Tex's Editorial in the Cowboy Chronicle

[Major Matt Lewis]

Did y'all happen to read Tex's article in the Cowboy Chronicle?  He gave a nice nod to The Military Catagory.  Would be nice to see it come to fruition.

[Steel Horse Bailey]

Yep!

[Silver Creek Slim]

I don't get the CC. Any chance of posting it here?

Slim

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[Captain Barrett]

Major,

For those who went to a public skool like me, can you summarize your article about the Military category? I seem to remember you suggested using only two flap holsters for the revolvers. My only qualm with that is about how an "ungraceful" person like me can perform a SAFE and proper draw the revolver and still do well on time. Think we can start another thread discussing how to SAFELY and properly draw a revolver with one hand from a flap holster?

[US Scout]

I'll be at the SASS Convention next week and I'm going to try and buttonhole Tex to (1) encourage his idea and (2) let him know that we in the GAF are charging ahead on that very issue.  Heck, I may even try and recruit him.

US Scout
GAF, Commanding

[Gripmaker]

Capt. Barrett,  There is no way to safely and RAPIDLY (that word's meaning being relative) drawing a revolver from a military style flap holster with one hand. That is why the last century's military was taught to do it with two hands. If this is required for all contestants, all would be equally handicapped.  All one needs do is PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.

[Major Matt Lewis]

Major,

For those who went to a public skool like me, can you summarize your article about the Military category? I seem to remember you suggested using only two flap holsters for the revolvers. My only qualm with that is about how an "ungraceful" person like me can perform a SAFE and proper draw the revolver and still do well on time. Think we can start another thread discussing how to SAFELY and properly draw a revolver with one hand from a flap holster?

Cap,

I will ask that you do  a search through the The Barracks threads.  I have posted it at least 3 times so it will be easy to find.  I am concerned with any ungraceful person getting within a mile of a gun. 

Just so all know, I won the Kansas State Duelist Championship with two flapped holsters.  There is a way to do it safely and fast.

Scout,

Thank you in advance for any advocacy that you do for the catagory, and if you get Tex to join, I think you would rate a Star of Merit

[Joe Lafives]

Major:
Course you know my stand BUT I would like you to entertain something.  In Packing Iron on page 31 (i think) there is a picture of a soldier with a holster that does NOT have a flap on it.  It might be best to use that as a precedent and allow say Slim Jim style holsters (these after all were based on the military style) -  it might get rid of objections to the category ( on that ground at least)

[Major Matt Lewis]

Joe,

Tex himself suggested the two flapped holsters as part of a making the catagory different.  I think it's a good idea.  If you look at the guidelines, I had to strattle the line between History, Hollywood, Practicallity and Ease of Governance and Implementation.  I have learned that creating a catagory is more about compromise than anything. 

I just want to get a catagory out there that is fun, safe, competitive and easy to implement.  I don't want to go changing a bunch of things right before we go before the TG's and make us look like a bunch of Keystone Cops unworthy of a catagory.

[Lou Graham]

I'm not big on adding new categories but I'll share a couple of ideas I've picked up this season.

SASS shoots have had a growing movement for a Frontier Cartridge Gunfighter category.  It's no help to me  -- closest lady BPGF's I know are all on the other side of the Mississippi  
 
HOWEVER, when a monthly, state or regional shoot offered that category pending the signup of ___ shooters (3, 5, or some other minimum number)  I threw in with the fellers and signed up to help out with making the minimum.  

All you need to do is set up the requirements and get a few folks to agree to sign up and a few matches to offer it.  Showing there's a group that wants it goes a long way to getting the momentum to get it on the TG's agenda.  It would also help to "dry run" the requirements for adjustment before formal creation.  That's pretty much how the B Western category got off the ground.  

The Military category is at the opposite end of the spectrum from B Western.  Even though I don't like the idea of more categories, I'd almost be willing to say we NEED the military category to maintain balance in the universe

You fellers with cool uniforms and gear try getting some matches to offer it if __ number of people sign up.

[Dr. Bob]

Boy howdy Capt. LOU, ya gots brains and are purtty too!

[Missouri Marshal]

PLEASE....NO MORE CATEGORIES!  We have too many already and need to look at eliminating some, not creating more.  Especially ones based on costuming and not shooting.

[Captain Barrett]

Major,

I will ask that you do  a search through the The Barracks threads.  I have posted it at least 3 times so it will be easy to find.  I am concerned with any ungraceful person getting within a mile of a gun. 

Just so all know, I won the Kansas State Duelist Championship with two flapped holsters.  There is a way to do it safely and fast.

Not that I am "ungraceful," but rather JUST SLIGHTLY "clumsy" at a lose due to lack of practice (especially over the past few years and I WOULD practice before returning to a match), I suggest condensing all your and others knowledge about shooting from flap holsters and posting a web page on the GAF site. That would be a very worthy addition...

[Pony Racer]

A Military category is enticing to me.

If it is approved - I think the holster flap issue must be explained correctly though.

For a Naval impression the pistol holsters of the period were frog holsters (gun buckets) with a strap of leather instead of a flap.  As long as their is wording to explain what would be approved - holsetr wise -  I am fine with it. 

Of couse since I wear and shoot how I do without a military category - it would not stop me from shooting wearing my uniform and leather - just be weird to not be in the military category if there is one developed because I shoot with period correct Naval holsters.

Anyway - I think the article and work MML has done deserves a SOM!!

PR

[Major Matt Lewis]

Major,
Not that I am "ungraceful," but rather JUST SLIGHTLY "clumsy" at a lose due to lack of practice (especially over the past few years and I WOULD practice before returning to a match), I suggest condensing all your and others knowledge about shooting from flap holsters and posting a web page on the GAF site. That would be a very worthy addition...

Cap,

Don't worry.  If the catagory gets a trial...I will write an article for the Chronicle that will help promote the catagory and answer all the questions.  I will then send it to Bull to load up to the site if he wished.

[River City John]

I guess my only thought is that right now the ONLY organization dedicated to the military action shooter in the 1865-1900 era is GAF.

I think we would be better served by promoting GAF activities within the various shooting venues, i.e., encouraging members to request to be squaded together as a GAF unit when attending a particular event; organizing Color Guards; offering community demonstrations/workshops; and conducting Regional and the National Musters, all of which will maintain our unique identity.

By seeking to have other organizations create their own military categories it may introduce restrictions different from our mission statement or dilute the esprit d'corps.

Just my 2 cents.
    

[US Scout]

When I took SASS RO I, I specifically asked about the use of the "cavalry twist" and was informed that it was allowed but had to be safely and properly executed -which it can be with practice.  

However, in my experience most ROs aren't comfortable with the cavalry draw so don't allow it, and don't even allow the shooter to demonstrate that he can do it correctly and safely.  One RO once had me do the cross draw shuffle for both pistols - which totally screwed me up since I had the cavalry twist down cold and would automatically attempt to draw that way until I remembered I had to switch hands and swivel myself.  

I know Tex favors a military impression from time to time, and he would be an invaluable supporter to those of us who like to shoot in uniform.  Personally, I don't think we need a new SASS category per se as much as we need a better definition and label for the "Classic Cowboy" category so that it is more acceptable to those who want to accurately attire themselves as cowboys, soldiers, townsmen, or whatever.  The GAF has established at their Musters that the cavalry twist can be done safely, so we should be able to contribute our practice experience to any SASS decision.

US Scout
GAF, Commanding

[Rap Scallion]

   Just to throw my 3 pesos into the fray............

I don't care whether or not they allow and sanction the "Military" category...........however one so inclined to get decked out as some form of military accouterments, should have studied and looked at Garrison and Field uniforms!  In that study he will have found out that normal sidearms were not usually worn or carried except fior guard or cermonial purposes.  That field duties were less strict than the parade grounds and that there was a plethora of gun buckets, uniform modifications and a less than strict military spit and polish and regulations.  There was a lot of civilian equipment, both gun leather and clothing worn and used when out away from the military base on patrol or scout.  AND most troopers didn't pack around 2 7.5 inch SAA Colts, in holsters with or without flaps!

Something to think about when the costume police start issuing uniform regs............

[Gripmaker]

Gotta agree with Scout and River City John. Why seek to promote what we already have in operation into another organization?  We are a unique group and I believe all GAF members are in some other CAS org. also so we should be promoting GAF and seeking to incorporate our style in SASS, WASA, etc without losing our identity by trying to establish "new catagories" that would diminish our role in CAS. We have all worked too hard to make this a viable shooting option to get lost in the CAS community.  We have been allowed to establish a Posse within NCOWS so why not do the same with the others?

[Frenchie]

Something to think about when the costume police start issuing uniform regs............

Well, Rap, most if not all of us in the GAF who are into the military impressions have already studied the garrison and field uniforms. We generally wear field uniforms when shooting and dress uniforms for the formal occasions, but the GAF has nothing in its stated purpose that speaks to the proper uniform to be worn when doing anything - in fact, uniforms aren't even required. We don't need to issue no stinking uniform regs, because they were issued many years ago and no one I know in the GAF has any interest in re-inventing the wheel - I know I don't. You want to shoot in your Admiral of the Turkish Navy full-blown dress uniform, you go right ahead, we'll give you the same latitude and attitude everyone else gets 

Btw, I'm sure you didn't mean for "costume police" to sound as insulting as some might take it to be...