Stage starting lines

[Doc McCoy, SASS #8381]

I have 2-3 standard lines that I use when I have forgotten the written line, or there isn’t one.  As a TO I’ll accept anything the shooter wants to say, or mutter, that means they’re ready.  I sometimes wonder why they don’t want to say something more colorful than “ready”.  But have never said anything to them.  Occasionally I’ve misunderstood their mumble and not beeped .  Oh, that was your line?  Restart.  

[Badlands Bob #61228]

I wrote a stage where saying the starting line correctly was required before the T.O. would start the timer.

 

Start standing in front of pistol targets with hands on pistols.  Targets were big and close.  When ready, Say "2-1-2, 2-1-2, 2-1-2".  At the beep, shoot the pistol targets in a 1-3-1 sweep and repeat with 2nd pistol.  

 

 

 

 

[Lucky R. K.]

"Fill your hand you SOB" is a line a friend of mine uses most of the time when he shoots. Very appropriate.

Lucky 

[Dusty Devil Dale]

This has come up a number of times in the past.  The huge concensus has been that there is no requirement.  You just need to indicate ready to the T.O. and counters/spotters. 

 

But let's back up for a minute.  

 

In recent few (very few) years, CAS has been drifting toward a race gun game, with progressively bigger and closer targets, expensively modified guns, and much less complexity in stages.  The total stage time  is all that many of us outwardly care about now. 

Without judging all of that, for the moment, IMO it would serve our purposes to remember what brought most of us here to Cowboy Action Shooting in the first place.   If we only wanted fast action, there are a lot of very fun,  faster gun sports to partake in.  Many of us also shoot in those contests and enjoy them. 

 

But we came HERE to play cowboy for a time.  To dress up in cowboy clothes, strap on our pretty single action guns, shoot among western buildings and props and, to an extent, enjoy living the scenarios we are shooting in.  The start lines and story lines were always a way to add more COWBOY to the shooting fun. 

Many of us still enjoy all of that. 

I personally hope  the game doesn't move entirely over to race-gun shooting in a cowboy hat, it won't be as imaginative or fun. 

 

I am noticing that the clubs that still insert a generous amount of -- call it "cowboy" --  into the shooting experience are growing and attracting new younger members.  Attracting younger folks amid the array of alternative much faster and more modern shooting sports will always be a challenge.  

What draws them to our game is when they stop to watch us laughing, cheering, and playing cowboy, dressed up in western dress with our smoking guns. 

 

Corny as they can seem, the start lines are a part of all of that.  Without the Western reenactment part, it is just target shooting without the movement or big prizes. JMHO. 

 

BUT THERE IS NO SPECIFIC REQUIREMENT.  T.O.s just need to be sure communication is clear enough. 

[Tn Tombstone]

Show Me, I will not accept a head nod because one time it came back to bite me in the butt. 

Shooter nodded his head, Stand by, beep, shooter had a train wreck, then blamed me for starting him before he was ready. Gave a re-shoot Last time that happened. Say it where I can hear it.

 

I have used movie lines, made up lines aimed at the TO, lines from songs. I have no shame or limits. 

Just have fun

[Dusty Devil Dale]

14 hours ago, Too Tall Bob said:

How many T.O.’s can “hear a nod” or are actually looking for a non verbal acknowledgement of being ready to go?

(just a question)

Seems self-limiting.  If the T.O. doesn't hear or otherwise understand that the shooter is ready, why would he or she press the button?  If unsure, just ask them -- it isnt like that takes place on the clock. 

[The Rainmaker, SASS #11631]

2 hours ago, Badlands Bob #61228 said:

I wrote a stage where saying the starting line correctly was required before the T.O. would start the timer.

 

Start standing in front of pistol targets with hands on pistols.  Targets were big and close.  When ready, Say "2-1-2, 2-1-2, 2-1-2".  At the beep, shoot the pistol targets in a 1-3-1 sweep and repeat with 2nd pistol.  

 

 

 

 

Evil... just pure evil. 👺

[Captain Bill Burt]

2 hours ago, Badlands Bob #61228 said:

I wrote a stage where saying the starting line correctly was required before the T.O. would start the timer.

 

Start standing in front of pistol targets with hands on pistols.  Targets were big and close.  When ready, Say "2-1-2, 2-1-2, 2-1-2".  At the beep, shoot the pistol targets in a 1-3-1 sweep and repeat with 2nd pistol.  

 

 

 

 

Please, don't give Rainmaker any ideas...

6 minutes ago, The Rainmaker, SASS #11631 said:

Evil... just pure evil. 👺

No....just no.

[Jackalope]

2 hours ago, Tn Tombstone said:

I have no shame or limits. 

 

It is true.  I have witnessed this.

 

🤠

[Wrangler Bob]

I like it when the "starting line" is posted at the starting stage position; I try to use it. But, I admit there are times when all I can mutter is' Shooter Ready" and I try to say it as loudly as I can [hearing aids and all]. If it isn't posted where I can see it, the long walk from loading table to starting stage position seems to wipe out the starting line for me...then it's just, "shooter ready".

[Black Angus McPherson]

18 hours ago, Creeker, SASS #43022 said:

Never quite understood anyone that believes their version of "fun" is the only option.

 

"IF" milking the starting line or wearing wooly chaps or doing the hokey pokey gives you enjoyment - go for it.

 

But "silently judging" because someone else has different priorities or plays the game in a manner (completely legal) that just doesn't happen to conform to your opinion?

 

Wow.

 @#$%%&*@@ SUNNY BEACHES!! 

 

I just spent 10 minutes on a polite, wonderfully worded reply and then it just disappeared.  I ain't doing it again.

 

I'll just refer to a sign I've seen around several sporting arenas that says, basically:  "Be the best you can be.  Remember, kids are watching and learning from you."

 

You do you and be happy.

 

Your fun may be wrong, but I won't be the one to call you on it.

 

Angus

Consarned ding-dang computer.  I was being right eloquent.

 

18 hours ago, Creeker, SASS #43022 said:

Never quite understood anyone that believes their version of "fun" is the only option.

 

"IF" milking the starting line or wearing wooly chaps or doing the hokey pokey gives you enjoyment - go for it.

 

But "silently judging" because someone else has different priorities or plays the game in a manner (completely legal) that just doesn't happen to conform to your opinion?

 

Wow.

 @#$%%&*@@ SUNNY BEACHES!! 

 

I just spent 10 minutes on a polite, wonderfully worded reply and then it just disappeared.  I ain't doing it again.

 

I'll just refer to a sign I've seen around several sporting arenas that says, basically:  "Be the best you can be.  Remember, kids are watching and learning from you."

 

You do you and be happy.

 

Your fun may be wrong, but I won't be the one to call you on it.

 

Angus

Consarned ding-dang computer.  I was being right eloquent.

 

[Black Angus McPherson]

Ouch, now I've been double-tapped!

 

Dang computer.

 

Angus

[Possum Skinner, SASS#60697]

I LIKE starting lines and always try to make them make sense for the stage they’re on.  I LIKE it when shooters say the line.  HOWEVER, I’m not going to get butt hurt when they don’t say it.  Sometimes it’s because they forgot the line.  Sometimes it’s because they want to say something different.  Whatever.

I DO especially like to shoot with folks who are having fun!

[Prairie Dawg, SASS #50329]

I understand that some shooters are so focused that they don't want to get thrown off-guard by saying the line, so I'll accept "ready".
Me? I'm just out for fun, and I think starting lines from my favorite movies add to the fun.
If I can't remember the line, I frequently just say...."I call that mighty bold talk from a one-eyed fat man!"

That describes me well, except that I do have two eyes!

--Dawg 

[MizPete]

I personally do not think it would kill youse to say the line (or variation thereof) since it's generally posted right in front of your face.  But I don't shoot so I don't get a vote.

[Sixgun Seamus]

5 hours ago, Tn Tombstone said:

 

Shooter nodded his head, Stand by, beep, shooter had a train wreck, then blamed me for starting him before he was ready. Gave a re-shoot

 

That there is a big pile of horsey do-do. The shooter has NO obligation to start if he is not ready. Same goes for a restart if no round down range. Shooter was taking advantage of a self imposed screwup.

[El Sobrante Kid]

2 hours ago, MizPete said:

I personally do not think it would kill youse to say the line (or variation thereof) since it's generally posted right in front of your face.  But I don't shoot so I don't get a vote.

 

No offense intended so please don't take any. You always get a vote... on what you do, not what others do. That's not the same as having an opinion. Everyone, can have an opinion, on everything.

[Assassin]

On 6/11/2025 at 8:38 AM, Tn Tombstone said:

Show Me, I will not accept a head nod because one time it came back to bite me in the butt. 

Shooter nodded his head, Stand by, beep, shooter had a train wreck, then blamed me for starting him before he was ready. Gave a re-shoot Last time that happened. Say it where I can hear it.

 

I have used movie lines, made up lines aimed at the TO, lines from songs. I have no shame or limits. 

Just have fun

Stand by, delay, beep.

Pisses me off when I get a Stand beep.

 

When a shooter is focused, a poor timer operator can ruin his/her thought process.

[Chickasaw Bill SASS #70001]

HOLD my beer , and watch this 🤣

[Montague Kid]

The recent PA State match was a tribute to Toby Keith. All the starting lines were from his songs. I was repeatedly threatened with a minor safety violation if I continued to sing the lines😆

[Blackwater 53393]

3 hours ago, Montague Kid said:

The recent PA State match was a tribute to Toby Keith. All the starting lines were from his songs. I was repeatedly threatened with a minor safety violation if I continued to sing the lines😆

It’s doubtful that you could do any damage…

[John Kloehr]

On 6/10/2025 at 7:35 PM, Blackwater 53393 said:

... some sort of verbal acknowledgement of ready is needed so that spotters are aware that the shooter is about to begin.  Like my grandma used to tell me when I nodded or shook my head, “I can’t hear your head rattling, even if it IS full of rocks!”

This is something I just never considered before, the line helps the entire crew be ready for scoring. I for one do make something up when I forget. Hey, if I can't remember the sweep order or where I am in a sweep, how can I remember specific line?

[Montague Kid]

18 hours ago, Blackwater 53393 said:

22 hours ago, Montague Kid said:

😆

It’s doubtful that you could do any damage

You haven’t heard me sing. 

[Blackwater 53393]

48 minutes ago, Montague Kid said:

You haven’t heard me sing. 

Having seen and heard Toby Kieth,  I’d be happy to give you a listen!!!

[The Rainmaker, SASS #11631]

Working in a (govt) technical career field and in Quality for a good part of the time, when we found a non-conformity (let's call it a procedural), we had to have a reference that said you either had to do (or not do) something. If our reference (SHB OR THE STAGE INSTRUCTIONS) are not explicit in telling the shooter they have to say something specific to start the stage and that it will be a procedural if they do not... then it is not a P.

IMHO, if a stage writer did stipulate a starting line will be said or a procedural would be assessed, folks would stop attending.

I use start lines and I print them and post them at the starting positions (as well as the starting position and gun order). If you use the line or not is up to you,  but as a timer operator, if I don't get a verbal signal you are ready, I won't start you.

[Rye Miles #13621]

On 6/10/2025 at 7:13 PM, Sixgun Seamus said:

I think lines are part of the fun of the game and this is supposed to be fun. That being said, whatever the shooter does to indicate ready is fine with me. Whenever someone asks what the line is, I always respond, "Seamus is my hero". I've had quite a few say it.

You would never hear me say that in a million years! 

[High Spade Mikey Wilson]

I don't see any reason to get nit picky on this reciting the line to start. Some matches I go to have the line posted, and everyone says it to start the stage. Other matches I go to the line is not posted and many times I don't remember it when I'm on the line. I will ask the TO what the line is and sometimes they don't even remember it so I just say ready. When I TO I don't really care if they remember and say the line or not as long as they say something so I know they are ready. I won't do nodding their head. How do I know if it's a nod to start or if they are adjusting their shirt around the back of their neck. 

[Rye Miles #13621]

Years ago we had a new shooter, nice guy but he had a stuttering problem big time. When he got nervous he would stutter. He tried saying the lines and if it was kind of a long one he would stutter it. It was funny and sad at the same time. After two stages we all told him, just say READY! He came back a few times but family problems stopped him from continuing. 

[Tracker Jack Daniels,58780]

When I run the timer all I expect from the shooter is some verbal indication that they are ready to go. Be it the exact line, a 

line of their own, or just ready. I need to hear them indicate readiness to start. No verbal indication, no stand bye, beep

 

 

[Sixgun Seamus]

2 hours ago, Rye Miles #13621 said:

You would never hear me say that in a million years! 

You know you really love me

[Capt. R. Hugh Kidnme]

On 6/10/2025 at 7:35 PM, Blackwater 53393 said:

I agree with Tombstone and Seamus! If I’m running the timer, some sort of verbal acknowledgement of ready is needed so that spotters are aware that the shooter is about to begin.  Like my grandma used to tell me when I nodded or shook my head, “I can’t hear your head rattling, even if it IS full of rocks!”

 

I LIKE a starting line or some semblance of one!  I will be the first to say that I will sing ‘em, shout ‘em, miss quote ‘em, or substitute a line of my own, particularly if it’ll help to keep the atmosphere a little lighter!!

 

 

This one ^.  As a TO, it's difficult to decipher what a head nod means......Is the shooter ready, is the shooter looking down to make sure their shotgun belt is loaded, is the shooter looking to see if their rifle lever is not off the edge of the table too far, are they looking to see if their shoes are tied.......Give me something verbal, even if it's a grunt.

[Rye Miles #13621]

1 hour ago, Sixgun Seamus said:

You know you really love me

I do? 🙄

[Black Hills Barb]

On 6/11/2025 at 9:21 PM, Montague Kid said:

The recent PA State match was a tribute to Toby Keith. All the starting lines were from his songs. I was repeatedly threatened with a minor safety violation if I continued to sing the lines😆

Now that's what I like!  Have a little fun with those starting lines.

 

I like starting lines.  I like stories too.  We've left stories pretty much slide by the wayside.  I hope that doesn't happen with the lines.  What will be next?

[Sedalia Dave]

I like to have fun with the starting lines when I can. Several years ago, the stage included a swinging target and the line was supposed to be "I love swingers". I changed it to 'I don't swing that way but I hear XXXXX does" where XXXX was the TO's alias. This caused the TO to laugh so hard he dropped the timer. 

[Shooting Bull]

7 hours ago, Rye Miles #13621 said:

I do? 🙄

Of course you do. Everybody loves Seamus. 😁