2026 EOT Stages - PREVIEW

[Rattlesnake Slim]

A lot of our feedback about End of Trail 2025 centered around the stages and stage writing. We listened to what you had to say and took a whole new approach to our stages for 2026. We also wanted to demonstrate our commitment to making our stages and stage writing more shooter friendly, so we have decided to give everybody a sneak peek.

 

Take a look HERE to see a couple of stages set for both Cowboy and Wild Bunch. While you are there, check out the WHO'S COMING LIST ,

 

If you like what you see and haven't signed up yet, there's still room for you. Go HERE for a list of categories and the application.

 

Watch for a few more stages to be previewed in the next week or two. Also, the awards are starting to be delivered, so I'll try to get some pictures of them soon.

 

Hope to see you there, first Wild Bunch shots go downrange in only 45 days!

[Tell Sackett SASS 18436]

Looks pretty good to me!

Except that what you call a 1-2-3-4 sweep is called a PROGRESSIVE sweep everywhere I shoot! 
Perhaps you don’t want to appear too liberal?

[Turquoise Bill, SASS #39118]

The only thing I would say is we should be using the square targets for pistols and the rounds for the rifle targets. I have pointed this out to RRW in the past, hopefully he makes the changes.

 

TB

[Tell Sackett SASS 18436]

20 minutes ago, Turquoise Bill, SASS #39118 said:

The only thing I would say is we should be using the square targets for pistols and the rounds for the rifle targets. I have pointed this out to RRW in the past, hopefully he makes the changes.

 

TB

Why?

[Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933]

At the distances they are planning to shoot it does not make much difference.  But a 16" circle has less surface area than a 16" square.

[Fargo Bill, SASS #4942]

200.96 vs 256 inches.  I like square at all times due to my age and ability.

[Turquoise Bill, SASS #39118]

3 hours ago, Tell Sackett SASS 18436 said:

Why?

If your over 75 and still shooting duelist it makes a difference!

[Tell Sackett SASS 18436]

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

If your over 75 and still shooting duelist it makes a difference!

How?

I see no difference.

[Eyesa Horg]

Okay, it's all diamonds then😳

[Colt Laredo]

I agree with Bill. In the past EOT has been too overloaded with round pistol targets. A disadvantage for one handed shooters.

Would be nice to see a better balance this year.

[Billy Boots, # 20282 LTG-Regulator]

9 hours ago, Tell Sackett SASS 18436 said:

Looks pretty good to me!

Except that what you call a 1-2-3-4 sweep is called a PROGRESSIVE sweep everywhere I shoot! 
Perhaps you don’t want to appear too liberal?

Good news is lack of name which often differs from one region/area to another.   I read it as 1-2-3-4 designating rounds on target and sweep meaning from right to left or left to right.  I'm liking it and sure appreciate the sharing with us all.

[Creeker, SASS #43022]

1 hour ago, Tell Sackett SASS 18436 said:

How?

I see no difference.

If you cannot see how having 20% less target affects shooters; than I don't know what to tell you.

 

More hittable targets equates to more happy shooters.

Shooting unsupported pistol is more challenge than shooting supported - and rifle shooting (at SASS distances) is less challenging yet again.

 

So the "smart" thing to do (assuming target count and availability support doing so) is to utilize the more hittable targets (i.e. the larger) for the most challenging firearm.

 

Yes, the argument can always be made that target size, shape and distance are immaterial, because "everyone shoots the same match" - but so what? 

Good match directors have realized there is zero harm to the top tier of shooters by making success for the middle and bottom tier more accessible.

 

[Jackaroo, # 29989]

14 hours ago, Tell Sackett SASS 18436 said:

Looks pretty good to me!

Except that what you call a 1-2-3-4 sweep is called a PROGRESSIVE sweep everywhere I shoot! 
Perhaps you don’t want to appear too liberal?

Or a Lawerence Welk sweep.

[Jackaroo, # 29989]

5 hours ago, Creeker, SASS #43022 said:

If you cannot see how having 20% less target affects shooters; than I don't know what to tell you.

 

More hittable targets equates to more happy shooters.

Shooting unsupported pistol is more challenge than shooting supported - and rifle shooting (at SASS distances) is less challenging yet again.

 

So the "smart" thing to do (assuming target count and availability support doing so) is to utilize the more hittable targets (i.e. the larger) for the most challenging firearm.

 

Yes, the argument can always be made that target size, shape and distance are immaterial, because "everyone shoots the same match" - but so what? 

Good match directors have realized there is zero harm to the top tier of shooters by making success for the middle and bottom tier more accessible.

 

Or just AIM better,    ....you can't please all the people all the time, now can ya>?

[Creeker, SASS #43022]

9 minutes ago, Jackaroo, # 29989 said:

Or just AIM better,    ....you can't please all the people all the time, now can ya>?

Yes, you can and even IF you cannot - You should always try.

Ignoring fixable issues or dismissing viable input because people could "just aim better".

 

This is not a slam toward Jackaroo; as I am sure his comment was tongue in cheek.

 

But it strikes a chord; because there is a contingent within our game - who hand wave away any complaints with

"Everyone shoots the same match"

"It has to be more challenging - it's the XYZ match"

"We are teaching shooters to improve"

 

That is the mindset of Match Directors who forget that we are first and foremost ENTERTAINMENT.

 

I was fortunate enough to have been a long term Match Director - I have been a Posse Marshal at some of the largest shoots in the world.

 

I ran my matches and my posse with a few simple guidelines; a version of which was included in my opening ceremony speech every year or at posse introduction. 

 

Not every person at this match has arrived with visions of WINNING; but EVERY person at this match arrived hoping to perform at their very best.

If they are here to do their best - then regardless of their chances of winning; they deserve our very best.

(If I'm the match director) They deserve the best match setup, scenarios and target placements that I can provide.

(If I'm the Posse Marshal) They deserve the best organization, atmosphere, timer operation, spotting and score keeping that can be provided.

If you cannot or are unwilling to provide your very best to them; hand off that responsibility to someone else.

[Jackrabbit Joe #414]

Round plates for rifle and square plates for pistol. I'm 88 and still want to keep having fun shoots. That's what cowboy action shooting is having a great fun time shooting the stages and being around all the other cowboys and cowgirls hearing them all hollering Yeeha Haw and showing a big smile after finishing a great stage. Well hell I did have a miss, Mercy!!!!!!!. but, My raw time was fantastic so Yeeha Haw!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Singin' Sue 71615]

13 hours ago, Jackaroo, # 29989 said:

Or just AIM better,    ....you can't please all the people all the time, now can ya>?

Squeeeeee....can't wait for my Roo hugs!!!

[SHOOTIN FOX]

Just a question. Is EOT requiring slide lock for movement a stage convention for EOT? Rule say empty, not slide lock.

[Silver Creek Jack]

On 1/10/2026 at 12:39 AM, Creeker, SASS #43022 said:

Yes, you can and even IF you cannot - You should always try.

Ignoring fixable issues or dismissing viable input because people could "just aim better".

 

This is not a slam toward Jackaroo; as I am sure his comment was tongue in cheek.

 

But it strikes a chord; because there is a contingent within our game - who hand wave away any complaints with

"Everyone shoots the same match"

"It has to be more challenging - it's the XYZ match"

"We are teaching shooters to improve"

 

That is the mindset of Match Directors who forget that we are first and foremost ENTERTAINMENT.

 

I was fortunate enough to have been a long term Match Director - I have been a Posse Marshal at some of the largest shoots in the world.

 

I ran my matches and my posse with a few simple guidelines; a version of which was included in my opening ceremony speech every year or at posse introduction. 

 

Not every person at this match has arrived with visions of WINNING; but EVERY person at this match arrived hoping to perform at their very best.

If they are here to do their best - then regardless of their chances of winning; they deserve our very best.

(If I'm the match director) They deserve the best match setup, scenarios and target placements that I can provide.

(If I'm the Posse Marshal) They deserve the best organization, atmosphere, timer operation, spotting and score keeping that can be provided.

If you cannot or are unwilling to provide your very best to them; hand off that responsibility to someone else.

Match directors/posse members please read this post, outstanding advise that would improve matches tremendously!!  SCJ

[Prairie Dawg, SASS #50329]

+1 to what Creeker & Silver Creek Jack just said!

I always call it a 1 on 1, 2 on 2, 3 on 3, 4 on 4 starting on either end.

Pretty unambiguous that way!

 

--Dawg

Edited yesterday at 03:19 PM by Prairie Dawg, SASS #50329

[Colorado Coffinmaker]

 

PLUS ONE for Creeker, Silver Creek Jack and Prairie Dawg.

 

One must understand, SASS - CAS is not here to "teach" anyone anything.  Telling someone "learn to aim better," even if tongue in cheek is silly.  It must be understood, SASS - CAS is selling ENTERTAINMENT.  If participants are not entertained by what you're putting out, they will vote with the feet and wallets.  You're doing no good to anyone by making the scenarios and or targets difficult.

 

THINK ABOUT IT 

[SouthwestShooter]

On 1/9/2026 at 4:02 PM, Tell Sackett SASS 18436 said:

How?

I see no difference.

Check your glasses.. might be an old prescription.   Just saying..

[Singin' Sue 71615]

Thank you Billy Boots for your actual imput on the stages.

Seems you are the only one so far to actually HAVE input on the post as it is...

Sigh, all others seem to be posting opinions on what they feel a match should be.

Can't wait for BB and SB hugs!!

[Billy Boots, # 20282 LTG-Regulator]

2 hours ago, Singin' Sue 71615 said:

Thank you Billy Boots for your actual imput on the stages.

Seems you are the only one so far to actually HAVE input on the post as it is...

Sigh, all others seem to be posting opinions on what they feel a match should be.

Can't wait for BB and SB hugs!!

Certainly looking forward to seeing friends and enjoying whatever RS and all the EOT Rough Riders have laid out for us.  This will be my 26th in a row.  Our plans are to hit Red River Valley Cowpokes President's Day match on 16th then slowly head west to Tombstone for Tumbleweed Shoot-out and few days to "mellow out".  Monday the the 23rd we head to Phoenix where we will Vrbo near Cavecreek with bunch of shooters.

You and Shan are probably already there so stay safe.

Edited 23 hours ago by Billy Boots, # 20282 LTG-Regulator

[Rattlesnake Slim]

On 1/10/2026 at 4:21 PM, SHOOTIN FOX said:

Just a question. Is EOT requiring slide lock for movement a stage convention for EOT? Rule say empty, not slide lock.

 

Checking with the Match Director, stand by.

[Rattlesnake Slim]

54 minutes ago, Rattlesnake Slim said:

 

Checking with the Match Director, stand by.

 

On the EOT Wild Bunch Stage 7 that we shared with everyone, we showed an instruction: "Pistol slide must be locked open before moving to the next position."  This direction was originally put into the instructions as a result of so many penalties on the first day of  last year's match for moving with a loaded 1911 on the all knockdown stage.  It was an effort to try to help shooters avoid penalties.

We then re-designed the stage, making only three shooting positions instead of the five we had last year.  

We missed taking the slide lock instructions out of the stage.  The slide lock statement will be deleted from Stage 7.

All EOT Wild Bunch stages will follow the standard SASS rules.  

The 1911 is safe for movement in hand after the first charging:

-Chamber empty of a live round.

-Slide may be forward or locked back. 

-Pistol may contain a loaded magazine, empty magazine, or no magazine.

[Cheyenne Culpepper 32827]

8 rifle?   Why!!!!!!???????

 

minor safety trap, or worse!!

[Singin' Sue 71615]

4 hours ago, Billy Boots, # 20282 LTG-Regulator said:

Certainly looking forward to seeing friends and enjoying whatever RS and all the EOT Rough Riders have laid out for us.  This will be my 26th in a row.  Our plans are to hit Red River Valley Cowpokes President's Day match on 16th then slowly head west to Tombstone for Tumbleweed Shoot-out and few days to "mellow out".  Monday the the 23rd we head to Phoenix where we will Vrbo near Cavecreek with bunch of shooters.

You and Shan are probably already there so stay safe.

We are! Have neen enjoying grandbabies and kids since Christmas! At a Resort, enjoying pool/spa...Shanley getting around pretty darn good!!!

Will move to the range here in a week...then it will be working hard to get the match ready! Safe travels to you and all our TX crew!

[SHOOTIN FOX]

Thank you for the clarification on the 1911.

 

Fox