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I skipped all the technical stuff above to get you the right answer quickly - "Which primer is best" is like asking who's wife is nicer ? NONE OF THEM. (sarcasm add by the author for humor)

Great thread—there’s a lot here worth discussing. First: I think many of us would genuinely like to see the demographic data behind these decisions. If not raw numbers, then a clear, well-written executive summary of the trends—membership counts, age distribution, participation shifts, and long-term trajectories. We all understand that some information may be proprietary, but sharing the directional trends and key influences would go a long way toward energizing recruitment efforts and quieting the skeptics. Second: I think we can all agree that, at the individual level, most of us are dealing with a revenue problem. The cost of living has risen dramatically over the past several years. Even with inflation now slowing, prices rarely move backward in any meaningful way—they simply rise more slowly. Some costs may ease (fuel, for example), but others continue to climb: labor, materials, insurance, construction, and transportation. These pressures absolutely affect discretionary spending, and shooting sports are not immune. Third: When you step back and compare Cowboy Action Shooting to many other recreational sports, it is still relatively affordable. A golfer might spend $2,000 on clubs, $5 per ball, and $150 per round without blinking. You could hang a peach basket, buy one ball, and call it basketball—but that’s not why people play. The point is: cost is always relative. Most of us choose Cowboy Action Shooting because we love Cowboy Action Shooting. Yes, reloading supplies are up—significantly—but that ties directly back to the broader economic pressures mentioned above. Fourth: SASS has developed some excellent new recruiting tools—but tools only work when members actively use them. Growth does not happen passively. It requires effort at the club level, one new shooter at a time. Fifth—and most important: clubs that have lost the festival aspect of this game are at a disadvantage. In my view, nearly half of what makes Cowboy Action Shooting special is the experience: the costumes, camaraderie, storytelling, vendors, and sense of occasion. Some clubs rush through matches so everyone can grab lunch or get home quickly. Others invest in permanent stages, creative scenarios, and a memorable atmosphere—and those clubs thrive. Shooters will gladly drive an extra hour for an exceptional match. Clubs that settle for the same-old, same-old tend to get exactly that—the same people—until even they stop showing up. SASS, under Misty’s leadership and with the support of engaged members, absolutely has the potential to enter another golden age. But overnight success usually takes about 15 years—and the time to start is now. Saddle up.

Fellow Cowboys, Cowgirls, Gamblers, and Saloon Friends, Have you taken a look at the current SASS Recruitment Resources here: https://sassnet.com/sass-clubs/club-resources/recruitment-program It’s clear that attendance and participation have been down across the board. Some folks point to COVID and others to “just getting older,” but I want to ask a different question: 👉 What are we actually doing to recruit new shooters and grow our clubs? Now that I’m nearing retirement and planning to spend more time helping with recruitment, I want to be part of the solution — but I can’t do it alone. Let’s Talk Real Strategies What has your club tried that is working — or not working? Examples might include: Open houses or “first shots free” events Partnerships with local gun ranges Social media and community outreach Youth and family-friendly events Word of mouth through current members Please share your experiences, good ideas, and lessons learned so we can all benefit. Who’s Willing to Step Up? @Misty Moonshine @Ruby Ruthless SASS#105922 @ccmoonshine

@C.C. Moonshine Thanks for the explanation. Until they really increase the prize money, I'm just going to shoot where the great matches are. Some follow the SUN - I follow the FUN ! Thanks to you and the SASS team.

@Diamond Jake @Cowtown Scout, SASS #53540 L Cowboys !! - my plan exactly. I'll be a spectator for Wild Bunch, .....and maybe taking in the wild nights in Etna Green and Warsaw !! I hope to see you in Indiana !!

when does registration OPEN for the triple Classic, and save me an RV slot (34 feet please) ??!!! And how does the moving the State match (Spring Roundup will now be the Indiana State Championship !!!! May 7th-9th, 2026 ) coordiante with the Indiana Black Powder Championship, Smoke and Fury - same date and same location???

I wish I could blame Chat GPT for the spelling, but the responsibility really lies with ANOTHER CLUB MEMBER !! LOL

Best shoot in the State, no two ways about it. Circle the dates, saddle up, and come out—it’s fixin’ to be one mighty fine extravaganza.

Treat yourself to the best race guns available for Christmas. She doesn't have to know !! LOL

I'm looking for two vests: (1) a 24 oz wool vest, button-front, notched lapels, four shallow front pockets, in Forest Green or Charcoal, or similar: Vest Two (2): Men's (buffalo?) leather vest, button-front, notched lapels, four shallow front pockets, in tan or light brown, similar: I could order these new, but I have so many extra cowboy clothes, and I can't be the only one with too many costumes, so I thought I'd see if anyone has a closet that needs to make some room ! LOL Please send me a picture and your price. Hopefully we can help each other.

Well now, look at that — Sure is good to see this crew saddlin’ up again. This bunch has always had a knack for supporting Cowgirls with a whole lotta heart, and I can’t wait to see what kinda fine handiwork and good company this relaunch brings. Here’s to fresh trails, new faces, and the Doily Gang comin’ back stronger than a wild horse with somethin’ to prove. Let’s ride! 🐎🌵

Still trying to stay on the sidelines, but… It’s worth noting that participation on The Wire represents only a very small and often unbalanced slice of the entire SASS family. Many of you have surely noticed that some of our most admired, respected, and even legendary shooters seldom engage on The Wire. Others simply sit quietly and watch from a distance as the chaos driven by rumors, conspiracy theories, and social-media drama unfolds. The new Wild Bunch survey is a great opportunity for everyone’s voice to be heard—everyone, not just the loudest ones online. I encourage all of our Wild Bunch brethren to take a few minutes and participate. Thoughtful feedback will do far more good than speculation or outrage. But remember: if the results don’t go your way, it isn’t because you didn’t shout loudly enough on The Wire. Decisions should reflect the collective input of the whole community, not the volume of a vocal few. Let’s treat this as a chance to elevate the conversation and support the future of Wild Bunch, not divide it. I am forever grateful to the Oklahoma Territorial Marshals for their hard work and exceptional performance.

I was trying to stay out of this, I have absolutely no interest in Wild Bunch, but.... "It absolutely makes sense. They dislike Wild Bunch and if they have a poor turn out, they can use that as an excuse to not put on a match next year. " I just love a good conspiracy theory or Psych Ops like; "disobey unlawful orders", "Russia Russia Russia", and "January 6th was an insurrection". I'm going to need more popcorn, and I hope to see everyone next year at Land Run ! 2025 was my first Land Run, and the best match that I have attended.

"Remember that winter in Magnolia Texas is like summer most everywhere else" - makes this match very interesting to me !!!

Big Bore, Big Smoke, Great Gear ! Only 222 days until my chaps arrive !! (inside joke between Cowtown and I).