Poll: How many young shooters are in your club ? 30 and under.

[El Hombre Sin Nombre]

The new 50's come from a different time era than the old 50's. The new 50's were not raised with B Western TV/movies. Makes a difference.

I always see this as an excuse and I think it's pure horse crap. I'm 42 and love westerns. There are several shooters younger than me that have been showing up at the shoots that I attend. All are old western fans. Maybe not the cheesy b western, but certainly the spaghetti and newer stuff to come out lately. One guy just yesterday is probably around 30 shot his first match. He came by a couple of months earlier to check it out. Went home and called longhunter up and ordered all the guns and leather that same day. They are out there. Not all of us younger folk would rather play electronics than play pretend cowboy.

[Carolina Gunslinger]

She had been given a nice T-Shirt from the Home Club advertising the Club & CAS.... So She Puts it on.

No Big Deal, RITE???????

 

WRONG...... One of our own founders of SASS who everyone here knows was at the shoot also,

he see's her in the "dreaded T-shirt" and chastises her in front of several other shooter for being out of costume.........

 

She was so embarrassed by it that she wont come and shoot any longer.

 

Sometimes I wonder just where the #@%&!! peoples heads are when they open their mouths.

Few things:

SASS and CAS AD'd into their own feet when they outlawed sponsorship logos on shooters. Effectively limited industry sponsorship and any professional shooters from playing.

 

Perhaps costumes should be limited by category Classic Cowboy and B Western, but the base line Cowboy and Gunfighter could be modernized to accommodate the younger crowd which wear short sleeved T-shirts in hot weather, have the energy to help with setup and take down of more advanced stages, and will be paying dues for years to come. Customer equity is high in this crowd if you can keep them interested.

 

Perhaps that person could be big enough to apologize and smooth things over with the young lady. Since that person is surely intelligent enough to realize the value of new shooters in this discipline, that shouldn't be too much of a stretch right? I'm sure that they are a fine and upstanding person and would not want to drive anyone away.

[mean gun mark]

_{We are fortunate at our club and have some great young shooters. I would say we run maybe 15% are age 20 or younger and about 10% are 30 or below. For the kids it is a lot of work and dedication on behalf of the parents to make it happen. My hats off to them.}

[Silver Sam, SASS #34718L]

Actually I agree with SASS's exclusion of sponsorship logos on clothing.

It's 'spose to be the "Old West" so lets play the game.......

 

In the case of the young lady, I believe she enjoyed the costuming almost as much as the shooting......

BUT the Match was Over, it was in West Texas and it was HOT.

The t-shirt issue should have never come up...

 

And Yes absolutely, the Wild Bunch Member that did it should apologize.... IMHO

[Blastmaster]

I always see this as an excuse and I think it's pure horse crap. I'm 42 and love westerns. There are several shooters younger than me that have been showing up at the shoots that I attend. All are old western fans. Maybe not the cheesy b western, but certainly the spaghetti and newer stuff to come out lately. One guy just yesterday is probably around 30 shot his first match. He came by a couple of months earlier to check it out. Went home and called longhunter up and ordered all the guns and leather that same day. They are out there. Not all of us younger folk would rather play electronics than play pretend cowboy.

Please, really not an excuse but rather a factor. There is a greater probability of post western tv/movie show viewers not being interested in CAS, than pre/present viewers because of pure limited to no exposure. There hasn't been a western based TV show since??? Few and far between movies. John Wayne has been dead for how long? 37years Who would be the replacement Cowboy heros? Yes there are reruns on late at night.

 

I am not suggesting an all or nothing, but rather the percentage of interest is less in the same age group, if you know what I mean.. And then there are folks just interested in single-action pistols and those, it doesn't matter. However, at this past weekends NRA Basic Pistol class, there was not one revolver of any sort in the crowd and that is a pretty much standard procedure where I am for new generation shooters. They want the semis.

 

Finally, in my area, IDPA type shooting draws more shooters to that hobby than Cowboy Shooting. I personally don't know of any shooter that shoots both. I am sure there are, but I don't know. Thus, the market for shooters to draw from is less because of other shooting sports.

 

Just a view.

[Coalman]

Funny that you brought this up.....

Just yesterday I was asking some friends at a shoot why I had not seen their granddaughter recently.

She is in her early teens and has been shooting for a couple of years and really enjoys it...... So where is she, I asked???

 

Turns out she was at an Annual match at a club in West Texas and it was hot, the shoot was over & done.

She had been given a nice T-Shirt from the Home Club advertising the Club & CAS.... So She Puts it on.

No Big Deal, RITE???????

 

WRONG...... One of our own founders of SASS who everyone here knows was at the shoot also,

he see's her in the "dreaded T-shirt" and chastises her in front of several other shooter for being out of costume.........

 

She was so embarrassed by it that she wont come and shoot any longer.

 

Sometimes I wonder just where the #@%&!! peoples heads are when they open their mouths.

That there is exactly the point I have been trying to make for the last couple years its suppose to be fun for everybody Times have changed and so people have to. If things don't change soon There wont be no sass. Sass is losing old shooters faster than new people join.

[Nasty Newt # 7365]

Actually I agree with SASS's exclusion of sponsorship logos on clothing.

It's 'spose to be the "Old West" so lets play the game.......

 

In the case of the young lady, I believe she enjoyed the costuming almost as much as the shooting......

BUT the Match was Over, it was in West Texas and it was HOT.

The t-shirt issue should have never come up...

 

And Yes absolutely, the Wild Bunch Member that did it should apologize.... IMHO

I'm on board with every word of the above.

[BankRoll]

As a general rule (meaning there are exceptions), CAS and SASS simply do not appeal to young people (below 30, and likely below 40). It's a shame, but it's a fact.

 

Trying to reach those people is a waste of time, effort, and money. They think differently than the average SASS member and have different interests.

 

If you want to grow CAS go after the baby-boomers. There are a TON of 50-60 year old's facing retirement. They have money, time, and grew up watching westerns.

 

I've said it before ... growing the sport happens at the individual level, not the organizational level. Invite your friends out, loan them gear, talk it up, and make it fun.

 

Lastly, having to be a SASS member to attend certain events is stupid. I've personally seen it keep three individuals from getting involved. Drop that ridiculous barrier and you'll get a lot more people involved.

[Garrison Joe, SASS #60708]

There hasn't been a western based TV show since???

 

 

Since the latest episode of Hell on Wheels aired (this year) or Longmire (a new season filming now, once again, in NM).

 

Good luck, GJ

[Hurricane Deck 100366]

 

Since the latest episode of Hell on Wheels aired (this year) or Longmire (a new season filming now, once again, in NM).

 

Good luck, GJ

Not to mention a slew of movies set in the era that are fairly recent. There's been a resurgence of Westerns of late. I hope it's a trend.

 

 

2015 Hateful eight

2015 Revenant

2015 Bone Tomahawk

2014 the Salvation

2014 a million ways to die in the west

2013 The Lone Ranger

2012 Django Unchained.

2011 Blackthorn

2011 Cowboys and Aliens

2010 True Grit

2010 Red Hill

2008 The Good the Bad and the Weird

2007 3:10 to yuma

[Buckaroo Bubba]

Just promote the sport, period. Doesn't matter to me if we get a kid shooting or a 80 year old. It doesn't matter if they like Western Movies or not. Maybe someone is looking for something to compete in, maybe they just like Cowboy Guns, maybe a father is looking for something to do with his kids.

 

We all need to keep our eyes open for ANY avenue to promote our sport and clubs. Go Look for sponsors. I think you would be surprised on how many places want to be involved. Hit up your local Outdoors Store. Set up a table in their store and promote! Pay attention, never know what doors will open up.

 

Listen to your current shooters. Know what they do for a living. Use them.

 

Use social media. That's where a lot of people seem to be. Have to smack people in the face with our sport. Get their attention.

 

Just my two cents..Thanks, Bubba

[Concho Billy]

Actually I agree with SASS's exclusion of sponsorship logos on clothing.

It's 'spose to be the "Old West" so lets play the game.......

 

In the case of the young lady, I believe she enjoyed the costuming almost as much as the shooting......

BUT the Match was Over, it was in West Texas and it was HOT.

The t-shirt issue should have never come up...

 

And Yes absolutely, the Wild Bunch Member that did it should apologize.... IMHO

strain a gnat and swallow a camel, some times we are our own worst enemy.

[Sedalia Dave]

Few things:

SASS and CAS AD'd into their own feet when they outlawed sponsorship logos on shooters. Effectively limited industry sponsorship and any professional shooters from playing.

 

 

 

The lack of monetary prizes and sponsorships is what makes SASS so special. Go to a 3-Gun, IPDA, Skeet or Trap match and see if any of your competitors loan you a firearm to finish the match because yours failed. Forgot your squib rod so sad too bad. Want to see the Rules Nazis and Costume Police multiply like rabbits on Viagra? All it takes is money.

I have yet to see a sport/hobby that has not been ruined when sponsorship enters into the picture and "Professionals" are created. You put money into the mix and the cowboy way will become extinct faster than you can say Yee Haw.

 

The day SASS allows money into the mix I'll be looking for a new hobby.

[Carolina Gunslinger]

The lack of monetary prizes and sponsorships is what makes SASS so special. Go to a 3-Gun, IPDA, Skeet or Trap match and see if any of your competitors loan you a firearm to finish the match because yours failed. Forgot your squib rod so sad too bad.

 

I'm having difficulty getting water to the house with your bucket....

 

I don't shoot skeet or trap competitively, but I have had my share of loaned shotguns and the chance to fire some masterpieces. USPSA, ICORE, idpa, 3gun...I have been given ammo, loaned guns and gear(both ways). Seen squad members fix other people's guns and clear squibs even in idpa, which I consider to be the most elitist and incompetent of the shooting disciplines. Nobody truly wants to win over another shooter who has equipment malfunctioning.

 

Sorry our experiences were dissimilar.

[Captain Bill Burt]

Just curious....when did SASS ever draw large number of youngsters?

 

Maybe we are destined to draw primarily from the 40-plus crowd, period.

 

Doesn't mean SASS is dying, or not sustainable,,,just that the demographics are different.

 

LL

The majority of amateur golfers aren't under thirty, more likely 30-60, or even 45-65. I think SASS appeals to a similar demographic. There's a need for both predictable leisure time, disposable income, and a lack of competing interests that excludes a lot of the 18-30 crowd.

[Wapitiloco]

WWW.4-hwesternheritageproject.org I don't know if many of you know about the 4-H shooting sports program but here is one of the new programs they are doing.

[Keystone, SASS # 47578]

Howdy Wapitiloco,

 

Wow! First I've heard of this 4 - H program. Good videos explaining the Western Heritage Project. Much more than just a shooting event. A big YEEHAA to 4 - H !

 

Hasta Luego, Keystone

 

P.S. Can monetary contributions be given to support this particular project?

[Blastmaster]

WWW.4-hwesternheritageproject.org I don't know if many of you know about the 4-H shooting sports program but here is one of the new programs they are doing.

I would like to correct a statement I made up on page 1.

 

A shameless plug for 4-H

 

I do know of two recent shooters under the age of 30 (even 20), that routinely shoot SASS and both are 4-H Western Heritage projects members . Their new found knowledge of the western history, making of their own cowboy/girl costumes and training of gun handling skills are excellent. The parents and grandparents of these young folks were required to participate and support their child and they did, and that is a very good thing. All of the 4-H'er costuming puts the rest of the posse to shame and that is good too.

 

Perhaps with spring and summer approaching, other past,present and future 4-H Western Heritage youth will come back and join us. If for nothing else, to show us that there are good youth citizens out there and fun for us to intermingle with youth.

[Buxton Lookout, SASS #40999]

Howdy,

 

Based on experience from the last 14 years, SASS/CAS is not going to be sustained by children & young adults. While we enjoy watching youth grow & progress, there is a lot of competition for there time with education & sports. Young adults will soon begin their careers through education, vocational training or OTJ experience, followed by starting & raising a family. It's more reasonable to expect the sustainability of SASS/CAS to be dependent on adults who have raised their families & are looking for a hobby or adults from other venues burned out from trying to compete with younger more agile participants. We just need to continue spreading the word about SASS/CAS. Very few people have ever heard of SASS/CAS and are surprised when you tell them about our great shooting venue.

 

Three of the four clubs I shoot with have form 1 to 4 shooters in the sub-30 age group.

 

Hasta Luego, Keystone

I agree with Keystone - I was in my early 50's when I started CAS. I had to wait until my kids were out of school before I had the time. My son shot a lot in his 20s but now that he is raising a family, not so much. His goal was to win the State Match before he had kids. He was Oregon State Champion in 2010 and my grandson is now 4. I see him getting back into it when he has time. Others in that age group (30 - 50) are probably in the same boat. They will get (back) into it when their children leave the nest.

 

I have just started my Granddaughter in the sport, she is 11 now. I figure I have maybe 3-4 more years before I lose out to the competition. When she is a teenager and has other options she may not find the time. I have two younger Grandsons so I will keep after it.

 

Buxton

[Mad Dog McGee]

A BIG THANKS to all that responded to the poll. The comments,suggestions were just fantastic.

Maybe I was too quick to make an assessment about our sport being on the way out.

1) It does require a considerable amount of money to be able to shoot in our sport, guns ,clothing, carts ,etc.

2) The younger people have a lot of cost already and are trying to make a living.

3) We must remember that it is a sport not a necessity. Housing, raising kids, food ,clothing , college dept come first.

4) I didn't and probably couldn't afford to join ,shoot CAS when I was young either.

5) However we need to promote SASS and CAS every chance we get.

My plan of action will be this: I'll be contacting our local 4H rep. and invite them to our next shoot. I'm sure they would like it and I know most of our club would even show them all of our equip., etc.

Going to try to set up at gun shows, etc. to promote CAS.

I've gotten 3 people to join SASS . 2 have left or leaving the area , one I still shoot with.

I'm gong to do everything that I can do to help promote our sport and the 2nd amendment

Thanks again to all who responded .

[Buckaroo Bubba]

A BIG THANKS to all that responded to the poll. The comments,suggestions were just fantastic.

Maybe I was too quick to make an assessment about our sport being on the way out.

1) It does require a considerable amount of money to be able to shoot in our sport, guns ,clothing, carts ,etc.

2) The younger people have a lot of cost already and are trying to make a living.

3) We must remember that it is a sport not a necessity. Housing, raising kids, food ,clothing , college dept come first.

4) I didn't and probably couldn't afford to join ,shoot CAS when I was young either.

5) However we need to promote SASS and CAS every chance we get.

My plan of action will be this: I'll be contacting our local 4H rep. and invite them to our next shoot. I'm sure they would like it and I know most of our club would even show them all of our equip., etc.

Going to try to set up at gun shows, etc. to promote CAS.

I've gotten 3 people to join SASS . 2 have left or leaving the area , one I still shoot with.

I'm gong to do everything that I can do to help promote our sport and the 2nd amendment

Thanks again to all who responded .

Good For You!

Make sure you contact Roxy West at SASS HQ, she can help with getting you promotional items to pass out at gun shows and such. Good Luck Pard! Keep up the good work!

I have Photos of the events we have done posted on our website if you interested in seeing things that we have done. http://www.tuscolongriders.com/Events.htm