirement to adjust round counts to be creative. If the above are done poorly; all the changes in round counts will accomplish nothing. I submit any stage writer presenting round counts variation as being creative stage writing needs to actually experience some creative stage writing.

If it is a fact that I am always right (and it is). Then by not agreeing with me - you would be deliberately choosing to be wrong. And that's just plain silly. Not unexpected from Shooting Bull; but silly all the same.

There is no occasionally - there is no circumstance/ sequence/ target size, distance or array where the midpack shooter becomes a top shooter. You claim that you're getting all this negative feedback from shooters when the match is perceived to be too easy. I don't believe it You declare the match director should be building matches to separate the rank and file from the top shooters. I don't agree with it. I have been a successful match director within our game for nearly 20 years. I have put on 100's of monthly matches and dozens of annuals. I'm pretty sure in that span of years and matches - I had full comprehension of what my shooters wanted and the duties of a match director. Before you begin telling us what we are doing wrong - Perhaps you might want to put a little more effort into comprehending exactly what our game is.

Of course they slow down for more distant, more difficult targets. But so does EVERYONE else. And to insinuate that more distant, more difficult targets will somehow bring some anonymous shooter into contention with the top guns is a complete and utter fallacy. Your slow, but super accurate shooter has a fatal flaw - he's slow. Perhaps he can hit 10 of 10 at 75 yards - at what, 3-5 seconds a shot? Our top gun hits 6 of 10 in eight seconds. Even with penalties - our fast shooter still wins handily. And this is at the ridiculous extreme of cowboy pistols at 75 yards. When you get to realistic distance. The math never works. Will never work and the tortoise never wins.

C'mon Phantom, You know there is that mythic shooter group out there that can't run their guns quickly; but when presented with pistol targets at 75 yards will somehow suddenly take over the top positions. We have heard this nonsense for years. And it is always new shooters presenting it.

Fun is 100% subjective. There is no "fun" scale I can look at to determine if I think a match would be one I wish to attend. So I have to look at the actual metrics of a match and base my opinion on that. Clean shooters is a metric that I can use to judge not only the target sizes and distances; but the clarity of the stage writing as well. And because events rarely happen in a vacuum - those same club officers who make the effort to write matches with clear instructions and well placed targets are more likely to be paying attention to all the other details as well. I go to cowboy shoots to shoot. Everything that is not the match is a (way, way) distant second in my valuation. I'm not there to dance - I'm not there to listen to cowboy poetry - I'm not there for whiskey tastings - I came to shoot. Clean shooters is my most valuable measurement to determine the attractiveness of a match.

This is where someone trots out that old saying, "Speed is fine; accuracy is final". Honestly - misses are WAY over emphasized/ penalized in our game. Shooter A shoots twice in 1 second - misses with both. And then 1/2 second later hits the target with shot three. Shooter B shoots his first shot at the two second mark but hits the target. Somehow shooter B is the superior shooter? By SASS math; yes. Not by real world math - the bad guy was engaged/ dispatched 1/2 second faster by shooter A than Shooter B. I wouldn't mind seeing an all hit stage 10-10-4 20 targets - must use at least one round from each type gun. Only required to discharge 20 rounds. Firearms restaged with rounds in them (action open) are a no call. Lowest time to get to 20 hits wins. No penalty for misses - reload if necessary until you hit all 20. Then we can actually determine the importance of accuracy versus speed.

From the 2018 Jedi Gunfighter of the year to the 2019 Jedi Gunfighter of the year - Congratulations. You have joined an exclusive and honored club.

Silly me; I thought we providing escapism - that we were in the entertainment business. There is character building in cowboy. And I brought my daughter into the game, in no small part for the growth benefits it provided. Being treated as an adult. Being part of a unit with responsibilities (posse duties). Being treated with respect and treating others with respect. Learning how to win with class - lose with dignity. There are infinite opportunities for character building within cowboy shooting. But that character growth comes from modifying behaviors - from respectful interaction - from adult socialization. Shooting at (missing or hitting) pistol targets at 12 yards has zero to do with building character.

Absolutely. I always wanted 100% clean. But strived for 25-30% clean. In my opinion; clean shooters are not only indicative of big close target placements - but well written stages with reasonable activities and clear instructions. I cannot control a shooters trigger discipline or their eyesight or their concentration level... But I can ensure that everything I do as a match director is designed to facilitate that shooter being allowed to perform to the best of their ability. Match Directors that are... Adversarial to the shooter. Hoping to see the shooter fail or crash. Not 100% committed to the shooters success. Those match directors, in my opinion; have no business being a match director.

I'm suddenly picturing some of our cowpokes standing there, tip of their tongue sticking out in concentration... Stub of a pencil in their trembling hands... A hesitant line starting and stopping as they think and rethink the angle... Paper worn thin with charcoal smudges and covered with shards of red rubber residue as the eraser is over utilized again and again... Beads of sweat forming on their brow as they struggle to draw a pretty much straight line.

All I got to say about it is... It's just lucky I'm not headed out to Tennessee with my 97. Because I think that would be a long way to go just to get whupped up on by everyone else. But I can eat Dairy Queen with the best of them. I'm going to make out there soon tho.

Of all the things visible in a game filled with geriatrics and wheezing fat geezers. You think that a shooter starting with their fingertips touching their gun is the off putting visual?

The Cone of Safety failed, imo, because it was too complex in explanation. Moving cones depending on gun position, multiple cones for a gunfighter, etc. etc. Folks eyes were glazed over long before you got to the finish line and the response universally was, "the 170 works". If our intent is safety - then I would propose a three component simpler method. The safety corridor. The shooters half box combined with the 180 First. The safety corridor. Imagine an three sided rectangle encompassing the width of the firing line and four foot deep - open on the firing line side. When the firing line is hot - Only the shooter and timer may ever be within this corridor. No spotter/ spectator/ brass picker, etc. may ever be within this corridor. Any person violating this space is subject to penalty. Basically a buffer zone to separate shooters and non shooters. If the shooter moves downrange - this corridor moves with them. But always encompassing the whole of the firing line to maintain that minimal four foot space behind. Second. The shooters half box. This box is three sided with the open side ALWAYS facing downrange. I.e. regardless of the orientation of the shooters body - the box does not rotate. Facing downrange - The left / right / rear sides of the box are THREE foot from the shooters shoulders and back. The sides of the box begin at the midpoint of the shooters shoulders (the 180) and go rearward. The barrel of any firearm may never point at any point outside (side and rearward) of this half box. This is simple to visualize. Builds in a safety buffer. And allows for crossdraw, straight hang, drawing and holstering on the move without gymnastics and handwringing over "looks like" and "almost" Violations of this will be obvious for calls and penalty. While the safety corridor maintains a buffer to minimize any potential risk.

They more likely found your childish language offensive.