CAS: Do people laugh at you?

[Birdgun Quail]

When you tell non-CAS folks that you participate in Cowboy Action Shooting, how many times do these same people sort of chuckle, laugh, or roll their eyes at what you do? I first learned of CAS from seeing it on TV, and I laughed watching grown men and women doing something so juvenile. I know that doing something which at first appeared so juvenile held be back—at least for a while. My wife, although she supports me and sees nothing wrong with CAS, thinks it’s a little silly for a man of my age (59) to be dressing up and playing “Cowboy.” Although it doesn't stop me from doing so, I have to admit, it’s a little easier to tell folks that I’m a bird hunter than a “Cowboy Action Shooter.” But, I'm having too much fun playing Cowboy, and I feel down right sorry for all those poor folks who are missing out on this great pastime.

[Camille Eonich]

Not that I remember.  I get questions though.  Most people think it sounds like fun.

[Silent Joe]

Sometimes it will. But when I tell them what it's all about, they looking to it an other way. Then they start asking about clothes, hats, weapons and all the fun it gives. And it is FUN !!!! 

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[Soldierboy]

All the time 
But then again i also dress up as a roman soldier, a Viking Warrior and a medieval servant at times.

Living in a country with a more restricted gunlaw than, and a at times hostile view (on guns) from the public in general, Its my experience that hose laughs and chuckles often is followed with a understanding that we actually play and have fun in a safe and wholsome manner. Giving at least a few "mundanes" an eyeopener that guns necessari aint bad.

[RRio]

Most I have talked to think it sounds like fun and want to know more about it .

[Mustang Gregg]

Laugh at the way I dress?  Hell, no!
They might laugh at the way I shoot some days.
Dressing cowboy is natural around here in Nebraska.

I did get some stares & under-the-breath comments fom some poorly-dressed tatooed "stoners" in a Wally Mart early one am.
We were on our way to a shoot.  I was dressed in my best Ltc Theodore Roosevelt USV uniform.  I asked them if they ever heard of Roosevelt.  None knew what I was talkin' about.

Mustang Gregg

[Bitterwheat]

Not unless they have death wish

[Forty Rod]

Not many people laugh at me twice.  

Once is a mistake in judgement.  The second time is just self destructive.  "You better smile when you say that, stranger!"

[El Peludo]

 

Yeah, but not where I can see 'em or hear 'em.   A bunch of us was at an out-of-town shoot, and all we had was our CAS duds with us, so we just wore 'em everywhere; some folks stared, but they pretty well gave us a wide berth - and we wasn't even heeled, out in public.  Some yuppified sorts sort of gave me a snicker or two one time down in Orange County, California (Garden Grove), but as soon as I gave 'em a look, they found something else to occupy their attention - actually worked pretty hard at not lookin' at me; it was pretty funny. 

[Coop Trawlaine]

Heck!  I wouldn't be able to tell.   I am here in Cali-phony, and I have always worn western duds and most my adult life (I am 63 right now) I have worn cowboy boots.  I have gotten stares, chuckles and even glares at one time or another.  Some have even made less than polite statements about my dressing in the manner I do and I use the Duke's line in reply.  "You're a little too far west for that attitude, Pilgrim."  Then go about my way with a smile on my face.

[Birdgun Quail]

I sort of liked the way the people were staring at me the first time I wore my cowboy duds into a grocery store.   Never had so many pretty ladies that I didn't even know actually look me in the eye and smile.  I knew women would find me a friendly, good looking, handsome feller if they'd just look at me!  Hm-m-m-m.  It might not be a good idea to wear my cowboy duds in public with my wife around...

[Stump Water]

I have a couple of favorites.  More comments than laughs.

Usually a bunch of us goes out to eat after local matches or when away at big matches.  One time there's about 16 of us.  Full cowboy gear.  I reckon, between the 16 of us, there was every cowboy trapping that exists (one fellow's costume that day was a bandito, he still had on his crossed bandoliers full of .45-70 ammo).  A young girl with a bolt thru her eyebrow approached the table and dead pans this gem, "Soooo... like... what's with the hats?"

'Nother time I left the group for a trip to the outhouse.  On the way back to the table I passed by a woman (who had been sitting near our group) that offered this up, "Who won the war?!"   I says, "We did!  We're the ones still standin'!"

In hindsight I wish I'd said, "The South! Finally!"   

[Arcey]

All time favorite..............

Back when we didn't have storage at Pungo, I carried the whole thing to the range from home.  Had the barrel horse in the back of the truck with the rest of the stuff.  Since I wasn't going anywhere but the range and back, I locked my service pistol in the safe and loaded a Blackhawk I intended to use for the match with real .357 Magnum ammo.  Had it on the seat beside me.

Nice Saturday morning.  Windows down.  Stop light.

Ole boy pulls up 'side me 'n he's laughin'.

"Hey, Tex!  Where's your sixgun?"

Looked back at him without a smile, snatched up that Ruger 'n held it up where he could see it and said, "Right here."

His head snapped forward, he rolled his window up and stared at the light until it changed then he took off as fast as he could.

[jrdudas]

I get an occasional chuckle or stare but I'm used to it.  The only thing different about my dress when I go to a shoot is my guns; I always dress western with boots and hat.  Hey, if some folks can stick metal studs in their ears and nose they have little room to snicker at my dress.

JR

[Qball]

My spouse giggels at me all the time, even when i'm not in cowboy outfit.
Grow up she says, wonder what she means by that

[Four-Eyed Buck]

Except for hot weather, I'm in a four pocket vest almost all the time complete with the pocket watch and fob. Almost always in boots of one sort or another. Since I'm part timimg with the MRDD, there's been alot that've found out about CAS and can't get over the amount of Western Lore/History that I've got the answers for when they come up.............Buck

[Mogorilla]

When ever I don my duds, it is a religious moment for my wife.    She says "Oh my God!" a lot.     
Everyone around work knows what I do as my office has pictures of my guns, pictures of me in my duds, pictures of my leather work, and if they think to comment, a picture of Vlad Dracula and Ivan the Terrible on my door to let them know what I do to people who laugh.   

[Highlander999]

Nope... they really don't.  A few shallow individuals might when I am not there etc.  But, amazingly most have just told me that it fits me.  Who'da guessed.

But then, I wear a hat and frock coat out to dance.  And usually have no shortage of dance partners. 

[Cuts Crooked]

Nope, ain't no one laffs! However I git a lot of strange looks when I'm wearin' my Frontiersman duds in public on a hot humid Iowa summer day! Folks kinda turn up wind 'n mutter sumpthin under their breath then!

[Lucky Irish Tom]

I probably get more laughs out of the Posse at the range since I tend to wear or utter something outlandish at almost every shoot.  Only a few at work have actually laughed at seeing the pictures around my cube, and that usually ends when they learn that I shoot live ammo out of them things.  On those occassions where I stop in a store on the way to or from a shoot I'll occasionally get a snicker or two, but like others have said those disappear quickly if you actually look at the people.