Activities for Spectators

[Al Swearengen]

I've been wondering how to get more folks into our SASS groups here in Southern Nevada. Do any groups encourage non shooters to come to shoots and do non shooting activities? If so, what activities? I'm considering pot luck lunches, costume contests, vendors, BBQs, board games, playing instruments, art exhibitions, quilt making, needle work, etc.

[Diamond Jake]

I've heard of people setting up campfires and demo cooking with cast iron, but I've not seen it at any of the matches I go to.

[Stump Water]

All of the non-shooting activities you're talking about sounds more like a rendezvous or encampment.  You might be able to get some of that stuff going at a multi-day match, but doing it at a monthly... you might get someone to setup one time, but when they see that the shooters are there to shoot the match, put up, pack up and go get some grub... it's gonna be a tough row to hoe.

 

I think I've seen CAS vendors set up at monthly match about twice.  

 

Food at a monthly match, if offered, is usually a part of the venue's regular offering and already arranged/covered by the regular that does it every month.

 

Sorry to be a downer, but it is what it is.

[Cheyenne Ranger, 48747L]

If visitors show up without a member accompanying them we usually will see if they would like to "shoot a few" after the match.  We have a number of us who will stay after and let them learn about and fire our guns.

 

If they don't want to we are still happy as clams to answer their questions.

[Garrison Joe, SASS #60708]

Most clubs are shooting on multi-purpose ranges without much infrastructure around the range for entertainment - like a playground, kitchen,  vending of goods., sometimes not even running water.

 

An "Annual" or State match, however, may have a large enough attendance of shooters to warrant rental of tent(s), trailers, etc.   When there is a multi-day event, vendors and paid entertainers are much more likely to turn out with their wares and talents.   Because with CAMPING on site comes the need and desire to fill the late afternoon and evening time with something to do!  

 

All of this takes major volunteer efforts (often by non-shooting family or friends of the shooters) to make happen.  Trying to do this more than once-a-year often burns out the few non-shooting workers available in a club.

 

More successful attempts trying to boost growth often involve:

* introduction to SASS days, with visitor shooting and instruction by club members

* Ladies days, with special instruction centered on their needs

* demonstration days in conjunction with other big events held at the range

 

good luck, GJ

Edited February 15 by Garrison Joe, SASS #60708

[El Sobrante Kid]

This is something I think about fairly often as our local club only has a few members, almost all of whom are past retirement age. We need to bring in younger members, or the club will simply die off. I think that Garrison Joe, and the others, have made good points. 1) There is little time/energy/gear/space for things "related" to CAS, and 2) people who might be interested in CAS will be more interested in the shooting than anything else.

 

You could run this after a match, or as a special event. My thought is to set up and offer "A Chance to Shoot the Guns of the Old West" or "Learn About Shooting the Guns of the Old West" as the hook. This would consist of a quick (less than 5 minute) very general talk about the firearms. A number of different firearms from club members could be laid out on a table for some WOW factor (no touching, just looking). Then a Safety Talk with a demo of proper range safety and what is expected. Make sure to have lots of extra eye and ear protection for any guests that do not have them.

 

Then the chance to shoot at steel, one pistol and one rifle (or a shotgun if preferred by the guest). .22's would be a great way to keep the cost down, but still get a satisfying clang on the targets. Minimal firearms on a single table, all shooting is done from the table. The person doing the demo could show how a holster is used (with unloaded revolvers). No knock downs or fancy targets, just simple steel targets for some satisfying audio feedback. Even with a big emphasis on safety, each guest should only take 2-3 minutes to rotate through. Depending on the range setup there could be two tables/demo's operating at the same time. If there is extra time and interest, people could shoot a second time.

 

The next thing is to try to find groups that might be interested in attending. In no particular order how about making the invitation to; local IDPA/Steel Challenge/Three Gun/USPSA/Shotgun/etc. Clubs, local Boy Scout/Girl Scout/Cub Scout Troops, 4H Clubs, local ROTC, etc. A bonus of offering the opportunity to the younger age groups is that you might even have an interested parent come along.

 

I know this is sacrilege to some here, but you could also make it clear  to the guest shooters that as long as they have at least one revolver and one rifle, even in .22, they can come out and shoot at the local match(es), they just won't be timed and scored like the other shooters. My personal feeling is that you will get more new shooters, and get them to stick around longer, if you let them gradually acquire the gear as they have more and more fun. If by some miracle you attract too many new shooters, you can always tighten up the requirements as necessary, but I just don't see that as a likely issue for most CAS clubs.

 

If you want to organize the time and gear for a simple lunch or bbq after the shoot, that would be another opportunity to answer questions. GL!

[Rip Snorter]

Frankly, I think SASS is probably unaffordable for many younger folks.  The Idea of an event where people can shoot old west guns is a good start.  When I relocated, the shooting club was pretty basic, and not used a great deal. I ran a match for Teens with a variety of unusual and moving targets.  Had to have parents permission and a .22 rifle.  Well attended.  I ran a couple more  for adults - not particularly directed at SASS, but to generate interest by showing them things they did not think they could do with a handgun.  Shortly after that some excellent new leadership got involved and made the club pretty amazing, unrecognizable in fact.  Vastly improved facility and range.  I claim no credit for any of that, beyond kicking up a small flame from a near dying campfire.  The folks who took over were simply remarkable.  Certainly if you have a SASS club, it will have some targets and equipment.  It is easy enough to re imagine a part of a conventional SASS match with less guns as a point of entry.  

[El Sobrante Kid]

7 minutes ago, Rip Snorter said:

Frankly, I think SASS is probably unaffordable for many younger folks.  {...}  It is easy enough to re imagine a part of a conventional SASS match with less guns as a point of entry.  

 

Many younger folks... and many middle-aged folks too. It is simply an enormous obstacle for some, regardless of their interest or enthusiasm. Consider the cost of getting into a Steel Challenge or IDPA match (at a beginner level); one firearm, the ammo (usually a higher round count than a CAS match), eye and ear protection, a single carry bag, and... nothing else. These are the same shooters that the CAS clubs are competing for. So what can be done to make a match more appealing to the CAS-curious shooter(s)? I think that the OP's question goes directly to this issue.

[El Sobrante Kid]

21 hours ago, Al Swearengen said:

I've been wondering how to get more folks into our SASS groups here in Southern Nevada. Do any groups encourage non shooters to come to shoots and do non shooting activities? If so, what activities? I'm considering pot luck lunches, costume contests, vendors, BBQs, board games, playing instruments, art exhibitions, quilt making, needle work, etc.

 

Hi Al,   kudos to you for trying to get more people involved. I'm curious as to the reason why you specifically ask about getting non-shooters involved. Are you hoping that they will become involved in shooting CAS at some point? Are you hoping to offer something interesting to do for the non-shooting spouses/partners/friends of someone who is involved in the shooting side of things? Or is there another reason that I'm totally missing out on, which is very possible, LOL.

[watab kid]

ive not asked but i cant see why some of the sidematch 22cal evvents wouldnt be of interest and affordable 

[Waimea]

An 1890's ice cream social would attract my attention.

[Garrison Joe, SASS #60708]

On 2/16/2025 at 1:55 AM, watab kid said:

i can't see why some of the side match 22cal events wouldn't be of interest and affordable 

 

Well,  would that be 22 rimfire guns for spectators to buy and bring  to the side match,  guns they could not (down the road, unless youth participants) shoot in main matches?  Probably would have have to open the side match to "any 22 handgun and/or rifle."   Including scopes and red dots....

 

Or, you would have to procure, maintain (clean) and probably provide ammo for club or member-owned guns.  And in some states, it now requires a FFL transfer or a full-time supervising FFL to be able to loan guns for use on the range.  And, then there's states with restrictions on providing guns to minors regardless of how it's done.  And possibilities that guns are hauled away covertly.

 

Be careful what you might ask for.  Times are a lot different legally than they were in the 1960s.

 

And then, how many members of the club want to either:

* not shoot the main match so they can host a side match, or 

* even harder, stay behind and run a side match after main match closes? 

 

Of course, it's easier to do this when you are running a multi-day big match, but not easy even then.

 

good luck, GJ

[watab kid]

yup , thats why im not in charge of these things 

 

i was thinking these folks would have SASS type 22s but hadnt thought past that , 

 

12 minutes ago, Garrison Joe, SASS #60708 said:

 

Well,  would that be 22 rimfire guns for spectators to buy and bring  to the side match,  guns they could not (down the road, unless youth participants) shoot in main matches?  Probably would have have to open the side match to "any 22 handgun and/or rifle."   Including scopes and red dots....

 

Or, you would have to procure, maintain (clean) and probably provide ammo for club or member-owned guns.  And in some states, it now requires a FFL transfer or a full-time supervising FFL to be able to loan guns for use on the range.  And, then there's states with restrictions on providing guns to minors regardless of how it's done.  And possibilities that guns are hauled away covertly.

 

Be careful what you might ask for.  Times are a lot different legally than they were in the 1960s.

 

And then, how many members of the club want to either:

* not shoot the main match so they can host a side match, or 

* even harder, stay behind and run a side match after main match closes? 

 

Of course, it's easier to do this when you are running a multi-day big match, but not easy even then.

 

good luck, GJ

[El Sobrante Kid]

3 hours ago, Garrison Joe, SASS #60708 said:

 

Well,  would that be 22 rimfire guns for spectators to buy and bring  to the side match,  guns they could not (down the road, unless youth participants) shoot in main matches?  Probably would have have to open the side match to "any 22 handgun and/or rifle."   Including scopes and red dots....

 

Or, you would have to procure, maintain (clean) and probably provide ammo for club or member-owned guns.  And in some states, it now requires a FFL transfer or a full-time supervising FFL to be able to loan guns for use on the range.  And, then there's states with restrictions on providing guns to minors regardless of how it's done.  And possibilities that guns are hauled away covertly.

 

Be careful what you might ask for.  Times are a lot different legally than they were in the 1960s.

 

And then, how many members of the club want to either:

* not shoot the main match so they can host a side match, or 

* even harder, stay behind and run a side match after main match closes? 

 

Of course, it's easier to do this when you are running a multi-day big match, but not easy even then.

 

good luck, GJ

 

The ownership/borrowing/transfer is indeed becoming an issue in more places. The obvious answer is that anyone who wants to participate as a shooter will need to have their own firearms.

 

So consider these two scenarios and tell me in which case you would likely see an interested person return to try a match.

 

A guest comes to a special event or a match. Average person, with an average income, who likes guns and shoots every now and then. They have an old west style lever action rifle or revolver and they think it would be fun to shoot in a match. Their gun is a .22, but they obviously are very interested and show a lot of enthusiasm.

 

Scenario 1) you tell them that they will need to have at least one revolver and one rifle to participate in a match. .22's are OK for now, but in the long-run they are not ideal because a .22 cannot normally be used in a main match. They will be able to shoot the stages with all the other shooters, but they will only shoot the number of rounds that their guns will accommodate. No reloads, no "P's", no special "make-ups", just shoot-what-ya-brung in the correct order. You also make sure that they understand that the timer will only be used for the starting beep, and they will not be officially timed until they have all the firearms and gear that they need to shoot a full stage. Since they are not being officially timed, they can stage all of their firearms on the table(s) if they don't have any holsters. And finally, you let them know that the match fee is $x, or that you are waiving the fee for x reason.

 

Scenario 2) same person with just the one gun (a .22). You tell them that their .22 can only be used in a limited number of side matches, not in a main match. You tell them that BEFORE they can shoot in their first match, they will have to purchase two revolvers, one rifle, one shotgun, and a set of holsters. You do make a point of letting them know that a few of the other shooters will happily let them borrow guns to get started, but at some point they will need to have their own equipment.

 

Which scenario seems more appealing to a newcomer? Which scenario does a better job of conveying, "Welcome, come and give it a try"? And in support of Scenario 1, what does it cost the club to let this person shoot the match with their limited gear?

 

 

Edited February 18 by El Sobrante Kid
add some clarity.

[Rip Snorter]

You could easily put .22 folks in a special Posse, making certain of a quality RO.  Blending them would be counter productive.

[El Sobrante Kid]

35 minutes ago, Rip Snorter said:

You could easily put .22 folks in a special Posse, making certain of a quality RO.  Blending them would be counter productive.

 

I think you are missing the most important point I was hoping to make. If someone with limited gear wants to give CAS a try, and they want to use .22's because of the cost, or that's simply what they already have, then go for it. The trade-off to make it easier for the club is this; the shooter is not timed, misses or P's are informational only, not official. Doing it like this gives the new shooter with limited gear a chance to try it out and build up their equipment as their enthusiasm grows. They do not have to choose whether or not they want to take on a mountain of debt, just to give it try to see if they like it. The club does not have to go to any additional effort to accommodate either the caliber or the number of firearms. Safety, rules, and shooting skills are all learned along the way. Allowing someone to shoot like this is actually less work than a fully geared up new shooter. Except for keeping an eye on them at all times, that wouldn't change.

[Rip Snorter]

Flashing back to my reaction when PCC was blended into USPSA - part of what killed the game for me was having them in regular squads.  No matter to me other than that SASS does well - personally inactive, though I did enjoy it.

[Jack Spade]

I am going to weigh in on this because I am a huge advocate for this game we play.  I probably make a nuisance of myself talking to anyone and everyone about how great cowboy action shooting is, how nice the people are and how much I enjoy it.  

To answer the OP original question.  I don't think spectators would come to check out a sass match for anything other than the shooting.  If they want to learn Dutch oven cooking or hide tanning there are other venues for those.  

My suggestion to grow your club and participation would be to hold a new or interested shooter clinic that is well publicized as a stand alone event or in conjunction with another event that is being held at your range. 

Have some of your fellow shooters bring their guns and gear and donate 100 rds of ammo.  Start with safe handling of the guns, go through the loading and unloading table procedures then demonstrate shooting a stage.  Once that is done let them all shoot a stage under close supervision.  Nothing will ignite their interest like feeling that gun buck in their hands and hearing that steel ring! Invite local news media to cover the event and encourage the news people to shoot a stage.

This is going to get a little long but here we go.   As far as letting them use .22's almost every club I shoot at allows the use of 22's you just don't get scored with the rest of the competitors.  Some clubs even have a special all 22 match. 

We all know the cost of guns, leather, ammo, equipment is a barrier to entry but if we want to grow our sport we need to try to help out new shooters all we can.  Myself I buy a lot of cowboy guns and then sell them to new shooters and let them make payments to me.  I might make a few dollars on the guns but I don't charge interest or set minimum payments.  Just pay me as you can.  I have done this several times and have always been paid in full within a year.  I even sell them reloaders and components the same way and if they don't know how I teach them to reload.  If they aren't ready for that I either reload for them or let them buy components and reload on my machines.  

For people who just want to try it out I keep a couple full sets of extra guns and leather to loan at a match.  Most clubs if you contact the match director before you show up they have a list of guys like me who can bring extra gear.  

At the end of the day we should all be doing everything we can to promote and grow the sport/game or it is going to fade away.  My philosophy is It's no fun to shoot by yourself!

Edited February 18 by Jack Spade

[John Kloehr]

I volunteered at a scouting event some time back. I was with a group introducing shooters to the .22 rifle. There was also a group helping attendees cast a bullet and then go over to shoot it out of a muzzle loader. Many other non-firearms activities too.

 

Rather than trying to get people to a SASS event, take SASS to a wider audience. In the case of scouting, it might be restricted to 22s, but can introduce the sport and single-action or lever firearms.