Is CAS fading into the sunset??

[Wildcat Will]

I didn't try to read all the entries into to this thread.  I started SASS because I saw it written up in a Gun Magazine and was interested in history.  I started with two blackhawks in 45 because I had one for hunting (removed the scope and I was good to go) and a bought the second one.  When I called the local club they told me to bring what I had, find a cheap cowboy hat and wear jeans and bring a box of 12 g shotshells.  I did and only planned on watching the match the see what was what.  I was not given that option.  I was handed a couple different rifles, a couple different shotguns and ammo for both and told to give them a try.  

When we get new folks come out to watch who are interested I do my best to tell them if they have firearms that will work bring 'em.  If not don't worry you will get more guns handed to you with appropriate ammo to try then they will know what to do with.  To think that somehow a person is going to know if a Marlin, Winchester, or a Rossi is the best choice for them without trying is stupid.  What caliber, 45, 38 who knows.  Our club could not care the least about dress other than a cheap cowboy had and jeans for at least the first several months.  

We have had folks come out and decide after trying things it was not for them, a little to low key I guess.  For those that are interested unless they are part of the dreaded 1% they are not likely to have the wherewithall to start spending $1500 to $2000 for guns and clothing.  

This game is suppose to be fun.  If we keep it that way, it will grow; if we don't it will wither away.

My two bits.

[temmi]

What concerns me more is the absence of younger new shooters. At any event I go to, the shooters are mostly paunchy old grey beards.
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I think it is the cost more than anything else.

2 Single action revolvers
1 Lever action Rifle
1 Shotgun

My kids just don't have the cash for it.

[John Smith]

I think it is the cost more than anything else.

2 Single action revolvers
1 Lever action Rifle
1 Shotgun

My kids just don't have the cash for it.

Then find some other game they can afford to play.

[Tuolumne Lawman]

Then find some other game they can afford to play.

I rather take offense at that. We're not talking about polo, or some other elitist sport.  The point is finding a way to reach out, not shame people because they have tight budgets and are raising families in the worst recession since the crash of 1929.  I've been doing CAS since 1994 (about 18 years), of which I have been a staff writer for Cowboy Chronicle for 14 of those years.  I have seen the cost soar.  What about helping find a way to reach them, instead of dismissing them. We want to pass on "The Cowboy Way,"  love of the Old West, tradition, and respect for firearms.

[Old Top]

Hello All,

I have been inviteing friends to join me on many matches, I ask them to show up with a coyboy hat, long sleeve shirt.  When they show up we invite them to shoot and supply the necessary guns,  my pard and I have most of the calibers covered and extra handguns, rifles, leather and shotguns.  They have a chance to see how a match is run and participate.  Some of them continue to shoot with us that way, and others have purchased their own guns as they can and shoot with us.  Others have decided that it is not for them and moved on.  I have found that this gives them confidence that they can shoot and what caliber they want to shoot.  I also show them how to be safe, how to load and unload and coach them on line.

Old Top

[John Smith]

I rather take offense at that. We're not talking about polo, or some other elitist sport.  The point is finding a way to reach out, not shame people because they have tight budgets and are raising families in the worst recession since the crash of 1929.  I've been doing CAS since 1994 (about 18 years), of which I have been a staff writer for Cowboy Chronicle for 14 of those years.  I have seen the cost soar.  What about helping find a way to reach them, instead of dismissing them. We want to pass on "The Cowboy Way,"  love of the Old West, tradition, and respect for firearms.

I'm not an "elitist" and don't feel like I'm "shaming" anyone.  I'm retired, my truck has about 150,000 miles on it, and I managed to acquire the necessary equipment to play our game.  My firearms are box stock, and I have to budget for matches.  I'm tired of people who come to various CAS sites and basically say "I'll play your game if you'll change the rules".  Almost all sports require an outlay of cash for equipment.   What are your suggestions, a 1 or 2 gun category, require clubs to stock guns for prospective members to shoot, or just do away with the restrictions on both firearms and clothing, shoot what you want wearing what you want?

[Camille Eonich]

A family can share guns as well.

[Tuolumne Lawman]

I also am retired.  I managed to maintain a CAS armory, too.  As to suggestions, yes- Clubs having loaner guns for first timers is a great idea.  When I was visiting my daughter in Medford, OR, the posse there (Table Rock Rangers) rounded up hardware and ammo so I could shoot as a guest.  Posse buddies sharing sharing guns is another great idea.  If no one spreads the word on programs like that, though, potential new shooters may just say "I don't have the guns, so I can't try it."  Yes, ALL sports have outlays, some more than others.  My wife and I spent $650 each on 21 speed bikes to ride trails (retired the horses).  My point is to help find a way for people to experience it and grow into the sport.

[Danny Bear Claw]

I hope it's not "fading into the sunset".  Membership has been leveling off.  That was inevitable.  I think we all knew membership was not going to grow into the millions.  Lots of companies jumped on the CAS bandwagon when it was at the height of it's popularity and the prices on guns, ammo, clothing, etc. sky rocketed.  For me it was easy I had been collecting cowboy guns for years before I ever even heard of SASS.  I already had a full set of guns + in caliber 45 Colt and a full set of guns in caliber 44-40.  I was shooting my single action revolvers and lever action rifles informally in the woods while other guys were buying and shooting plastic, high cap wonder-nines.  (I still don't like plastic guns and still don't own any).  I recently put together a set of guns in caliber 38-40.  I work in the medical field and have always had to work every other weekend...  sometimes every weekend, so I haven't been able to get to CAS shoots very often.  In fact, I've only actually be to a couple of SASS matches even though I've been a life member of SASS since the early 90's.  When I became a member of SASS there were only around 4,000 members.  Not knowing how fast or how large SASS would grow, the Wild Bunch decided back then that life members would get badge numbers in the 5,000 to 5,999 range.  I signed myself up, and then a few months later signed up Maggie Three Feathers for badge #5930.  SASS membership then was around 4,500.  I don't like many of the changes SASS has made over the years but an old curmudgen like me don't like change anyway. 

Although I own several 1911s, (always liked them since the Army),  I don't care about and will probably never shoot a Wild Bunch Match.  Wild Bunch matches are something I don't really think CAS/SASS needed but I guess some guys just had to find a way to bring semi-auto pistols into the game.  For me shooting cowboy guns is fun.  I've never been a "gamer" and never will be.  I shoot my big bore guns fast enough for it to be fun for me.  If a guy wants to shoot 38 sp. mouse loads with bullets moving at a muzzle velocity of a BB out of a spring loaded BB gun because his philosphy is "win or die"...  so be it.  If that's whats fun for him then I say go for it.  If you must shoot 1911s to have fun, then that's ok with me too.  People join CAS for different reasons. 

I don't think CAS is fading into the sunset.  I think this shooting venue will be around for a long time, to one degree or another.  The 3 gun shoots around now shot with modern weapons is nothing more than the "plastic gun guys" imitating our sport and imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

[NCRanger]

After watching some videos of Rattlesnake Wrangler, I just may fade off into the sunset! 

[Camille Eonich]

After watching some videos of Rattlesnake Wrangler, I just may fade off into the sunset! 

He was 3rd overall at Winter Range!   

[HogDoc Olliday]

Woo hoo!  Please give us a follow up post in the Shooter's meeting after you shoot your match Saturday.  I love to hear about people's first SASS shooting experience.

Sorry for the delay. WE HAD A BLAST! (pun intended). Actually, we had a bunch of blasts! Pistol Puddin and I had the time of our lives. When we arrived, an old cowpoke said this is the most fun you'll have with your clothes on. He was right! As greenhorns, we shot pretty well. We loved the people and we made some friends. We will hardly miss a match from now on, if the Lord willing and the creek don't rise! We always would go to the indoor range and shoot, so we are not new to firing off our irons, BUT CAS is so much more fun! Love the targets and the friendships we found, and we LOVE shooting outdoors. The camaraderie is just like what we have found in the motorcycle world as we have ridden our Harley all over God's creation. We have found the same oneness with CAS.

[Camille Eonich]

Sorry for the delay. WE HAD A BLAST! (pun intended). Actually, we had a bunch of blasts! Pistol Puddin and I had the time of our lives. When we arrived, an old cowpoke said this is the most fun you'll have with your clothes on. He was right! As greenhorns, we shot pretty well. We loved the people and we made some friends. We will hardly miss a match from now on, if the Lord willing and the creek don't rise! We always would go to the indoor range and shoot, so we are not new to firing off our irons, BUT CAS is so much more fun! Love the targets and the friendships we found, and we LOVE shooting outdoors. The camaraderie is just like what we have found in the motorcycle world as we have ridden our Harley all over God's creation. We have found the same oneness with CAS.

 

[JackCooper]

Hey, I'm new to the forum, but I've been lurking around reading up on things here and there the past few days. I'm rather young (just about to turn twenty one) and would really like to get started. My mother got me into old episodes of Gunsmoke, John Wayne Movies, The Wild Wild West episodes, a few Louis L'Amour books, and the like when I was little. I love the Old West and since stumbling onto a few youtube videos of CAS stuff, can't wait to follow through a childhood fantasy. My obstacles though are rather large. First of is I live in Chicago, not the greatest in terms of guns. Second, my family are somewhat afraid of firearms, all my shooting was through the Boy Scouts and an old neighbor who took me to the range. So I have to wait a few more months before I can apply for my FOID card. Lastly, I'm finishing up my undergraduate studies and attempting a rather lengthy graduate level education, so my money is EXTREMELY limited. I have a few friends who just go target shooting that have brought me along and through them I was able to get a feel for a few single action revolvers, by November I hope to be the proud owner of either a Ruger New Vaquero or an Uberti 1875. So to cease my rambling...

After the next seven years I will be able to get in and help spread the word. I'm sure I can drag a few of the guys with once I get into the action.


Last words of the night; I like this forum, there has been a wealth of information for anyone who wants to get a start in CAS. Keep up the good work and keep shooting!

[GunClick Rick]

Safety first my man safety first

[Russ McCrae]

Too the four guns are too much to ask crowd the folks my age (31 and down) aren't hustling enough if they can't find them. I found my pistols I'll admit by dumb luck but the store couldn't move them and I paid $730 for the pair. Found a made in china (I know, I know but it goes boom when I pull the trigger) coach gun for $200 at a gun store. Begged (not really), borrowed never stole a rifle till I could find one I liked. All told about $1880 start and it wasn't all at once. Save a little, except help from fellow shooters and you can complete the gun requirements in a year easy.

Saving up now for the reloader, when I can make my own bullets y'all get ready to shed some tears 

[Billy Bristol]

I was at shoot here in Ct on dec 2nd. I went to just watch. I talked with quite a few there and also watched one fellow supply 2 new shooters with firearms and ammo needed to shoot the matches. I didn't shoot but had a great a great time talking to the folks there. I will be shooting in the spring though. I have 2 1951 sheiriff's models I plan on using to start. I found an older 12ga sxs that I only paid $150 for. It was still solid and everything works fine. I figure by spring I should have enough saved from what little I do get each month that I should be able to get myself a rifle. The deals are out there if a person takes the time to look for them. And the people at the shoots will help out in the beginning. If I have to borrow a rifle in the spring I am sure I will be able to. As far as ammo, I know I can always afford enough for a shoot.

[GunClick Rick]

After today things don't look real good

[PJ Hardtack]

The cost of entry into a new sport is always a factor.

When it comes to CAS, it's a pretty big hit. I tell people who express and interest to double the cost of any gun(s) to include the reloading set up, costuming, leather, etc. It scres some off, but it's realistic.

No wonder we see so many grey hairs at events instead of the young! They're the ones with the bucks - kids gone, mortgage paid off, some disposable income .....

We are also not doing enough to educate and inculcate youth into the shooting sports. We live in an anti-gun, PC era where it's not OK to be into guns. Your kid will be sent home from school for pointing a 'pizza pistol' at another kid.

[Rowdy Fulcher]

Howdy
We have several Clubs in our area that offers the Working Cowboy class . 1 pistol and a rifle , this is the BEST way to get new shooters in the game .

[Beauregard Hooligan]

I came to this sport when it was young, the very late 80's, with a .357 Ruger Blackhawk and a .44 Ruger Super Blackhawk and had to borrow rifle and shotgun. Swapping between those two very different pistols was tough, but I was already an active pistol/rifle and shotshell reloader, and that helped a great deal, as did being my own leather-crafter. It took time to buy a rifle and shotgun, and eventually two matching revolvers came along. At this point in a very early medical retirement, I have a multitude of shootables and enough progressive loading gear to keep a squad supplied in the field, but my very, very broken and much repaired body can barely get through a Sunday shoot and still drive home. I feel for those who are raising a family and find the investment for the game a serious problem, but I haven't seen a CAS Posse yet where there is even a moments hesitation to loan guns, and even provide ammunition for them. Yes, there are a great number of greybeards in CAS, but that's because we picked the sport up in our forties, and are still around in our sixties, and some older. I read posts by my old pard Tuolumne Lawman, and know how his retirement went so hard on his gun collection that most of his favorites had to be sold along the way. But, he kept a significant kit, eventually replaced the lost, and still soldiers on one weekend at a time. I'm mighty proud to know TL, and even prouder to call him my friend. Friendship is what this way of life is about, at the bottom line. It last well beyond where the eyes don't see well, and arthritis slows down the pace. That lasting friendship's the reason to get into CAS, and it's worth far more than the cost of a few firearms. 

[brazosdave]

I have a buddy who went up to the club at Waco TX, and he went just to watch and check it out. Talked to a few of the fellas, and in no time at all, they had him all kitted up and shooting, he had so much fun that he's buyin his rifle and shotgun after the new year.
I haven't shot any matches, in fact don't own a lever rifle or a sxs shotgun, but probably will some day. I do have a bunch of cap and ball revolvers that I shoot constantly, and a Uberti Hombre that's real fun. I don't think the sport is going to die out, but I think it's leveled off, like someone said earlier. When I do shoot a competition, I won't be going in it to win it, but to have fun, just like at the muzzle loader shoots. Fun and camaraderie with good like minded folks. That's why this here sport won't die out.

[Johnny McCrae]

 I belong to a local SASS Club called the "Bristol Plains Pistoleros". We are located in southeastern Wisconsin right on the Illinois border. In September of 2011 during a practice session someone (not a Cowboy shooter) put a round over the berm. As a result of this incident, the section of the range where the Cowboy matches are held was shut down. We had to put a Baffle system up before the range could open again. Everyone pitched in and we had a match in November of 2011.

There was a lot of concern about shooting around the uprights which are spaced on 12 ft. centers. This was a non issue. We were able to turn a negative incident into a positive thing. We started decorating the baffles to resemble an old Western town and added more props. So far we have had nothing but positive comments about our new setup.

Please go to this link and you can see what our range now looks like: http://www.johnnymccrae.com/Bristol.html

We have a great group of people who are not afraid to pitch in and help. I believe our club is stronger than ever now.

[wildman1]

Looks really nice JM. WM

[Garand]

I think it is the cost more than anything else.

2 Single action revolvers
1 Lever action Rifle
1 Shotgun

My kids just don't have the cash for it.

I disagree with that! Our kids have different priorities for their money, monster pickup trucks, I Pads, Blackberrys, etc, etc. Any family that I have seen compete together mom and dad generally pay the freight for the kids to shoot. I live in oilfield country and the rigpigs around here make more money than they can or will responsibly spend.

My step son is a welder, building rigs, he makes more money than his mother and me combined, in excess of $150,000 a year. In the past he has flown across the country just to attend a hockey game, or flown to Vegas to party on the weekend.  I know another rig welder that dropped $6,000.00 on an IPSC pistol and can't find the time to shoot it more than once a year if that.


Also at our average age, we have a more stable lifestyle than they, we are generally employed in occupations that allow us our weekends off. When you look at cost, consider other hobbies, skydiving, muscle cars, para gliding, etc, etc, I think you will agree in the big scheme of everything after the basics are purchased with the exception of the cost of travel we have a relatively cheap hobby.