Jump to content
SASS Wire Forum

Winter Range or End of Trail?


El Hombre Sin Nombre

Recommended Posts

Howdy all. This whole EOT and target discussion got me thinking about the two biggest SASS matches out there. I would like to go to a big match next year, and seeing how I have never been to either, I would like some input on which folks would choose if you could only go to one, and why? Below are some of the things I would consider important for me to go to a big match, and none will revolve around winning the match because I would like to keep this discussion reality based rather than a fantasy. Thanks folks

 

Overall quality of the match

Black Powder fun

Quality and quantity of vendors

Food availability and quality

Booze

Camping locations RV or Tent

Nearby Hotel quality

Weather generally

Stuff to do when not shooting

And anything else I have probably missed, but makes for a fun match

Link to comment
Share on other sites

El Hombre,

Been going to both for the past 5 years or so,and I have to vote for Winter Range.All things considered I enjoy the weather at Phoenix in February (usually pleasantly mild after the cold winter) more than the conditions (hot,dry, windy and dusty) at Edgewood in June.There's lots to do besides shooting at both places, but WR, in my opinion,  has many more dining choices closer than does Edgewood and Albuquerque .Both are great matches to shoot ,but I think WR has the edge.Attendance numbers seem to show that also.

Just my opinion, YMMV

Chocktaw Jack 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have missed only one WR in 20 years and plan to attend in 2020 but EOT of which I have attended 20 is THE World Championship and I respect that as my first choice.  OK, EOT is usually very dry & sandy and at near 7000 ft but  WR can have any kind of weather.  I have seen rain plenty of times not to mention snow, hail, and sleet also. Stages are perhaps somewhat nicer at WR than EOT but not enough for me to pick over EOT.  If you are a shooter of "upper" age, EOT will try to give more age-based category choice.  If you shoot BP and you don't care then WR will be your ticket, because they do not age-base in BP, nor seem to care.

I like them both but EOT would be my choice if I had to pick one over other.  Yea, the fact that it is 12 hours versus 20 makes a difference too, but breaking trip to WR by weekend in Tombstone is a big plus for WR.  JMO

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 7/11/2019 at 5:48 PM, El Hombre Sin Nombre said:

Howdy all. This whole EOT and target discussion got me thinking about the two biggest SASS matches out there. I would like to go to a big match next year, and seeing how I have never been to either, I would like some input on which folks would choose if you could only go to one, and why? Below are some of the things I would consider important for me to go to a big match, and none will revolve around winning the match because I would like to keep this discussion reality based rather than a fantasy. Thanks folks

 

Overall quality of the match - both are fun and worthwhile matches.  WR has better props.  Both matches are attended by foreign SASS members.

Black Powder fun - both have plainsman matches.  WR has BP skeet and trap that EOT does not though both have sporting clays.  WR shoots its long range side matches at greater distances.  Like BB said, EOT has age-based BP categories.  I shot SSFC this year and did not compete against teenagers and shooters in their twenties.

Quality and quantity of vendors - more vendors at WR but EOT has enough and has the NRA museum too.

Food availability and quality - plenty of onsite food vendors at both matches.  Off range WR has more nearby dining options but EOT has enough.

Booze - like most of the US there is ample liquor available at both locations.  AZ has slightly lower taxes than NM.  EOT does have a nearby microbrewery.

Camping locations RV or Tent - EOT wins out here.   Onsite camping is never full and there are nearby campgrounds that are very inexpensive.   WR has a nearby campground but I understand one now must reserve a whole month.

Nearby Hotel quality - WR wins out with plenty of quality properties nearby.  EOT has one nearby motel with others about a half hours drive away.  EOT has enough motels to meet shooter's needs.  I was able to reserve a room in Moriarty for one night on short notice during EOT.

Weather generally - WR has fantastic weather when its not raining.  One year out of three I have shot in crappy weather.   I now have a pair of rubber boots so I can shoot without cold water squishing between my toes.  EOT normally has hot, very dry and dusty conditions but sometimes later afternoon thunderstorms.  Gun covers are essential.

Stuff to do when not shooting - both metro areas have museums and other attractions.  Phoenix with its larger population has more attractions than ABQ.  However, for your first trip ABQ has plenty of attractions.

And anything else I have probably missed, but makes for a fun match - WR is at an elevation you are used to.  EOT is not.  WR is a lost brass match.  EOT is not.  Both matches offer Wild Bunch before the main match.  Your can get to WR with one less day of driving than EOT.   That would make it my first choice.  I love shooting.  Long distance driving not so much.  Finally you can buy all the ammo you want in either AZ or NM without a background check.

I shoot and like both matches.  See my comments above in red.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I haven’t shot either match but I’ve been to both. Chances for rain and snow at WR but much more dining and hotel choices near by and there are lots of entertainment choices when not shooting, the Grand Canyon, railroad, Sedona, etc.. At EOT there are day trips to Taos and Santa Fe and down to Lincoln County and there is a Breaking Bad tour in ABQ. I was less than enamored  with the Comfort Inn in Edgewood and will probably opt for an Air B&B next time or a motel in Moriarty. But like I always tell people “ You’ll never be a world champion if you don’t shoot the world championship.”

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Having done both I vote for both.

 

Each has their own strengths and weaknesses, (so to speak) are both excellent venues, and will each be fun and memorable.

 

I'm looking forward to going back to EoT very much since I've not been there since 2011.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hombre -  One factor you didn't list was elevation, EOT is up there a bit in that department.  Don't know if that's an issue for you or not, it is for some folks.

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If we're planning on attending WR, someone mentioned that we need to reserve an entire month if we RV?  Is that for all RV locations in the area?

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

7 minutes ago, Red Eye Jim said:

If we're planning on attending WR, someone mentioned that we need to reserve an entire month if we RV?  Is that for all RV locations in the area?

 

Lake Pleasant Regional Park is about 15 min away, a nice campground and by-the-day reservations.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

15 minutes ago, Red Eye Jim said:

If we're planning on attending WR, someone mentioned that we need to reserve an entire month if we RV?  Is that for all RV locations in the area?

 

 

Here is the list of campgrounds and RV parks near Winter Range: http://winterrange.com/camping.html . Last year, only Pioneer RV Park required reservations by the month.  We had plenty of dry camping available both at the range and at the Ben Avery Shooter's Campground. Feel free to PM me for any additional help you need.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I can't speak to EOT, but another factor in favor of WR if you have some extra time is the availability of other shoots in the Phoenix area. You can almost shoot both days of every weekend without driving more than 2 hours from just about any location in the Phoenix area. Brings lots of ammo!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Not only is Phoenix largest in the state but one of the larger metro areas in the US, over 6 million people. The opportunities for adventure and exploring are limitless. Where else can you go to a shoot and have all four seasons happen, sometimes in one day.  Hopefully we are improving every year and making more desirable for shooter and spectator alike. That being said EOT would also be a great time. Scenery is spectacular and from what have been told excellent, excellent setup. Shoot both!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

11 hours ago, Dantankerous said:

Having done both I vote for both.

 

Each has their own strengths and weaknesses, (so to speak) are both excellent venues, and will each be fun and memorable.

 

I'm looking forward to going back to EoT very much since I've not been there since 2011.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well put.

I have been to both for close to 20 years and enjoy Cowboy action shooting and Cowboy action people no matter where the match is.

There are positives and negatives to everything we do in life. Look to the positives and ignore the negatives.

J.M.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

13 hours ago, Turquoise Bill, SASS #39118 said:

Winter Range held in Phoenix, AZ the weather is usually pretty good, exception of the last 2 years, (global warming??? yuk, yuk, yuk). The number of vendors, hotels, camping sites, restaurants, and extra activities outside of Winter Range beats EOT by a mile. You're  just outside one of the largest cities in AZ, lots of great places to eat and visit. Match stages are designed to challenge the shooter but not is such a way as to create "P" traps, targets are large and distances vary. The props are second to none, with at least 2-3 new stage fronts every year. It's the Best SASS Match on the Planet!

 

Oh, but then I live in AZ I guess I'm a little biased.

 

TB

Ditto to what Turq Bill states. . Been to EOT in Norco, Calif.   Cannot attend EOT in NM due to Elevation. And also like Turq Bill states again Winter Range is only 20 miles from our home. And another yep is Winter Range is just plain Fantastic from every angle and will be even better in 2020 Rain, Snow, Shine, Sleet.    Yeeeeeh Haw pilgrims.

Have missed a few WR over the years.

 

JRJ 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

When I decided to head south on the long haul I chose WR ....

And Talking to other Canadian's it seems that about 95% that have shot both will choose to go back to WR over EoT ...

 

Jabez Cowboy

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If elevation gives you a problem then by all means the 6800 ft is a factor one should cobnsider.

 

I think many, including myself, favor one match over the other due to convenience in mileage, but as I mentioned above, I factor in several days in Tombstone to make extra pleasure on long drive to WR.  I even break up simple 12-13 hour trip to EOT with stay over in Amarillo at Big Texan (motel is actually very nice with room of western theme). Food is OK but eating at bar to Sassy and I is faster and chatting with folks at bar is most always interesting.  Some of the tourists are truely a hoot to watch, especially those who go for the 72 oz steak and all the trimmings.

 

I do want to touch on the EOT target issue if in your considerations.  The BS about EOT targets this year has been blown out of proportion (my opinion).  DO NOT LET THAT BE AN ISSUE. Yes, there was a tad more difficulty than in past but much was on the shooter's choice of where to engage targets...stand in center and engage bank at angle or take a step or two to right or left to engage more "square on".  Most everyone experienced greater total times than past but there was more reloads, more shotgun  knockdowns, much more movement, and more need to use front sights.  Targets further out there than WR, not in my opinion.  Do you dislike plate racks, WR has them....hard? no, but require the use of that front sight.    

 

Things to do.. Santa Fe is only 45 minutes from Edgewood and I have been there  many, many times  and still enjoy going back.  We have favorite eating places and bars. Want scenery, go on up to Chama, Cumpres Pass (you might even ride the train that has been in so many westerns).  Visit Indian duelings if your bag.  I suggest you experience the Turqouise Trail also seeing movie sites (Wild Hogs, Young Guns, & more) and turquoise mines.  Point is, there are plenty of things to do in a few hours of EOT.  I admit it a real shame that in the 19 WRs I have not gone to Grand Canyon yet (I'm really thinking it is more fun in Tombstone gathering in our cowboy outfits and hitting the bars & eateries at night then joining Sassy Dancer and the gang at Los Vaqueros Club for two days of pre-WR shooting). (For pre-match EOT shooting, there are two days of warm up stages and I should add that each warm up stage has "a taste of things to come" in main match...reload, swinger, moving target, etc).

 

More eating places in Phoenix metro, no doubt, a lot more, but we find plenty in 30 minutes of Edgewood also.  No Owl Cafe nor Sadie's in Phoenix.:D

 

Motels are more plentiful  for WR but I suggest not 10 minutes closer than ones near EOT.  I have stayed at Holiday Inn off Eubanks in ALBQ since giving up the RV thing a number of years ago.  It is approx 30 minutes to Founders.  Stayed at Studio 6 in Phoenix many times and bet it also about 30 minutes  to Ben Avery. There are at least four more motels near the mentioned HI off Eubanks and many more 5 miles further towards town off I40.  Did I mention Sadies and Owl Cafe, they are next door to HI.  I believe due to slow traffic, Moriarty is probably about same time to Founders as the HI (lots of shooters stay at both places).

 

Just laying out more things to consider.  God willing, Sassy and I will make both matches, be it dry/sand at Founders or rain, sleet, hail, snow at WR, but we are hoping 2020 brings back some nice weather to WR and EOT can have weather equal to this year's in 2020.  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Choices, Choices, Choices................

For me WR is first choice mostly because EOT falls during or immediately before 4H fair. As a 4H leader I accepted an obligation to the kids to be there for them. Further as a CDL instructor and State certified tester June is without a doubt our busiest month of the year, making vacation plans difficult to say the least.

This year was my first EOT in 6 years. I found the targets much closer than I remembered 6 years ago, but I cannot comment on distance from any other year. While I personally shot very poorly it had nothing to do with target placement, size or distance, only my own lack of preparation. Stages were challenging but no more so than many monthly matches I have attended, longer range rifle targets were closer than most monthlies I go to, some pistol/SG were closer, others further away.

Camping... stayed at Hidden Valley, nice place. Go to WR stay at Ben Avery east, nice place

Food..... Both EOT and WR I go to town once or twice and potluck with pards the rest of the time. no difference

Travel.... WR 9 hours, EOT 8. no real difference

Fuel cost WR range bring my own discount fuel from the rewards points given by local grocery store only have to buy 30-35 gallons. EOT several places as cheap or cheaper, no real difference.

Road conditions WR sometimes gets weather so does EOT no difference

Match price about the same but a little perplexed/confused why "ala carte" prices for most everything that WR includes, not enough difference to sway one way or the other maybe a little edge to WR..

Door prizes about equal (I never win anyway:P)

 

So IMHO both matches are very enjoyable, different and fun all rolled up into one. Both EOT and WR are challenging and exciting. Time of year only real deciding factor for me. My suggestion try both and see what fits for you and yours.

Regards

 

:FlagAm: :FlagAm: :FlagAm:

 

Gateway Kid

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

To go back to Edward R. Canbys'...

The Pioneer Village, wich is a close to WR permanent RV Park has changed to require the month minnimum...

BUT , BASF (Ben Avery) has a campground...dry camping may be all available, as electric fills fast...but has shower/bath houses and is a pleasent camp.

BASF also has full service spots, but most likely full as well.

You can go on line to reserve under the BASF camping...

 

EOT has plenty of camping...with a wster and dump service you can purchase as needed.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Having actively participated in both events they are both outstanding events worthy of their titles. I can also tell you that management at both events has done an excellent job of supporting each other and works together to do the very best they can. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Been to both. 

Can not think of one bad thing at WR. Except for me. It is over twice as far. 22-24 hours vs 12 to EOT.

That takes WR out for me as far as going back many times. 

 

EOT. The match it's self. The first time I did not care for it. BUT. They made some changes for the better

over the years that made it much better. Granted. I have not been in 4 years.

 Not a fan of the location of EOT. Dust. Not the best camping on the range. Dry camping only.

The hill getting back to the camper. There are RV places to camp not that far at all. And plenty to do

around the area. As Billy Boots pointed out. Seemed like more to do than WR.

The main plus for EOT. It's the World Championships. And NO PLACE has given me that rush right before I

shoot like EOT. WR was close. But still not like the World Championships at EOT.

 

Being your location. I would pick WR. As it was the best match I have been to.

BUT. It's still not the World Championships. Already making plans for EOT 2020.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ford or Chevy?

45 ACP or 9 mm?

Ginger or Mary Ann?

Beans or no beans?

Less filling or tastes great?

 

Even if every single person in this thread came back with the same answer you might still like the other match better.  I completely understand why you're asking the question but please never lose sight of the fact that whichever one you choose, the other one might be more to your liking. 

 

P.S.

Ford

45 ACP

Both

No beans

I don't care for beer.  Give me my Crown Reserve

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 7/12/2019 at 7:32 AM, Palo Verde, SASS # 56522 said:

 

 

There is a reason why Winter Range is the largest Cowboy Action Shooting Match in the world. ;)

 

And Winter Range is a non-profit. :)

 

So is END of TRAIL. (A non-profit, that is)

 

Little known fact or false preconceived notion- not sure. 

 

Respectfully,

Misty Moonshine 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 minutes ago, Lefty Dude, SASS # 51223 said:

Is SASS now a Non-Profit ?

 

No sir. 

 

But END of TRAIL is a SASS Western Heritage event. It is run through our Non-Profit- has been for over 10 years now. 

 

Misty

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 7/11/2019 at 10:00 PM, Red Eye Jim said:

If we're planning on attending WR, someone mentioned that we need to reserve an entire month if we RV?  Is that for all RV locations in the area?

 

That is specifically speaking on the Pioneer RV Park, I believe.

Ben Avery has 3 camping locations.

Reservations open July 9th (usually) and most always all full and electric hook ups are full by end of day... But, plenty of dry camping, where there are bath/shower houses...and a couple of washer and dryers.

Go to the BASF webpage, and go to camping...see what is available.

The Clay range (full services) you may call

The others you must apply on line.

We have stayed in dry camping the last 10 years.

You also have camping in the dry area through WR itself...it is a lot across from WR range. It is on your WR application.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

22 hours ago, Misty Moonshine said:

 

So is END of TRAIL. (A non-profit, that is)

 

Little known fact or false preconceived notion- not sure. 

 

Respectfully,

Misty Moonshine 

 

 

I was under the the impression that SASS was "Not For Profit" which is certainly different than "Non-profit"

If I am incorrect, I apologize but I do believe Sass announced that they were going to "Not for Profit" a few years ago

 

If you contend that SASS (not non-profit) sponsors a non-profit event, via "SASS Western Heritage event," and all the revenue is separately accounted and not co-mingled, I am duly impressed with your accounting. :)   

 

Again, I apologize if I seem skeptical and especially if I miss-spoke or remain dubious. But, I can still remember a 2007 SASS Cowboy Chronicle issue (Sept.? Aug.?, Oct.? I still have a copy somewhere) that stated that SASS  had decided that they would  no longer skim the SASS Scholarship  fund for other needs. I realize there are individuals trying to improve the management of the organization, but history is a hard thing to erase. 

 

Respectfully,

Palo Verde

Link to comment
Share on other sites

***Edited to add: 

I do not want to hijack this thread for this topic- lots of great info here on EOT and WR!! (BTW- I vote for both equally!) 

I am happy to respond and discuss items like this directly, or in a separate thread. However-  I did feel like a response here was appropriate.  - Misty

 

 

1 hour ago, Palo Verde, SASS # 56522 said:

 

 

I was under the the impression that SASS was "Not For Profit" which is certainly different than "Non-profit"

If I am incorrect, I apologize but I do believe Sass announced that they were going to "Not for Profit" a few years ago

 

If you contend that SASS (not non-profit) sponsors a non-profit event, via "SASS Western Heritage event," and all the revenue is separately accounted and not co-mingled, I am duly impressed with your accounting. :)   

 

Again, I apologize if I seem skeptical and especially if I miss-spoke or remain dubious. But, I can still remember a 2007 SASS Cowboy Chronicle issue (Sept.? Aug.?, Oct.? I still have a copy somewhere) that stated that SASS  had decided that they would  no longer skim the SASS Scholarship  fund for other needs. I realize there are individuals trying to improve the management of the organization, but history is a hard thing to erase. 

 

Respectfully,

Palo Verde

 

Palo Verde, 

 

Your post makes me realize that I need to issue an updated member report to all SASS members regarding the business structure and operations information... and our vision for the future and longevity of SASS. Yes, SASS (me, actually) did announce several years ago that the goal was to transition into a non-profit organization. That goal has yet to be reached. 30+  years of business structure has to be carefully unwoven before we can truly consider that as an option. 

 

Not only do I contend, but I guarantee you that not a single dime of EOT (Museum) funds are co-mingled with SASS funds/accounting. END of TRAIL is run through a separate company- the SASS Western Heritage Museum. SASS does do one thing- we donate all SASS employee labor costs to the event by not charging out out employee labor- only contract labor is paid directly out of the Museum/EOT. I am in the process of building an EOT SASS Member report for distribution that will outline the attendance information, the survey results, our action plan, and the financial picture. I think SASS members will be pleased to see such transparency. Stay tuned. 

 

No apology needed. I realize that for some, trust is a difficult thing to gain. I have been with SASS since 2009. (February 2019 was my 10 year SASS-anniversary!!) I cannot speak to anything stated in an article from 12 years ago. I can only speak to what I do know- and I absolutely know, without a doubt,  that in all of my tenure here, not a single penny has ever been "skimmed" from the Scholarship fund for any reasonQuite the contrary actually- SASS covers all the administrative, banking, registrations, maintenance, etc. fees for the SASS Scholarship Foundation so that every penny donated goes to the kids. Proudly. 

 

Erasers aren't needed, but what is needed is a little distance and perspective. Trust me, I get it- I've spent the last 10 years rebuilding a lot of bridges. Lets start focusing on some of the good, the accomplishments, the changes, the evolution. It simply isn't right to crucify current staff/management for something that was the work of predecessors.  It is the past and I (we) cant change it... but we certainly can learn from it!  

 

I have always been open and honest with my fellow SASS members. I say,  lets build a "new" history of SASS- through open communication and transparency. Together. 

 

Respectfully,

Misty 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.