Suggestion

[Mild Bill #2326]

Now in my upper 80’s, I no longer travel to and compete in State Championship matches, or

distant one-day shoots. Because of this, I have ceased paying yearly dues. However, I am still an active shooter, and believe in SASS and its principles. I simply cannot justify the cost of yearly dues. So I’d like to know your thoughts regarding allowing those in my position to

pay half dues. Whatever income SASS would derive from this would be more than its getting

now, and I wouldn’t feel like a freeloader. Thank you.

 

[Rye Miles #13621]

1 hour ago, Mild Bill #2326 said:

Now in my upper 80’s, I no longer travel to and compete in State Championship matches, or

distant one-day shoots. Because of this, I have ceased paying yearly dues. However, I am still an active shooter, and believe in SASS and its principles. I simply cannot justify the cost of yearly dues. So I’d like to know your thoughts regarding allowing those in my position to

pay half dues. Whatever income SASS would derive from this would be more than its getting

now, and I wouldn’t feel like a freeloader. Thank you.

 

I hear ya but I pay to support the sport I’ve been involved in since 1997. SASS literally changed my life! 

Edited February 17 by Rye Miles #13621

[Abilene, SASS # 27489]

Maybe something like an option for a "Limited Membership" for 50% off for 80-years and older members that is good for everything except shooting the state and above matches?  Wouldn't bother me.  All you can do is ask HQ to consider it.

[Widder, SASS #59054]

Some local clubs don't require SASS membership just to shoot their local matches.

Ya might want to talk with your local club about that issue.

 

I understand your thoughts about a reduced SASS membership fee based on age and participation.

There may be something the home office can work our for your situation.

 

Best regards

 

..........Widder

 

[Rip Snorter]

I briefly dropped membership because I won't be shooting any more matches.  Came back when copyright thing hit.  Not a lot of money to support a good organization - 18.9 cents a day,

[Hoss]

Unless the renewal fee is really a difference maker I would suggest keep paying it. We need a governing body, even if one doesn’t shoot state level & above matches, should still support the national association. Plus it gives you access to sell on the sasswire should you want to! 

[Rye Miles #13621]

It’s like $65.00 a year to support a pro gun group and sport! It’s not a lot of money !

[I. M. Crossdraw, SASS# 8321]

16 minutes ago, Rye Miles #13621 said:

It’s like $65.00 a year to support a pro gun group and sport! It’s not a lot of money !

Hey Rye,

It's $69.00 to renew.  It's still a good deal.🙂

[John Kloehr]

47 minutes ago, Rye Miles #13621 said:

It’s like $65.00 a year to support a pro gun group and sport! It’s not a lot of money !

And you do get a magazine every couple months.

[Rip Snorter]

30 minutes ago, I. M. Crossdraw, SASS# 8321 said:

Hey Rye,

It's $69.00 to renew.  It's still a good deal.🙂

Divide that by 365.

[Cowtown Scout, SASS #53540 L]

If you don’t want to continue paying dues but still want to contribute to SASS I’m sure they would accept a donation.

[Colorado Coffinmaker]

I'm one of those who think if you're going to play the game, you should pay the dues.  Same same for those whom seem duty bound to inhabit the SASS forums as "Guest" or Non-Paying prior CAS players.  That, I consider to be "Freeloading."  It is not uncommon to pay that much and more, for dinner for two at a nice restaurant and the tip.  If your still playing the game at the local level, then by all means, continue to support the game.

Edited February 19 by Colorado Coffinmaker

[Doc McCoy, SASS #8381]

I’m thinking of some combination of time in SASS and level of participation.  Maybe up to your own state match and no further.  Your SASS number suggests the early 1990s, perhaps 35 years of SASS membership, depending on when you stopped.  I know some organizations convert to Life after a certain time.  That might be a bit much for us right away as a starting point. But a reduced fee at some point might be reasonable.  With or without limited benefits.

I knew I was hooked early on and went Life in my third year, but that wasn’t everybody’s choice.  Budgets can be a pain.

[Geronimo Jim SASS # 21775]

Mild Bill is one of the finest gentlemen you will ever meet. 

[Gateway Kid SASS# 70038 Life]

I would be in favor of a reduced membership fee for our more “wizened” shooters, particularly those who have supported the organization for, let’s say, twenty years or more. At my home club we offer membership discounts to second shooters and bigger ones for third and fourth shooters. We do the same at our annual events. As far as price, our club membership is $75 per year (single member) which gets you a gate code so you can practice as much as you like, paint is available for pretty targets, $2 discount on monthly match fees. Admittedly we will have to reevaluate this year as some of our costs are higher but I figure it will most likely end up about $100. Another club in this area recently raised their membership to $175, I don’t know what their perks are. 
Anyway food for thought. 
Regards

    
Gateway Kid

[Captain Bill Burt]

Although for many $69 isn't enough to worry about, clearly for the OP it matters, hence his question.  I don't think the solution is to tell him that his concern is misplaced.   Some clearly view not paying dues but participating on the forums as 'freeloading'.  I don't share that view.

 

I suggest an email to Misty explaining your situation and asking if there's a workable compromise.  She's a reasonable person and will likely appreciate your desire to continue to contribute to the extent that you can.

 

Although I'm sure many of us wouldn't have a problem with half dues, realistically it doesn't matter what we think, it only matters what she thinks, so ask!!

[John Kloehr]

2 hours ago, Doc McCoy, SASS #8381 said:

I’m thinking of some combination of time in SASS and level of participation.  Maybe up to your own state match and no further.  Your SASS number suggests the early 1990s, perhaps 35 years of SASS membership, depending on when you stopped.  I know some organizations convert to Life after a certain time.  That might be a bit much for us right away as a starting point. But a reduced fee at some point might be reasonable.  With or without limited benefits.

I knew I was hooked early on and went Life in my third year, but that wasn’t everybody’s choice.  Budgets can be a pain.

One benefit I can see extending to long-time members, even with reduced (or possibly even no fee) is continued privilege of selling in the classifieds.

 

After years of paying into the sport and collecting gear, running into life challenges and limiting activity should still allow a path to selling gear to those who will appreciate it.

[El Sobrante Kid]

If our host does not consider it "freeloading" to use this forum without becoming a member, then who among you wants to cast that stone? With all the talk about the "Cowboy Way", I'm surprised that I keep seeing this less than neighborly attitude come up.

 

A post made by Eliphalet R. Moderator in January 2025-

[Colorado Coffinmaker]

Well said by a SASS# Guest🤪  I have no quarrel with those who "dip their toes in the water" for a mont or three.  If you look around however, there are quite a few who have done so for YEARS.  SASS is actually a business.  If they choose to give away their product to some, they should also be willing to give it away to ALL.  Trying to lump it under "The Cowboy Way" is ludicrous.  In most circles there is something called "Theft of Services."  Go ahead and Freeload internet (Wi-Fi) from others and when you get caught, don't blame it on "The Cowboy Way."  Personally, I resent those who freeload from my dues.  

 

Oh, and by the way.  I'm old and beat up, I can no longer shoot four matches a month plus State and National level.  I'm happy to be able to shoot two matches a month.  I am also happy to pay my way.  After all, sticking Five Dollars-n-Seventy Five Cents inna jar every month seems pretty reasonable.

Edited February 19 by Colorado Coffinmaker
fix

[Captain Bill Burt]

45 minutes ago, Colorado Coffinmaker said:

Well said by a SASS# Guest🤪  I have no quarrel with those who "dip their toes in the water" for a mont or three.  If you look around however, there are quite a few who have done so for YEARS.  SASS is actually a business.  If they choose to give away their product to some, they should also be willing to give it away to ALL.  Trying to lump it under "The Cowboy Way" is ludicrous.  In most circles there is something called "Theft of Services."  Go ahead and Freeload internet (Wi-Fi) from others and when you get caught, don't blame it on "The Cowboy Way."  Personally, I resent those who freeload from my dues.  

 

Oh, and by the way.  I'm old and beat up, I can no longer shoot four matches a month plus State and National level.  I'm happy to be able to shoot two matches a month.  I am also happy to pay my way.  After all, sticking Five Dollars-n-Seventy Five Cents inna jar every month seems pretty reasonable.

I’m truly sorry that you view life through a lense that clearly brings you a great deal of unhappiness. I hope things improve. Regretfully I will be placing you on my ignore list now as I find your posts directly conflict with why I frequent the  Wire.

[Dapper Dave]

Heck, I think I could pony up for the gent if need be. 

[Cemetery]

If you just shooting local matches, like on a Sunday, you could donate what you can to that local club.

[El Sobrante Kid]

Colorado Coffinmaker, I will ask again; If the business that owns and hosts this forum, SASS, says that all are welcome to use it for free. And their stated reason is to provide a place for members and non-members to get together, ask questions, share knowledge, solve problems, and generally talk about SASS and Cowboy Action Shooting, then why do you feel it is necessary to repeatedly jump in and call people out for not being members.

 

You (CC) said, "Trying to lump it under "The Cowboy Way" is ludicrous." I have to disagree. My understanding of the Cowboy Way, besides being a kind and honest person and helping others when you can, is the idea that "You live your life and I will live my life, I will respect your right to choose how you live, and you will respect my right to choose how I live; I will keep my nose out of your business, and you will keep your nose out of my business".

 

As you pointed out, I am a GUEST. I try to contribute to this forum by making an effort to post and share helpful or useful information that I know about. I try not to crap on other people's threads or question their motives or ideas, hopefully I am successful most of the time. Perhaps when I get older and more beat up, I will better understand your perspective.

[watab kid]

i got tired of paying yearly so a good while back i bought the lifetime membership , i had no idea if id ever break even - still dont , but im not paying yearly anymore , i believe more should consider this when younger , i was in my 60s then had been shooting since my 50s and im in my 70s , i try to keep shooting into my 80s and thats not that far away anymore , 

 

i know this didnt help the OP but perhaps it will some younger shooters , 

 

as to the OP - i think your proposal makes some sense but i think you will need to address a higher court than this forum to get that done 

[Matthew Duncan]

On 2/17/2025 at 9:41 PM, Colorado Coffinmaker said:

I'm one of those who think if you're going to play the game, you should pay the dues.  Same same for those whom seem duty bound to inhabit the SASS forums as "Guest" or Non-Paying prior CAS players.  That, I consider to be "Freeloading."  It is not uncommon to pay that much and more, for dinner for two at a nice restaurant and the tip.  If your still playing the game at the local level, then by all means, continue to support the game.

Some cowpokes are having hard financial times.  $69 here along with Brandon’s inflation, some hard choices are needed.  $69 could a breaking point.  80 years old limiting a cowpoke to local matches? Drop the SASS fee (as many years y’all supported SASS is enough).  Participate and enjoy!

 

[Matthew Duncan]

4 hours ago, Dapper Dave said:

Heck, I think I could pony up for the gent if need be. 

Me too.

[Black Hills Barb]

I've known Mild Bill for all of the 24+ years I have been cowboy shooting.  He's definitely one to ride the trail with.  In the early years it was always great to see him at an annual match where we met and that we both traveled a bit to attend.  Eventually that match was no longer held.  Then I saw him at his state match for a spell.  I haven't seen him for several years now.  I do miss you Bill!
I've experienced the loss of many cowboy friends that I've made over the years due to age.  Others are no longer coming to matches for a variety of reasons - $$$ (gas, ammo, etc,) an aging spouse at home, travel distance/traffic concerns.  I'm sure he's not alone in this. 
Perhaps we can do better by helping these cowboys out - offer a ride, load their ammo, share a gun cart (even preparing and putting away for the day is HEAVY).  These 4- digit number cowboys/cowgirls are priceless!  

[Jim Brown]

Not SASS but the Gun Club I am a Member of has a Senior rate for 65 and over. The rate is one-half of the normal rate.

The only catch is you have to have been a member for 5 years. Misty and staff could consider this.

 

That being said I have no issues with anyone having access (except Scammers) to the Forum.

 

Example: Member for years decides to let membership GO- Can not shoot any more because of ????.

Leave them in the system with full access (can buy sell)

 

 

 

 

[Eyesa Horg]

I've had to join quite a few forums just to ask a question. None have ever expected payment or any sort of membership to join. This is the only one I frequent, but agree with Misty that there should be no charge to be active here. Many of the most informed contributors are guests and it would be a shame to lose the knowledge they share.

[Silver Creek Jack]

I’m in the camp with those that agree with a reduced membership for our long time shooters over 80. I could be wrong but I don’t think that would put a crimp in Sass’s budget. Misty and the staff are great folks to work with.

[Abilene, SASS # 27489]

On 2/19/2025 at 7:13 AM, Jim Brown said:

Not SASS but the Gun Club I am a Member of has a Senior rate for 65 and over. The rate is one-half of the normal rate.

The only catch is you have to have been a member for 5 years. Misty and staff could consider this....

If SASS did this and started at age 65 they would go broke in a month. 

[Eyesa Horg]

For sure!

[Texas Jack Black]

If $69  is not affordable than what about gas to go to the shoots, ammo, etc. ??. 

 ??

[Eyesa Horg]

I think his issue was that he doesn't shoot any longer, but wants to contribute to stay on the wire. IIRC!!

[El Sobrante Kid]

As mentioned earlier in this thread, anyone can send in a donation to SASS at any time for any amount. If you would like to help out financially, pick an amount that works for your circumstances, and send that in with a note thanking SASS for all they do. I'm sure it will be gratefully accepted.