MercantileEXCITINGSee section our NovemberNovemberNovember 2001 2001 2001 CowboyCowboyCowboy ChronicleChronicleChronicle(starting on PagepagePagePage 90)111 The Cowboy Chronicle~ The Monthly Journal of the Single Action Shooting Society ® Vol. 21 No. 4 © Single Action Shooting Society, Inc. April 2008 IT WOULD BEHOOVE YOU – TO SHOOT THE LAST STAND AT CHIMNEY ROCK, THE SASS 2007 WESTERN REGIONAL!
By Frederick Jackson Turner, SASS #28271
ucern Valley, CA – “It See HIGHLIGHTS on page 75 would behoove you to fol- low the stage directions most spectacular sunsets I’ve ever L …” intoned Range Officer beheld. Later that same evening, Roan Henry, setting the stage for a with the guns safely locked away, weekend of “behoove” jokes, and the first of several parties broke out with a blast of Marshall Brous- in Twitchy Finger’s Saloon, the sard’s 16th century siege gun, working bar on Stage Three. Lit by SASS’ 2007 Western Regional was kerosene lanterns, with the roof off and running! open to let in the billion-star sky, Set in the picturesque Lucerne the event, bartended smartly (if not Valley, Double R Bar Regulators put wisely!) by Twitchy and Co, and together one of the most authentic entertained by the strolling strings and scenic matches held in this of one Frederick Jackson Turner, country. The serene landscape is the party lasted well into the night. the site of one of the last shootouts Kentucky Gal, resplendent in peri- in the Old West—Chimney Rock— od-appropriate finery, sidles up to and from that event, the Western me while I’m playing. “Look up at Regional takes its name. the stars,” she says. Through the The Double R Bar Regulators open ceiling of the saloon, I do. The have built an entire western town in black sky is vibrant with the myri- this little corner of the Lucerne ad points of distant light. She Valley; turn the corner onto the whoops, “Have you ever been range, and it was like walking onto thrown out of a nicer place?” the set of Deadwood! Cowboys, Prudently, the party wrapped up bankers, train conductors, and their before sunrise. After all, there was ladies, ambled down a long board- gunplay to be had, come the dawn! walk, where real buildings lined Friday morning, first day of the both sides of the street. Stage Three main match, dawned bright, clear, featured a functional saloon—com- and warm, with just a hint of a Who needs a cannon when you’ve got Marshall Broussard and his breeze. Blackpowder shooters noted 16th Century Siege Gun? He certainly got the SASS Western Regional the fresh mountain breeze, and SASS Cowboy Chronicle off with a bang … and once he had everyone’s attention, grinned their secret grin. the shooters’ meeting could continue! Gunfighters looked on the stages plete with working piano! Appro- Side matches were held and saw how gunfighter-friendly In This Issue priately titled “Twitchy Finger’s Thursday, and when the last shots they were, and grinned. Speedy Saloon,” Stage Three would become had echoed down the rocky canyons shooters looked at target sequences 36 THE SHOT SHOW the site of several late night gather- at the end of the day, those early and distances, and they grinned. by Capt. George Baylor ings as the weekend went on. arrivals were treated to one of the (Continued on page 74) 64 EMF STARTERS by Tuolumne Lawman
68 APPALACHIAN SHOWDOWN by Hardrock Hiram C h C 73 SHOOTOUT AT r o o w BEND OF TRAIL n b by Dutch McCrae i o 23255 La Palma Avenue c y 76 WOLVERINE RANGERS Yorba Linda, California 92887 l ANGE AR R W e www.sassnet.com by Katie Callahan Page 2 Cowboy Chronicle April 2008 April 2008 Cowboy Chronicle Page 3
Easy to holster. Easy to load. Easy to forget it’s 2007.
At first glance, you might think you’re looking at a museum piece from Wyatt Earp’s personal collection. But upon closer inspection, the unmistakable craftsmanship and ingenuity of Ruger’s New Vaquero® comes through loud and clear. A beveled cylinder, crescent-shaped ejector rod and the patented Ruger® reverse-indexing pawl will further cement the New Vaquero’s exalted place among passionate pistoleros and cowboy action shooting enthusiasts across the land. To understand why the New Vaquero resides in more cowboy holsters than any other, visit www.ruger.com/Vaquero/
Owners of “Old Model” (three screw) Ruger single action revolvers manufactured from 1953-1972, and Bearcats with serial numbers below 93-00000 should contact us for details about FREE safety conversions. Picture depicts Cowboy Mounted Shooting® Association competitor shooting blanks. Do not fire live ammunition while on horseback!
WWW.RUGER.COM Page 4 Cowboy Chronicle April 2008
If you compete in Cowboy Action Shooting you know this is a serious sport. Your scatter-gun should be the same. Chambered for 3-inch shells and available in blue, satin nickel or polished nickel finish, the affordable Stoeger RUGGED. RELIABLE. REVOLUTIONARY. Coach Gun is as formidable as it is handsome. Whether you’re heading for a competition Silverado Coach Gun – 12-GA or 20-GA MSRP $410 shootout or just want a little extra security at home, you’ll want to Silverado Coach Gun – 12-GA or 20-GA MSRP $410 take a serious look at the with English Stock Stoeger Coach Gun.
Nickel Coach Gun – 12-GA or 20-GA MSRP $410
Coach Gun Supreme – 12-GA or 20-GA MSRP $460
To request a FREE DVD catalog visit StoegerIndustries.com A COMPANY freedvd.stoegerindustries.com April 2008 Cowboy Chronicle Page 5 The Cowboy CCONTENTSONTENTS Chronicle 1 ON THE COVER The Last Stand At Chimney Rock (The SASS 2007 Western Regional)
6 FROM THE EDITOR Categories – Time For A Change? . . . Editorial Staff 8, 9 NEWS Hollywood Charity Horse Show . . . Tex Editor-in-Chief 10-11 LETTERS Comments From SASS Members . . . Cat Ballou Editor
12 POLITICAL Common Sense And The Political Battlefield . . . Coyote Calhoun Managing Editor & 16 CAT’S CORNER “See What The Boys In The Back Room Will Have!” . . . Marketing Director Adobe Illustrator 18 COYOTE DROPPINGS END of TRAIL Is Closer Than You Think . . . Layout & Design Mac Daddy 20-34 ARTICLES Road Kill . . . Hickok’s Guns . . . Boy Scout Holster Auction . . . Graphic Design Donna Oakley 36-48 GUNS & GEAR Range Tech (Plastics) . . . Build Your First Gun Cart (Part 2) Advertising Administrator Contributing Writers 51, 52 HISTORY Chalk Level Shootout . . . Little Known Famous People . . . Billy Dixon, Bob Boze Bell, Capt. George Baylor, Col. Dan, (Sign-up) . . . Cree Vicar Dave, Dogie Jones, 53-56 END of TRAIL (27TH ANNUAL) Holy Terror, Inspector, Ioway, Joe Fasthorse Harrill, 58, 59 MOUNTED Mounted Shooting Costume Contest At 2008 END of TRAIL . . . Lucky Bill Thorington, M. Lou Findley, Madd Mike, Nubbins Colt, Purdy Gear, Three Fingers Tequila, 60 REVIEWS BOOKS Custerology . . . A Terrible Glory . . . El Tigre . . . Tuolumne Lawman, Wildcat Kate and Johnnie Concho
62 PROFILES The Legend Of Doc Dakota . . . The Cowboy Chronicle is published by The Wild Bunch, Board of Directors of The Single Action Shooting Society. For adver- 64 REVIEWS-PRODUCTS EMF: Purveyor Of SASS Starter Packages ... tising information and rates, administrative and editorial offices contact: What’s Goin’ On In Your Town? . . . Chronicle Administrator 68-82 ON THE RANGE 23255 La Palma Avenue Yorba Linda, California 92887 86-88 CLUB REPORTS Problem Solved . . . Thunder And Lightnin’ . . . 714-694-1800 FAX: 714-694-1813 email: [email protected] 90-96 MERCANTILE Nice SASS Collectibles . . . http://www.sassnet.com
The Cowboy Chronicle (ISSN 15399877) is 97- CLASSIFIED published Monthly by the Single Action Shooting Society, 23255 La Palma Avenue, Yorba Linda, California 92887. Periodicals 100 ADVERTISERS INDEX Postage is Paid at ANAHEIM, CA and addi- tional mailing offices (USPS #020-591). POSTMASTER: Send address changes to 101- SHOOTING SCHEDULES (MONTHLY)-(ANNUAL) The Cowboy Chronicle, 23255 La Palma Avenue, Yorba Linda, California 92887. 105 SASS TERRITORIAL GOVERNORS LIST DISCLAIMER - The Single Action Shooting Society does not guarantee, warranty or endorse any product or service advertised ® SASS Trademarks in this newspaper. The publisher also does SASS Clubs Administrator, SASS®, Single Action Shooting Society®, not guarantee the safety or effectiveness Prairie Mary, had an opportunity END of TRAIL®, EOT®, of any product or service illustrated. The distribution of some products/services may to connect faces with club officers The Cowboy ChronicleTM, from all over the country this past be illegal in some areas, and we do not Cowboy Action ShootingTM, assume responsibility thereof. State and March at Winter Range. Although TM local laws must be investigated by the pur- she’s a shooter and would love to CAS , The World Championship of chaser prior to purchase or use or prod- have been on the range, having her ucts/services. run the SASS booth allowed the Cowboy Action ShootingTM, WARNING: Neither the author nor The Wild Bunch to shoot the match and Bow-legged Cowboy Design, and the Cowboy Chronicle can accept any responsi- talk politics with their fellow Rocking Horse Design bility for accidents or differing results shooters. Processing memberships, are all trademarks of obtained using reloading data. Variation selling SASS merchandise, and The Single Action Shooting Society, Inc. in handloading techniques, compo- running the SASS Shooting Any use or reproduction of these marks nents, and firearms will make results Gallery kept her hopping! vary. Have a competent gunsmith check without the express written permission your firearms before firing. of SASS is strictly prohibited. Page 6 Cowboy Chronicle April 2008
CATEGORIES – TIME FOR A CHANGE?
By Tex, SASS #4
should be looking for is a “more equitable” playing field. This means finding Tex, SASS #4 a playing field where one ~SASS Hall of Fame Inductee~ is truly shooting against peers … and may the bet- lackjack Zak broached the ter (rather than younger) subject at the Convention of cowboy win! B collapsing Traditional and One should recognize Modern into a single category and we’re ALL competitive! adding additional age brackets to Many will claim they are this “super category.” At Winter in the game for the pure Range Ol’ #4 went a step further and enjoyment of the sport, proposed adding additional age- and others will make a Retain age requirements for the youngsters based brackets to ALL the categories! point of shooting a match and Seniors and above. The boundaries for The Ladies Categories are much more Admittedly, many of us didn’t think “from the hip!” But, no the A/B/C age brackets are to be determined. sparsely populated. Only the “Open” too much of either of these ideas, one shoots with the inten- Allow Seniors and above to be distributed Category warrants being subdivided. until we thought about it for a while. tion of missing targets! If across the basic Categories. This results in It doesn’t appear there are enough competi- 35 potential shooting categories. If there are tors in the basic Categories to also allow Ol’ #4 made the point, there is we don’t practice, and we less than 10 competitors in a Category, com- Senior Categories for these disciplines. no such thing as a level playing field no longer have the natural bine the Category with the one below it. This allows 13 potential Ladies Categories. … and there never will be. What we (Continued on page 17) (Winter Range ‘08 data.) (Winter Range ‘08 data.) April 2008 Cowboy Chronicle Page 7
[email protected] Page 8 Cowboy Chronicle April 2008
WILLIAM SHATNER WILL CELEBRATE 18 YEARS OF THE WELLS FARGO
“HOLLYWOOD CHARITY HORSE SHOW” i SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 2008 i WITH COUNTRY MUSIC LEGEND RANDY TRAVIS Benefiting Ahead With Horses and Camp Max Straus Foundation
OS ANGELES, CA, FEBRU- exciting arena event with perform- LARY 24, 2008—Organizers for ances by the “Rancho Indalo Riders” the 18th William Shatner’s Wells featuring Anthony “Whipsnake” Fargo Hollywood Charity Horse Delongis, Mary “Cajun Fire” Show announced today country Delongis, Jack Dagger, Tonya Kay, music legend, Randy Travis would be Jason Heck, and Dave L. Baker, fol- performing live at this year’s event lowed by a western dinner with a to be held on Saturday, April 26, special LIVE performance by 2008. The event will enter its 18th Grammy-winning Country Music year of fundraising with a roof-rais- legend, Randy Travis. ing, spectacular affair at the Los Proceeds from the event will ben- Angeles Equestrian Center, 480 efit special-needs children across the Riverside Drive, Burbank, Califor- City of Los Angeles through local nia. Guests will be treated to an charities: Ahead With Horses and
Camp Max Straus Foundation. WHEN: SATURDAY APRIL 26, “Over the last 18 years, we have 2008 been able to help thousands of young 4:00 p.m.– 7:45 p.m. - Silent Auction Angelinos, thanks to the support we 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. - Arena Show receive from our generous sponsors 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. - Western and attendees,” commented William Dinner, Entertainment by Randy Shatner. “We are so fortunate to Travis, and Live Auction by have Randy Travis for entertain- William Shatner, Auctioneer. ment. He is really terrific and gener- WHERE: Los Angeles Equestrian ous with his time and energy.” Center, 480 Riverside Drive, WHAT: 18th ANNUAL WELLS Burbank, CA FARGO “HOLLYWOOD CHARITY HORSE SHOW” ADVERTISING INFORMATION ASK FOR ~ DONNA ~ (EXT. 118)
GIVE TO THE SASS SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION (A non-profit, tax-deductable charity) “Rancho Indalo Riders”—(l-r) Anthony “Whipsnake” Delongis, SASS #3000, on Latigo, Jack Dagger, Jason Heck, Tonya “Creature” Kay, MAKE THE DIFFERENCE! Mary “Cajun Fire” DeLongis, SASS #22314, on Nacho & Dave L. Baker. April 2008 Cowboy Chronicle Page 9 COWBOY ACTION SHOOTING SPECIAL SHOOTERS PACKAGE
MODEL 1892 LEVER ACTION RIFLE $$ SAVE $$
20” OR 24” BARREL,45LCOR .357 MAG END OF TRAIL WANTS MODEL 1878 EXPOSED HAMMER SHOTGUN SENIOR GUNFIGHTERS! 20” BARREL,12GA
es! END of TRAIL will recognize you have not yet signed up, do so imme- 1873 GREAT WESTERN II CALIFORNIANS YSenior Gunfighters! If you have diately and request the Senior already signed up, send CD TOM an e- Gunfighter Category—even if the appli- mail
$$ SAVE $$ ~CORRECTION~ 43/4”BARREL The overall winners of the Resurrection Rangers’ Ruckus at Tombstone 45 LC OR were erroneously reported as Kid Karst and Daisy Mourning. They wrote the SASS MEMBERS: .357 MAG article. The listed Top Guns, Pike Bishop and Dixie Heart, were the actual overall match winners. The Cowboy Chronicle apologizes for the confusion. SAVE BIG ON ACOMPLETE SHOOTERS PACKAGE OF ASHOTGUN,RIFLE &TWO REVOLVERS. ~WINNERS CORRECTION~ ORDER DESK SAVE EVEN MORE ON In the January Cowboy Chronicle it was reported Punch and Sunshine OUR DINGS &DENTS (800) 430-1310 Marcie were the first husband and wife team to win a Regional. While admit- tedly a rare feat, there have actually been other husband and wife teams to Fax: 949-756-0133 win major matches. Dang-It-Dan and Dang It’s Darlin’ were overall E.M.F.Co.,Inc. www.emf-company.com Northeast Regional winners in 2000, and Great Dane and his wife, Kid Sticks, 1900 E. Warner Ave., Suite 1-D, Santa Ana, California 92705 were END of TRAIL winners in 1990. Congratulations to each of these shoot- ing teams … and there may be more! Page 10 Cowboy Chronicle April 2008
JUST SAY NO! specifications based on pieces and TUOLUMNE LAWMAN’S over bore capacity of the magnums parts of several revolvers. The rule and specials in the downloading for By Billy Dixon, SASS #190 ARTICLES - ARMI says no external modifications are SASS competition was of great con- Okay, I’ve dallied around this acceptable, but here we have an SPORT 1865 SPENCER cern, after reading articles about subject long enough. It appears to entirely new revolver that is nothing CARBINES & RIFLES “cartridge detonation.” So, the me that in a quest for increased more than a complete external and Russian cartridge was the answer. membership we have not only internal modification. I was intrigued by Tuolumne My 5.5-grain charge of Dupont 800X opened doors to folks who miss the Taken individually, these rules Lawman’s articles on the ARMI drives a 200-grain LRNFP some 750 Spirit of the Game, we have started are intended to address specific Sport 1865 Spencer Carbines and fps, and a double charge over flows making new doors for them to enter. issues. Taken together, they indicate Rifles, and truly sorry to hear about the case. This combination really The most current example would an unfortunate direction away from the discontinuance of the first run works well in my rifle and revolvers. be rules announced at the TG the very Spirit of the Game that has calibers, .45 Schofield and.44 I’ve had to retire granddad’s Summit during the SASS made SASS successful and appeal- Russian. Marlin and trade up to a Winchester Convention. The new Power Factor ing to a broad audience. I’m the proud owner an ARMI ‘97 and/or Colt coach double in 12 establishes minimum and maximum It appears to me the Governors Sport 1865 Spencer Carbine, cham- gauges. As might be expected, I’m power factors that have become nec- may be leading SASS down a path bered in .44 Russian. It really sets not up for any speed records, but I essary to address shooters who 180 degrees from the path we start- off my Cimarron “Open Top Colts” get a lot of points for style. stretch and corrupt existing rules in ed. I think it’s time to admit that chambered for .44 Colt (No, my Missouri Fred Howard, order to improve their scores. some few folks don’t belong in SASS. Spencer won’t cycle the Colt car- SASS #46147 Then, we have the new shotgun They should be in action pistol or tridge). I chose the Russian Richland, MO rules to eliminate coning and ring- any number of shooting sports where Cartridge for its economy of powder ing. So now we have shooters who they can push and bend the rules space; a total lack of over bore. With reduce the size or gauge of their until they win every time by guile the breach open, my carbine chan- shells to increase pressures and to and deceit, if not skill. nels 10 of the short stubby cartridges facilitate shell ejection. Others, or in the stock mounted magazine, For AD maybe the same folks, ring their negating the need for loose feeding. shells to convert from shot to I started shooting SASS five Rates smoothbore slugs. years ago, armed with my ~ DONNA ~ Then we have earlier rulings / Grandfather’s Marlin 20 Gauge, and (EXT. 118) that have approved full-race single .44 Magnum rifle mated up with a actions manufactured to individual pair of Ruger .44 Black Hawks. The April 2008 Cowboy Chronicle Page 11
SASS AND END of A RESPONSE TO THANKS, promote Cowboy Action Shooting™ at the gun show held in Waterville, TRAIL - A GREAT “RE-GROW SOME DONNA OAKLEY! Maine. I hope SASS will pick up a EXPERIENCE! few new members from this. Here is BACKBONE” I just wanted to thank Donna a picture from my Ruger collection. I joined SASS about one week In response to “For Pete’s Sake, Oakley and whoever helped me with after returning from END of TRAIL Re-grow Some Backbone” (October the SASS information folders and a Lakota Smith, SASS #68857 last year. The event was one of the ‘07 issue), I just want SASS #22718 few of The Cowboy Chronicles to help South Portland, ME best experiences of my life, and I’ll be to catch up on his history of the Old there this year! My brothers have West before making sound judgment been SASS members for quite about the pistol calibers being used awhile, and they’ve always taken me in Cowboy Action matches. with them. As you know, the 1851 Colt I also enjoyed being with the Navies were chambered in .36 cal- Judge and Justice Lily Kate at T- iber and were used by many well- Bone Dooley’s Bar 3 match in known figures of the Old West. So, November. I look forward to seeing please do not condemn those using them at END of TRAIL ‘08. such calibers as .32/.36/.38 Long Doc Raborn, SASS #76741 Colt. These calibers are not just for Sheridan, AR ladies and young shooters. I play the part of a Marshal armed with a .36 caliber Colt Navy with a deadly aim. My two .36 cal- ADVERTISING iber R&D Conversions in .38 Long Colt hit and knock down the targets INFORMATION quite well. So, Buckeye Charly and ASK FOR Bodacious Banker, keep up the good work and have fun with your .32 ~ DONNA ~ Rugers. VISIT THE SASS WEB SITE AT (EXT. 118) Lakota Smith, SASS #68857 WWW.SASSNET.COM South Portland, ME Page 12 Cowboy Chronicle April 2008
COMMON SENSE AND THE POLITICAL BATTLEFIELD
Colonel Dan, SASS Life #24025
dren born of those who came here Economy: Increasingly, econo- actually done doesn’t adhere to what without proper documentation. mists are saying the US may be head- you know is best for America, don’t Doesn’t that sound like steps any rea- ed for a recession. I don’t know if give them the time of day. Move on sonable person would take to secure that’s true, but what I do know is that until you find that person your judg- Colonel Dan, their country from this border incur- when I see oil reaching $100 a barrel, ment and sense of Constitutional SASS Life #24025 sion? Essentially, the role of govern- gold threatening $1000 per ounce, principle says you can support. ment here is to get the hell out of the gasoline at all time highs thus push- “OK Colonel, suppose no candi- ow should I vote? Who’s best for way of those honestly trying to ing up the cost of all consumer goods date passes the common sense test. HAmerica? We’ve all asked our- enforce the law and get directly in the that are delivered by petroleum pow- Then what?” You have three choices. selves these questions, but after 45 way of those breaking it. Politicians ered vehicles, housing prices slump- First, you can hold your nose and vote years of watching the political scene, that won’t even consider such com- ing, credit troubles among the folks as for the one that comes closest to pass- I’ve learned there’s no single answer mon sense steps to secure America well as large financial institutions, ing the test. Second, you can vote that will satisfy everyone. The only are clearly aiding and abetting the the stock market losing significant your principles even if that means a thing I can do here is describe what I invasion, and therefore are unworthy ground, and the dollar falling to all write-in candidate. Lastly, you can consider to be a common sense to hold any office wherein they’re time lows, I’d say we were in need of stay home and not vote at all—an approach when looking at the 2008 constitutionally bound to provide for an economic shot in the arm. So, option I wouldn’t recommend. Just political battlefield. the common defense. what’s part and parcel of a common my view of the battlefield. I start by considering America’s Energy: In the 1970’s, our sense solution as I see it? We need to Contact Colonel Dan: current and long term issues viewed dependence on foreign oil was 35%, emphasize and pursue those actions [email protected] Article Archives: against a solid backdrop of our tradi- minor compared to today and even and policies that will create a busi- tional values and principles. While that put us over a barrel. After all the ness friendly environment so the http://mddall.com/sbss/SBSShome.htm the Constitution defines our national talk since then of our need to be ener- economy can expand, rather than principles and provided the founda- gy independent coupled with the contract, thus enhancing everyone’s tion for establishing our traditional push of environmentalism, what’s the financial opportunities. I’m a firm values, how might or should the can- level of oil imports today? 65%! We believer in good old American capital- didates address the concerns facing haven’t built a refinery in 30 years, ism, and I’ve seen where private us in a way that’s rooted in common our oil shale lands were put off limits industry can take us IF they’re not sense while upholding our Constitu- by a Clinton executive order, we are hindered by oppressive government tional framework? prohibited from drilling off our own regulation and burdensome taxation. Let’s look at three major issues shores or in ANWAR, coal is “too Again, the role of government here is currently confronting America and dirty” say many environmentalists, to get the hell out of the way. We need view them through the eyes of our and federal regulation virtually pro- a government led by someone who’s own good sense, rather than just hibits expanded use of nuclear power. experienced with and an advocate of hearing about them from the poll- Now given the current foreign oil bar- old fashioned American free-enter- driven mouths of politicians spread- rel over which we find ourselves, the prise—someone who will encourage ing campaign compost all over the common sense solution as I see it is capital investment and vigorously countryside. for us to unleash that time-tested impede government intervention, Security: We’ve been attacked American initiative and ingenuity— rather than impede economic growth on our own soil by people that should- develop and exploit our own through higher taxes and increased n’t have even been in this country. resources so we can literally tell government control. You simply can- We’re at war with Islamic terrorists OPEC to go pound sand. Government not tax and regulate your way to as they themselves have declared for should lift current restrictions so we prosperity. Who then would you years now. Even so, our borders can drill wherever we have oil, make rather have leading our government? remain wide open, and thousands use of our vast coal reserves, build Tax, spend, and regulating socialists, upon thousands are crossing unim- new refineries, develop practical or a business savvy, free-enterprise peded and uncontrolled. We have no solar, wind, and water energy sources, capitalist? Given our need for that idea who’s coming into this country and construct nuclear power plants. economic shot in the arm, I’ll take the and for what purpose. In a post 9/11 The French are safely providing 85% capitalist every time. world this is nothing less than crimi- of their power needs with nuclear So when looking at any candi- nal negligence leading to national generators, so is Washington really date, I rely on my own common sense suicide. The solution as I see it is implying that Americans are too stu- and bounce that against what they simple—one based on common sense pid to do the same thing? Essentially, actually did in the past, not what and doesn’t require a genius to com- the role of government here is to get they’re saying today about what prehend. Close down the borders the hell out of the way. The common they’ll do tomorrow. Your sense of with physical barriers and armed sense evaluation of politicians to me what makes sense is just as sharp as troops, stringently prosecute employ- then would be anyone opposing such anyone’s, so never accept at face value ers who hire illegals, cut off ALL aid fundamental actions is simply an what politicians or the media hand and benefits to those here illicitly, enemy within and should be run out you. If what they say doesn’t pass the and don’t grant citizenship to chil- of office on a rail. common sense test, and what they’ve April 2008 Cowboy Chronicle Page 13 Page 14 Cowboy Chronicle April 2008
Seamstress Made Frontier Shirts
2XUPRVWFRPIRUWDEOHKLJKHVWTXDOLW\KDQGPDGH)URQWLHU6KLUWV:H·YH VHQWRIITXDQWLWLHVRIWKHVHVHOHFWHGFRWWRQIDEULFVWRRXUVHDPVWUHVVHVWRKDYHWKHVH VKLUWVPDGHXSLQDGYDQFHVRZHKDYHWKHPLQVWRFNDQGUHDG\WRVKLSRXWWR\RX LPPHGLDWHO\ 7KLVVKLUWLVOLNHWKRVHVHHQLQROGSLFWXUHVIURPWKH·VWKURXJKWKH ·V,WKDVDJDWKHUHG\RNHDFURVVWKHEDFNWKHVKRXOGHUVDUHJDWKHUHGDQGVHW VOLJKWO\EHORZWKDWRIWKHDYHUDJHVKLUW7KLVLVDSXOORYHUVW\OHZLWKDURXQGHGFRO ODUORRVHVOHHYHVSRFNHWDQGDRQHEXWWRQFXII5HDOERQHEXWWRQV 6L]HVVPDOOWR;/DUJH;/DUJHDQG;/DUJHDYDLODEOHE\VSHFLDORUGHU (DFK$44.95
Shoulder Holster
:LOOÀW6LQJOH$FWLRQ6KHULIIVPRGHO DQGPRVWRWKHUSRFNHWPRGHOV)RU LQFKEDUUHO.HHSVUHYROYHUDOZD\V VDIHDQGUHDG\0DGHRIÀQHVRIWUXVVHW Band Collar Shirts OHDWKHU1LFHO\HPERVVHGZLWKUHSRVL 7KLVVKLUWLVD&RWWRQSXOORYHUZLWKDÀYH WLRQHGVWUDSVIRUPRUHFRPIRUW6SHFLI\ EXWWRQSODFNHWDQGEDQGFROODU 1RFROODUVWXG 5LJKWRU/HIWKDQGHGGUDZ QHHGHG 7KLVVKLUWLVDYDLODEOHLQZKLWHDQGQDWXUDO (DFK Now $35.00 FRORUHGVROLGV 3OHDVH1RWH3DSHURUFHOOXORLG FROODUVDUHQRWPHDQWWREHZRUQZLWKWKLVVW\OHRI VKLUW (DFK To see the most up to date product selection and pricing, use our secure online To be kept informed on all of our special offerings ordering at www.riverjunction.com +RXUV D GD\:HZRXOG DOVR EH KDSS\ WR WDNH on new products, sale items, closeouts and more make *1961 your order over the Phone, just Ring us TOLL FREE (866) 259-9172 9:00 am to sure we have your current Email address. ORDER SP &67 USFA® Factory Products 100% American Made All USFA Revolvers: • Hammer Forged Barrels • 100% Milled Bar Stock • Proper Heat Treat • Lifetime Warranty Original Rodeo MSRP $550.00 The Original Rodeo® • Calibers: .45 Colt, .38 Special • Barrel Lengths: 4-3/4”, 5-1/2” • Frame Style: Cross-Pin • Finish: Cowboy Action Matte Blue™ with standard white sided hammer and US Hard Rubber Stocks • Sights: Square Notch Rear, Square Front Blade Rodeo II MSRP $605.00 The New Rodeo II® New USFA “Burlwood” • Calibers: .45 Colt, .38 Special • Barrel Lengths: 4-3/4”, 5-1/2” • Frame Style: Cross-Pin • Finish: Satin Nickel with New US “Burlwood” Stocks • Sights: Square Notch Rear, Square Front Blade • Carbona Blue Accents Cowboy MSRP $790.00 New USFA The New Cowboy® “Burlwood” • Calibers: .45 Colt, .38 Special • Barrel Lengths: 4-3/4”, 5-1/2” • Frame Style: Cross-Pin • Finish: Full Dome Blue™ with New US “Burlwood” Stocks, White Sided Hammer • Sights: Square Notch Rear, Square Front Blade Single Action MSRP Bone Case & Dome Blue® $975.00 Nickel $1170.00 The Single Action • Caliber: .45 Colt, .45 ACP (cylinder), .44 WCF, .44 Special, .38 Special, .38 WCF, .32 WCF • Barrel Length: 4-3/4” , 5-1/2”, 7-1/2” • Frame Style: Cross-Pin • Stocks: US Hard Rubber • Sights: Square Notch Rear, Square Front Blade • Finish: Old Armory Bone Case™ & Dome Blu, Nickel ® Exclusively Distributed by USFA ® www.usfirearms.comThe Legend Lives ® 445 Ledyard st. • Hartford, Connecticut 06114 • USA Phone: 860-296-7441 • [email protected] Page 16 Cowboy Chronicle April 2008 “See what the boys in the back room . will have!” . Cat Ballou, SASS #55 By Cat Ballou, SASS #55 ~SASS Hall of Fame Inductee~ hat famous lyric is from a song Belle Union. I always enjoy seeing the sung by Marlene Dietrich as creativity and inventiveness produced T Frenchy, the saloon girl, in by the owners of these marvelous con- “Destry Rides Again,” starring traptions! the legendary Ms. Dietrich and Jimmy Sutlers and Sutler’s Display: Stewart. This classic western film, Sutlers are not expected to take time along with eleven others, constitutes away from their sales to be judged. the theme for the 27th Annual END of Roaming judges will take photos during TRAIL to be held at Founders’ Ranch in the event to determine the Best Dressed New Mexico June 13-22, 2008. And, to Male and Female Sutler and the Best complement that homage to Classic Sutler Display. Westerns, those made before 1960, the Best Dressed Costumes: Satur- Best Dressed Costume Contest will fea- day night is “gussie up” time. Dress in ture a Classic Western Costume Cate- your best and participate in the Best gory, Male and Female, with awards Dressed Costume Contest. You must from first to third place. Now’s the time pre-register on the entry form included to dust off those DVD’s and check out in your shooter’s packet. Judging will which film persona you want to become. occur from 5:30-7:00 PM at the Belle Classic western films featured in Union Saloon. Awards from first to the event’s shooting scenarios are “High third will be given in the following cos- Noon,” “Magnificent Seven,” “Shane,” tume categories – Men’s, Ladies, “Stagecoach,” “Destry Rides Again,” Couples, Military, B-Western Male and “Winchester ’73,” “The Outlaw,” “The Female, Junior Boy and Girl, and our James Stewart and Marlene Dietrich in Destry Rides Again, 1939. Virginian,” The Searchers,” “The Tin special category, Classic Westerns. Star,” and “The Westerner.” Do you fancy Alan cans, vaqueros y vaqueras, ladies of the evening, Awards for Shooting Costumes, Guncarts, Ladd’s buckskin look in “Shane,” or perhaps Clair B-Western, and Juniors. These are the duds you Conventioneers, and Waddies will be presented Trevor’s plaid outfit in “Stagecoach?” And who can wear during the day while shooting. Just show up Friday night during an intermission in the Belle forget sultry Jane Russell’s off the shoulder peas- at the designated judging times (yet to be deter- Union Saloon Show. Best Dressed Awards will be ant blouse from “The Outlaw” (no corset required, mined) Thursday and Friday, June 19th and 20th presented after the Costume Promenade in the but you do need a Howard Hughes’ engineered at the Belle Union Saloon, sign in, and strut your Belle Union Saturday evening. bra!)? stuff for the judges. Mounted: See Wildcat Kate’s article on Let’s review all the costume contests at this Conventioneers: Conventioneers receive Mounted Shooting Costume Contests in this issue year’s END of TRAIL: their own costume awards and are judged at the for further information. Soiled Doves and Parlor House Madams: same times as the Shooting Costumes contest. Coyote Calhoun’s Wild West Variety Last year one of my esteemed Soiled Dove judges, First place only awards will be given to the Best Show: Something new and exciting premiers at Capt. George Baylor, opined END of TRAIL should Dressed Conventioneer male, female, junior boy END of TRAIL on Friday and Saturday nights— consider adding “Madams” to the Soiled Dove con- and girl. an Old West style Variety Show, produced by our test, and I agree. A Parlor House Madam was usu- Waddies: Our wonderful Waddies have very own Wild Bunch member, Coyote Calhoun, ally an older female who owned or ran the “house” helped make END of TRAIL run smoothly for 26 and Mad Mountain Mike and Miss Tabitha of in which the Soiled Dove plied her trade. Quite years, and the 27th will be a success due to their River Crossing. Take a gander at the Casting Call well attired, the madam was given great respect efforts. We want to recognize the Best Dressed ad in this issue, and if you have a talent that by the “clients” and the Soiled Doves. Therefore, Waddie, male and female, so Waddies will need to might fit this venue, come on down! awards, from first to third, will be given to Parlor take a break from their duties and come to the Let’s see now – how does that go … “See what House Madams and Soiled Doves on Thursday Belle Union Saloon on either Thursday or Friday the boys in the back room will have, and tell them night, June 19th at the Belle Union Saloon. Soiled to be judged. A first place award will be present- I’m having the same!” Dove costumes should be “era appropriate.” ed to the Best Waddie guy and gal. (Source –“See What The Boys in the Backroom Will Shooting Costumes: From its earliest days, Guncarts: an extremely important Cowboy Have,” written by Frederick Hollander and Frank this contest has included cowboys, cowgirls, town Action accessory, guncarts, will also be judged Loesser, “Destry Rides Again,” Universal Studios persons, school marms, military, Native Ameri- Thursday and Friday, June 19th and 20th at the 1939) April 2008 Cowboy Chronicle Page 17 CATEGORIES – TIME FOR A CHANGE? . . . egories), there are at least eight basic buckles/plaques are only given five (Continued from page 6) the superior “modern” Blackhawks categories—Traditional/Modern deep, that’s slightly less than the reflexes we had at 16, we can’t beat with their adjustable sights. Many (Open?), Duelist, Gunfighter, Fron- number being distributed today. most of the other competitors, but times the targets were small and set tiersman, Frontier Cartridge, Frontier Lastly, if we decide to revamp the we each want to shoot as well as we well back from the firing line. The Cartridge Duelist, B-Western, and categories, it’s time to once again can, and we want to shoot against modern guns definitely had an Classic Cowboy (and maybe Frontier revisit the notion of Overall Winners. others in the same boat. advantage! With today’s target Cartridge Gunfighter). Using this The whole reason we have categories For years there have been placement, this advantage no longer year’s Winter Range numbers, most of is because none of them are equal. requests for a Senior Gunfighter exists, and neither does the need for the protected Ladies’ categories are Where is the glory (or honor) for Category. Winter Range, to their the category. Let Modern and too small (less than 10 shooters) to be some guy or gal shooting a Weaver credit, said, “if you can get 10 com- Traditional shoot together as a sin- subdivided by age, but all the basic stance using small frame/small cal- petitors, we’ll recognize the catego- gle category (may need a new categories are large enough to be bro- iber firearms who beats all the kids, ry.” Unfortunately, there were only name). There may still be a need to ken into at least two age-based brack- old folks, those shooting with one seven who found out about the cate- recognize the difference between ets (of roughly 10 shooters each). The hand tied behind their back, and gory and signed up. Winter Range modern and traditional revolvers … Seniors and above should be given the blackpowder shooters? No other then made the offer … if you want to blackpowder in modern revolvers opportunity to shoot as Seniors in sport has divisions/ classes/group- shoot for grins (no trophies), we’ll may be OK, but B-Western and each of the basic categories (see ings and then announces the “best of allow the category … and most said, Classic Cowboy are pretty picky graphic). This yields 48 potential cat- the best” at the end of the day. In “absolutely!” Peers want to shoot about their revolvers. egories. Whenever there are too few boxing, it’s the heavyweight division with peers! The notion on the table is to competitors (Match Director’s deci- that gets most of the glory. In horse END of TRAIL 2007 recognized keep the younger age-based cate- sion), the categories can and should be racing, it’s the thoroughbreds that 30 categories … Winter Range 2008 gories and the senior and above cat- collapsed and consolidated until there get the media attention. In auto rac- recognized 28! Match directors egories. 49er may no longer be are enough competitors in each ing, it’s either Indianapolis or around the country have been loath required. Depending upon the num- remaining category for a competition Daytona that gets the press. In to add additional categories because ber of competitors we have in the and the ability to truly “earn” a trophy Cowboy Action it may be the “Open of the expense of providing costly “basic” categories, these categories or award. Category” is the group we recognize bronzes/plaques/buckles to the win- can be broken into “age-based It’s also time to reconsider the as the “premier” competitors and the ners. Worthy categories like Senior bands” (like 49er). These bands can wisdom of giving out bronzes for all ones we publicize as “the” national or Gunfighter and Frontier Cartridge be adjusted to provide roughly equal the winners … and certainly the need world champion and who are allowed Gunfighter have gone ignored for sized groupings of ten or more in to provide buckles/plaques ten deep in to wear the “black badge.” years as a result. each of the categories. each category … if we want to reward There are many details to be dis- So, what do we need to do to Admittedly, there are many, everyone who shoots the match, we cussed and resolved … but if we are have a more equitable set of cate- many details to be worked out, but might just as well include their win- to change our current set of cate- gories, and how do we avoid the the possibility of shooting against ner’s award in the shooter’s packet gories, this is an opportunity to escalating costs of expensive prizes your peers makes the basic notion when they sign in! One can continue revisit our entire award system … and awards? very interesting, indeed! to recognize winners 10 deep, but if let’s don’t let this opportunity pass! In the beginning, Traditional Setting Junior Boys/Girls and revolvers needed “protecting” from Buckaroos/Buckaretes aside (four cat- VISIT THE SASS WEB SITE AT WWW.SASSNET.COM Page 18 Cowboy Chronicle April 2008 Coyote With Coyote Calhoun Droppings END OF TRAIL IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK By Coyote Calhoun, SASS #201 pionship should be. Congratulations tent will not be there, and the Tijeras These shows will be something spe- guys, “You did good!” and for that Corral will be transformed into a big- cial, and who knows, you could SASS has agreed to hold the SASS ger and better Belle Union Saloon. become a star! Coyote Calhoun SASS #201 National Championship of Cowboy The Belle Union Saloon will be “The” Along with all the regular shoot- Action Shooting™ at Winter Range place to gather for all the usual line ing you have come to expect, the for the next five years. up of afternoon entertainment along World Championship of Cowboy irst, I would like to congratu- Now that Winter Range is over, with nightlife entertainment, includ- Action and Mounted Championships, late Winter Range on a great Mule Camp is the next big event, ing poker, karaoke, cowboy music, the side matches, the team shoots, F SASS National Champion- and is about six weeks away. Mule awards, and variety shows. Spea- the warm-up matches, and the Top ship. The Arizona Territorial Com- Camp Cowboys always do a great job king of Variety Shows, on page 19 of Gun Shoot-offs, we will be hosting the pany of Rough Riders, the operating and from all I’ve heard, this year will this month’s Cowboy Chronicle, there is first ever Wild Bunch World Cham- board of Winter Range, did an out- be even better. If you have not a casting call for Coyote Calhoun’s pionship Match. The rules have been standing job this year coordinating signed up, now is the time because Wild West Variety Show. If you have settled and are posted on-line. It another fine event. The stages were they are filling up fast. This, then, a special talent, please submit a should be a heck of a lot of fun! fun, challenging, but not tricky. The brings us to END of TRAIL, which is video or tape of your performance, Last, but certainly not least, safety briefing, again, was very cre- closer than you think, and a lot clos- and you could be chosen to perform SASS University will begin its full ative and fun to watch. The entire er than I want to think about! on Friday or Saturday Night along curriculum of classes at END of atmosphere, including the weather, END of TRAIL will have a differ- with Peaches O’Day, Miss Taby (Miss TRAIL this year. There will be was what a SASS National Cham- ent look this year. For one, the big Tabitha), and the Can-Can Girls. (Continued on next page) April 2008 Cowboy Chronicle Page 19 (Continued from previous page) Cowboy Chronicle for announcements mounted clinics in the arena, indoor and class schedules. seminars in town, and Action This year’s media coverage of the Shooting classes on the range. 27th Annual END of TRAIL will Classes will cover all aspects of the include Shooting USA with Jim sport and will be very specific in Scouten and The Cowboys with their focus. Class will run from one Tequila. Both of these shows air on to three hours depending on the sub- the Outdoor Channel, and they will ject and will be limited to a small be filming television shows to air number of students, ensuring indi- this season. There will also be writ- vidual attention can be given. The ers from Guns of the Old West and classes will be taught by some of the some of your other favorite maga- finest shooters in the game today. zines to report on END of TRAIL. All We are still working on adding class- and all, END of TRAIL is shaping up es and instructors, so keep a watch to be one of the best ever. So sign up on the SASS Website and in The today, and I will see you there! Page 20 Cowboy Chronicle April 2008 THE BATTLE OF RICHMOND, KENTUCKY By Doc Cary, SASS #10672 he Battle of Richmond, Kentucky was serve the Battle of Richmond, Kentucky Tfought August 29-30, 1862. It was the Battlefield. The organization was formed second largest Civil War battle in in partnership with the Madison County Kentucky and the most overwhelming Historical Society, the Richmond Chamber Confederate victory of the entire Civil War. of Commerce, and the Madison County The Richmond battlefield was for sev- Civil War Roundtable. eral years designated by the Civil War My great-great grandfather, Harvey J. Preservation Trust as one of the 10 most Wolfe, fought and was wounded in the bat- endangered battlefields in the United tle on August 30, 1862. He was a private States. Designations are based on geo- in Company K, 69th Regiment Indiana graphic location, military significance, and Volunteer Infantry. immediacy of current threats. Preserva- BORA’s fifth annual reenactment of tion progress has resulted in the removal the Battle of Richmond took place August of the battlefield from that list. 25-26, 2007. There are few Civil War bat- The Battle of Richmond Association tlefields left intact today, as time and (BORA) was organized in 2001 to act as encroachment from subdivisions and the lead organization in an effort to pre- (Continued on next page) April 2008 Cowboy Chronicle Page 21 (Continued from previous page) And finally, another pretty young developments have taken many of Confederate lady in period dress the most important sites. The land carrying a woven basket came up to designated for the reenactment of me and gave me a handful of ice the Battle of Richmond 2007 is cubes. unique in that BORA has enabled Based on the research I had done one to experience a reenactment on a on the written history of Harvey portion of the original battlefield Wolfe’s Company, I was able to stand that is relatively unchanged since on the very ground where I knew he the dates of the conflict. stood and fought. It was an eerie I participated in the reenact- and emotional experience. ment with Company B of the 32nd I took two photographs on the Indiana Infantry, “First German,” day of the reenactment. On the dis- under the leadership of Capt. Jeff tant ridgeline is where my great- Stein. I wanted to emulate as near- great grandfather’s regiment was ly as possible what happened to my lined up at the beginning of the bat- great-great grandfather. After fir- tle on August 30, 1862. Behind the ing my Springfield rifle about six trees in the distance on the far right times, I fell down “wounded.” The stands a church that was used as a weather during the reenactment field hospital during the battle. This was the same as during the actual is the church that was used as a field battle – 100 degrees F and humid. I hospital. It is still an active congre- was impressed with the concern gation. If Harvey Wolfe was wound- given to a “wounded” Yankee sol- ed in the early stages of the battle, dier. As the battle waged back and this would be where he was first forth, there were three separate taken and cared for. He was struck occasions when a Confederate sol- by a fragment of an exploding dier came to where I lay and gruffly Confederate cannon shell. The heav- inquired, “You okay, Yank?” Then a iest artillery action was during the sweet young Confederate lady in first two hours of the battle on the period dress came to me and also morning of August 30, when his inquired about how I was doing and Company was lined up not too far stated that my face was very red! south of this church. VISIT THE SASS WEB SITE AT WWW.SASSNET.COM 2 Holsters and Belt $395 Holster Only $150 Belt only $125 Page 22 Cowboy Chronicle April 2008 ~DEAR BILLY~ Lucky Bill Answers Your Questions About Cowboy Action Shooting & How It Affects Your Life By Lucky Bill Thorington, SASS Life #765 Then teach her how to clean the and a shotgun. At the range, you Dear Billy, guns. The guns have to be really will set up one stage. It can be I have been shooting Cowboy dirty after usage. Take her to a any stage you have shot and of Action for eight, years now. I have match wearing the two Walkers which you are familiar. After practice and practiced, and keep from the time she leaves the setting up the stage, load your improving, but not to where I’d like Lucky Bill Thorington, house to the range (don’t break firearms of choice. Next, you to be. Do you think it is possible for SASS Life #765 any laws, however). When the will shoot the stage as you me to be as good as Evil Roy? match is over, have her clean the remember it. Perhaps you have Dear Practiced: Dear Billy, guns immediately. If after wear- the luxury of actually having the No. I believe what they say, that ing the Walkers, loading, shoot- scenario in your hand. Shoot there is but one true love. I think I ing the match, and cleaning, she the scenario as written. If you Dear Billy, have found mine, but I need to be still loves you, then you will have like, you may have a friend you I read Tex’s Cowboy Chronicle sure. Will we be compatible? Since I your answer. can trust to time you. Or, you articles faithfully, and have met am a Cowboy Action Shooter, I must Dear Billy, can do it yourself. But, here is him at several shoots. Is he really find out if she will be a sport and join I am a Gamer. Yes, I must con- where you must have some as nice a guy as he seems? me in the fun. What should I do? fess. I can’t help myself. I’ll do any- intestinal fortitude. When you Dear Fawning, Smitten Sam thing to win a shooting match at all aim at the targets, aim to miss. No, Tex is not as nice a guy as Dear Smitten: costs. I am not having fun shooting That’s right, intentionally aim to he seems; he just puts on airs There is a very easy solution unless I win. When I go home at miss the targets. What you are when at shoots. Don’t be fooled. to this, but as with all solutions night after a losing shoot, I kick the trying to do is miss all the tar- He’s really just a gamer that will take some patience, yours dog and break a few lamps. I’ve even gets. I know it will be hard to looks good shooting. However, and hers. First of all, acquire two gone so far as to write graffiti on my aim at 25 or so targets and not Cat Ballou, his wife, more than Walker Colts in your favorite own house, my OWN house! But, I actually hit one, but you must makes up for Tex’s inadequacies. replica. Next, you will need two want to reform, I want to do better. persevere. You must accomplish She is a lady of the first order. belt holsters to fit, and the belt. Is there anything I can do to help two things. First, you will wean So, my advice to you, if you are Obtain all the accoutrements, myself? I’m at my wits end. Please yourself of having to hear the at a shoot where Tex and Cat flask, caps, and balls to make it hurry. If I lose again, I may do some- “ding” of the bullet hitting the are there, is to ignore him and all work. After acquiring the req- thing really drastic, like eat tofu. target. But, the thing you want hang around Cat. uisite costume, you will be ready Dear Tofu, to accomplish, and this will take (Lucky Bill is a Cowboy Action to begin. Teach her how to load All is not lost. There is a practice, is to miss all the targets Shooter from Cody, Wyoming who the guns. This is important—you solution, but once again in the fastest time possible. infrequently writes for The Cowboy must use real blackpowder, not patience will be your virtue. Imagine, going to the next match Chronicle. You may ask your questions one of the substitutes. When Here’s what I suggest. First, and being able to miss all the by e-mailing [email protected]. loading, make her put the grease negotiate a time when you can targets in ten seconds! Your Those who wish to be taken seriously on her finger to cover the ball. go to your range by yourself. friends will return and best of need not respond.) Teach her how to shoot the guns. Take at least one pistol, one rifle, all, your dog will love you for it. April 2008 Cowboy Chronicle Page 23 NEW # UNPRIMED BRASS CALIBER 32 S&W LONG 44 COLT 32 H&R MAG 38-55 (2.080) 7.62 NAGANT 38-55 LONG (2.125) 32-20 44 SPECIAL 30 LUGER 44 MAG 7.62X25 TOKAREV 45 G.A.P. 30 MAUSER 45 AUTO 380 AUTO 45 AUTO+P 9X21 45 SUPER 9MM LARGO 460 ROWLAND 9 SUPER COMP (9x23) 45 S&W SCHOFIELD 9MM MAKAROV 45 AUTO RIM 38 SUPER 45 COLT 38 SUPER+P 45 LONG COLT BLANK 454 CASULL 38 SUPER COMP 40-65 38 TJ 45-70 38 SHORT COLT 45-90 (2.4) 38 LONG COLT 45-100 (2.6) 38 S&W 56-50 SPENCER (TAY- 357 MAG LOR’S) 357 SIG 50-70 GOV’T 41 COLT 50-90 SHARPS 40 S&W 50 AE 10MM 50 ALASKAN 40 SUPER 50-110 WIN. 41 MAG 475 LINEBAUGH 38-40 500 LINEBAUGH Reach for the stars on Starline brass and you’ll get a 44-40 460 MAG 500 S&W MAG (R) high quality, durable case ready to be reloaded... 44 RUSSIAN This is a partial list. Call or check web and reloaded... and reloaded. Starline puts over site for a complete list of products. 30 years of experience into every case made, Order Factory Direct on-line at: and it shows. www.starlinebrass.com 0r call 1-800-280-6660 Reach for the stars and see why a great shot starts with Starline. www.starlinebrass.com • 1-800-280-6660 © 2008 Starline Brass 1300 W. Henry St. • Sedalia, MO 65301 Page 24 Cowboy Chronicle April 2008 e noticed the cowboy standing and as I shot past, I could see some- Woff by himself, just within thing floundering on the side of the earshot. It was a shoot day and time road. We stopped behind the other for cowboy church before the shooter’s ROAD KILL car and walked back. The white- meeting. We had been engaged in tailed deer lying on the side of the small talk, and I was beginning to set road was more scared than injured. up the story I was planning to tell By Dogie Jones, SASS #47652 The driver of the other car raised the when I stopped to invite the cowboy (CowboyPreacher.com) pistol he was holding, shot the deer, in to join us. He refused my invita- turned and walked back to his car. tion. I was telling a story of a cowboy Important things like that. was hurting, but there was little I “Once they’re hurt, it’s impossible to on a trail drive being confronted by It didn’t take long to realize he could do for him. help them,” he said as he walked past an intenerate preacher when I was wounded. Oh, he hadn’t been It was a three-hour drive to get me. “It’s better to shoot them than to noticed the lone cowboy edging closer shot, but he was wounded just the back home. As usual I spent too much leave them like that.” to the shed we were under. I can tell same. It was obvious he had some- time talking and having a good time I felt empty in the presence of the you from experience that it’s tough to thing on his mind, so when we took a and let it get dark on me. Now we waste and utter cruelty of the event. tell a story and stay on track and at break I offered him a cup of Joe. I were headed south in the dark. We The injury was not life threatening. the same time try to figure what some noticed when he spoke of church or were tired, and Prissy was being a The question was not the injury, but lonesome cowboy has on his mind. the Scriptures, he always referred to good passenger – she was asleep. the wildness of the animal. It was Especially when you have a one-track them in the past tense. When I This left me with my thoughts and I simply easier to shoot her and be done mind like I do. attempted to enter the Lord into the was thinking about Lonesome. with it. Twenty years of carrying a After the “Amen,” we all headed conversation, he always changed the It happened so fast I hardly knew badge had taught me you do not argue for the shooter’s meeting and on to the subject, so I let him talk. We were anything happened at all. It was one with a man with a pistol in his hand. day’s event. I ended up on the same interrupted by the call, “Shooter Up!” of those dark nights when everything As I drove on through the night, I posse as “Ole Lonesome.” Wonder how Before the day was finished I did seemed so far away. For the moment reflected upon how we all are much that happened? I believe you only get manage to explain that all we were the whole world was inside the car I like the unknown driver with the so many opportunities in this life, and trying to do was give the day to the was driving. The taillight of the car gun. How often in the name of reli- I’ve been playing catch-up for long Lord and acknowledge to Him that all in front of me was the only reminder gion do we find it to be easier to shoot time now. So whenever I had the things, even our shoot’n, was by His of the real and bigger world just out- the wounded than to love and care for chance, I would find myself talking blessings and under His control. side the windshield. This did not them? How convenient it is to leave with “Lonesome.” Just casual gun When I invited Lonesome to church, have much real meaning at 75 MPH. the forgiving to God. We need to stop talk. You know, “what’ch shoot’n?” he thanked me and walked off into In an instant it was over. The shooting our wounded. There are “You make your own stuff?” the crowd. I felt empty. I knew he brake lights flashed, the car swerved, enough of us already. April 2008 Cowboy Chronicle Page 25 Page 26 Cowboy Chronicle April 2008 SALT WAR OF EL PASO By Three Fingers Tequila, SASS #61260 Mexico, and Mexico. Frontier set- Albert J. Fountain, Judge Gaylord became the leaders of the new Salt Three Fingers Tequila, tlers depended on the site to produce Judd Clarke, A.H. French, Ben F. Ring. Historian C. L. Sonnichsen SASS #61260 salt for their stock and home supply. Williams, and J. M. Luján attempted says Borrajo’s parishioners feared Mexican farmers fell back on their to gain possession of the unclaimed and admired him, while Cardis was alt. White and pure. A spice used salt business when crops were bad. salt lakes. However, an El Paso considered a friend and advisor to Severy day. But would you kill Citizens on both sides of the bor- Court rejected their claim. The the Mexicans of El Paso and San over it? In 1877, a vicious “war” over der had always collected the salt for members of the Salt Ring began to Elizario. Together, these two men salt took place in and around the free. But several events set the feud with each other, leading to the could control the Mexican vote. small town of San Elizario, Texas. scene for a bloody battle that would murder of Clarke by Williams in In 1872, the Army withdrew Salt deposits located in the involve political machinations, mur- December 1870. In turn, Fountain troops from both Fort Bliss and Fort Guadalupe Mountains 110 miles der, racism, and even the only record- and Captain A. H. French of the Quitman, near San Elizario, and left east of El Paso produced salt that ed defeat of the Texas Rangers. State Police shot Williams to death. the El Paso area without a military was almost chemically pure. The Hunger for political power and These deaths split the group into presence. In this year, Charles salt flats covered several hundred greed among influential locals gave two parts: the Salt Ring and the Howard came into town. Sonnichsen acres and the salt supplied all of way to the formation of a group Anti-Salt Ring. Fountain, Father says that Howard, a lawyer from western Texas, southern New known as the “Salt Ring,” W.W. Mills, Antonio Borrajo, and Louis Cardis (Continued on next page) April 2008 Cowboy Chronicle Page 27 (Continued from previous page) He quickly recruited a new Missouri, had two goals when he set detachment of Rangers and put them foot in El Paso: to become wealthy under the leadership of John B. Tays, www.sweetshooter.com and to make the politically Repu- a good but ordinary man, not a blican city a Democratic stronghold. leader. The local recruits included He made fast friends with outlaws and thugs. C. L. Sonnichsen Cardis and Borrajo, who helped him says of these men, “Not a one of them become District Attorney. The three would have been a Ranger under men worked closely again to elect normal circumstances.” Cardis to the Texas Legislature in On December 12, 1877, Howard 1874, and Howard was appointed rode into San Elizario with a group District Judge. of twenty Texas Rangers to enforce But despite helping each other his ban on salt removal without pay- get into office, Howard and Cardis ment. A mob of hundreds of angry, quarreled over the salt region, and armed men met them. Father they became bitter enemies by 1877. Borrajo had sent instructions for the Howard took claim to the salt flats Mexicans to kill the Anglos. in the name of his father-in-law, Sensing the danger, Howard and Major George B. Zimpleman. Soon his companions took refuge in an Tecrolan, Inc., P.O. Box 1211, Mineral Wells, TX 76068 • Tel 940-325-6688 • Fax 940-325-3636 after, Howard closed the road to the adobe house. The siege lasted for the salt flat and instituted a tax on the next two days until Howard surren- salt gathered. Howard beat up dered to the mob. Howard and two Cardis in the streets of San Antonio of his companions, John Atkinson Hatch, commander of the Military tion, and real estate in El Paso, and Austin. Then, he arrested two and Charlie McBride, were shot by District of New Mexico, who ordered where his holdings included the Mexicans living in San Elizario who firing squad, mutilated, and thrown troops from Fort Davis and Fort Central Hotel and some tenement gathered salt without intending to down a well. Tays then surrendered Bayard to respond. Hatch led Troop houses. “He brought to bear in his pay for it. his troop of Rangers, the only time L of the 9th Cavalry and Companies various undertakings much busi- Howard was captured and this has happened in the history of A, G, and I of the 15th Infantry into ness ability and indefatigable ener- imprisoned in San Elizario and the Rangers. San Elizario and the Salt War came gy, and success attended his well released only after he agreed to con- Looting of San Elizario followed to a screeching halt. The leaders of directed endeavors.” fess to his “errors,” renounce all the murders. Sonnichsen says wag- the mob were indicted by an El Paso Works Cited claims to the salt beds, leave town, ons were used to carry off $30,000 in County grand jury, but never Sonnichsen, C.L., The El Paso Salt and never return. Howard agreed merchandise and cash. Six men brought to trial. In the report Hatch War of 1877. Texas Western and the “deal” was guaranteed by a were indicted, but never stood trial, filed, dated Jan. 11, 1878, he stated Press, The University of Texas at $12,000 bond by his supporters. escaping to Mexico. The only posi- that even a force of a hundred men El Paso, 1961 Rather than end the feud, however, tive outcome of the Salt War was the at Fort Bliss could have prevented Sonnichsen, C.L., Pass of the North this incident infuriated Howard, and reactivation of Fort Bliss. this tragedy and could keep events Four Centuries on the Rio he blamed Cardis. The Salt War of 1877 was one of like it from happening again. A con- Grande. Texas Western Press, In “Pass of the North,” C. L. the largest uprisings of mob action gressional investigation consisting The University of Texas at Sonnichsen quotes Howard as say- and vigilantism in El Paso’s history. of a four-man board also met in El El Paso, 1968 ing, “I can think of nothing on Earth It forced the Americans and Mexicans Paso Jan. 22, 1878, and in their final Timmons, W.H., El Paso: or Hell bad enough for him,” refer- to evaluate the bloodshed their differ- report filed March 16, recommended A Borderlands History. ring to Cardis. On October 9, 1877, ences caused. With twelve people Fort Bliss be reestablished. Texas Western Press, Louis Cardis, sitting in a rocking dead and 50 wounded, the mob man- John B. Tays married Mrs. The University of Texas at chair at Solomon Schutz’s store on aged to cause $50,000 worth of dam- Amelia St. Vrain on May 3, 1878. He El Paso, 1990 San Francisco Street in El Paso, age. The most lasting consequence of served as El Paso’s postmaster became the next victim in the “war.” the Salt War was the realization of between February and August 1879, (Three Fingers Tequila is the Chief of Howard entered the store, shot how much power the Mexicans had and its first city marshal from July Police at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cardis in the stomach and chest lost in what has been their own land to October 1880. He is listed as an El Paso. He has been in law enforce- with a shotgun, killing him instant- to the United States. Racist attitudes engineer in the 1880 Federal Census ment since 1974. An El Paso native, ly. A few hours later, Howard and greed dominated the minds of for El Paso, but it was poor city engi- he joined the El Paso branch in 2002, returned to Mesilla, New Mexico. these men of the West. neering that cost him his job as mar- after a brief (27 year) stop with the Schutz sent a telegram to Soldiers from Fort Bayard under shal. Tays was far more successful El Paso Police Department. He con- Colonel Hatch in Fort Bayard asking Capt. Blair were in El Paso to moni- in private enterprise than he had tinues to research the early law for help, which the Colonel dis- tor the situation and responded been in public service. He engaged enforcement years in El Paso. patched, and Howard wired the when summoned by a Ranger mes- in stock raising, railroad construc- [email protected]) Governor of Texas warning him senger. Upon reaching the outskirts there was a danger of an invasion of San Elizario, they were met by one from Mexico. This action brought of the mob leaders and told that it Major John B. Jones of the Texas was a civil matter and their assis- Rangers to the Lower Valley where tance wouldn’t be needed. Word of he confronted angry men. the violence reached Col. Edward E. ADVERTISING INFORMATION ASK FOR ~ DONNA ~ (EXT. 118) GIVE TO THE SASS SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION (A non-profit, tax-deductable charity) MAKE THE DIFFERENCE! Page 28 Cowboy Chronicle April 2008 HICKOK’S GUNS By Ioway, SASS Life #214 with the wonderful fit of the conversion cylinder. By grip in my short-fingered hand. using the Internet and one This past year, after read- of my distributors, I ing Joseph G. Rosa’s book on acquired three Colt 2nd Wild Bill Hickok, and after generation 1851 Navies. attending the NOLA (National I sent the Pietta R&D Outlaw and Lawman cylinder and one of the Colt Association—now merged into 1851 Navy square backs (I the Western Writers of had tried to buy one from Ioway, SASS Life #214 America) convention in Rapid Gunbroke.com, but the sell- City and Deadwood, South er really had a round trig- Dakota, I started a Colt project. ger guard 1851 and not the t 120 paces in 1865, Dave Tutt First, I contacted Tex to see if square trigger guard one Areportedly drew his gun against he had a preference for a par- pictured) to my gunsmith, Wild Bill Hickok. Using his 1851 ticular cartridge conversion George Weiland of Colt Navy, Hickok shot Tutt dead process for a blackpowder Truesdale, Iowa, with a box with a shot to the side, as Tutt was revolver. His reply was I of .38 Long Colt ammo. He believed to be standing in dueling should just shoot the 1851 Navy lengthy cleanup of boiling water, dry- said it was a terrible chore to fit the stance sideways to Hickok. (Guns of with blackpowder—I might like it! ing, and oiling, I decided blackpow- cylinder with the cylinder/barrel the Old West, Winter 2008, 36-38.) I Several years before, I had con- der was not for me. I called Gary spacing having to be changed. have long had a love for the 1851, for ducted a test of a Colt 1860 Army Owen (Pike) of EMF about a conver- However, the gun shoots outstand- as a boy, a lawyer friend had his and an Italian replica. The Colt shot sion cylinder for the 1851 Navy. He ingly well, but a little high. Upon ancestor’s Colt from the Civil War. to point of aim, whereas the replica sent me a “Pietta” R&D (R&D Gun contacting R&D Gun Shop Inc. about Holding the Navy, I was enamored shot several inches high. With the Shop Inc, Beloit WI) .38 Long Colt (Continued on next page) April 2008 Cowboy Chronicle Page 29 (Continued from previous page) ly silver 1851’s, or if only the trigger the hardships of fitting the cylinder, guard and back strap were silver they replied the Uberti R&D cylinder plated as the Colt 2nd generation OFF THE WALL for the 1851 would slide right in 1851’s are. The first two models of without fitting problems. If this the 1851 Navy had a square backed Gun Carts were not the case, I was directed to trigger guard. The third model had send everything to them, and they Colt switching to a round trigger Suited for the Rowdiest would fit the gun and cylinder for no guard as we see on most of the charge. Outstanding company! Italian blackpowder guns. Cowboys & Cowgirls Joseph G. Rosa (Wild Bill Hickok: This has been a fun project 224 N. Howard St. Gunfighter, page 158) stated White because I realized how excited our Greentown, Indiana 46936 Eye Anderson in his memoirs talked ancestors must have been when the about Wild Bill Hickok using Colt’s first cartridge conversions became Tel: (765) 628-2050 Navy model conversions. Thus, the available. However, compared to 1851 Navy conversion was authentic the bored through cylinders, the Fax: (765) 628-1899 to Hickok, if one is trying for a his- conversion guns are very slow for torically correct persona in SASS. me to tear down and reload. The “The Ultimate Gun Cart for C.A.S.” Since EMF only has Pietta R&D reloading made me wonder how our Now a SASS Affiliated 1851 conversion cylinders, I contact- ancestors got the barrel wedge out Merchant ed Midway USA to acquire two of the guns. While a fiberglass gun- Uberti R&D 1851 conversion cylin- smith’s hammer (Brownells, Mon- ders. They had the best price I could tezuma, Iowa) works well for remov- Gunther Cartwright find. The Uberti cylinder does slide ing the barrel wedge, it is not very SASS Life Member #20136 right on, but one must be careful authentic. Therefore, I set about about how tight he/she drives the finding out what was used to 7 Cart styles barrel wedge in on the revolver, as remove this wedge so the cylinder too tight will lock up the cylinder on could be changed or reloaded. Some 3 Species of wood the gun so it will not revolve. flip answers from Cowboy Action In my area (Omaha/Council Shooters were “a rock,” “the hilt of 7 Wheel options Bluffs) Cabelas has a good supply of their Bowie knives,” and the “head .38 Long Colt ammo for a reason- of their tomahawks.” The answer to 2 Wagons able price. I wanted a pair of Slim this question took me several Jim holsters in black in cross draw months to resolve. In the meantime, 2 New Sheriffs Rack like Hickok sometimes wore if he a rawhide mallet from Tandy did not have his Navies thrust in his Leather Company works wonderful- E-mail: [email protected] sash. Triple K Manufacturing, San ly for removing the wedge and does Diego, CA, built the pictured hol- not scar the guns. www.guncarts.com Tornado Ali sters, belt, and cartridge slides for Brian McCutchen, National me in black. While Hickok did not Park Service Civil War Historian, use R&D conversion cylinders in his told me none of the Civil War soldier 1851 Navies at the end of his career, manuals state how the soldiers were historically he did carry Colt con- to remove the barrel wedge of the version guns (Rosa, 35). Both Colt 1851 Navy nor 1860 Army Colts. He and private sources like Richards- gave me two people to call, one of Mason converted many of the ‘51 which was the Civil War Specialist Navies to cartridge firearms— for The Antique Road Show. This specifically .38 Long Colt (‘51 Colt gentleman stated in his opinion two Navies by Nathan L. Swayze). tools were used to drive out the bar- My research also found our rel wedge. One tool was the “S” ancestors carried a “skeleton” house shaped screwdriver/nipple wrench key on a leather thong with the key that was included with each new part ground off so all that remained Colt revolver. The screwdriver end was a long metal stem. The “skele- fits the width and size of the wedge ton” house key had a circle at the perfectly. The other tool used was top to which the leather thong could the brass handle of the bullet mold, readily be attached. I went to a which also was included with each local antique store in Walnut, Iowa new revolver. The brass end of the and found a long key with a fancy mold fits the end of the barrel wedge top and a horse blanket safety pin perfectly. The other gentleman said that will slide over my gun belt. the same thing, but he believes the After grinding off the key hang soldier used a piece of leather to down part, I was left with a nice protect the head of the wedge. Both chrome-colored metal stem with a the wrench and the bullet mold can fancy top to push out the .38 Long be purchased from Dixie Gun Works Colt empty brass. Remember, the or some other blackpowder source. conversions in the beginning did not While my conversion of two Colt have shell ejectors fastened to the 1851 2nd generation Navies to .38 sides of the barrels. Later models Long Colt has been time consuming, did, thus the hanging ground key this project has been very historical- would not be needed. Our ancestors ly interesting. Should one of the certainly were very practical. SASS Cowboy Action Shooters want Different museums and auction a Colt 1851, my experience should companies have maintained Hickok make their conversion process easi- also carried silver mounted 1851 er. Or, they could just buy an EMF, Colt Navies with ivory grips. Much Cimarron, or another company’s fac- conjecture has occurred as to if tory conversion ready to shoot! Hickok carried engraved, complete- Good shooting. Page 30 Cowboy Chronicle April 2008 THE FIRST PLAY By Tennessee Jack Sledger, SASS #65872 well-developed alias or alter ego can Kiowa had united to go on the warpath. from Murph for some time before calling found and locating the few youthful sen- Ahelp you select your shooting catego- Earlier that day Murph had returned to him. The scout nearly jumped out of tinels presented little difficulty. These ry, items of costume, and even your choice from a scouting mission with a warning his skin when Jack spoke. After admon- unfortunate Indian boys would have to of firearms, all based upon historic prece- that two of these bands were nearby. ishing the boy for doing such a foolish work long and hard, show extraordinary dent. For example, Tennessee Jack won’t Everyone was anxiously awaiting devel- thing, Murph asked why he had done it. valor, and count many coups as they shoot Classic Cowboy because he is a opments the dawn might bring. Jack explained that he had devised what grew older to live down the disgrace of scout, or “Plainsman,” in the vernacular “T’ain’t nat’ral.” A grizzled veteran he thought was a good plan to cause dis- losing the band’s pony herd while they of the 19th Century. Here is how he got of the trail and mountain fur trade com- sention among the Indians that threat- were on watch. They were knocked started in that career. mented. “Th’ Comanch an’ Kioway a’git- ened them. They would steal the senseless by stealthy unseen hands, in “These Injuns are quite consider- tin’ t’gether like what they’re a’doin’ Kiowa’s horses and leave them with the short order, never suspecting who had ably different from any you may have now. Th’ nat’ral thang f’em is t’be a’fit- Comanches. Jack wanted to be included overwhelmed them in the prairie dark- encountered in Tennessee, Laddie-buck.” tin’ ‘mongst ‘emsels.” in the raiding party. Murph considered ness. The Kiowa remuda was left in the So said Cristobel Antonio Santana “Ah, but it do happen,” put in anoth- the proposal. vicinity of the Comanche herd. Murph Delgado y Murphy who was quite con- er graybeard. “I mind the time back in, “Might work at that. Injuns ain’t and old Jack stayed behind in a seclud- siderably different from any expecta- oh, reckon t’was thuty-six er so, they much for soldierin’, don’t like sentry ed place to watch the results of their tions of Mexican vaqueros. Everyone parleyed t’gether an’ raised sum kinda duty. They generally put a few young prank among the Indians, while young called him “Murph” because his manner ruckus over in Ta-hass.” boys t’watch th’ ramuda. We could get Jack returned to the traders’ wagons to was that of the noble Irish expatriate, Murph agreed. th’ bulge on ‘em, like enough. But how alert his party of the situation, and to despite his appearance of a caballero. It “Aye, and in Old Me-hi-co as well, d’ya expect t’drive out a herd a’horses get the wagons moving on the trail was June 1858. I’m told. Put a fair crimp in hen-aralisi- without wakin’ up all creation?” before the sun rose. Jack Sledger said “Yessir,” 17 year old Jack Sledger mo Santa Anna’s campaigns for a spell. Jack grinned broadly. little of his part in the affair because he replied respectfully. “Reckon as how Houston had t’put some a’th’ first “Dun got that reasoned out too. knew his oldest brother, the captain of there be plumb few Injuns up on th’ rangers on ‘em. But they fell t’quarrel- We’ll use your mare t’draw out their lead the expedition, would not approve of the Cumberland in these modern times.” ing amongst themselves an’ their risin’ stallion, an’ th’ res’ll follar right along, risk he had taken. He was answerable After an uncertain pause, he contin- went for naught.” nice as y’please. Works ever’ time. to Jack’s mother, too. ued. “What wuz they a quarrelin’ about?” Reckon we’ll need three a’us; you, me, The heavily loaded wagons had “But, well sir. I’ll ‘low as how I’ve Young Sledger asked. an’ ol’ Jack, the fur trapper. I got me a been moving for hours by the late learnt that these here Comanch an’ Murph replied reflectively. pair a’ Colt’s Navy Sixes t’bash ‘em with” forenoon, when Murph and Old Jack Kioways lay a powerful store on their “Well, Comanch ain’t t’be trusted to Absolute stealth was the most criti- rode triumphantly up to the head of the horses.” any length, by any body, so I suppose cal element in the plan. Sledger caravan. The threat of an Indian attack “Ah, by the faith, that they do, Lad. that’s what turned the Kiowa. No doubt explained. was gone as was the Comanche/Kiowa More’n anything y’kin imagine.” it was the distribution of spoils, likely “We daresn’t let their guards know alliance. Murph was jubilant as he “Momma tol’ me that placin’ too horses.” who we be. They gotta think it’s the reported to the captain. Jack felt his much store on anythin’, ‘sides the prom- A strange light came into Jack Comanch got their ponies.” face flush. ise of salvation, is a tolerable weakness.” Sledger’s eyes. Silently Sledger and Murph aroused “Credit is given as is due,” Murph “Wise lady, yer Mum.” “Horses ‘ay? “pears they be both old Jack, the mountain man, took crowed. “T’was all Jack’s idea!” The large bonfire that lit the party’s their big strength an’ mebeso, their Murph’s fine Spanish mare, and stole “Jack?” Big Silas asked askance. trail camp threw ghostly dancing shad- greatest weakness, all put t’gether.” away into the night. “Why, we have half a dozen Jacks in our ows on the canvasses of the wagons Later that night, after everyone had “My only doubts about this lie in number.” encircling the resting men. They were taken to their bedrolls for an uneasy your ability to see what we’re doin’, boy,” “Well, ‘pon my word, so we do, returning from a successful trading sleep, Jack Sledger eluded the sentries Murph said to Jack Sledger. Patrone. There’s three Texas Jacks, old expedition for Sledger’s family’s trading of the camp to creep up on Murph. He “Ah kin see as well as th’ next ‘un, Colorado Jack, an’, - er. Reckon we’ll company to Santa Fe and Taos on the took this potentially dangerous action to long as ah got mah spectacles. Mebeso, need t’begin callin’ your youngest broth- Santa Fe Trail. Everyone was uneasy prove that he could do it without alert- better’n an other,” was the reply. er, Tennessee Jack. “ and restless because the Comanche and ing the scout. He knelt a short distance The Kiowa pony herd was soon Only The Beginning … April 2008 Cowboy Chronicle Page 31 Page 32 Cowboy Chronicle April 2008 BOY SCOUT HOLSTER AUCTION By Quick Cal, SASS Life #2707 lot of folks know of the great ACowboy Action Shooting™ Match, the Western States Cham- pionship in Fernley, NV. It is now held the weekend after Memorial Day. The weather is great, the stages Pure silver and caring handwork make this are great, and the hospitality of the a truly unique rig benefitting the Boy Scouts. High Plains Drifters is legendary. Each year on Saturday Night the tidy sum, in the $1,300 range in 2007. Awards Banquet is held at the shoot- But what really gets the night going is a few ing range under the pavilion. It is a years ago (2005), Founding Member and Sponsor, fun evening kicked off with a brass Bob Mernickle a.k.a Talkalot Bob, SASS #23160, of auction benefiting the local Boy Mernickle Holsters started a tradition. He stood up Scout Troop that pitches in a lot of and made an offer. If we held an auction for one of help for the event. They are on hand his holsters, he would guarantee that whatever the to help the shooters with their gun bid was, he would build a holster for the winning carts from Stage 12 to Stage 1. They bidder at twice the value of their bid, and 100% of serve food and help clean up. They the bid would go to the Boy Scouts! Personally, I not only pick up the brass, but they think Bob was over-indulging that night, kind of a sort it in the various calibers and Bob Mernickle proudly presents Bodie Kid his $4500 rig. spur of the moment kind of thing, if you know what seal them in plastic bags. The shoot- The rig is an auction item and Bob provides the custom rig I mean. But, Bob’s reputation for his work is well ers love the brass auction every year, at twice the auction value. The Western States Championship known, and the bidding began. and it nets the Boy Scouts quite a cowboys have embraced this auction with a passion! (Continued on next page) WORLD 2007 CHAMPS 8 YEARS TWIN Jeffrey Willis IN A ROW! Burlington, West Virginia SASS 3553 World Champion SASS Shooter – Derringer – “To compete with the best, you must shoot the best! Bond, the Rolls Royce of derringers.” 2006 2005 2004 2003 2001 2000 2002 SHALAKO WAGONBOSS BADLANDS BEN TEQUILA SHADRACH Joseph Hampton Eddie Abraham Benjamin Hampton Richard Young Rocky Sherrill Lampasas, Texas Canadian, Texas Lampasas, Texas Flatonia, Texas Fort Worth, Texas Bama Belle SASS 24746 SASS 20429 SASS 24747 SASS 7073 SASS 9759 World Champion World Champion World Champion World Champion World Champion Joni Dupree SASS Shooter SASS Shooter SASS Shooter SASS Shooter SASS Shooter Provencal, Louisiana – Derringer & Overall – – Derringer – – Derringer – – Derringer – – Derringer – SASS 6673 “SPEED, “A Bond “For accuracy, “When you “The best EOT Ladies Frontier Cartridge RELIABILITY & derringer & control & quality performances have the Need are made Duelist Champion LOW RECOIL make a royal flush... workmanship, – Derringer – shooting the Bond for Speed - with the best They can’t Bond beats “Diamonds are nice. a winning Bond Delivers” derringer... But a Bond is better! combination.” be beat.” them all.” Bond.” www.bondarms.com 817-573-4445 • Granbury, Texas April 2008 Cowboy Chronicle Page 33 (Continued from previous page) each piece of silver, taking more We were all amazed as the bid- than double the time of normal ding went higher and higher. Finally projects. the winning bid went to Lash Latigo, • Then after the dye and spot work, SASS #35308, of Pahrump, NV for the rig went for final assembly and $750. The next year Bob made the burnishing for a baby smooth edge same offer, but this time he had Lash on everything. model his $1,500 holster before the • Once the rig was finally assem- bidding began. The bidding started bled, the total labor time including with a vengeance. We couldn’t the silver work surpassed 65 believe it as it surpassed $1,000 and hours. This holster is valued at kept going. Finally the winning bid- $4,500! der was Bodie Kid, SASS #17377, of The people working on this proj- Bridgeport, CA for $1,750! ect are as follows: This past year all the shooters Bob Mernickle - Designer, Gene were wondering what a $3,500 hol- Consalvi - Silversmith, Cathy Benoit ster looked like, and they liked what - Carver, Patty Neel - Spot Setter/ they saw as Bodie Kid showed it off Burnishing, and Les Rhodes - to everyone. So, the bidding started Pattern Cutter again. This time the bid reached I would like to thank Mernickle $1,000 in 3 bids and kept going with- Holsters and their staff for this won- out slowing down. There were a lot derful donation. The Boy Scouts and of cowboys that wanted it, and every- their leaders are absolutely thrilled one cheered when the bid crossed the with the support they receive. The $2,000 mark. Bodie Kid wasn’t to be Western States Championship, with denied. He wanted another holster the help of Mernickle Holsters and that even surpassed the one he the generous Cowboy Action Shoo- already had, and made the winning ters, truly make this event something bid of $2,100! our entire sport should be proud of. So do you want to see what a We raised almost $3,500 in 2007 for a $4,200 holster looks like? Well, you great cause, our young people. can’t, because Bob built a $4,500 hol- If you want to see what happens ster! in 2008, plan to attend the Western Here are some of the specifica- States Championship the weekend tions: after Memorial Day – May 28th – • Each piece of silver featured on the June 1st. How high will it go this rig is completely hand made and year? I already heard some “trash engraved. The Eagle ornament on talking” going on about the bidding! the center back was hand forged, and then hand engraved with one The True West Preservation Society will be a dedicated group of the handmade conchos mounted of members and volunteers whose mission is to preserve on each side of the plate. A total of and protect America’s Old West heritage. This private, 30 hours of labor went into the sil- ver work. All silver used is 92.5% non-profit organization will identify and revitalize historic pure silver. monuments and icons of this significant cultural era. • Once the silver was delivered to the Join other dedicated individuals who are doing their part to Mernickle Holster shop, Bob per- save our heritage. Benefits will include a subscription to True sonally designed the belt pattern to West Magazine, a TWPS lapel pin as well as a special invitation show off the silver in all its glory. to a member’s only cocktail reception during the • Once all the pieces were cut out, Annual True West Preservation Society Gala. the conchos were placed strategi- cally so the custom made knife JOIN TODAY! case could be installed, and all con- chos were balanced for viewing. As Together we can help preserve soon as all the silver was tem- America’s historic West. porarily installed on the belt, hol- sters, and knife case, it was sent to Visit PreserveTheWest.com or call their carver to do her magic. 888-575-1BY1 to learn more about the Cathy meticulously carved around True West Preservation Society. GIVE TO THE SASS SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION (A non-profit, tax-deductable charity) MAKE PRESERVE THE WEST THE DIFFERENCE! Page 34 Cowboy Chronicle April 2008 The Other Bullet: Re-enactors Review By M. Lou Findley From an interview with Bob Charnes he cowboys were ready. They felt they had Tbeen ready for months to take on this oppo- nent; these stealers who were trying to take it all from them. It was as if the sun devil of the Sonoran Desert had set the locale and had brought these hordes of spectators next to the Salt River to see the outcome. The Arizona Gunfighters burst on the scene with the rip-roaring display of gun- power, diversion, and standing applause. It was the pre-game show at Super Bowl XXX, and they were there to entertain! The Cowboys eventually won. Bob said it was a highlight of the Arizona Gunfighters performances. Annual public events such as National Festival of the West for four days, Wyatt Earp Days in Tombstone, Shootout on Whiskey Row in (Continued on next page) April 2008 Cowboy Chronicle Page 35 (Continued from previous page) Prescott, three annual shows at the Rockin’ R Ranch in Mesa, and various other shows around the Salt River Valley, (often referred to as the Valley of the Sun in Arizona) all experience performances by the Arizona Gunfighters. They are the only group that has been at the National Festival of the West for the last 10 years. They are headquartered in Mesa and perform all over the Valley of the Sun area. The Arizona Gunfighters, however, have done shows out of state as well. They even bring their own town, which can be set up almost anywhere. The Arizona Gunfighters have participants who You’re a daisy if you do! Wyatt Earp’s great grand nephew playing Wyatt Earp – Tombstone is quiet today. are SASS members and shoot at local clubs. But, no matter who they are, they all love to perform with the gun- fighters. They have about 60 mem- bers and usually between 40-50 who faithfully show up to perform at any given event. Their youngest is 13 and the oldest is 76. The group functions like a family. Most are involved in Tombstone shootout re-enactment with Arizona Gunfighters in front of their town. (Continued on page 49) Page 36 Cowboy Chronicle April 2008 DISPATCHES FROM CAMP BAYLOR The SHOT Show By Captain George Baylor, SASS Life #24287 he SHOT Show (Shooting, Hun- made on CNC machinery to Tting, and Outdoor Trade) had high tolerances. Several nearly 2,000 exhibitions and 40,000+ are out with top Cowboy attendees. It used up the entire Las Action Shooting™ competi- Vegas Convention Center and three tors who understand ‘87’s temporary buildings–715,000 square for debugging. I hope to be feet, or 16-1/2 acres.I helped out at able to keep you informed the SASS Booth and covered the on this project. Convention for The Cowboy Chronicle. Three of the importers To do that I went to every booth I of Italian-built replicas could find that had anything to do have a “pre-smithed” SAA Marshal Halloway interviews Judge Roy Bean in the SASS Booth with Cowboy Action Shooting™ or ready for competition. The at the SHOT Show. cowboy guns and asked, “What do Cimarron Evil Roys have you have that’s new and different for been out for awhile. Taylor’s EMF’s Great Western II Custom is Cowboy Action Shooters?” I got has the Wooly Award win- made by Pietta. Color Case harden- some interesting answers. ning Smoke Wagon. Cody ing is by Doug Turnbull. I have one When I asked the man at Conagher does these him- for testing with instructions to shoot Chiappa, he pulled out of hiding a self. They differ internally it a lot. It’s a tough job, but some- beautiful prototype 1887 shotgun Marshal Halloway interviews Capt. Baylor for from the Cimarron Evil body’s got to do it! replica, with two-shot loading and Downrange TV while he holds Cimarron Roys and have the 1960-68 STI, famous for CNC produced removable choke tube. It’s being Firearms’ Man With No Name pistol. Colt “Stage Coach” hammer. (Continued on next page) April 2008 Cowboy Chronicle Page 37 (Continued from previous page) sions. They’re at collector prices. high quality US made 1911’s for El Paso Saddlery has sever- USPSA and IDPA, had a copy of al Wild Bunch appropriate hol- their US made, high quality SAA sters already. I liked the Patton Clone, the Texican. It’s out in .45 model. Colt. .44-40 and .38 Specials are due Keeping up with Tequila out in June. The sample there Tequila was filming the looked and felt very good. Fit and SHOT Show for Downrange TV. finish were superb, and hammer and I should have drunk about six trigger were light. The front sight Red Bulls before trying to keep and rear notch are wide like the up with him. He ran through other competition ready guns. The the SHOT Show like he used to man behind the counter told me the run stages, about 6” off the fit and finish are due to the CNC ground and at high speed. The production. The loading gate, he Leatherwood booth, for exam- noted, hadn’t been hand fitted and ple, had THE Colt revolving polished, but fit perfectly due to the rifle from 3:10 to Yuma. The CNC production. nice man behind the counter, USFA had an extremely impres- Toby Bridges, explained some- The Colt Revolving Rifle with sive display. Their marvelous dis- thing to me, and I turned Leatherwood scope from 3:10 to Yuma. play board was copied from one Colt around. I had to call Tequila on It was converted to fire .45-70 blanks. had, with concentric wheels display- Chiappa Firearms’ prototype his cell phone. He was three ing all kinds of Colt revolvers. But, 1887 shotgun. rows over and at the far end of the cylinder. Uberti didn’t put a rear the star of their show wasn’t a Colt hall by then. sight on early Man With No Name SAA clone; it was a Remington 1858, ble barrel/frame fit are gone. This Marshal Halloway interviewed pistols. The one Clint Eastwood complete with the correct Remington was a nice gun. me for Cowboy Action Radio and for used didn’t have one. He didn’t need marks. Another sample was at the The Wild Bunch pistols Downrange TV. When he found me one, having the script on his side. Remington booth. I was promised With the advent of the Wild for the TV interview, I had just put This one has one on the back of the one of these for testing. An 1875 is Bunch categories, I figured the mar- my hand on the Man With No Name barrel.I held this one for the entire also in the works. ket for GI-Spec 1911’s just increased, pistol at Cimarron. It had been interview, so Mike got more than he It should be noted, for those of so I went in search of likely candi- locked away all weekend, and Mike expected by taking it out of the dis- you who are fans of the 1858 dates. Most 1911 sellers had a GI Harvey took it out so I could photo- play case. Some grips! Remington and don’t have the cash spec version. Notable were Iver graph it. It’s an Open Top frame One booth had two Hooters Girls for this one, Tammy at Taylor’s and Johnson and Hi-Standard. Their dis- with 1851 barrel, complete with to attract us to their booth. I have no Co. showed me a current production play models had crisp sights and good rammer. The Open Top had the rear idea what they were selling, but the Uberti. The old problems with triggers. The Springfield Armory GI sight on the back of the barrel. The Hooters Girls were very friendly. Uberti Remingtons, such as the model needed a trigger job badly. I 1851 conversions had the rear sight EMF had gunspinners James hammer hitting the frame and terri- didn’t try the Colt and USFA ver- on the ring behind the conversion (Continued on page 50) Page 38 Cowboy Chronicle April 2008 A SHORT HISTORY ON CHAPS By Purdy Gear, SASS Life #33315 would, but the leather leggin’s of the cinch ‘er down, climb aboard, and cowpuncher is always pronounced pull that skin up around you so it “soft” Shaps, instead of chaps. protected your lap and legs. As “Chaps” comes from the Spanish might be imagined, this was eventu- word “chaparejos,” and they always ally regarded as okay, but kinda stu- say it thataway. pid if you had to get on and off your Purdy Gear, SASS Life #33315 If you’re looking for the “genesis” horse a lot, or if that critter was a story on chaps … the very 1st chaps might high strung, not quite 100% o….,” said yet another of my weren’t actually chaps at all. The trained and/or just plain ornery. Scompaneros as we quaffed Spanish who settled Mexico and the Somebody eventually got it figured strong“ black mugs of Arbuckles. “It’s Southwest pretty soon about had it out that WEARING the pelt of a cow ‘Hinglishmen’ that pronounce it figured out that pert near every- critter, horse, or elk might be better ‘chaps’ as in ‘I say, old boy’ and thing came equipped with stingers, than just bunching it up around you, Westerners that say ‘shaps.’ Why’s prickers, or fangs, and was out to get and so the “armita” was born. That Botas, bolinas or leggin’s – all the that?” your personal pelt. Protecting said means “little armor” to those of you same thing. This pair, in the Well, it’s ‘cause of the Spanish personal pelt became a priority who don’t habla all that much. Southwest tradition, has been influence. Westerners can use the pronto! The earliest and easiest way The original armita was some- decorated with border stamped top word “chap” when talking about of doing this was to throw a big ol’ thing that looked more like the mod- and bottom plackets and fringe. folks same as the English feller chunk of cowhide over your saddle, (Continued on next page) Antler buttons provide closure. April 2008 Cowboy Chronicle Page 39 (Continued from previous page) the abuses heaped on him while ern farrier’s apron. They were knee chasing untamed long-horned cattle length and were secured by leather on half-broke horses in unfriendly buttons. For the most part, they terrain through all kinds of weather. Cochise Leather were rather plain. The Spanish These original chaps were laced vaquero of the time wore a low-cut completely up the sides. Because Reproductions from the Frontier West Era riding boot more along the line of a they resembled a set of shotgun bar- “bootee” or brogan. He also used rels, they were soon dubbed “shot- tapaderos and botas. (Depending on gun” chaps. (In parts of the west what territory and era or tradition they are also referred to as you were following, these were also “Arizonas.”) called bolinas or leggin’s.) In those Shotguns ranged from the plain early days among the caballeros or to the ornate, depending on the the more gentrified equestrian, whims or wealth of their wearers. vaquero-style britches with a mess The earliest versions were usually of buttons up the sides were consid- plain with a straight-cut belt or yoke ered THE THING to wear. These that was closed at the front with a were opened to the knee to expose a criss-crossing of heavy lace. The legs set of pantaloons. (Honest - I’m not were cut so the crotch area was gen- making this up!) The botas were erally fully covered. Cuffs were often worn OVER the pantaloons with the added for weight and durability. britches draped over both. The armi- They may have been fancied up with tas protected the upper parts of the fringe along the sides of the leg, and Quality Custom Leatherwork leg while the botas, riding shoe, and many were equipped with a pocket or taps took care of the lower. two. If only one pocket, it was on the at Affordable Prices Armitas are still around today leg OPPOSITE to your roping arm. though mostly in buckaroo territory. Similarly, they were buckled on the • Chaps/Chinks • Saddlebags They are marked by a fringed belt opposite side to that dominant arm “apron” or front piece in honor of the so you wouldn’t get tangled up in • Ranger Belts • Cuffs • Spur Straps past. Traditionally, they are still what you were doing. The buckle short and are held together along the was never centered in the back. This leg with leather buttons rather than is a modern affectation. Cochise, AZ • (520) 826-1272 other mechanical devices such as Shotguns were made of heavy snap hooks or zippers – though there veg-tan leather and would generally See these and MUCH MORE on our are breaks in that tradition and you fall in the 5-6 ounce range (leather occasionally see these things. Some made 5/64” to 6/64” thick) or better. Website: www.cochiseleather.com armitas nowadays are as long as That translates as both heavy and standard chaps and many come fan- STIFF! The very first thing a punch- cied up. As with all things cowboy, er would do to a new set of chaps was taste and decoration now and long to dose them very liberally with bear ago was in the eye of the wearer. The grease. More grease would be added very early styles were plain. Some as needed, and eventually, with wear just got fancier with time. and tear, they’d get nice and pliable. It should be mentioned armitas Chaps would be patched and re- are NOT the same as chinks – at patched until they were ready for an least not the way they were designed orthodox funeral. When finally laid originally. Chinks as we know them to rest, they were nasty smelling, today are an off-shoot of batwing stained with blood, mud, and crud, chaps and are very much modern in and worn to a frazzle! their structure and appearance. The The charro tradition also has its reference to chinks in the Old West variation of the shotgun chap. These (from what I understand of this) is differ by having extremely wide tops with respect to what we consider the (yokes). There are always cuffs, and old-style armita. The word “chinks,” the sides of each leg are stiffened by the way, is not a derogatory slur with additional pieces of leather. aimed at personages of Chinese The legs are not laced closed, but are descent, but stems from the shorten- closed by a series of wooden or bone ing or bastardization by the cowboy toggles. The working charro or of the Spanish word “chigadero” vaquero version would have been (small one). very plain, while those of the gentry Botas, bolinas or leggin’s were would have been richly decorated used over wide areas of the Old West with pitiado (embroidery), hand and ranged from the plain (styled carving, and /or sterling or gold similar to the blanket and hide leg- appointments. gings of the Eastern Indian and Compadres, there’s still a whole mountain man) to the flamboyant lot more I have to say on this, but I’m styles of Spanish influence. They are only allowed so much room, so I’m still worn to this day, particularly in gonna have to quit fer now. I’ll pick the Southwest. it up next issue and wax poetic on As gringos settled the west, they woolies and batwings. As always, I soon started using a set of straight- welcome your comments, crabby or legged pants with no seat in them, positive. You can find me at pur- styled after the long leggings of the [email protected] or through Indians. These were more substan- the link on my website (www.pur- tial than the thin Indian buckskins, dygear.com). I can also be reached designed to turn back thorns and by phone (706-692-5536). See you on brush, and protect the wearer from down the trail! Page 40 Cowboy Chronicle April 2008 WOMEN, GUNS, AND GEAR Choosing a Category By Holy Terror, SASS #15362 about your age, except get older, the less to stop them. Most people or two new guns, or possibly not any equipment possibilities are endless. choose to advance their age category new guns at all! For instance, if you Most first time shooters choose their when they get older, but this is not have already purchased .45 Colts, first category based on the type of your only option. Although you are and you realize they may not be Holy Terror, SASS #15362 firearms they have in the closet or not allowed to stay in a younger age ideal for competing in the they purchased in a rush so they category, such as Juniors, you don’t Traditional category, you can use could shoot sooner rather than later. have to stay within the age defined those same guns in the Classic ne of the problems many new Most shooters end up changing guns categories if you don’t want to. Cowboy category without buying Oshooters face when starting many times throughout their shoot- There are many categories that have new revolvers. Your equipment Cowboy Action Shooting™ is deciding ing career. no age requirements that allow you choices really can be limitless. in which category to shoot. Cowboy After a period of time, many to compete with other shooters If you are considering an equip- Action Shooting™ offers the opportu- shooters choose to change competi- regardless of age. ment change, doing a little research nity to compete in many different cat- tive categories. The reasons for this When it comes to equipment, may end up saving you lots of time egories. If you are choosing a catego- are endless, but they can usually be there are some limits, but they are and money. If you are concerned an ry for the first time, or if you are con- put in the categories of age change, negotiable. Some categories require equipment change might affect your sidering a category change, there are equipment change, or taste change. very specific guns, and you may not category, or if you want to change some factors you should consider. When choosing a category, you want be ready to spend the money pur- categories, but don’t know what Many SASS categories are based to consider all these factors. chasing a whole new set. However, equipment you will need, there are on two factors: age and equipment. As for age, the sands of time are you might have several different many resources at your disposal. While there is not much you can do moving forward, and we are power- options based upon buying only one (Continued on next page) April 2008 Cowboy Chronicle Page 41 (Continued from previous page) Although changing categories The SASS Handbook lists the does not guarantee a win, changing requirements for the different cate- categories can lead to an improve- gories and talking to shooters in your ment in your scores. If you are in a local club can be very helpful. Your category that just doesn’t fit your equipment can determine your ini- shooting style, a change might end up tial category or present a possibility allowing you to shoot better or at least for a change in category. increase your shooting enjoyment. The last major factor in choosing There is one important reason to a category deals with taste. For change categories that doesn’t fall instance, I don’t particularly want to into the categories of age, equipment, shoot a blackpowder category or taste, and that is changing your because I would have to clean my category for the sake of change. guns a lot more than I have any Sometimes when you do the same desire to do. However, I know many thing for too long it can get old, and people who get a huge kick out of you start to lose the spark that origi- shooting blackpowder and don’t nally made it fun and exciting. If you mind cleaning their guns right after have lost some of that spark in your a match. There are many categories shooting, one way you can get it back that deal with tastes from the kind of is to make a change. Changing to a powder you shoot, the guns you use, new category and offering yourself a the shooting style you use, and even new challenge might be just the thing the clothes you wear. Thinking you need to get excited again! about what you really want to do and The somewhat endless cate- who you are can influence which cat- gories of SASS are a wonderful and egory you end up shooting. challenging opportunity. There are If you are considering changing limitless choices on what, when, and your category just so you will win a where you can shoot. Remember, match, I wish you the best of luck. In choosing a category can be challeng- my opinion, there is no “easy” catego- ing, but don’t worry, because if you ry. If you don’t believe me, check out don’t like it, you can always change the scores for any category, even the again later. junior girls, and you will see they are If you have questions about this all “cutthroat.” Changing categories article, or if you have an idea or prod- can be an expensive and challenging uct you think should be brought to undertaking, so before jumping into the attention of women shooters, or a big change make sure you are any shooters, please email me at doing so for the right reasons. [email protected]. Page 42 Cowboy Chronicle April 2008 RANGE TECH How Modern Technology Affects Our Lives on the Firing Line: Plastics Inspector, SASS #41400 By Inspector, SASS #41400 rom the casings on our electronic become such a staple substance in tics, we first start with crude oil (you Ftimers to the boxes that hold our our lives? know, black gold, Texas tea.). Upon reloads, plastic is a material that has Artificial plastic was developed delivery to the refinery, crude oil is permeated almost every aspect of in 1869. This first artificial plastic distilled into many different prod- our everyday lives. Take a moment was manufactured from a plant- ucts; for plastic, we want ethane and and set your newspaper aside. I bet based material called celluloid. It propane. These substances are bro- you will see, somewhere in your field was not until 1951 that polypropy- ken down into simpler elements by a of vision an object either made of lene and polystyrene were discov- process known as “cracking.” The plastic or has plastic components ered by Phillips Petroleum and mod- process of “cracking” is the stripping inside. Check your pockets. Are ern plastic was born. This new plas- away of hydrocarbons from the mole- there plastic buffers on your keys, tic was easily manufactured, and its cules of ethane and propane by the and what are your credit cards made ingredients were plentiful. application of heat in the presence of Every aspect of our shooting of? Why is it this material has In order to make modern plas- (Continued on next page) experience is affected by plastics. Holster and Belt $425 2 Holsters and Belt $585 Holster and Belt $190 2 Holsters and Belt $265 Priced at $360.00 Holster and Belt $155 2 Holsters and Belt $225 April 2008 Cowboy Chronicle Page 43 (Continued from previous page) plastic bottles are made. a catalyst. After the “cracking” Calendaring – much like extru- process, ethane and propane become sion, calendared products are ethylene and propylene. These sub- extruded into a sheet. The warm stances are now combined with sheet is then squeezed to its desired another catalyst, mixed with other thickness by polished rollers and additives, and becomes known as allowed to cool in sheets. This is how polymer. This polymer is then melt- sheet plastic is made. Thermoforming – sheets of calendared plas- tic are warmed until pli- able and placed over a mold. A vacuum is drawn from underneath the plas- tic and pulls it down onto the mold. As the plastic cools, it retains the shape of the mold. This is how those heavy bubble pack- ages and the clear plastic clamshell containers for Extrusion machines produce long continuous shaped products such as tubing, gutters, salads and other take- lawn trim, and down spouts. home foods are made. Expanded Bead ed, pigment is added, and is cut into Blowing – plastic beads are perme- pellets that are then shipped to the ated with an expanding gas and are manufacturer for end use. placed into a mold. The mold is heat- Plastic is liquefied at relatively ed, causing the plastic to melt and low temperature, can be shaped easi- the expanding gas to escape. This ly, and retains this shape once it solid- causes the plastic to puff. Once ifies. Based upon its mixture and end cooled, the puffed plastic retains the use, it can be hard and brittle or soft shape of the mold. This is how and pliable. It is easily recycled and Styrofoam™ is made. plentiful. So plentiful, in fact, we dispose of this mate- rial in the form of packaging and plastic bags. Now that we have such a versatile material, let’s look at just some of the processes in which it can be formed. Extrusion – working much like a meat grinder, an extrusion screw forces melted plastic through an opening at its end. Upon leaving the opening, this stream of melted plastic flows across a die in order to Injection molding machines produce create its desired shape. most of the products we use daily. After the plastic has been shaped, it is cooled in a water bath or Plastic is a lightweight durable laid out onto a conveyor for air-cool- alternative to materials that would ing. This process is used for long otherwise be more expensive and continuous shaped products such as cumbersome to work with. Could tubing, gutters, lawn trim, and down you imagine trying to hold a timer in spouts. your bare hand on a cold day if its Injection molding – most of casing were made out of sheet metal? the useful plastic products we see How much more expensive would are manufactured in this process. your reload boxes be if it they had to Starting like the extrusion process, be made from wood? an extrusion screw turns and causes Plastics parts are even in and on the melted plastic to build pressure. our guns, in the form of grips, butt This pressure initiates flow into a stock caps, and followers in the tubu- cooled mold. The plastic is held in lar magazines of our rifles. Our rules that mold until solid. The mold sep- require us to wear plastic safety arates, and the ready to use parts glasses, and we stick plastic plugs in and products fall out. our ears to protect from noise. No Blow Molding – similar to the matter how far back into time we pre- injection molding process, com- tend to go, there is just no getting pressed air is injected into the center away from it; plastics are here to stay of the injection stream. This forms a in this modern age in which we live. bubble inside the plastic and forces it So embrace it! Plastics are a blessing. into the walls of the mold. Like They give us reliable products made injection molding, it is held there less expensive and more reliable than until solidified and falls out of the alternate materials, brought to you mold when it separates. This is how courtesy of modern technology. Page 44 Cowboy Chronicle April 2008 ATTENTION MATCH DIRECTORS (AND SHOOTERS)! Big and Close versus Small and Far By Doc Shapiro, SASS #31526 ’ve been to a lot of SASS matches up by Bullseye shooters (and it 6; italics are mine): Shotgun targets Iat a number of different ranges all shows – these are matches I won’t Regarding target size and place- • Minimum distance is 8 yards; across the country. The one thing bring my wife to. She’s not a target ment, the bigger and closer the tar- maximum distance is 16 yards. they all have in common is great shooter and doesn’t enjoy matches gets, the better. NEW SHOTGUN KNOCK-DOWN TARGET!!! Shot at EOT, NE Regional, SW Regional and Mule Camp Shooting Schools Private Lessons Group Schools One on One Via Video Focusing on your individual needs www.handlebardoc.com Handlebar Doc 903-732-5245 - [email protected] (Continued from previous page) From one match (small and far) I match had a much tighter set of Wrap-Up fun and be more successful at hit- attended, the average time to shoot scores than the small/far match. The Match Directors job is to ting targets that are easy to hit. one stage was 56.91 seconds. The This leads to a higher level of com- put on a fun match that will keep This will encourage them to come difference between the fastest time petition among the best shooters. It the shooters coming back. Think of back, and bring friends. It’s why the and the slowest was 72.29 seconds. also can force the top shooters to it as providing entertainment. If sport continues to grow so quickly. The fastest run was 27.89 and the take the targets for granted and you (as a Match Director) have a Some matches set up targets slowest 100.18. The standard devia- push outside their comfort zone in steadily dwindling number of shoot- that are small and far. By this, I tion on the sample is: 17.37. For a order to try to win the match. This ers attending, or have matches mean smaller than the target dimen- big and close match, the average often leads to blown stages with sev- where a lot of people miss a lot of sions listed above and farther than time to shoot one stage was 36.52 eral misses. Spectacular crashes, targets or earn a lot of procedurals, the distances listed above. There are seconds. The difference between the but also some spectacular runs! then I’d urge you to take a good look a couple of reasons they might do fastest time and the slowest time It’s often the same when stages at your targets, scenarios, and how this, some not so good and some real- was 66.25 seconds. The slowest time are written with complicated shoot- you set up the match. Make the ly bad. A not so good reason is that was 81.92 and the fastest was 15.67. ing sequences. The competitive investment for bigger targets. Get a all of the shooters at the club come Standard deviation on the sample shooters will spend time before they few at a time. Bring the targets from Bullseye and so prefer a match is: 12.71. shoot “programming” the sequence closer in and make the stages a lit- that requires more marksmanship I don’t have miss data for the into their subconscious. Sometimes tle simpler. The shooters will have skills. The problem with this is that big/close match, but you can bet they do this while RO’ing or spotting. more fun and will be more likely to it will not encourage new shooters to there weren’t as many misses. On As a result, they won’t have any trou- bring friends and family out. This come out and play. They will find the the small/far match (which had 5 ble. It’s the middle of the pack type will grow your club, increase your shooting difficult and generally slow stages), the average number of miss- shooter that is slowed down and ends revenue, and bring new shooters to paced. A really bad reason to do this es was 11, with more than half the up with a bunch of procedurals. the sport. All of which is good! is to try to slow down the fast shoot- shooters missing 9 or more. That The Match Director that sets up (Doc Shapiro is the author of ers. It ends up the fast shooters still leads to a great deal of frustration complicated scenarios and/or small “Breaking the Shot, A Cowboy Action win, and the time spreads are even and a steadily dwindling number of and far targets does a disservice to Shooting™ Shooters Practice Guide” larger than before! shooters coming to the match. the club members that travel to and “Black Powder Loading for Let’s look at an example of this. As you can see, the big/close other matches – especially at the Cowboy Action Shooting.” These State level and above. In this case, books, and many other resources, are when presented with a match that available for free download on his VISIT THE SASS WEB SITE AT WWW.SASSNET.COM has big and close targets, the shooter web site at: will have trouble “turning it up” and http://www.jspublications.net/ shooting with shooters that finish at or send him an e-mail at GIVE TO THE the same level in monthly matches. [email protected]. SASS SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION You could very well have a shooter (A non-profit, tax-deductable charity) that finishes in the top 20% at a monthly match fall into the middle For AD Rates MAKE THE DIFFERENCE! or closer to the bottom at a big/close ~ DONNA ~ (EXT. 118) match. That’s very frustrating! Page 46 Cowboy Chronicle April 2008 BUILDi YOUR FIRST GUN CART PART II By Inspector, SASS #41400 i dimensions so everything fits togeth- er correctly. It seems every project starts with a foundation. A gun cart has a foundation as well. Our foundation is the axel supports and the back wall of the box. ast month, I gave you your shop- First, I cut three axel supports Lping list to make your gun cart, from 2"x4". These should measure so I assume you are ready to get to about 6-1/2" long. (Now I know in my work. Now, I am going to give you picture, mine are a lot longer, okay I’ll Photo 1: Back wall and axel support Photo 2: The entire box assembly. my measurements. You can adapt admit I got a little carried away and assembly. Note the notch cut at the Note how the top of the sides sit atop the these measurements to suit your cut them at 10". I later had to correct upper left hand corner. Note how the axel support to form the edge of the bot- needs. We are working with a con- this and cut them down to 6-1/2".) corner braces are set in 5/8" and are tom of the rifle rack. Note the supports cept, not a specific blueprint. Just Cut two additional lengths of 5/8" from the bottom to accommodate on the inside of the lid. Note the hinge remember to be consistent with your (Continued on next page) the mounting of the sides and bottom. mount piece behind the lid. April 2008 Cowboy Chronicle Page 47 (Continued from previous page) es long on the inside, so I cut the 2"x4" at 10-3/8". Now rip these down lower side planks at 11". The top the middle to create four 2"x2"s. planks of the sides will be cut at 11", These will be the corner braces of the plus 6-1/2" for the axel support, plus box assembly. 5/8" for the thickness of the back wall We need to determine how our plank (18-1/8") in order to form the box will sit in relation to the wheels sides of the box and the sides of the and axel so we have to do some math. bottom of the rifle rack ending even We want the box to sit level about 1- with the ends of the axel supports. 1/2" off the ground when the cart is The top plank needs to be notched to parked. So we need to determine clear the axel support and still sit on where to mount our axel in order to top of it flush with the outside edge of create this profile. I have suggested a the entire assembly. (See Photo 2.) 14" wheel. The axel is in the center, On the other end of the side so it should be about 7" off the planks, at the front of the box, mount ground. Minus the 1-1/2" ground the remaining two corner braces clearance, this places the centerline of flush with the front edge of the side the axel at 5-1/2" from the bottom of planks and flush with the top of the the cart. Considering our planks are box. This will leave a 5/8" gap at the 5-1/2" wide, this creates a convenient bottom. point of reference for this attachment. The bottom of the box will be a Determine how far back or for- little less wide than the back and here, you may want to drill 1/8" pilot prefer a support with a lot of surface ward you want your wheels to sit on front in order to clear the side walls. holes for these screws to avoid crack- area. This way, if I sit on my cart the axel support (this will be to your 16-1/2", minus 5/8", minus 5/8", is 15- ing. Remember, we are working with while it is parked on soft ground, the preference), mark and drill your axel 1/4". These planks will need external the cheapest wood we can find.) large surface area will prevent it holes on the centerline of the sup- support from underneath. With a Secure this piece into the rear corner from sinking into the mud. If you port. You may now mark and drill couple of scraps, mount two supports braces with two screws. Next, mount have miscalculated the ride height of the other two, or just stack them up underneath the bottom planks to your hinges onto this piece and your box when you install your axel evenly and drill all of them at the support the seam between them. attach them to the lid. and wheels, adjustments can be same time. Since I am using 20" (Make sure the grain of the wood is Remember how we wanted our made by stacking fence planks, with bicycle wheels, I determined I want- long ways on these supports for cart to sit 1-1/2" off the ground? To or without the 2"x4", to the front sup- ed my axel to sit as high as practical. added strength.) These supports will achieve this, cut a piece of 2"x4" at port in order to create the appropri- (This is why my axel holes are off hang hidden under the bottom of 16-1/2" and mount it to the bottom of ate profile. center high.) your cart. (You may want to nip the box using three 2" wood or deck Finally, the last item on your Now, let’s assemble the back wall about 1/4" off the tip of these mount- screws. This piece should be mount- shopping list was, “Beverage of your of the box. Cut two sections of fence ing screws with side cutters to pre- ed even with the front of the cart. I choice.” I think we’ve done enough plank at about 16-1/2". Mount these vent them from protruding through see a lot of carts that use legs to sup- for now, so enjoy that beverage, and planks, side by side, onto the corner both pieces of wood and sticking up port the front. I don’t like them. I we’ll start again next month. braces with 1-1/4" screws. The cor- inside your box. Use at least three ner braces should be flush with the screws on each support.) Install the top of the back wall and set in 5/8" box bottom plank assembly with four from the outside edges of the planks. screws, screwing each corner into the This configuration will also leave a bottom of the corner braces. Finish 5/8" inset at the bottom (These insets the box by mounting two 16-1/2" will allow a flush mount for the bot- planks onto the front. tom and side panels of the box.) Now for the lid. Again, supports Next, set your axel supports made from scrap material will need flush with the outside edge on the to be fabricated to support the seam backside of the back wall planks between the two planks that make with the axel hole lined up at your up the lid. These supports will be proper height. (For a 14" wheel we mounted on the under side of the lid. have determined that this is lined up These supports must clear the corner with the seam between the two back braces and the sides of the box. Be planks.) Drill two 3/16" pilot holes careful how long you make them and through both of the 2"x2"s, through where you mount them, so you can the back planks, and into the ends of ensure the lid does not hang up and the axel supports. With your 4” lag sits flat when closed. Remember to bolts and washers, attach the axel again nip the tips off of your mount- supports to the back wall of the box. ing screws for these supports; other- With two 2" lag bolts and washers, wise, they may protrude through the attach the third support to the center top of the lid and can scratch any- of the back of the box in a similar thing you set on your cart with the manner, minus the 2"x2". With a jig lid closed. (Including your derriere!) saw or coping saw, notch the back Cut a plank another plank at 16- wall planks at the top by removing 1/2" and rip it to where it is only 1- the wood from the top edge of the 1/4" wide. This piece will be your axel support over to the 2"x2" corner hinge mount. Attach the hinge brace and on up to the top of edge of mount flush with the outside edge of the back wall. (This will make clear- the back wall and partially covering ance for the side of the bottom of the the tops of the rear corner braces. rifle rack. See Photo 1.) (Since you are setting a screw so I chose to make my box 11" inch- close to the edge of your material For AD Rates ~ DONNA ~ (EXT. 118) Page 48 Cowboy Chronicle April 2008 MICHIGAN RATTLER By Cree Vicar Dave, SASS Life #49907 TG Sucker Creek Michigan ment of hair and with a leather belt he would build me a smaller set around his waist …” A leather belt that would offer a little more wrist around his waist. Here is a man of support. He was more than happy God who stood his ground and told to accommodate. it like it was even to a king. Maybe Wouldn’t ya know it, before I that’s the reason I’m so inclined to had finished stare’in down this rat- wrap leather items around the sev- tler, I had ordered cuffs, shotgun eral parts of my body. belt, knife sheath, and other odds I’d been a thinkin’ ‘bout gittin’ and ends. His bite on the ol’ mon- some cuffs for a spell; not just for eybag wasn’t bad at all, though. He show, but because at my age my does very nice work and doesn’t wrists go on the fritz from time to mind custom jobs. Cree Vicar Dave, time, so a little support would be in So the next time you all are at a SASS Life #49907 order. I spotted the big dress cuffs shoot and walkin’ through the mer- Territorial Governor and asked this tall lean “Rattler” if cantile section, keep both your eyes Sucker Creek Michigan came face to face with a “Rattler” Ilast September. Not any rattler mind ya, but a “Michigan Rattler.” Michigan Rattlers are rare. I saw one while the neighbor boys and I were playing out in the fields when I was “knee high to a grasshopper,” as my pa used to say. But this wide open for a “Michigan “Michigan Rattler” was right out in Rattler.” Cause iffen ya lock the open almost like he wanted to eyes with his wares, you may be spotted. have to open your money belt It was at the Michigan State and pull out the antidote. It Cowboy Action Shooting™ match happened to me, sure enough, that goes on the first weekend of but I’m well pleased with the September. I was walking around outcome. the corner of the merchants’ tents If you would like an and there he was big as life, encounter with a “Michigan Michigan Rattler, SASS #70590. Rattler,” check out his website: He had a whole display of leather www.weezilmalone.com/gun- goods any cowboy or cowgirl would leather, or contact him at be proud to strap on. In II Kings [email protected]. Phone Chapter 1 and verse 8 there is a 616-475-1186. depiction of Elijah, the prophet of Hope to see ya on the trail. God, “… He was a man with a gar- [email protected]