Why aren't you a cowboy action shooter?

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I've learned to stand back and move quickly when running the timer for Punch or Sunshine Marcie... they both move very quickly on a stage.
 
+1 to all who've sung the praises of cowboy action shooting. In the years I shot it, I found it low pressure, egalitarian, and tons of fun, populated by some of the finest folks in the shooting sports.

To answer the OP's question, I drifted away when I hooked up with a self-styled "shooter-chick" who loved IDPA (she won state and regional titles in it, in fact), and enjoyed USPSA, bowling pin shooting, and even PPC, but drew the line at "dressing up like Dale Evans." Managed to get her into a double action revolver now and then, but she's bored with any long gun that shoots slower than an AR15. After all, cowboy action is a costume party, and IDPA is a "come as you are" party.

Still trying to con her into a snug pair of jeans and a Stetson to get her started, but it ain't easy, and right now shooting an IDPA match with her is more fun than shootin' cowboy without her.

With a recommendation for all shooters to "go cowboy" at least once,

"Camelback Kid"
 
had a great time

red cent, those are great videos. Your passion for the sport and CAS folk is understandable and admirable.


The bunch I regularly shoot with believe in diversity.
Our usual competitions: IPSC and HG metallic silhouette. Sometimes we set up two-gun or three-gun matches.

So it's no surprise that we decided to throw an informal Cowboy Action match into the mix. Yesterday was my first time, using borrowed guns and leather. Half the folk wore various costumes, the others dressed as-is.

It was interesting to see the old guns and replicas in action, and better yet to put them through their paces.

I had a great time.
 
I don't have the appreciation for playing dressup that some of my gun buddies have. I also don't do re-enactments. I am told that both can be great fun and lots of nice people, but they aren't for me.
 
CAS is neither "dress up" nor reenactment, didn't you read any of the previous 330 posts?
 
gym:"This is like asking someone why they aren't any other thing. I don't even see the value of an explanation. I guess folks like to fully explain why they don't do a certain thing. Now you have me included. I guess for the same reason I am not an Astronaut, or a Baker."

Yes and no. We in SASS have been having a lot of discussions about what it would take to bring new shooters into our sport. By and large our ranks start off relatively elderly and certainly aren't getting any younger. This thread is more of a research project on what we could do to change that trend and start bringing in new/younger shooters.

I know I've sure learned there are some clubs out there that don't seem to treat strangers with the kindness and openness that most other clubs do. And that bad attituded is reflecting poorly on ALL our clubs. That word has already started to spread like wildfire. I can't promise we'll be able to change all attitudes but, we'll sure give it a try.
 
Cowboy Action Shooting is the only shooting competition I've participated. I was a guest of a buddy that was into it and had all the gear and spares for me.

It was a bunch of fun, and the people were wonderful. While it was a competition, nobody was a jerk about it. The non-competitive folks knew who they were (as did everybody else) and nobody had a problem with it. Everybody was safe and had a good time.

As many have mentioned, cost is the major factor for me. I don't own any of the firearms or gear required to compete, so as previously mentioned, I'd be looking at $2,000(ish) just to get started.

If I suddenly had $2,000 drop in my lap to be used specifically for gun purchases, I'd still have at least 10 guns on my "want list" before I even got to something that could be used for CAS. I'd be through that $2,000 long before I got around to buying cowboy gear.
 
Upfront cost is #1
TWO pistols, shotgun and a levergun
Leather and then costumes to boot (pun intended)

My father really wanted to try it about 10-12 years ago. We went and watched a match. I was 21 and wet behind the ears. Looked like a fun time but there was no way I could aford it at the time. Now after seeing a match or two recently I've noticed it's all powderpuff and speed....might as well shoot .22 and then I could afford to shoot.

It's hard to find time just to go plink yet alone shoot a match. Maybe when I retire. lol

Oh yeah.....Ar15s and bolt guns are more fun. ;)
 
KCowboy, apparently you have been at the Singing Ranch a time or two. Made a few trips back to Berkely Springs in my home state. Had the fortune to win Senior and Silver Senior also. One year I came in second behind Twin. If you know Jeff, say Howdy. Punch and Marcie too.
 
Owen,
Good point, here's a slightly different approach to leather and gear:

Cartridge Gun Belt - $51.99
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=347548

Two Holsters - $53.98
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=595178
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=222635

Shotgun Slide - $19.29
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=879386

Two Cimmaron Pistolero's (.45LC) - $738.00
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Shooting/Handguns/Revolvers-Miscellaneous%7C/pc/104792580/c/105526980/sc/105527880/Cimmaron-Single-Action-Centerfire-Revolvers/706881.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fshooting-handguns-revolvers-miscellaneous%2F_%2FN-1102337%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_105527880%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%253Bcat104792580%253Bcat105526980&WTz_l=SBC%3Bcat104792580%3Bcat105526980%3Bcat105527880

Rossi 1892 Lever Action (.45LC) - $396.00
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/36_385/products_id/56505

Stoeger Coach Gun (12 Gauge) - $349.00
http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=31486

Total: $1608.27

Add your pair of jeans, long sleeve shirt, work boots and ammunition (.45LC and 12 Gauge) and you're ready to shoot. This is for all new guns and leather, you can likely find some of the firearms used at your local gun shop for slightly less money.
 
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Owen, the average age of a SASS shooter is the late 50s. It is expensive. A youngun would have a hard time without Dad or a trust fund.
'Course, you don't have to spend the amount I did. I shoot about two-three times a month now. With the good weather, I have the choice of IDPA, USPSA, PCCA, Ruger Rimfire, plate matches, 22 rifle and pistol fun matches, "Action" pistol (kinda like ol' IPSC), trap, skeet, 5 stand, sporting clays. I have six cowboy clubs within an hour to one aand a half hours from me.Yep, got the guns. Like I said, the Lord has been good to me. Can't figure out why. 'Course, I'm OK and ready to go with gear. Just the fuel. Saw it today. On the way to wife's PT (new knee), it was 3.84. Came back home and it said 3.88.:fire:
 
I'm not really a good example, as I'm not really interested in any more competition than the occasional rimfire shoot, or trap round, however I'd like to point out that the last vehicle I bought was $850, and will soon be my daily driver, probably replacing my $1000 current DD which will be sold.

Point is that as with many things, cost of entry will remain a barrier to many people. This is the case with everything from ham radio to trackdays to nordic skiing, or anthing that has a decent amount of hardware investment.

I have to say I can see both sides of the "costume" debate, as for me, boots, jeans, and a button-up shirt is my definition of Sunday Best. I don't generally dress up for things, though, as I wear a uniform for work 5 days a week, and don't feel like going anywhere where I have to wear a specific thing.

I'll stick with the initial investment being a significant barrier for most people. That can be offset by loaning, however if someone isn't convinced they might like it, they probably won't show up. Your best bet would probably be to pound feet, and spread invitations word-of-mouth. Especially by talking it up with people you meet at the range.
 
After post #169 (or more accurately, the pictures in that post), I've lost all interest in folks explaining why they don't like CAS. :) I'd just like to see more pictures. Hehehehehe.


-Matt
 
Why aren't you a cowboy action shooter?
Click to expand...

To put it simply I have discovered the SASS shooters are as a group the most snobbish of any class of competitor in the shooting sports. I shot it for awhile but was embarrassed by the way many with the badges treated newcomers to the sport. Not everyone can affoed 10 grand of gear and clothing to get started yet many feel if you can't afford the sport you shouldn't be there...I guess I was tired of the guilt by association.
 
They must make them different where Yer from

Howdy;

While there are folks that have many Fancy Guns and lot's of custom leather, I have found them to be friendly and accomidating in letting me fondle, guns I can never hope to own ....
And I can addmire their fancy rigs ,,,, and maybe it helps me deside what kind of rig to dream about ...

I just helped a friend into the sport ,,, Two "Uberti Cattlemen" in .357, $700,
Shotgun Stevens 311A $175 , and Legeacy 92 in .357, $ 380 Totaling
$ 1,155 ....
I cleaned up the action on the 92 for free (smoothing, no parts)


Jabez Cowboy
 
It is expensive. A youngun would have a hard time without Dad or a trust fund.
Click to expand...

Since the point of the thread looked like it was to see how CAS could bring in more, and potentially younger shooters, I'd like to suggest a way to make it less expensive:

Would it be possible to have a division where you don't need all four guns? You could use the same stages, but just label it is as "Ranchero" or "Deputy" or something. Instead of having to shoot a rifle, a shotgun, and two revolvers, let people choose any one or two. It would really open the doors for people who own a suitable shotgun and one revolver, or a rifle and a shotgun but no pistols. My "truck gun" is a single shot shotgun, and I would love to be able to do something that resembles one of the action shooting sports with it.

Red Cent, I agree that posting pictures of holsters that cost more than most of my guns is not really helping convince people that it can be done inexpensively, but so far I've really enjoyed the pictures, so please, keep them coming!

Chris "the Kayak-Man" Johnson
 
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