End of Trail News - Stage Design Update

[Rattlesnake Slim]

Howdy Everybody,

 

First and foremost, thank you so much for your honest feedback and suggestions for making our stages better, faster, and more fun for 2026. Also, thanks for your patience while we wrote, rewrote, and rewrote again, trying to make them the best possible. And special thanks to those of you who reviewed and suggested changes when Red River Wrangler asked for your help.

 

Now for the news:

 

 CHANGES TO END OF TRAIL STAGE DESIGN!!

You spoke and we heard you!  The EOT Board values our relationship with the SASS Community and strives to ensure everyone has a positive and fun experience every year at the World Match. As a result of your feedback for the 2025 Match, we have made the following changes for the 2026 Match!

 

1. Target Distance
In the past, three target distances were in place - Far, Mid and Near. For End of Trail 2026, we have dropped the far distance and are focusing our attention on mid and near target layouts.  To add more context, we have a steel inventory of 176 plates mounted on stands. The smallest targets used in the Cowboy match are 20" rounds and the largest are 24" squares.

2. Stage Instructions
We heard from you that stage instructions were a bit wordy in 2025. We are going old school with simple and direct. We hope you find the 2026 stage instructions clearer and easier to understand.

3. Stage Scenarios
Scenarios are faster and less complicated for 2026. The "Crow Hop" has been banished for eternity. The all knockdown stage has been dropped from the Cowboy match.  At EOT 2026 you will encounter four round count scenarios, five simple sweeps, one pivot sweep, one Nevada sweep and one Keep Me Clean scenario.

4. Stage Movement
We are reducing your running and/or walking distance while keeping the action in Cowboy Action Shooting. Most firing point to firing point transitions will fall in the four to six foot range. We have held the firing points to the façade windows and doorways where possible. Nine stages will have three firing positions, three stages will have just two firing positions and all but one stage will allow the shooter to choose their direction of travel.

 

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AND HOPE YOU ENJOY THE CHANGES!!

 

As always, I'm willing to answer your questions to the best of my ability

 

Rattlesnake Slim, President Arizona Territorial Company of Rough Riders

 

 

[Creeker, SASS #43022]

Very welcome words.

 

It takes leadership to determine that a wrong path may have been chosen and an even stronger will to make the needed changes to correct course.

 

This may encourage some that have passed on EOT (since its move to Phoenix) to return.

 

I applaud the changes.

[T-Square]

Hi EOT Board,

I haven’t had the chance to attend End of Trail yet, so I don’t have the full background—but the details you shared about what to expect are really interesting!

I’ve never thought about stage design in terms of “four round count stages and five simple sweeps,” so it was great to get that kind of insight.

As for the mention of “wordy stage instructions,” I’m not sure what that refers to, but I do hope the stories that set the scene and atmosphere for each stage will still be part of the match. They’re such a fun and immersive part of Cowboy Action Shooting!

Looking forward to finally shooting EOT in 2027!

[Joe LaFives #5481]

Thank RS.  As the average age of shooters continues to climb, I'm certain that folks will appreciate the changes.  ONE exception though.  Plainsman Rifle should move out to around 75 yards.  

[Rattlesnake Slim]

13 hours ago, Joe LaFives #5481 said:

Thank RS.  As the average age of shooters continues to climb, I'm certain that folks will appreciate the changes.  ONE exception though.  Plainsman Rifle should move out to around 75 yards.  

 

Plainsman, Teddy Roosevelt, and Doughboy rifle targets will be far enough to make that crazy gang giggle with excitement!

[Smokin Gator SASS #29736]

I curious what the target distances were for the far, mid, near stages.

[Rattlesnake Slim]

56 minutes ago, Smokin Gator SASS #29736 said:

I curious what the target distances were for the far, mid, near stages.

 

Near is 19 feet for rifle targets, 13 feet for pistol.

Mid is 22 feet rifle and 16 for pistol.

There will be no stages at the former Far distances.

[Marshal Stone, SASS #53366]

3 hours ago, Smokin Gator SASS #29736 said:

I curious what the target distances were for the far, mid, near stages.

 

If I remember correctly the former "Far" targets were in the neighborhood of 7yds for pistol and about 12-15 for rifle.

 

Marshal Stone

[Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933]

2 hours ago, Rattlesnake Slim said:

Near is 19 feet for rifle targets, 13 feet for pistol.

Mid is 22 feet rifle and 16 for pistol.

That's basically 6 yards for rifle and 4 yards for pistol for "near" and 7 yards and 5 yards for "mid."  SASS really is getting old.

[Col. Cornelius Gilliam, SASS#5875TG]

3 hours ago, Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933 said:

That's basically 6 yards for rifle and 4 yards for pistol for "near" and 7 yards and 5 yards for "mid."  SASS really is getting old.

Yeah, that closer then I like. A few stages, OK, but not the entire match. I prefer variety in target distance.

[Beartrap SASS#57175]

1 hour ago, Col. Cornelius Gilliam, SASS#5875TG said:

Yeah, that closer then I like. A few stages, OK, but not the entire match. I prefer variety in target distance.

You can always take 2 steps back before you shoot!

[Flying W Ramrod]

3 hours ago, Col. Cornelius Gilliam, SASS#5875TG said:

Yeah, that closer then I like. A few stages, OK, but not the entire match. I prefer variety in target distance.

Then, I suggest you don't shoot Bordertown, ever

[Creeker, SASS #43022]

I have absolutely ZERO actual insight into the reasons that EOT is making the above changes. 

But I have some speculation.

 

End of Trail (and Winter Range before it) were "rarely" ever referred to or considered as "fun" shoots.

They were "challenging/ difficult" matches that an element within our game felt was necessary to be considered a prestigious championship shoot.

 

And the prevailing sentiment among most folks I spoke with was, "No, it wasn't necessarily fun, but IF you want to shoot the (when it was Winter Range) National Championship, or (now, EoT) World Championship - you have to grit your teeth and accept that is the match you're getting."

 

But, only 30 something folks are actually going to win a championship at EoT; only a 100 or so have any sort of realistic chance to do so.

 

That means that 700 or so shooters are shooting a match that they KNOW they will not win.  These 700 or so best be having "fun" or they will eventually tire of attending.

 

I believe that an effort is being made to redirect EoT to make the match more "fun" for the 700 or so non championship level participants versus increased challenge for the 100 or so potential champions.

That, in my opinion, is a wise move.

 

It will make the match more accessible and enjoyable for all - instead of a match that is to be endured simply because it is EoT.

 

As long as everyone present competes under the same rules and conditions - then it is fair to compare results and award results.  There is absolutely no reason that a championship match cannot be both prestigious and fun at the same time.

 

And a straightforward, fun EoT?

Hmm, it might be time to return to Ben Avery.

 

 

[Marshal Fire, SASS 10064]

No mention of any changes to Wild Bunch?

[Tex Jones, SASS 2263]

"As long as everyone present competes under the same rules and conditions - then it is fair to compare results and award results.  There is absolutely no reason that a championship match cannot be both prestigious and fun at the same time."

 

You're right.  No matter the rules or conditions the 100 or so shooters who have a realistic chance of winning EOT or any other big match, are still going to be in the running no matter how the match is set up.

[Jackalope]

On 10/29/2025 at 7:44 PM, Rattlesnake Slim said:

3. Stage Scenarios
Scenarios are faster and less complicated for 2026. The "Crow Hop" has been banished for eternity. The all knockdown stage has been dropped from the Cowboy match.  At EOT 2026 you will encounter four round count scenarios, five simple sweeps, one pivot sweep, one Nevada sweep and one Keep Me Clean scenario.

 

For those of us who have never attended EOT, will you please define a "Pivot Sweep" and a "Keep Me Clean scenario"?

 

Thanks,

Jackalope

[Rattlesnake Slim]

39 minutes ago, Jackalope said:

 

For those of us who have never attended EOT, will you please define a "Pivot Sweep" and a "Keep Me Clean scenario"?

 

Thanks,

Jackalope

 

We have released this information in the spirit of transparency, and to show that we are listening to our shooters and constantly trying to improve. I can't go into any more detail on individual stages. Some things just have to be left to the imagination. Shooters might have to show up and trust that we have made every effort to make the stages more fun, closer, and less complicated.

[Rattlesnake Slim]

9 hours ago, Creeker, SASS #43022 said:

I have absolutely ZERO actual insight into the reasons that EOT is making the above changes. 

But I have some speculation.

 

End of Trail (and Winter Range before it) were "rarely" ever referred to or considered as "fun" shoots.

They were "challenging/ difficult" matches that an element within our game felt was necessary to be considered a prestigious championship shoot.

 

And the prevailing sentiment among most folks I spoke with was, "No, it wasn't necessarily fun, but IF you want to shoot the (when it was Winter Range) National Championship, or (now, EoT) World Championship - you have to grit your teeth and accept that is the match you're getting."

 

But, only 30 something folks are actually going to win a championship at EoT; only a 100 or so have any sort of realistic chance to do so.

 

That means that 700 or so shooters are shooting a match that they KNOW they will not win.  These 700 or so best be having "fun" or they will eventually tire of attending.

 

I believe that an effort is being made to redirect EoT to make the match more "fun" for the 700 or so non championship level participants versus increased challenge for the 100 or so potential champions.

That, in my opinion, is a wise move.

 

It will make the match more accessible and enjoyable for all - instead of a match that is to be endured simply because it is EoT.

 

As long as everyone present competes under the same rules and conditions - then it is fair to compare results and award results.  There is absolutely no reason that a championship match cannot be both prestigious and fun at the same time.

 

And a straightforward, fun EoT?

Hmm, it might be time to return to Ben Avery.

 

 

 

Creeker is correct. In 2016, 825 shooters showed up to Winter Range to test themselves next to the best in the world. We shot until dark. But... this ain't 2016, this is ten years later and the shooters, the game, and the expectations have changed.

 

I can't stress enough that these changes have occurred primarily because our shooters took the time and effort to let us know how we let them down. We will continue, with your help, to make this a match that you want to return to year after year. See you in February.

[Kirk James]

Thank you for listening.  I look forward to the match.

[Flying W Ramrod]

7 hours ago, Jackalope said:

 

For those of us who have never attended EOT, will you please define a "Pivot Sweep" and a "Keep Me Clean scenario"?

 

Thanks,

Jackalope

Usually, it's like 1-2-1-3-1-4 with 2,3,4 being in a row behind 1   sorta like

                                                                                                                    2    3    4

                                                                                                                           1

 

Where everything starts on one and one acts as a pivot point for 1-2 1-3 1-4

 

Clear as mud now?

 

[Jackalope]

Yep, think we're all set!

 

Thanks, FWR!

[Boggus Deal #64218]

On 10/30/2025 at 1:12 PM, Rattlesnake Slim said:

 

Near is 19 feet for rifle targets, 13 feet for pistol.

Mid is 22 feet rifle and 16 for pistol.

There will be no stages at the former Far distances.

Just think! A few years ago when safety mattered, those distances would have meant a match DQ when a bullet impacted within 15 feet of the shooter.

[Flying W Ramrod]

29 minutes ago, Boggus Deal #64218 said:

Just think! A few years ago when safety mattered, those distances would have meant a match DQ when a bullet impacted within 15 feet of the shooter.

Match has always been 0-5 feet

Stage has always been 5-10 feet

[Creeker, SASS #43022]

2 hours ago, Boggus Deal #64218 said:

Just think! A few years ago when safety mattered, those distances would have meant a match DQ when a bullet impacted within 15 feet of the shooter.

I know - the number of folks that have died at SASS matches from close targets is astounding.

[Joe LaFives #5481]

On 10/30/2025 at 9:29 PM, Creeker, SASS #43022 said:

I have absolutely ZERO actual insight into the reasons that EOT is making the above changes. 

But I have some speculation.

 

End of Trail (and Winter Range before it) were "rarely" ever referred to or considered as "fun" shoots.

They were "challenging/ difficult" matches that an element within our game felt was necessary to be considered a prestigious championship shoot.

 

And the prevailing sentiment among most folks I spoke with was, "No, it wasn't necessarily fun, but IF you want to shoot the (when it was Winter Range) National Championship, or (now, EoT) World Championship - you have to grit your teeth and accept that is the match you're getting."

 

But, only 30 something folks are actually going to win a championship at EoT; only a 100 or so have any sort of realistic chance to do so.

 

That means that 700 or so shooters are shooting a match that they KNOW they will not win.  These 700 or so best be having "fun" or they will eventually tire of attending.

 

I believe that an effort is being made to redirect EoT to make the match more "fun" for the 700 or so non championship level participants versus increased challenge for the 100 or so potential champions.

That, in my opinion, is a wise move.

 

It will make the match more accessible and enjoyable for all - instead of a match that is to be endured simply because it is EoT.

 

As long as everyone present competes under the same rules and conditions - then it is fair to compare results and award results.  There is absolutely no reason that a championship match cannot be both prestigious and fun at the same time.

 

And a straightforward, fun EoT?

Hmm, it might be time to return to Ben Avery.

 

 

I can't really agree.  Having Shot WR from 2004 to 2020, (and on the board from 2009 to 2022)I would say that by and large most everyone had fun.  The ONLY times there were concerns almost exclusively had to deal with weather which was beyond our control.  That said, folks are just plain older so down range stages or poppers or other types of fun items were slowly set aside.   

[Possum Skinner, SASS#60697]

5 hours ago, Joe LaFives #5481 said:

I can't really agree.  Having Shot WR from 2004 to 2020, (and on the board from 2009 to 2022)I would say that by and large most everyone had fun.  The ONLY times there were concerns almost exclusively had to deal with weather which was beyond our control.  That said, folks are just plain older so down range stages or poppers or other types of fun items were sadly set aside.   

Fixed it.

 

Edited November 1 by Possum Skinner, SASS#60697

[T-Square]

Will the stage design and shooter handbook be available, after the match, and in digital form?  I know you won't release the stages until the match, for obvious reasons. I'd like to see them when available.

[Assassin]

 I get catering to the core group. What happens when the core group is gone?

I like movement, challenging stages, something other than 10-10-4, options, etc. How is  minimalizing the game going to entice newer shooters to join SASS. 

[Rattlesnake Slim]

1 hour ago, T-Square said:

Will the stage design and shooter handbook be available, after the match, and in digital form?  I know you won't release the stages until the match, for obvious reasons. I'd like to see them when available.

 

Yes, they will. The last four years are available on our website under the Results tab.

[Joe LaFives #5481]

2 hours ago, Rattlesnake Slim said:

 

Yes, they will. The last four years are available on our website under the Results tab.

And I have the shooter books from 2004 if anyone wants them. 

[Cinch]

I believe bullets that are John Deere green should receive an automatic 5 second bonus!!

 

Further, 38’s must be pastel…

 

[Texas Jack Black]

4 hours ago, Assassin said:

 I get catering to the core group. What happens when the core group is gone?

I like movement, challenging stages, something other than 10-10-4, options, etc. How is  minimalizing the game going to entice newer shooters to join SASS. 

 It won't   IMHO

[Beartrap SASS#57175]

5 hours ago, Assassin said:

 I get catering to the core group. What happens when the core group is gone?

I like movement, challenging stages, something other than 10-10-4, options, etc. How is  minimalizing the game going to entice newer shooters to join SASS. 

I have been teaching a new shooter class for 3 local clubs and am currently mentoring about 12 new shooters, including a buckarette, a junior boy and 3 women. All are very happy with 10-10-4 simple stages!

Not once have I heard "I wish this was more challenging". They all are very content and happy to hit big, mid range or close targets during uncomplicated scenarios.

I've found you'll retain more new shooters when they're successful than you will when you make it "challenging".

 

[Eyesa Horg]

Until they get bored with having no challenge other than trying to be a top 10 shooter.

[Beartrap SASS#57175]

6 minutes ago, Eyesa Horg said:

Until they get bored with having no challenge other than trying to be a top 10 shooter.

They may very well in time, but the question was about enticing new shooters.

You don't start new golfers out on a pga championship course and expect them to like golfing after a 7 hour 189 stroke game. They may become capable of shooting par after years of development, just as shooters improve with time and practice, but making it fun and easy will keep them around until they do.