MercantileEXCITINGSee section our (starting on page 90) NovemberNovemberNovember 2001 2001 2001 CowboyCowboyCowboy ChronicleChronicleChronicle PagePagePage 111 The Cowboy Chronicle~ The Monthly Journal of the Single Action Shooting Society ® Vol. 22 No. 8 © Single Action Shooting Society, Inc. August 2009 SHOOTOUT AT MULE CAMP 2009 May 21 – 24, 2009 .14 Years Already?!?, By Colonel Dan, SASS Life #24025
onyers, GA – It seems See HIGHLIGHTS on page 72 the years that crept by when we were young, team can fit into a six day week— C zoom by as we get older. If days filled with and focused on all you can believe it, the 2009 Shootout things Cowboy Action Shooting™. at Mule Camp was the 14th year for Tuesday and Wednesday offered an our famous Southeast Regional education at the SASS University Championship! conducted by Longhunter, a champi- In conjunction with their long on shooter of national renown, long- time primary sponsor, Hodgdon/ range matches on the 200 yard line, IMR Powder Company, the Mule as well as the opportunity to become Camp Cowboys, led by that dedicat- RO-I and -II qualified. Thursday was ed SASS Hall of Famer, San designed for side matches, the Quinton, put on a match this year Southeast Territorial Blackpowder that allowed everyone to shoot their Shootout, warm up stages for the game. If you had a need for speed, gamers among us, the Wild Bunch the stage set up and scenarios Match, and other unique entertain- made it easy to blaze away. If you ment provided by the likes of were in it for clean, you could do Lassiter, Doc Henry Johnson, Jim that too—and 33 did clean it along Bowman, Barbwire Bluegrass, with 8 others at the Blackpowder James Dunham, and Joe “Hoppy” Match! The targets were big and Sullivan. The day was then capped close with very straight-forward off by the Territorial Governors scenarios—I didn’t detect one “P” meeting late that afternoon. Friday trap on any of the 10 stages! Mule and Saturday were reserved for the Camp 2009 was the most straight main match and the on-going speed forward Regional I’ve attended in shopping side matches for those pre- the last 10 years … and since I’m ferring to sling credit cards rather not a young Captain anymore, than cowboy guns. Hardy congratulations to our two Lead Mules and Southeast Regional straight forward is personally pre- Champions. Red River Ray and Maggie Darlin’ held off some Friday evening was the scene of VERY tough competition to be crowned as champions this year! a particularly special event. Coyote Calhoun, the venerable SASS Wild SASS Cowboy Chronicle ferred and very much appreciated! This year it was a tribute to Tales of Bunch representative was THE big One thing I personally look for- the West dime novels authored by winner of the Intercontinental ward to is what unique match theme SASS member, Agoura Kid, SASS Horseshoe throwing contest held at In This Issue those Mule Campers come up with #4738, aka David Brooks—another Mule Camp this year! I always every year. For 2008, it was western distinctive idea indeed! knew Coyote had more going for him 60 CIVIL WAR CARBINES cartoons featuring my all time It amazes me how many opportu- than just a talent for picking flashy
by Tuolumne Lawman favorite little guy, Yosemite Sam. nities for cowboy fun this Mule Camp (Continued on page 71)
64 CASTLE GATE www.sassnet.com
SMUDGE MATCH 87015 NM Edgewood, by Billy Dixon Way Cowboy 215
76 LAND RUN C h C by Cal Cogburn r o o w BUFFALO STAMPEDE n b 78 i o by Tex c y 82 WESTMATCH XVII l by The Elder Katie e Page 2 Cowboy Chronicle August 2009 August 2009 Cowboy Chronicle Page 3 Page 4 Cowboy Chronicle August 2009 August 2009 Cowboy Chronicle Page 5 The Cowboy CCONTENTSONTENTS Chronicle
6 FROM THE EDITOR Attitude Is Everything! ...
8-10 NEWS Prescott Heritage Days, a Bygone Era . . . Slixprings . . . “The Ruger Roundup” . . . Editorial Staff Tex 12-23 LETTERS Comments From SASS Members . . . Editor-in-Chief Cat Ballou 16 CAT’S CORNER A Primer For Cowboy Action ShootingTM Cowgirls . . . Editor Coyote Calhoun 18 COYOTE DROPPINGS Stage Writing 101 - (Part II) ... Managing Editor & Marketing Director
24 POLITICAL Press Conference On Gun Control (January 2013) ... Adobe Illustrator Layout & Design
26-36 ARTICLES A Shot In The Dark . . . Stockyards And Reenactors . . . Mac Daddy Graphic Design What’s The Call? . . . A Buckboard Look Alike . . . 38-48 GUNS & GEAR Donna Oakley Advertising Administrator 50 REVIEWS BOOKS The Captured (A True Story of Abductiion By Indians) ... (714) 269-9899 • Fax: (714) 998-1915 Contributing Writers 52, 56 MOUNTED Cowboy Mounted Shooting (Choosing Your Outfit) ... Blue Steel Traveller, Buckskin Dave, Capt. George Baylor, 54-55 SASS CONVENTION AND WILD WEST CHRISTMAS (Sign Up!) ... Col. Dan, Inspector, Ivan Innaccurate, Joe Fasthorse, Larsen Pettifogger, Miss Tabitha, Miz Annie Ross, 58, 59 HISTORY Famous People . . . Trumpeter Voss At Custer’s Last Stand (Part III) ... Morning Dove, Oracle, Palaver Pete, Rosebrook Kid, Seven Ladders, 60 REVIEWS PRODUCTS Civil War Firearms Go West (Part 4) ... Shanny Sue, Tuolumne Lawman, Turquoise Lil, Whooper Crane To Be Remembered . . . The Cowboy Chronicle is published by 63 TRAIL MARKER The Wild Bunch, Board of Directors of The Single Action Shooting Society. 64-82 ON THE RANGE What’s Goin’ On In Your Town? . . . For advertising information and rates, administrative, and editorial offices contact: Chronicle Administrator 84, 86 CLUB REPORTS Bunkhouse Bidness . . . Buccaneer Range Regulators . . . 215 Cowboy Way Edgewood, NM 87015 (505) 843-1320 90-96 SASS MERCANTILE (Nice Collectables) . . . FAX (505) 843-1333 email: [email protected] 97-99 CLASSIFIED http://www.sassnet.com The Cowboy Chronicle (ISSN 15399877) is published monthly by the Single Action 100- SASS AFFILIATED CLUBS (MONTHLY, ANNUAL) Shooting Society, 215 Cowboy Way, Edgewood, NM 87015. Periodicals Postage is Paid at ANAHEIM, CA and additional 107 SASS NEW MEMBER APPLICATION mailing offices (USPS #020-591). POST- MASTER: Send address changes to The Cowboy Chronicle, 215 Cowboy Way, Edgewood, NM 87015. SASS® Trademarks DISCLAIMER - The Single Action Shooting ® ® Society does not guarantee, warranty or SASS , Single Action Shooting Society , endorse any product or service advertised END of TRAIL®, EOT®, in this newspaper. The publisher also does The Cowboy ChronicleTM, not guarantee the safety or effectiveness Cowboy Action ShootingTM, of any product or service illustrated. The distribution of some products/services may TM CAS , be illegal in some areas, and we do not The World Championship of assume responsibility thereof. State and Cowboy Action ShootingTM, local laws must be investigated by the pur- Bow-legged Cowboy Design, and the chaser prior to purchase or use or prod- ucts/services. he European Championship of Cowboy Action Shooting™, Days of Rocking Horse Design are all trademarks of WARNING: Neither the author nor The TTruth, was held near Prague, Czech Republic in July. It was a great Cowboy Chronicle can accept any responsi- match featuring many excellent competitors from all over Europe. Trips The Single Action Shooting Society, Inc. bility for accidents or differing results Any use or reproduction of these marks obtained using reloading data. Variation to matches like this also provide ample opportunity to do a little touring. without the express written permission in handloading techniques, compo- Prague is beautiful with a rich history, and much of it is preserved, as nents, and firearms will make results of SASS is strictly prohibited. exemplified by the “Prague Castle” on the other side of the Vltava River vary. Have a competent gunsmith check your firearms before firing. high on a hill overlooking the city. Look for a match report next month! Page 6 Cowboy Chronicle August 2009
ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING! By Tex, SASS #4
some cases, our best is awesome … month? (Yes, I know some remem- better, and you’re disappointed you but for most of us it’s simply “good ber everything, but most of us don’t!) failed to accomplish all you wanted enough.” When new folks join our What we do remember is whether or on that particular stage. But, the posse, we welcome the additions, not we had fun. Who had difficulties only acceptable result of this disap- make them feel right at home, and and worked their way out of it? Who pointment is to resolve to not make encourage them to help us in our argued for a better call long after it that mistake again and do better on chase. Things don’t always work our was appropriate? Who threw a the next stage. Throwing gear on the Tex, SASS #4 perfect … sometimes we miss our tantrum and walked off the playing ground or stomping off the range is ~SASS Hall of Fame Inductee~ targets or make a mistake, and when field? Winning feels good for the totally inappropriate and unappreci- that happens, the outlaws get away winner, but no one else really cares. ated by those out to enjoy the after- … to be chased again another day. What really matters is did I have a noon. If one’s attitude is that bad, owboy Action is a fantasy In my opinion, anyone who does- good match and were my pardners it’s best to find another game. game. It’s a game where we n’t have this attitude is missing the friendly and helpful. Think about it. There are some folks who, for C can take the day off, be out- point of Cowboy Action. Yes, there When one is awarded a proce- whatever reason, need to make side with our friends, and play the are some who are in the game to dural or a miss, there are no rules themselves more important. Typi- games of our youth. The only real win. They are competitors through that say one must be happy about it. cally, the really good competitors difference is in the price of our toys! and through … but if they can’t see 99% of the time the RO’s are doing don’t have to say a word … they let As in our youth, we take great and experience the fantasy side of the best (most honest) job they can their guns do their talking. It’s the delight in chasing the bad guys, the game, they’re missing a big part … and we’ve earned our misses and “wanna bes” who are pretty good, but laughing and giggling, and reveling of the experience. Winning is won- procedurals. There’s no point in not top notch (and likely never will in the camaraderie of our buddies. derful … and everyone adores the being upset with the spotters, but it’s be), who feel the need to take on airs, As when chasing the bad guys, winners … but who remembers next OK to be upset with one’s self. It’s reminding folks of their “exalted” we all want to do our best … and in month who won the match last natural to feel you could have done (Continued on next page) August 2009 Cowboy Chronicle Page 7
(Continued from previous page) extreme connotation … to the point position within the organization, or where new folks have a difficult time how many matches they’ve won, or joining the posse. PLEASE take a what trials and tribulations they’ve look at your club activities and see if recently overcome to get to the posi- you are consistently seeking out the tion they presently occupy. Who new attendees at your match and cares? Excellence is generally recog- making these folks feel welcome. nized and respected … but it’s a bore Pay particular attention if they are when it’s demanded. Don’t be a bore! new to shooting … we were all there I continue to have fantasies once. It’s time to give a little back to about the growth potential of SASS the game and help these new folks and Cowboy Action. I’m very become part of the “insiders” club. encouraged with the game in Last, there are some match Europe … it’s beginning to blos- directors who still insist on making som, and the shooters in Europe “real men” out of their participants. are full of enthusiasm. I encourage Small targets, distant targets, everyone to make plans to attend tricky scenarios, stages that cater one of the matches in Europe at to the more experienced competi- your earliest opportunity. Most of tors, and the like are terribly dis- us aren’t getting any younger … couraging to newcomers … and can there may not be a “next year!” often get in the way of our cowboy For Cowboy Action to grow, new fantasies! Read Coyote’s column members must join our ranks. Even on stage design in this and the pre- at 80,000+ members, there are mil- vious issue. Make Cowboy Action lions of potential cowboys waiting to fun for your guests! discover our game and join a nearby Attitude is important. Good atti- club. Unfortunately, many of our tude makes for fun events and sur- potential new members are being roundings, and this is what brings ignored, or worse yet, made to feel people back. Bad attitudes play to unwelcome (yuck, they shoot way too the enjoyment of the very few, and slow … they’re holding things up!), are never conducive to continued and they never come back. It growth of our game. Be happy, be appears the joy of playing the game enthusiastic, and be helpful, and with our friends has taken on an those around you will be as well!
VISIT THE SASS WEB SITE AT WWW.SASSNET.COM Page 8 Cowboy Chronicle August 2009
THE PRESCOTT VICTORIAN SOCIETY PRESENTS Prescott Heritage Days, a Bygone Era rescott, AZ – As The Prescott of Prescott, the etiquette, and cultur- Victorian Society prepares to al aspects of the era. The Society Ppresent its first annual also makes appearances at the By Lillian Smith-Boyd “Heritage Days, a Bygone Era” cele- request of such prominent organiza- The Prescott Victorian Society bration, an introduction to The tions as The Sharlot Hall Museum Society seems most appropriate. The hand sew “sock monkeys” Prescott Victorian Society, well for holiday donations to known throughout Arizona and such organizations as beyond, is a non-profit organization Catholic Charities and The of men and women who share a com- Stepping Stones Organi- mon interest in the history and fash- zation for Battered Women ions of the Victorian era, the years and Children. 1837 through 1910. This interest The newest plan of activities for the near future is one we look for- ward to with great antici- pation and hope to instill in the public the same enthusiastic anticipation and The Elks Opera House, and may and excitement, our first annual often be seen in costume on prome- “Heritage Days, a Bygone Era.” nade throughout downtown Prescott. This weekend event will take Some of the many other activi- place from Thursday, October 29, ties The Society participates in 2009 through Sunday, November 1, extends to the care and concern in throughout the year include monthly 2009 and will be filled with activi- preserving and educating the public costume luncheons at various eating ties that are guaranteed to keep regarding the history of the “Old establishments around the city, regu- everyone interested and enter- West” town of Prescott. lar fashion workshops, an annual ice tained the entire weekend. To accomplish this, The Society crème social, an annual Grand Following is a preview of some of the holds monthly “program meetings” to Victorian Ball, the Prescott Frontier activities The Society has planned: which the public is invited where Days and Christmas parades, a Thursday, October 29th guest speakers present a historic Spring “Tea,” and much, much more. 10:00 am – A tour of the Prescott program based on a famous (or infa- The Society is also well known Brewing Company with beer tasting mous) personage, event, architecture for it’s charitable efforts. Generous and will include lunch. Tours will accommodate 12-15 people each. financial donations to such 6:30 pm – Dinner and a show at organizations as The the world famous Palace Restaurant Prescott Library, Sharlot and Saloon featuring Wyatt Earp. As Hall Museum, and The Elks a special treat for the gentlemen Opera House Foundation there will be a separate room set have been, and continue to aside for brandy and cigars, if you be made. The ladies of The desire. We may be fortunate enough Society have revived the to have a Faro demonstration in the Victorian tradition of “par- saloon by Sheriff Bucky O’Neil, or an lour arts” whereby they appearance by The Arizona Rangers gather together annually to (Continued on next page) August 2009 Cowboy Chronicle Page 9
SLIXPRINGS*- MAIN Faster, Smoother, Durable Mainspring Replacement for
K4B Enterprises, makers of • Want a Faster Lock Time? T“SliXprings*” and “SliXpins”, WINCHESTER is pleased to announce a newly • Tired of those intermittent misfires? designed “SliXpring-Main” replace- • Tired of continually adjusting hammer tension? ment Mainspring system designed • This is the System!! 1873 STYLE to complement an already properly tuned and short stroked Winches- RIFLES ter style 1873 rifle or carbine. Its sole purpose is to provide a faster lever cycle feel for the not yet lock time (faster, more positive absolutely competitive shooter. hammer travel), a more dependable The manufacturers want to primer strike and a more durable, clearly point out that if you have longer lasting, smoother cycling little or no idea how this Spring kit competition grade spring opera- is supposed to work, get help or tion. In most cases, it will feel a bit find someone who does know how more brisk in the initial cocking to install them. Due to all the vari- action of your rifle, but be assured ations in machining tolerances on it will respond much more smooth- the different rifles, this is not a ly throughout the hammer cycle “one-size-fits-all” perfect” drop-in than a normal leaf style spring. set. It may/will take some individ- Plus, it is at least 30% faster than ual fitting. Contact your local your competitively adjusted leaf styles, the “Kit” itself is manufac- for different levels of speed, the kit “Smith” to arrange installation. spring. The “SliXpring-Main” kit tured so the qualified installer/ will include two axles. The basic Our practice installations have requires competent installation tuner can fairly easily fit and align axle will provide the fastest possi- taken about an hour to finish. with minimal stock fitting and is the unit for optimum operation. It ble lock time and the most positive Price: $75, Plus S&H, and installation completely reversible to your exist- will not fit the earlier square primer detonation while still * * * ing arrangement. bridge lower tangs and some retaining a smooth action cycle. A The sets are available from: Because there are so many dif- Border Rifle tangs without Tang smaller diameter axle is also Long Hunter Supply at: ferent tolerances and dimensions modification. included which will still provide a http://www.longhunt.com/ or between bolts, hammers, lower Also, since there are many dif- noticeably faster lock time but PHONE: 806-365-0093 tangs, action frames and tune-up ferent styles of shooting and needs with a slightly lighter, smoother *A trademark of TK4B Enterprises, LLC
THE PRESCOTT VICTORIAN SOCIETY Row,” and delight in the wonders of 3. Barbershop quartet featuring the Old West. Prescott’s “Song of the Pines” PRESENTS . . . All day – Sharlot Hall Museum will entertain you at the (Continued from previous page) Shady Ladies will also make an tour. Victorian Tea Garden of the or The Rough Riders. Space is limit- appearance. 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm – The Hassayampa Inn or at “The ed to 150 people. 6:00 pm – Dinner and a show at Prescott Victorian Society’s annual Gazebo” at the Courthouse Friday, October 30th The St. Michael Hotel featuring the Grand Ball. Elegant ladies and gen- Square. 11:00 am to 2:00 pm – wonderful Prescott actress and re- tlemen in all their Victorian Come and join us as we re-visit 1. Victorian tea and fashion enactor, Jodie Drake, in the persona Ballroom finery will dance the times past. Meet historic characters show at the elegant Hassa- of Miss Sharlot Hall. evening away to period music and and revel in historic events of a yampa Inn. Saturday, October 31st dance calling of “Miss Tabitha,” of bygone era told by some of Prescott’s 2. A historic presentation of 10:00 am and 12:00 noon – Take River Crossing Inc. Period dress is well-known historians and re-enac- antique weaponry at The St. a walking tour of historic “Whiskey optional, evening attire is requested. tors. Enjoy lunch or dinner in some Michael Hotel presented by Row,” or see many of the Victorian Space is limited to 120 people. of our fine restaurants and tearooms. Bob Sachs. Bob is well known homes that line the streets of old Sunday, November 1st You will have lots of time to stroll as a historian of weaponry and Prescott and hear the stories of some 10:00 am – Citizens or Pioneer the plaza and historic streets of will have on hand many orig- of their original owners and occu- Cemetery tour. Prescott, Arizona and to visit its inal, antique weapons for your pants with Prescott historian 11:30 am – Luncheon at one of museums, galleries, and shops. enjoyment. Get your tickets Melissa Ruffner. Prescott’s many fine restaurants or This event will provide the per- early due to limited space. Lunchtime: Relax at one of the Cafés, including Murphy’s fect setting in which to “dress up” in 3. Jim Lockwood with a histori- many wonderful Prescott eateries in Restaurant, The Prescott Brewing your Victorian/Edwardian costumes cal presentation of special town: The Bistro at St. Michael’s, The Co., The Lone Spur, The Gurly St. and step back in time to a kinder, interest for the men. Firehouse, Cupper’s, and many others. Grill, and more. gentler, period in our history. 3:00 pm – Our own Robbie 10:00 am and 2:00 pm – Vintage From 2:00 pm – Details of “Heritage Days, a Heintzman will portray Lillie trolley tours of downtown Prescott. 1. Croquet on the lawn at the Bygone Era” will be updated as Langtry at the world famous Jersey All day – Experience antique Courthouse Square, possibly events are finalized, so be sure to Lilly Saloon. Here we will hold a shopping along Prescott’s quaint to include a picnic (your own). check our website for current status. really fun moustache contest, and streets and byways, explore the 2. Promenade along picturesque, We can be found at: The Prescott Regulators and their shops along world renown “Whiskey Victorian Mt. Vernon St. theprescottvictoriansociety.com Page 10 Cowboy Chronicle August 2009
“THE RUGER ROUNDUP” ARIZONA STATE MOUNTED CHAMPIONSHIP COMES TO PRESCOTT,ARIZONA
he fabled image of the Western Cowboy Artists of America are the Tcowboy still rides high in Prescott, romantic sheen and the underlying Arizona. The mountains that sur- current is Frontier Days and the round Prescott have become the World’s Oldest Rodeo. The Prescott Mecca of American Western realism Ranch Rangers Mounted Shooting that celebrates the cowboy way of life. Club will proudly play host to this In this town that heroic symbol of premiere SASS Mounted Shooting American independence and self- event aptly named Ruger Roundup. reliance is exalted through two ongo- “With the small town sense of ing institutions: cowboy art and one of Western ambiance, we see this event the world’s oldest rodeos; and will now keeping true to Prescott’s bond of the be the venue for the “THE RUGER past and present and in what is today ROUNDUP.” The Arizona State Ruger’s 60th birthday will certainly Mounted Shooting Championship for be homage to Ruger’s legacy” says the Single Action Shooting Society Dave Anderson, President of the will be held at the Prescott Rodeo Prescott Ranch Rangers and an Grounds August 7, 8, & 9, 2009. Engineer for Ruger Firearms of Prescott relishes its prestigious Prescott, Arizona; “…we feel this fit with the American West where event embodies the tradition of
Prescott and certainly is in keeping to bring forth blue-ribbon execution. with the Spirit of the Single Action Riders will compete in their Shooting Society and Ruger respective divisions in a six-stage Firearms,” adds Anderson, “One of the match Friday and Saturday culminat- reasons I live in Prescott is the Old ing in a return for the “Top Gun West-style of living and knowing my Showdown.” This event will be a spec- horse is still going to be valued years tacular, bang-up, full tilt mounted from now. The Prescott Ranch shooting extravaganza at the Prescott Rangers, Ruger, Bianchi International Rodeo Grounds which can seat over and SASS like the central location to 4,000 spectators. It boasts a 35,000 the Regions we serve and hope to sq. ft. arena floor, an electronic score- build this State event for the benefit board, 10,000 watt fully equipped of the community and the sport.” JBL/QSC sound system. The gated “Ruger has established a long facility offers a barn, outside arena standing presence in Prescott, Arizona facilities, warm up pen, stock pens and is proud to bring this event to the and spacious camping areas. community as we celebrate Ruger’s In addition to cutting edge mount- 60th anniversary,” says Mark Lang, ed shooting, The Ruger Roundup will Group Vice President of Ruger. serve up a full schedule of continuous The Ruger Roundup is the SASS mounted shooting fun with Mounted Arizona State Mounted Shooting Shooters of America “Wrangler 20X” Championship where distinguished jackpot match. The entire event is mounted shooting competitors from just minutes to downtown Prescott around the country in ladies and which offers a magnificent variety of men’s Divisions 1-5 ride all breeds of culture and experience, Old Western horses and shoot two .45 caliber single merchandise, antiques, memorabilia, action revolvers each loaded with 5 arts, crafts, museums and great food, rounds of black powder blank ammu- all available for spectators and partic- nition at reactionary balloon targets ipants alike. Prescott Rodeo Grounds set in random patterns called ‘stages’. is located at 840 Rodeo Dr. Prescott, The timed event involves strategy, the Arizona. For more information visit goal being penalty-free performance wwwprescottrangers.com. This event where rider and horse are challenged is an extravaganza not to be missed! August 2009 Cowboy Chronicle Page 11 Page 12 Cowboy Chronicle August 2009
WHAT IS SO GREAT about the fact they were laid off from a campfire after a day of shooting and Admittedly, if a stage calls for more ABOUT SASS their job and how difficult it may be to sing silly songs and do silly dances than two shotgun rounds, this could find a new job in these economic and not everyone thinks they are give a slight advantage to those using COWBOY ACTION times. All your cowboy friends that totally crazy; they are just having a magazine guns over those using SXS SHOOTING? have heard the bad news surround good time with great friends. guns. However, other disadvantages An editorial by you with such a friendship and gen- In Cowboy Action Shooting™, if already exist in Cowboy Action, to-wit: Willy Fire, SASS #75733 uine concern, you forget what you are only for a day, one can feel support Shooters using normal powered .44 going through back in the real world. and camaraderie most of the world and .45 loads are disadvantaged by I had sent a friend of mine from In Cowboy Action Shooting™ a never ever gets to experience. If only those using under-powered .32 and church a link to view our club on child and their parent that may not everyone in the world could spend one .38 loads. To be realistic, in the Old YouTube. The next time I saw him he have had the best of relationships for day at a Cowboy Action Shoot, just West, after the mid-1870’s, those said, “you seem to really get excited the past few years can reconnect and imagine what a better place our world using cartridge revolvers had an about that cowboy stuff. What is so become closer than they would have would be. Invite a friend to come out advantage over those still using cap great about it?” Well, it got me to ever imagined. with you and see how great things can and ball revolvers. I think its time the thinking. In Cowboy Action Shooting™ a be! Cowboy Action Shooting™ – the rules “catch up” with the reality of Here is what is so great about youngster that may not get the atten- way the world should be! Cowboy Action Shooting™. Cowboy Action Shooting™, especially tion they deserve at home can come out Brazos Bob, from my experience with the Mt. and feel like they are part of a family. SASS#6010 Valley Vigilantes. A family that offers them support by SASS RULE CHANGE Tyler TX (www.mvvcowboys.homestead.com) cheering for them with every shot they Having been a cowboy shooter (Nope! Bad idea! It wouldn’t be a slight With Cowboy Action Shooting™ make. Heck, even kids need to be able since 1994, I’ve always been aware of advantage, it would be a HUGE advan- you form a bond and a fellowship with to forget about their sorrows and pains. the use by some shooters of the 1897 tage! We’ve seen in the Wild Bunch fantastic people that will do absolute- In Cowboy Action Shooting™ you Winchester shotguns (or replicas matches where the ’97 can be “stoked” ly anything in the world for you. Even can spend time with your spouse that thereof). The last few years, I’ve there is an awesome amount of lead if it means loaning you equipment or helps you have a common bond. You noticed a marked increase in shooters that can be sent down range in a very ammo that might just allow you to get so caught up in the fun and excite- using original or replicas of the 1887 short period of time. Admittedly, we’ve beat them at the game. ment that as a couple, if only for a lit- Winchester shotguns. also noticed, it’s loads of FUN as well! In Cowboy Action Shooting™ one tle while, you forget about the issues I propose we change the rules to One rule change that could be explored, can escape all the worries of the real facing both of you at home. allow magazine shotguns to be loaded however, would allow the magazine world, if only for a day. A person can With Cowboy Action Shooting,™ off the clock, but leaving the chamber shotguns to be stoked on the clock after have so much fun they can forget grown men and women can sit around empty—just as we do with rifles. starting empty … Editor in Chief) August 2009 Cowboy Chronicle Page 13 Page 14 Cowboy Chronicle August 2009
CARRYING THE FIGHT TO THE OTHER CHOIR By Palaver Pete, SASS Life/Regulator #4375
time we were totally united as a whammy against the Amendment. by providing words and statistics nation. Since that time we have Okay, let’s shift gears here for a they seldom see. A good place to meet fought several “Police Actions,” “Wars minute. The fight is continuous, and this alien choir is your local of Containment,” and the “War against it’s getting harder and harder to fight, Community Clubs such as the Terrorism,” but these “Little Wars” we all know that, and our usual tack Chambers of Commerce, Rotary, Elk brought controversy instead of the is to fight it within the choir that’s and Moose Clubs, and (of all places), unity we experienced during WWII. already in our pocket. What we need local Bulletin Boards. The Fight gets even tougher as to do is to add a new dimension to the Bulletin Boards are exceptional- time goes by, because that unity I fight. Belonging to the NRA and con- ly good places to post information mentioned earlier is gone, and our tributing to shooting related venues such as that provided by the Palaver Pete, children are growing up in an envi- and talking to each other is the stan- Columnist Ann Coulter and listed SASS Life/Regulator #4375 ronment totally alien to us. Instead of dard approach … these approaches, here for your use. We need to let non- hunting after school, or hunting with plus the dollars we spend in support- shooting people know we shooters “Let’s All Surrender Our Weapons— Dad’s, Uncles, and Aunts, our young ing shooting related venues helps, no are not the crazies out there causing You First!” ones are busy playing Wii Games or denying it, but there’s more that the mayhem. Working thusly, we can he rash of senseless killings of late texting messages to their friends. needs to be done. Our united effort to become a force beyond that of the Treminds us the fight to protect and Don’t get mad at the kids, they are date is commonly referred to as “talk- NRA and help our cause immeasur- defend our Second Amendment rights totally normal. Staring for hours at ing to and supporting the choir.” ably. Okay, gear down again, and is a forever fight. Will it ever end? No, computer, laptop and cell phone We’ve been doing this since the Judge take a hard look at what Ann has to it will never end. There will be paus- screens is simply what kid’s do today lit his first cigar. What we need to do say below. If you are like me, and I es in the fight … pauses when the all over the world. Dads need to share now is talk to those who live outside think you are, you can recognize how anti-gun people get their minds off some of the blame—Dad’s don’t hunt “the choir;” we need to carry the fight valuable this information is—it’s attacking our freedom. A most recent or shoot as much as they used to, and to the other choir. sensationalism in a sense … but pause was the Second World War Aunts and Uncles have moved to Those who live and scheme then, one can never underestimate when the country was united in another state. What used to be family against us don’t belong to our choir, the public’s fascination with horror. defeating the Axis Powers. I say unity went in the same direction as therefore, we need to find out where Cut the following information out, or WWII, because that’s really the last the national unity. It’s a double they are singing and join their chorus (Continued on next page) August 2009 Cowboy Chronicle Page 15 (Continued from previous page) dropout with “violent tendencies”— re-type it if necessary and photo copy according to one of his ex-wives— several copies, and then start posting who shot up the nursing home in it to the aforementioned bulletin Carthage, NC where his newly boards … or use it in any manner you estranged wife worked. think might work. It’s getting the 4. Lovelle Mixon, 26, a paroled word out! You can write an introduc- felon, struggling to get his life back tion if you like. Here’s a suggested on track by pimping, who shot four introduction and example: cops in Oakland, CA … before even- “Howdy Neighbor! Here’s some tually being shot himself. information about recent shootings 5. Twenty-eight-year-old Michael the media sometimes elects to leave McLendon, child of divorce, living with out of the news. Guns are most often his mother and boycotting family blamed for these senseless killings, funerals because he hated his rela- while little or no attention is given to tives, who killed 10 of those relatives the culprit. Take a close look at this and their neighbors in Samson, AL. information and judge for yourself if Footnote: The above was extract- guns are the problem, or is it the fact ed from the article Let’s All whatever we do as a nation, we can’t Surrender Our Weapons—You first! do much about mental illness, brutal- By Ann Coulter, dated April 8, 2009. ity, and drug addiction. Take a look!” As you can see dear reader, these So far, this year’s public multiple are not your typical law abiding citi- shootings were committed by: zens who fight daily to maintain 1. Richard Poplawski, 23, prod- their right to keep and bear arms as uct of a broken family, expelled from granted by the Second Amendment high school and dishonorably dis- to the Constitution of the United charged from the Marines, who States. Please keep this in mind killed three policemen in Pittsburgh. when it is suggested the Second 2. Former crack addict Jiverly Amendment be abolished. Wong, 41, who told co-workers “America “You could say the paparazzi and sucks” yet somehow was not offered a the tabloids are sort of the ‘assault job as a speechwriter for Barack weapons’ of the First Amendment. Obama. Wong blockaded his victims in They’re ugly, a lot of people don’t like a civic center in Binghamton, NY, and them, but they’re protected by the shot as many people as he could before First Amendment—just as ‘assault killing himself. weapons’ are protected by the Second 3. Robert Stewart, 45, a three- Amendment.” time divorcee and high school – Charlton Heston Page 16 Cowboy Chronicle August 2009
WHAT WOMEN WORE: A PRIMER FOR COWBOY ACTION SHOOTING™ COWGIRLS , Chapter 3 – The Early (Soft) Bustle Period: 1869 (67) - 1876 (75) aka Bustles and Puffs: 1867-1874
Cat Ballou, SASS #55 By Miz Annie Ross, SASS #60919 ~SASS Hall of Fame Inductee~
s women tired of the hoopskirts of the her own sewing machine. The bodice was corset-like in design with bon- 1860’s, they found them replaced with the By 1875, the bustle was becoming smaller, but ing and variations in decoration and sleeves. As A bustle, a pillow in the rear that might be the excess fabric in the rear remained. This full- the decade began, most bodices ended at the nat- tied around the waist or sewn into the garment. ness began to drop down the back of the garment ural waistline and the overskirt was fitted over Bustle frames of boning or light metal were also and was formed into a tiered, draped train. Trains the bodice, showing a belt or large bow in the used to create this rounded look. This shaping were heavily ornamented with frills, pleats, ruf- back. But soon, the most popular bodice style supported and accentuated drapes on the hips, fles, braids, and fringing. Ribbons and artificial became those with a point in the center front. actually creating a shelf-like derriere. fabric flowers were also added. More vertical lines Many bodices were made to look like opening Dresses were most often made in two (or began to appear in trimmings, replacing the hori- jackets with a wide peplum (a short overskirt or more) pieces so the weight of the bustled and zontal lines seen earlier in this era. ruffle) attached around the waist. draped fabric would not pull on the bodice. Bodices The Basque, a very short overskirt, eventual- ly extending over the hips, became popular, as Silhouette/Skirts well as the Polonaise, a fitted bodice and overskirt As this era began, the overall in one garment. silhouette was still full in the Evening bodices were similar in design but front, but there was even off-the-shoulder with a square or heart-shaped more fabric in the back. neckline, showing more cleavage for evening! Strings were sewn into the Sleeves side seams then gathered in As the era began, sleeves for daywear often the rear to create fullness. had a bell shape or pleats to make them appear All evening dresses were full below the elbow. Typically, they were trained, as were many day straight above the elbow and fuller below, dresses. Only walking although straight sleeves with lace or ruffles at dresses remained floor- the cuff are also seen. Full-length sleeves often length. had heavy and ornate cuffs that might extend as Horizontal lines were high as the elbow. The two-piece coat sleeve featured in trims and became a fashion staple. necklines. Evening sleeves featured ruffles, puffing, Dresses included an and bows. overskirt or at the least, Closure trimmings designed to Hooks and eyes or buttons ran down the simulate one. The over- front of day dresses. Closures were often in the skirt produced an apron- back for evening dresses and back lacing was like effect in the front. still popular. Some of these top skirts Tapes were sewn into the bodice at the waist actually came to be called aprons. and hook-and-eye closures were common. Contrasting underskirts and linings Accessories Short gloves were worn at the beginning of Sly, SASS #28067, wears an Early Bustle the era, increasing to mid-length by its close. evening gown of deep purple velvet Twelve-to-fifteen button gloves were worn for featuring a lace apron overskirt. evening. Muffs, often decorated with birds, helped keep a lady’s hands warm. were revealed when the overskirt was divided or Fine family jewelry continued to be popular. turned back. These underskirts were often sepa- Tiffany’s opened in New York City with fine dia- rated into sections with the front, sides, and Southpaw Sadie, SASS #49471, mond, sapphire, and emerald jewelry for sale. backs trimmed separately. More and more trim- wears an afternoon dress made of Earrings were chandelier (dangle) style. ming was added until the underskirt was often peach cotton with a print apron Lockets and chains were popular. A velvet rib- completely covered. Quantities of commercially- overskirt and print ruffling bon was often tied about the neck, a forerunner made, mass-produced trims were readily avail- accenting the bodice. of the choker. able and a lady might sew them on by hand or use August 2009 Cowboy Chronicle Page 17
Miss April models a small hat that matches her afternoon dress.
Hats of the era were small or bonnet-style with ribbons that tied under the chin or were worn loose down the back. Most hats covered the hair on the crown of the head and were worn tipped forward. Some framed hats, with or without ribbon ties, were also worn. Wreaths, flower sprays or ribbons were worn in the hair for evening. (This is a condensation of Chapter 3 of the book “What Women Wore: A Primer for Cowboy Action Shooting™ Cowgirls” To find out more about this era and other Victorian styles, email [email protected] for information on purchasing your own copy of the book.) Page 18 Cowboy Chronicle August 2009 Coyote With Coyote Calhoun Droppings STAGE WRITING 101 – PA RT I I or Part II What works on paper doesn’t always Always remember, stages should work on the range! be designed for all shooters, and you should accommodate handicapped By Coyote Calhoun, SASS #201 they allow some assumptions by the shooters as well as younger and older stage writer. For example, when a shooters. It is also a good idea to shooting the stage sometimes makes shooter is finished with a long gun, it is design stages, whenever possible, to for a better stage. For instance, to be made safe, plain and simple. So, be “ambidextrous”—that is, allow should the shooter take the shotgun if your stage requires a shooter to shoot movement right to left or left to right with them to the next position, or his rifle at one position and move to depending upon whether the shooter should they be given the latitude just another, you can either tell the shooter is left handed or right handed. to make it safe? There are reasons to place it down at a certain position, or Pretty stages are more fun. Coyote Calhoun, SASS #201 for doing both. Say you want the say nothing, and the shooter can do Props come in all sizes and shooter to go all the way to the wagon what he would like as long as it is safe. shapes, and they make stages look ast month we discussed before they shoot their revolvers. One scenario to stay away from is great, so you should use as many as targets, target placement, Then it is easy to let them carry a requiring a shooter to shoot a firearm you can. Again, remembering shoot- L and movement. This long gun or a prop (e.g., bag of gold) from different locations without ers come in all sizes and shapes, if month we will go a little deeper into and put it in the wagon. There is reloading. A shoot, move, shoot, you require a shooter to sit on a prop, the design elements. nothing I hate worse than to argue move, scenario will cause many dis- it should be a stable prop. Plan for Traveling through about how close a shooter has to get qualifications. Also, traveling up the worst case. What happens if the the course of fire. to the wagon before shooting. range (towards the spectators) prop breaks or a specialty target A stage writer has the power to One of the best things to come should be avoided. When drawing breaks? Having back-up parts or control the shooter and make the along for stage writers is the “Stage revolvers or carrying long guns, it repair items is imperative. You can’t shooter do whatever he wants. But, Conventions.” Approved by the becomes all too easy to break the 170 stop a 400-shooter match for an hour allowing a shooter options while Territorial Governors a few years ago, safety rule when moving up range. (Continued on next page) August 2009 Cowboy Chronicle Page 19
(Continued from previous page) Stay away from mental tests; in or two while props are repaired. other words, keep scenarios more to In using props where guns are the simple side, and your shooters staged, make sure there is ample will love you. room for the guns and the guns can Write them but don’t be staged safely. Also, always try to forget them! have a place at each shooting posi- Good stage writers help set their tion where a shooter can place a bro- own stages or at least supervise their ken firearm. setup. (Sorry, I have never been in Props are always good. Dressing that supervisory role, I am the one up a stage just looks better. Props carrying the steel. I think it’s good for sometimes block the views of spot- the soul!) If you give the same stage ters and the viewing public, so keep description to 10 different people, it that in mind as well. will be set up 10 different ways. So General do’s and don’ts. when setting up, remember, no over Avoid designing a stage that brings lapping targets, no hidden targets, “luck of the draw” into the outcome. and short stands in the front and tall Design your stages for ALL ones in the back. Make your targets SASS categories. Don’t forget the easy to see (the easier to see, the eas- Frontiersman (re-loads), Frontier ier to hit). The revolver targets Cartridge (excessive shotgun usage), should stand out from the rifle tar- Junior categories (tall props), or gets. Last month we discussed place- Gunfighter (shooting revolvers back ment, but the closer to the shooter to back). and together, the faster the stage will Do not design stages that require be. Take as much care in setting up shooters to perform out of the ordi- your stages as you did writing them. nary tasks. Last, but not least! Do not design stages that prohib- Do not be wordy when writing it a shooter from doing a legal stages. The less you tell a shooter, maneuver, such as load a shotgun on the less there is to be misinterpret- the run. ed. Don’t get me wrong; you need to Be careful to avoid designs that tell the shooter what you want them take shooters to the edge of safe to do, but don’t over do it. firearm handling. I am sure I have not touched on Do not design a stage that everything. But, the best advice I can requires the shooters engage from a give you is to be open to suggestions prone position or other unnatural and constructive criticism. Stage shooting positions. writing is not an exact science! Page 20 Cowboy Chronicle August 2009
wanting to shoot more. If CONFESSIONS AND RAMBLINGS only I could get her to start shooting SASS … OF A HALF FAST SHOOTER well, that’s another story. By Rosebrook Kid, SASS #74349 I found one of those . Edited by Miss K9 Cocker Cookie, SASS #84709 LASER gizmos you put in the barrel of your gun s a half fast shooter I have Buckaroo said it’s more fun goin’ and shoot at a beeper Aoften been tempted (and yield- fast than goin’ slow and doesn’t target. That has been ed to the temptation) to tease a worry about them darn misses! fun, especially with the wickedly fast shooter about not Wish I could shoot fast enough to crazy winter we have getting their money’s worth make up for a miss! I bet you do, had, you know, the cold, because they shoot so fast they too. Oh, well. wet, and snowy one don’t get time to enjoy the SASS It IS fun and entertaining to caused by global warm- experience. They just smile as they watch really good, fast shooters in ing (yes, we had snow in put their long guns in their cart. action. Especially, when they are Mississippi), but it is just At a shoot in Salisbury (NC), shooting clean and having fun not the same as a one ultra fast (and usually clean) doing it. Like watching any gifted resounding bang, a puff shooter joked that shooting fast athlete in any sport, they make it of smoke, a tug on your gives her more time to watch oth- look effortless. We all know dif- hand, and the sound of ers shoot, and visit pards she only ferent. lead on steel. Oh, by the got to see at SASS events. Practice does tend to make one training videos and snap caps for way, the Mississippi River Rangers Another fast gun said when perfect, but in today’s economy, and my Vaqueros, ’66, and ‘97, I can did shoot in the snow. Many of us he’s really shooting fast (you know, political climate, practice can make practice gun handling in my have doctor bills as proof. in the ZONE), he doesn’t have time you poor. When reloading .45 Colt garage. My dogs, especially K9 With the weather becoming to think about it, he just does it— ammo can set you back 15 to 20 Cocker Cookie, vamoose to the back reasonable, I guess I’ll call a couple as long as he doesn’t get a “P,” he’s cents a round, you think about yard when I start, and my wife of pards and see if our practice OK. Yet another shooter told me every round that goes down range. isn’t exactly thrilled by the sound range is dry enough that our tar- she shoots as fast as she can until So, I started looking for alternative of guns being cycled indoors. But, gets won’t sink in the mud and so she starts missing and then backs ways to practice. she’s coming around. The Henry we can burn some powder. it down a notch. And a hot gun After investing in Evil Roy’s she got for Christmas has her Hope to see you on the trail! August 2009 Cowboy Chronicle Page 21 Page 22 Cowboy Chronicle August 2009
ENJOYING THE wing and being such a great mentor My Dad (Old Gun Diego) is by not only teaching him how to starting to practice and will be SASS EXPERIENCE shoot really well, but also showing joining us shooting soon. Many of WITH MY SON him the values and character that the great shooting ladies in our are the foundation of Cowboy local clubs are encouraging my As a new member who joined Action Shooting™ and SASS. wife to shoot—she has already SASS a little less than a year ago, This February we went to been very involved helping score, I’m writing to say how wonderful it Winter Range in Phoenix, and we brassing, and course-take down (as has been to participate in Cowboy were in total awe with all the great well as putting good outfits togeth- Action Shooting™ with my 11- folks gathered there and the amaz- er). We are hoping to find ways to year-old son Lyle, Youngun Lyle, ing event they put on. It was so get more Buckaroos involved in SASS #81108, and being a part of well organized and planned, and Cowboy Action Shooting™ because the Single Action Shooting Society. even though he was really nervous, my son would like to see more kids In the past year we have met so my son said it was the highlight of at the matches. many wonderful shooters, and the his young life. I want to sincerely I wanted to thank SASS and all members of the Four Corners thank all the hard volunteer work the people that have supported us Gunslingers in Durango, the the Rough Riders did to make the along the way. It’s been really fun! Windy Gap Regulators in Cortez, event so amazing and such a fun Durango Pointman, and the Tres Rios Bandidos in experience for my wife, daughter, SASS #81107 Farmington, New Mexico have and Dad (as well as my son). We Durango, CO really helped my son and I learn also shot at Cowtown, which was the sport and have a lot of fun also really nice and well run. along the way. Last month we went to I didn’t realize how many good Founders Ranch in New Mexico to VISIT THE shooters live in the Four Corners shoot Buffalo Stampede, another area. They have been so willing to really great experience for my son SASS WEB SITE show us everything they can to help and family. I am grateful to the us become fast, accurate, and safe Wild Bunch for putting on a good AT shooters. Evil Roy (who lives in our match. We are looking forward to town of Durango) has been so great attending our first END of TRAIL WWW.SASSNET.COM to my son, taking him under his in June.
2 Holsters and Belt $395 Holster Only $150 Belt only $125 August 2009 Cowboy Chronicle Page 23
NON-RENEWAL The SASS group near my home some of the club members went out is a very large group, and I feel I of their way to ensure the lady was OF was looked upon unfavorably, that made to feel uncomfortable and not I wasn’t welcome, and in one case wanted. Not only are both kinds of MEMBERSHIP (on my last visit with the group) club behavior rude and unbecom- with outright indignation. The ing, it’s not, and never has been, the I’ve received a couple of letters group was very “clickish” and as a “SASS way.” We were all “newbes” from you reminding me to renew “newbe” I just didn’t feel accepted at one time. None of us had the my SASS Membership. Sadly, I or wanted … they apparently right equipment, the complete cos- must say I will not be renewing my already had enough members in tume, or the trained muscle memory membership. When I joined I was their group. It’s intimidating to perform to even mediocre stan- really looking forward to being a enough being new and not knowing dards in the beginning … and cer- part of something wonderful and the “ropes,” but to be ignored was tainly not all our members had the exciting. However, it didn’t turn the worse part of it. As a new same political or life-style beliefs in out that way, and instead of being member I had no idea what was the beginning (and, many still accepted as a new wide eyed and going on, heard complaints I was don’t!). Potential new members excited member, I felt I was treated too slow, and I didn’t have good must be made to feel welcomed. as an unwelcome and uninvited enough equipment or authentic They also need tutoring … a mentor guest to an “established members period clothing. to show them the ropes and offer only” dinner party. After my third visit, I got the sage advice, and they need friend- message and never went back, and ship to win them over to one’s way of I have not renewed my SASS mem- thinking. The club loses, and so ADVERTISING bership—nor do I intend to do so. does SASS, when folks are summar- Ex-Member ily “run off” … either intentionally INFORMATION Dewey, Arizona or through neglect. I encourage each and every club to look at how ASK FOR [Sadly, this is not the only letter like your club operations are being per- this SASS has received. Another ceived by outsiders … potential new DONNA letter from a different part of the members … some of you are doing a (714) 269-9899 country was even worse ... the poten- great job … but, sadly, some are not. tial new member wasn’t ignored … … Editor in Chief.] Page 24 Cowboy Chronicle August 2009 PRESS CONFERENCE ON GUN CONTROL – January 2013 –
Colonel Dan, By Colonel Dan, SASS Life #24025 SASS Life #24025 country to its former, traditional do you really think you’ll be able to your priorities? glory. With their prayers and sup- govern in a unifying way? President: My priorities will be port, I’m confident we can get the job President: You’ll find your the same as our Founders—a small, Ladies and Gentleman, the done together and done within the answer by looking at who voted for limited government with power President of the United States. limits of our Constitution. Let’s go to me and how many votes I received. reverting to the states as originally your questions. There were far more patriotic tradi- intended. Those states that voted to President: Thank you. Please Press: Mr. President, you are tionalists that were fed up with an restore their 10th Amendment rights be seated. I don’t have a lengthy the first Independent ever elected in out of control government coming over the past four years weren’t just opening statement on gun control modern times and you also have a from both major parties than the passing empty resolutions. The 10th because you already know where I significant majority in Congress press wanted America to know Amendment still stands, and I stand. Just let me say I’m tremen- made up of third party candidates about. Yes, I have the backing of intend to support it. States are dously humbled by the honor and the and independents. Given the wide- what once was the vast silent major- supreme and the role of the federal trust placed in me by the American spread protests of the recent past ity who are silent no longer, and you government is enumerated and lim- people. I will do my utmost to live up coupled with the historic signifi- can quote me on that. Next question. ited by the Constitution. I intend to to their expectations and restore this cance of this revolutionary election, Press: Mr. President, What are (Continued on next page) August 2009 Cowboy Chronicle Page 25
(Continued from previous page) eliminated, and the Registration defend themselves and exercise their counter to God’s law and wrong. The re-establish that relationship. Act will also be rescinded. God given rights, leaving them total- Registration and Confiscation Acts, Press: Mr. President, The gun Press: Mr. President, another ly defenseless against those who rou- as well as the ammunition Executive control controversy has become THE aspect of this whole gun control con- tinely ignore the law. As Jefferson Order, were in violation of our hot issue facing your administration. troversy centers on the marking and reminded us, “Laws that forbid the unalienable rights and moral law How will you deal with the multi- traceability of factory ammunition carrying of arms … disarm only regardless of what a politically tude of protests as a result of the and the prohibition of the sale and those who are neither inclined nor active Supreme Court ruled. I American Security Act of 2011 distribution of private reloading determined to commit crimes. Such intend to right that wrong and any wherein all guns were confiscated components. The previous adminis- laws make things worse for the question about the justice of my after the terror attacks in February tration implemented these measures assaulted and better for the actions can be taken up with the of that year? via Executive Order, again on the assailants; they serve rather to American people. President: I’ve already signed heels of the February 2011 terrorist encourage than to prevent homicides, Ladies and gentleman of the an executive order stopping enforce- attacks, stating such actions would for an unarmed man may be press, I’m fully aware most of you ment of that law and the act itself make America safer. Will you uphold attacked with greater … confidence disagree with my stance on gun con- will be rescinded as soon as possi- that Executive Order? than an armed man.” trol, but look at the aftermath. Law ble. Unfortunately, 90% of the guns President: I’ve already directed Press: Mr. President, as you abiding citizens have been left confiscated under that act have a follow-on Executive Order be draft- know, the Supreme Court upheld the unconscionably vulnerable while been destroyed. Those that remain ed immediately rescinding that constitutionality of those gun related crime and terrorism thrive in an will be returned to their rightful action. Let me make this as clear as measures, so how do you propose to unarmed society. Traditionally ven- owners if they can be traced. As you I can. To restrict ammunition sales circumvent their ruling? erated American organizations like know, the Firearms Registration and infringe on American’s ability to President: Keep in mind, the the NRA, GOA, SAF, IDPA, SASS, and Accountability Act of 2010 pro- reload is just a back door way of gut- Supreme Court interprets man- reloading companies, many arms vided the Attorney General with a ting the Second Amendment, and I’ll made law; it does not have the manufacturers, and ranges all across comprehensive database of who not tolerate any such action. Think authority to establish or counteract America were put out of business. owned guns and where they were about it. Will terrorists and crimi- our Creator’s moral law. It was the Say what you will about me and my located, which was the essential nals abide by these restrictions United States Supreme Court that administration, I really don’t care. prerequisite to the confiscation of while ignoring laws against murder declared in the Dred Scott case no Were I to pander to you for good those firearms. We’ll use that list to and mayhem? Anyone who thinks so slave or descendant of a slave could press over this or any issue, I would return guns that were not destroyed is delusional. All we do with this or be a U.S. citizen, or ever had been a betray traditional Americans every- and attempt to reimburse those any form of gun and ammunition U.S. citizen. As a non-citizen, the where as well as our national values, whose guns were destroyed. After control is infringe on the rights and court stated, Scott had no rights and and I’ll just not do that. Now I’ve got that, the database will itself be ability of law abiding citizens to could not sue in a Federal Court and work to do. We have many wrongs to must remain the personal property right. Have a good day … of the slave owner. That Supreme Just a fantasy from my saddle… VISIT THE SASS WEB SITE AT Court decision defined man-made Contact Colonel Dan: law in 1857, but violated moral law [email protected] WWW.SASSNET.COM 10 ways from Sunday. In other Article Archives: words, the court’s decision was http://mddall.com/sbss/SBSShome.htm Page 26 Cowboy Chronicle August 2009
ASHOT IN THE DARK
By Seven Ladders, SASS #75152
witnesses were lawmen, too, yet the diction. The next sheriff, J.D. across the street talking with Les shooting became controversial some Walker, promised to “clean up” Dow’s deputy. The dark street was, time later, and remains so today in Phenix, but instead the brothel and according to later testimony, empty certain quarters, saloon district on the southern edge in the growing darkness. In a shop Dave Kemp was an ex-sheriff of of the prosperous town of Eddy, New next door, Cis Stewart, was standing Eddy County. Les Dow was the new Mexico (today’s Carlsbad) achieved in the window, watching the street. sheriff, having being elected in near mythic status as one of the It was, without doubt, a peculiar Seven Ladders, SASS #75152 November 1896 and assuming office most violent areas in the Old West. grouping of lawmen. Something was on January 21, 1897. Dow’s rival in The next sheriff, Les Dow, promised about to happen. the past election and the future sher- results too, but was even more inef- Les Dow appeared on the street, ome of the great gunfights of the iff, Cicero “Cis” Stewart, was nearby. fective. His relationship with Dave and when he drew near Dave Kemp, SOld West ended with legendary A constable, William H. Smith, was Kemp, now making his way in life he began to curse. Kemp warned shots. Wild Bill Hickok’s killing of standing next to Kemp. A U.S. as a saloon owner, businessman, him not to open his mouth again, but Davis Tutt in Missouri on July 21, Deputy Marshal, Dee Harkey, was and rancher, deteriorated when he Dow didn’t take heed. In a lightning 1865 involved a pistol shot at 75 across the street talking to a deputy. called Kemp a rustler and arrested fast move, Kemp shot Dow in the yards. Luke Short’s crippling shot of There was, apparently, no one else him. The charges were baseless, mouth. The bullet tore through sev- “Long Hair” Jim Courtright’s thumb nearby in the darkening street. and the case was thrown out, but eral molars and exited out his left on February 8, 1887 in Fort Worth, Dave Kemp had been a good bad blood resulted. cheek. Next door, Cis Stewart Texas, was another. Still another sheriff, indeed the first sheriff of So it was that shortly after sun- turned to the shopkeeper near him example was the shooting of Les Eddy County after it had been down, Dave Kemp and Constable and said, “Someone just got the hell Dow by Dave Kemp in Eddy, New organized. But he had been faced William H. Smith were talking in shot out of him.” Then, he turned Mexico, on February 18, 1897. The with a lawless district called Phenix the lit doorway of a small shop. Dee away from the window. two men involved were lawmen. The that was technically out of his juris- Harkey, a deputy U.S. Marshal, was (Continued on next page) August 2009 Cowboy Chronicle Page 27 (Continued from previous page) Dow’s wound was not serious. Two doctors removed the roots of sev- eral molars, packed the wound, and left the patient in the care of his fam- ily. Either miscommunication between the doctors and the family, who continually changed the pack- ing, or a complication occurred dur- ing the night, but by morning Les Dow had bled to death. Cis Stewart was appointed his successor. Months passed before there was an investigation. Kemp was eventu- ally charged with murder. He was tried in Roswell, New Mexico, on a change of venue. All of the lawmen testified. Kemp was found not guilty. Les Dow’s sons became prominent attorneys in New Mexico. Dee Harkey became a notorious liar. As the Dows and Harkey told the story in later years, Kemp was guilty of murder. Harkey went so far as to claim Kemp was run out of Eddy County and was so bad he was killed by his own sister. That wasn’t true, of course. Kemp lived in Eddy County several years after the death of Les Dow, then moved to LaKemp, Oklahoma, and later Booker, Texas. About ten years after that, he visited Eddy County and was received like a hero. Dave Kemp died of a heart attack on January 4, 1935 in Booker, Texas, and was buried at the Heart Cemetery. He was one of the very last lawmen of the Old West to die. Page 28 Cowboy Chronicle August 2009
HOW TO DRESS FOR THE DODGE CITY BALL
By Miss Tabitha, SASS Regulator #26972, of River Crossing Inc.
ou’ve heard the theme for the research, and in a previous issue of The Spanish and other Miss Kitty (Amanda Blake) Saturday night party at the The Cowboy Chronicle, I gave a brief his- Explorers – These brave and Y corrals an unruly cowboy SASS Convention in Las Vegas will tory of this interesting town. The adventurous men were among the in the Long Branch Saloon be the “Dodge City Ball,” and frankly, nutshell is this: like many Western first to document the many natural of Hollywood’s Dodge City you might be a bit puzzled about towns in the mid-1800’s, Dodge City wonders, vegetation, animal life, and in the long running television what that means you should wear! had its growing pains, with a mixture Native tribes they encountered in series, “Gunsmoke” (1955-1975). In past years, many attendees at of upright, decent citizens trying to their travels. the SASS Ball have opted for the ele- offset the vices that often went with Indians, Traders, and Moun- gance of formal Victorian attire. This the “wild” west. This blend presents tain Men – Native Americans such Soldiers and Scouts – Fort year, SASS wants to expand the you with a wide range of characters as the Osage, Kiowa, Kiowa- Dodge was founded to house the sol- wardrobe possibilities, and the theme to use for inspiration when planning Apache, Pawnee, and the Comanche diers who came west to reduce the of a “Dodge City Ball” gives the per- what to wear to the Ball on Saturday called this area home. Since the threat of Indian attack. Soldiers fect opportunity. Let me explain … night. To give you some ideas, allow early 1800’s, mountain men and often traveled with Scouts such as First, I suggest you do a little me to introduce you to a few of the traders had traveled through the Yellowstone Kelly, who were highly reading up on Dodge City. The folks you might have met walking territory, establishing the Santa Fe skilled, highly paid, and usually library and the Internet will provide the streets of Dodge City during its Trail and opening up Kansas for dressed in a flamboyant, flashy style. you with a generous amount of colorful history. future development. (Continued on next page) August 2009 Cowboy Chronicle Page 29 (Continued from previous page) but trouble. Many of the saloons Buffalo hunters – Professional offered gambling, as well, and pro- hunters such as Buffalo Bill were fessionals would travel from all hired to shoot the buffalo for food parts of the country to try their for railroad workers. These men hand with the locals. also served as guides for sportsmen Dance Hall Girls and Soiled who traveled west to try their hand Doves – Dodge City was known for at the great beast. When the price its prostitution and brothels. The for buffalo hides skyrocketed, Varieties and The Lady Gay were hunters, guides, and skinners began two dance halls in town. The to slaughter buffalo by the millions. Varieties introduced the Can-Can Many of these men were rough, to Dodge City, packing the house, crude, and filthy, both in appear- but later closed and was replaced ance and behavior. by Rowdy Kate Lowe’s Green Front Railroad men and workers – Saloon. Another dance hall opened The huge number of buffalo hides up, however, and the “hostesses” at needing to be transported back east these dance halls not only danced encouraged the founders of the with the men for money, but many Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe were prostitutes, as well. Railroad to bring the tracks to Entertainers – Poets, singers, Dodge City. This brought scores of dancers, actors, and actresses trav- tough, hard-working men and their eled to Dodge City to perform at the bosses to the town when their work- Comique Theater or on stage in var- day was done and they needed to do ious saloons. Melodramas, plays, business or just kick back. blackface revues, and burlesque Businessmen – Hotels, eating skits were all popular forms of establishments, stores that sold entertainment. firearms and ammunition, lumber, Lawmen – Things got so hairy hardware and groceries, drugstores, in Dodge City that some sort of banks, and livery stables were just order had to be established, and a few of the many businesses that famous lawmen such as Wyatt Earp opened to cater to residents and and Bat Masterson were just a few visitors of the town. in a sometimes questionable line of The Wives – There were few sheriffs and marshals who attempt- women to pick from in the early ed to bring peace and safety to the days of Dodge, so if a man wanted streets of Dodge. to marry, he often had to go back The Farmer – Once the cattle east to woo a wife. When he drives ended for Dodge City, farm- brought her to her new home in ers began to establish themselves Dodge City, she probably would as a driving force in the town. The have brought as many dresses in heyday of Dodge City was over, but the latest style that she could a steady, slow development began afford. The peak time of Dodge City as the commerce of the town shifted ran roughly from 1872–1885, so if from whiskey and women to farm- you wish to dress as the wife of one ers with their families. of the successful businessmen in Hollywood and Gunsmoke – town, I would suggest researching 50 years after the last cowboy shot the very elegant and fashionable his way through town, Dodge City styles of this time period. became famous again as movies Cattlemen and Cowboys – were filmed in and about this Old Texas Longhorns were brought to West town. In addition, the popular Dodge City to reach the railroad television series, “Gunsmoke,” gives that would then transport the cat- the perfect opportunity for all who tle to the markets in the north and would like to dress “B-Western” for east. Bringing them were droves of the Dodge City Ball. dusty, scrappy young cowboys look- As you can see, there are many ing for a good time. Cattle owners choices to pick from, with something did business in town, selling their for everyone. Mad Mountain Mike, cattle and banking their money, and SASS Life Member/Regulator #4385, the cowboys took their paychecks has already informed me he plans to and cut loose. wear his comfortable buckskins to The Preacher and the the Ball this year (no suit for him!), Schoolmarm – Every Wild West and I suspect we’ll see a few Miss town needed normalcy and civiliza- Kitty characters making their tion to balance the iniquity, and appearance. Many ladies will choose churches and schools helped to to wear beautifully created Victorian bring a sense of decency to the city. ball gowns, too, which will be a very Gamblers and Saloon elegant sight. But, if you’re feeling Keepers – Thirsty men need some- adventurous, perhaps think about where to drink, and some of the showing up as a wild Comanche or as first businesses established in Rowdy Kate Lowe herself! Dodge City were saloons. Some See you at the 8th Annual SASS were high-class with five-piece Convention in fabulous Las Vegas, orchestras, and some were nothing December 3-6, 2009.
VISIT THE SASS WEB SITE AT WWW.SASSNET.COM Page 30 Cowboy Chronicle August 2009
HOME FROM . WINTER RANGE WITH ANEW
“RUGER” By Shanny Sue, SASS #47046
oing to Winter Range 2008, I “visit” this little refugee to see if he many months. Restless had finally up. We had two prissy cats in the had two goals in mind. was the one to add to our menagerie of softened on the issue of adoption motor home, and no kennel nor provi- GNumber One was to adopt a pets that allow us to be their servants. when I met Jackson, another rescue sions to leave him alone all day. She rescue dog. Number Two was to shoot Seeing him at the foster home, it was Sheltie who owns J. T. Wild. obliged happily (even though we were a clean match—nothing fancy—-just love at first sight, at least on my part. Restless was not too sure we want- “dressed funny”) because she could see clean. I found it difficult to concen- He was scraggly, shaggy, skinny, and ed to buy a “problem,” as my boy was I was smitten and so was Ruger. trate on shooting when I knew my new skittish with the most adorable face shy and warmed up only to ME. We Prior to Winter Range 2008, we love was out there somewhere in the and brown eyes. Restless, SASS told Ruger’s foster mom we were com- applied with Arizona Sheltie Rescue. Phoenix area waiting for me. #26763, has always loved Rugers (the peting for the duration of the week After filling out applications akin to We drove 90 miles round trip from firearms), but this Ruger was a rescue and could we please come Monday child adoption, we were granted a the Winter Range shooting complex to dog I had been begging to adopt for morning on our way home to pick him (Continued on next page)
Holster and Belt $425 2 Holsters and Belt $585
Holster and Belt $190 2 Holsters and Belt $265
Holster and Belt $155 2 Holsters and Belt $225 August 2009 Cowboy Chronicle Page 31 (Continued from previous page) his business.” With Rhett Butler, the “home” inspection by a lovely lady command was, “Find a spot.” That was from the Southwest Collie Rescue here for both “jobs.” However, if your pooch in El Paso. She gave us a thorough gets distracted and completes only one interrogation that also felt like a child of his jobs, the book suggests you have adoption process. These good folks are a second specific command to keep serious about placing their rescues both of you on track. So I had to come with “good” people. Since we had up with a command that was unique, already been parents to one Sheltie, easy, specific—and it had to fit in with Rhett Butler, we knew their peculiari- my “theme.” That theme being we are ties, and personalities, and were eager shooting/gun enthusiasts. When you to have another beauty. His name was are an enthusiast about anything, it chosen long ago, as we both shoot affects every aspect of your life. Rugers in competition, love them, find Several computer literate friends them to be trustworthy, and easily suggested the command, “Ruger, down- maintained. We hoped the dog would load.” Humorous—but since I am com- oblige us by possessing the same qual- puter illiterate most of the time, that ities. I had considered the names of wouldn’t fit. Several other suggestions Remington or Winchester, but felt they were equally inappropriate. After let- were a bit stuffy for my new cuddle ting my subconscious work on the prob- bud. However, I do have a nickname lem, I came up with the perfect phrase for my trusty Winchester ‘97 that I that pleases both Restless and me. love. It’s “Stubby” because it had to be Now, we give the command “RUGER, cut off fore and aft to fit me! CLEAR YOUR GUN!!!” He is quick to When you take in a sanctuary dog, pick up on all the new stuff he has had it’s always a gamble, as you never to learn—that he is safe, has enough to know what traumas, bad treatment, eat, friends and toys to play with, and a bad breeding, and so forth might be mom who adores him. I might have inherent to them. We were fortunate named him Shadow, as it seems I have to have trained our first sheltie at grown another appendage. puppy kindergarten and developed a As for my Winter Range goals, wonderful companion dog. We remem- Number Two did not materialize— bered much of that training, but a too many train wrecks around me friend gave us a book entitled, “How to and my own brain skid. I “settled” for Raise a Perfect Puppy.” It was a great a buckle, though. Number One had reminder and had a few new ideas. the best possible outcome for a home- One new idea was to have specific less boy and a Mom who wanted to commands for both processes of “doing give him a forever home. Page 32 Cowboy Chronicle August 2009
STOCKYARDS AND REENACTORS
By David Wolfe
says Murrin. His grey hair, and says, but now, most of the thick, cowboy mustache gives cattle raisers are what I call him the air of someone who ‘recreational ranchers.’ They knows of what he speaks. For have, say, 125 acres, but get one thing, his father worked in their money from somewhere the Yards, as it is affectionately else. They just enjoy being a called, from 1912 to 1918 before rancher,” he says. His punch starting his own business. line comes next. “These are Steve Murrin, a rancher-entre- the people who would enjoy preneur owns property in the selling cattle here, getting Chari Hunt, Brad Gandy, Don Perkins, Chari Hunt kisses “Texas,” Stockyards as well as else- their money, and celebrating Kip Turner, and Tara Bentley a horse ridden by Rocky Rooney. where, and he has been close to by going out to the — Members of Legends of Texas the Stockyards since a young- Cattleman’s for a steak din- re-enactors group. here is a reason why people love ster. He thinks the days of buy- ner; ‘cause it’s part of being a Tthe Fort Worth Stockyards. Steve ing and selling in the Stock- rancher,” he says bringing Murrin knows why people are drawn yards doesn’t have to end. his ten-gallon cowboy hat ers had the same idea. They met near the conflu- to the Historic National District. “There’s about the same down a bit. He adds, “It ence of two rivers below a bluff. They came to sell “It’s authentic, and people every- number of cattle in Texas as would also be educational. or buy cattle. Once that started, it didn’t take long where are hungry for something real,” a hundred years ago,” he After the Civil War, ranch- (Continued on next page) August 2009 Cowboy Chronicle Page 33 (Continued from previous page) sold through the Yards, a record not for the idea of building a stockyards yet broken. to take hold. It was a dream within By the 1950’s, business began reach. In Dallas, 30 miles east, skep- to wane. By the 1970’s, even fewer tics took aim at them. head of livestock were sold while an In 1870, B.B. Paddock, a Fort interstate highway system was Worth newspaperman printed a linking the country with trucks map showing how many railroads moving livestock to feed lots for could reach their city. A Dallas edi- auction. A group of citizens on the tor said the map looked like a North Side realized the Stockyards’ tarantula. They said Fort Worth history was too valuable to lose. was so slow a panther slept on Too many felt part of its history. It Main Street. By 1890, ten railroads was authentic in and of itself. brought cattle to market in Fort Now, 40 years later, with its Worth. Today, an excursion train in designation of a National Historic the Stockyards is named The District, and in its 101st year, the Tarantula, and the city’s semi-pro landmark offers a real taste of the baseball team’s mascot is The Cats West for cowboys, visitors, histori- a.k.a Panthers. ans, and cowboy wannabes. The It took promotion to get things Hell’s Half Acre is no more. started and C.C. French got the job. Saloons featuring western singers By buggies and railroads, French moved into the Yards, and visitors found ranchers and urged them to can buy cowboy hats at boutiques. sell their cattle and hogs in the An attractive Museum with old Yards. He suggested their children buggies, cars, and memorabilia also raise hogs and sell them in the beckons. Yards, an idea born long before the The Stockyards still has the idea of 4H clubs. power to summon those hungry for Boston financiers knew a good the West. Every October, cowboy market when they saw it and when singer Red Stegall brings real they invested, it wasn’t long before ranch cowboys for a weekend in the two packing plants—Armour and Stockyards. Visitors by the thou- Swift—followed. sands yearning to see and be a part South of the Courthouse on the of a Western way of life join them. bluff, was Hell’s Half Acre, home to To make people feel at home, saloons, ladies of the night, cow- mounted riders in cowboy gear of boys, and outlaws. After a while, an early era ride Exchange Avenue genteel citizens said enough was stopping to chat with visitors. The enough. Once peace settled in, the horses’ hips sport a brand of a back- outlaws were kicked out or in jail, ward “F” attached to a Running W; Wiederhold found where the grave Cavalry Units specializing in the the ladies left, then it was the cow- backward “F” looking at the past was located for a relative who placed Indian Wars era. From 1996 when boys’ turn. while the Running “W” looks for- a marker on the grave. Wiederhold he started, he and his members The action was in the stock- ward to the future. And everyday, attended the ceremonies. racked up ten motion pictures cred- yards, and it didn’t take long before the riders herd longhorn cattle Brad Gandy, in 1981, met with its from Disney’s “The Alamo” to it was known as “The Wall Street of down the main street for visitors several others to form Legends of “The Patriot,” with Mel Gibson. He the West.” Once the North Side who watch in hushed fascination Texas, a re-enactor’s gunfight was hired by a movie company to Coliseum was finished in 1908, just to see steers with horns 7 or 8- group. After the longhorns walk at train Hollywood riders how to ride built primarily for cattle shows, it foot long. It’s been a long time 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Gandy in formation. Keim knew how. He also became the home of the first since Yards employees entered a and his partner “shoot it out” for read Phillip St. George Cooke’s indoor rodeo. The legacy continues rail car to turn longhorns’ heads visitors from Memorial Day to 1862 cavalry manual! today. Hub Baker, General Manager sideways enough just to get them Labor Day Weekends. Gandy and The Fort Worth Stockyards of the Coliseum, sees to it there is a out of the car. his group also perform for parties. remains authentic and comfortable rodeo every Friday and Saturday Yet something else has hap- They’re becoming famous; they also for people searching for something nights, the only rodeo in the world pened. Re-enactors use the have screen credits. real, something Western. Kevin Keim, a Dallas police- The Stockyards feel right. It’s running year long. Stockyards to practice Mounted Coliseum officials hosted every- Shooting before their upcoming man, has started several U.S. the place to be. thing from a concert in 1920 featur- matches. Some, dressed in particular ing opera star Enrico Caruso to the gear, walk the sidewalks, stopping to “Dusky Demon,” Bill Pickett, along talk with visitors, explaining what with trick riders and ropers, politi- character they portray, and what cians, and the like. It was also the they know about their character. place Barbara Inez Baines, a.k.a. Arthur Marquez, 66 years old, Tad Lucas thrilled an audience worked in the Stockyards. He may with her trick riding, even riding be dressed in a gunfighter’s garb, or lickity split around the arena, her perhaps as an Apache scout. newborn daughter cradled in her Marquez really is an Apache. wide-brimmed cowboy hat. Tom Wiederhold, a Fort Worth Big business boomed, and the policeman, may often dress in an Yards became second only to 1890’s uniform of Fort Worth police- Chicago. Before World War I, men, replete with brass buttons on roughly four million head of live- his long coat. Wiederhold found that stock—draft animals and food— a Fort Worth policeman named passed through. Before World War Louis Park Moore died in 1909 and II, three million head of sheep were was buried without a marker.
VISIT THE SASS WEB SITE AT WWW.SASSNET.COM Page 34 Cowboy Chronicle August 2009 TRIP TO POSSUM TROT
anted ta go ta Possum Trot, By Cree Vicar Dave, SASS Life #49907 WTennessee ta shoot at the TG Sucker Creek, Michigan Kentucky/Tennessee Blackpowder Cowboy Action Shoot ever since I heard about it from Hezekiah Hawke. So, I sent in my shooter application and waited with expecta- tion for the big trip. ‘Bout a week before we were to leave, the car broke down. That makes the 4th vehicle sittin’ up on cement blocks in our front yard now. Some people think it looks like junk, but it’s really “Yard Art.” Iffen it weren’t for our goats eaten the weeds, ya wouldn’t see them anyway. So, off I went ta the auto show- room to have a look see. Five salesmen were a sittin’ with feet up on their desks drinkin’ coffee and eatin’ donuts. Must have been their break time. Well, I looked around a spell and then walked over ta one of the auto sales persons who was just finishin’ up his donut and said, “I’d like ta buy that car right thar.” He looked and said, “Which one?” I said, “That lavender one.” He said, “That’s a green car ya know.” I said, “That car ain’t green, it’s lavender. What’s ya think, I’m color blind?” Come ta find cents of electricity. Then a little gen- traveling circus. He took to out the car was one of those new erator in the trunk kicks in ta keep being a treasurer right off, hybrids. You know, the ones that ya ya goin. I don’t rightly know why like fleas on a dog, when we hired Alaska, was ill so he might have ta go plug in ta yar house outlet for 30 they call it a green car except maybe him. He’s taken good care of the visit her. But not ta worry none minutes and it goes 200 miles on 25 because it costs so much. Church, too. He put all our money cause he’ll be back by the time the By the time I made the down into an off-shore land deal in Florida. Church auditor comes by. payment, got the plates, and paid all He said for us not to be concerned Well, now I had the money ta get the taxes, I was plumb broke. I was none cause the money is earning down ta Possum Trot, but I still need- tellin’ the treasurer at the Church 200% interest, a month. And besides ed ta get back home. As I was pon- about my financial distress in not all that, the money was insured by derin’ all this, the phone starts ta rin- being able to make the trip ta Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. When gen. It was Larry from Winfield, TN, a Possum Trot … Well wouldn’t cha I left he said his momma, who lives in suburb of Possum Trot. He had heard know it, he went and gave me I was a comin’ down ta shoot, and one of those brand new $15 he was a wondering if I could dollar bills. He said the gov- marry him and his bride to be ernment had just come out after the main match on with this new bill, and that Saturday. Seems he met the girl Michigan was the first state of his dreams named Lucinda at ta try this new currency. He the laundry-mat just the other said I might not want to day, and it was love at first sight. spend it ‘till I get south of He’d heard me preach at Cowboy Ohio causen they were a little Church a couple times and want- jealous that Michigan got ed me ta conduct the ceremony them first. Our treasurer is between him and Lucinda. Well such a great guy and real this was great news. With the good with money, too. He money from the wedding, we’d used to be a juggler with a (Continued on next page) August 2009 Cowboy Chronicle Page 35 (Continued from previous page) em that he had internal injuries. mite on the way, and when he awoke were all smiling and wishing me have enough ta get back home. And besides all that, his neck was the mule was a headin for that drop- well on my trip home when I told So the Vicar’s Wife and I set out out of joint. Sooo I did the only thing off. Well he yelled out, “Whoa, stop, them I’d be stayin’ on because the early the next morning. The car bat- I could do. I pulled out my six-shoot- halt,” but the mule kept going. Then wedding deal fell through, and I did- teries went dead in southern Ohio, er and shot him right between the he remembered it was the preacher’s n’t have the money to get home. and we limped across the border on eyes, killed em dead I did. Then I mule. So he yelled, “Church, hymnal, They all looked sad for a spell, then the little generator in the trunk. We walked over ta the man layin there. pew,” but nothin seemed ta work. So huddled up and came over ta give stopped off I-75 at the first fillin’ sta- I said, “The mule wasn’t doin very he looked down, said a quick prayer, me money from a collection they tion exit in Kentucky where I topped well, how you all doin?” He said, and closed with an “Amen.” Well the had taken. I never seen so many $7 off the tank. It only took one dollar. “Great!! I’m doin right fine, thank mule stopped just short of a goin’ dollar bills in all my life! So, I I went inside ta pay and the gal at you!!” Well I could see that he wasn’t over the edge. He was so happy, he charged up the ole “green car” and the counter said, “Welcome ta Gas doin all that good. So I holstered my looked up, raised his hands and said, headed home. Um Up Quick,” and she smiled. She gun and knelt down holdin his head “Praise the Lord.” If you’re trying to make sense of had the most beautiful tooth I had in my arms. Come to find out it was As Larry layed there in my arms, this article don’t bother. You see at ever saw. I looked in my wallet and Larry from Winfield. I said, “What he looked me straight in the eye and Possum Trot they have a category all I had left was that $15 dollar bill. happened here? I heard all the com- said, “Tell Lucinda I love her, “ and he called “Best Liar.” It says in I handed it over ta her and said, “I motion and stopped my “green car” passed on. I felt so bad. I was a Proverbs 12:19 “Truthful lips endure put a dollar’s worth of gas in my ta help.” He said, “That car ain’t countin’ on that money from doin’ the forever, but a lying tongue lasts only green car out thar.” She said, “That green, it’s lavender. What’s ya wedding for gas money ta get home. a moment.” I prefer to call it car ain’t green, it’s lavender. What’s thinkin’, I’m color blind?” So, I When I got ta Possum Trot I “Embellishing the truth.” I thought ya think I’m color blind?” I had ta explained to him about my cross- looked up Lucinda and told her the I’d practice a little by writing this explain ta her it was one of those breed car. bad news. I shot the match with article before my next trip to the KY new cross-breed cars, and she Then Larry told me he’d worked sadness of heart not knowin’ how & TN State Blackpowder Shoot. seemed to understand. She took the hard and saved up $200 dollars ta we’d be a gettin back home. I ended Maybe I can win that award also. money and said, “I ain’t never saw no buy a new suit and one of those up takin’ all top prizes because I If you’re looking for a good down $15 dollar bill before.” I told her it Tennessee walkin’ horses for his signed up for every shootin’ category. home shoot that offers a great time, was one of those new ones just put wedding day. A hundred for the suit But I had a slight advantage. Ya see, this is the place. Whether you shoot out by the government, sent special and a hundred for the horse. So he they all were using those Kentucky blackpowder or smokeless, they ta Michigan first. She said, “It don’t set out for Corbin cause those Mountain Muzzle loading rifles make you feel at home. They have look too real.” I said, “Ya it’s real walkin’ horses are a little cheaper in made by Ernie. (Ole Ernie makes some cabins to rent, RV parking, or alright. See here on the front is a Kentucky. some right Smart rifles if you’re in you can make other arrangements. picture of a president. It says right When he left the dry goods store the market for a smoke pole.) I was My thanks to “Just Little Joe,” thar, ‘William Jefferson Blys he’d spent a little too much on a usin’ my new ‘73 Winchester rifle Tonya, Ringer, Fish Creek Charlie, Clinton’. She said, “That’s right.” I extras, so he only had $50 left. At and beaten the best of em by a good Preacher B Quick, Rev. Rest In said, “And over here on the back, ya the livery he told the proprietor two to three seconds a stage. They Peace, Tall Drink A Water, Triple B, know how on the one dollar bill what he wanted ta buy. The atten- even gave me the Kentucky Over All Iron Maiden, Whiskey Creek there’s that pyramid with that see- dant led a fine looking specimen out Award because they said that since I Johnson, and all the others who ing eye on the top? Well lookit here’s of the corral. When Larry asked how came across on highway #92, I’d made us all feel right at home, too a seeing eye dog lookin at a pyra- much it cost the man said that this spent enough time in Kentucky to be many to list. Special thanks to mid.” She said, “Sure enough, that’ll one was $110 bucks, but there was a an official resident. I ended up Ernie Smart, who really does make be a dollar for the gas.” Then she put sale on today for $100. Well when taken all the top prizes except for high quality muzzle loaders to order, that $15 dollar bill in a cigar box on Larry said he only had $50 bucks the long-range big bore rifle. I hit all for making our stay enjoyable. If the counter and gave me two $7 dol- the man said, “You can’t buy no the targets with my ’73, but they you are in the market for a muzzle lar bills in change. I didn’t look ta Tennessee Walkin’ horse for no $50 said my rifle barrel was too short to loader, Ernie can fix you up. see what president was on them. I bucks.” But he did have a horse qualify. So, they gave that award to You don’t have to shoot blackpow- just put em in my pocket and headed around back he’d let go for that some Tall Drink A Water dude. He der at the KY & TN State for the car. price, but it didn’t look too good. was one of the shooters who came Blackpowder Shoot, but if you show We got off that super highway at Larry went round back for a close ta beaten me in the main up smokeless, be forewarned, you may exit 11 in Kentucky and headed West look-see. Turned out the horse match. That’s because he went and get bit by the “Blackpowder Bug!” on Route #92. I don’t rightly know looked OK ta him, so he paid the cut a foot off one of his Kentucky MT Hope ta see ya on the trail who’s in charge of their road commis- man, got on the horse, and started rifles, that helped him ta ram the [email protected] sion, but if it was up ta me I’d fire out. Well, that ole horse reared back, ball down faster. He called it some To find out more about Possum him and put in a Yankee. Ya see up took off, and ran smack dab into the kind of a “short stoke kit.” But I Trot, their monthly shoots, here in Michigan all the roads run side of the barn, tossin’ him ta the bested him by a good 5 seconds over Blackpowder State Shoot, accommo- straight East/West and North/South. ground. Larry got up, brushed off his all with my leever rifle. dations, and so forth, go to: But these roads zigzag back and new suit and checked out the horse. After the awards ceremony they www.possumtrot.org forth. Don’t make no sense ta me at He found out the horse was blind. So all. Ya go 30 miles ta get 5 miles. Larry said, “This horse is blind, you Must be a conspiracy with “Big Oil.” sold me a blind horse.” To which the Well we went down the road just attendant said, “I done told you the before East Pine Knot; ya know the horse didn’t look too good.” spot where they blowed up half a Larry told the man that he was mountain a hundred feet straight up bout to be wed to Lucinda and didn’t and ya have ta scratch the right side he have another horse ta sell. He of your car ta keep all four tires on didn’t, but he did have a mule he the road? — I heard this awful could let go for the same price. screamin sound. I looked up and Seems a preacher had just traded it down came a mule landin’ on one in the day before. The only thing was side of the road and a man on the that ta get it ta go you had ta say, other. I stopped the car right there “Praise the Lord” and to stop ya say, to investigate. The mule wasn’t “Amen.” So Larry took the mule and fairen too well. He had two broken started home. legs, and I could see by a looken at Seems Larry had dozed off a
VISIT THE SASS WEB SITE AT WWW.SASSNET.COM Page 36 Cowboy Chronicle August 2009
SIDEKICKS & HEAVIES Honoring the Saddle Buddies and the Bad Guys who helped make Saturday Matinees so Goldurned FUN! ANDY DEVINE By Whooper Crane, SASS # 52745
Even though Andy’s origins Mean Guy roles as he used his “evil were in the west (Born in eye” to get the attention of adven- Flagstaff, AZ and raised in ture film Directors? Well, Andy Kingman, AZ), he wasn’t one of had a childhood injury too! He was Whooper Crane, those “learned-to-ride-before-he- running with a stick in his mouth, SASS #52745 learned-to-walk” kids. He was fell on his puss, and rammed the Mug shot by Deadeye Al raised as a city kid. His Dad ran a stick into the roof of his mouth. hotel. His Mom was a real lady … The result? That wacky way of n recent issues, we’ve featured sev- the daughter of one of the founders speaking that became his stock in Ieral movie cowboys whose back- of the U.S. Naval Academy. trade as he auditioned for Western grounds were as honest-to-goodness But somehow along the way Sidekick roles! working cowboys and/or rodeo cow- Andy learned how to drive a six- OK, back to the football con- boys. This month’s Sidekick (and one horse hitch. We’ll see how that nection: While in college, Andy of the longest-playing of all movie “education” helped him in his played football not only for his and TV Sidekicks) had a slightly dif- movie career shortly. schools (his Bio lists several dif- ferent background … as a college and Remember how Jack Elam’s ferent colleges), but he also played semi-pro football player! eye injury as a kid helped him get (Continued on next page) August 2009 Cowboy Chronicle Page 37 (Continued from previous page) most ambitious Western he was ever semi-pro ball for a couple of local a part of was, The Man Who Shot clubs. He used the alias, Jeremiah Liberty Valance, with The Duke, Schwartz, with the clubs so as not to Jimmy Stewart, Lee Marvin, John jeopardize his college eligibility. Carradine, and our old buddy, Lee Now, football didn’t exactly get Van Cleef. Andy said there was him into films, but it did help him always tension on any John Ford land roles. One was as football play- set, but this was particularly true of er, Tuck McCall, in the 1931 rouser, Liberty Valance. He said all the The Spirit of Notre Dame. His acting actors were keen to make this a very and his unusual voice caught the special film “… and weren’t going to attention of several Directors who let John Ford’s micro-managing were seeking ways to exploit the new keep them from their finest per- “Talkies.” Many of them chose to formances.” That’s probably why cast Andy in their upcoming flicks. this film is rated #3 of the 100 In fact, Director Ben Stoloff used Greatest Westerns! Andy the very next year in the origi- As the heyday of Westerns nal filmmaking of Max Brand’s spilled over into “the little screen,” famous novel, Destry Rides Again, Andy hitched his wagon to a star starring Tom Mix. called, The Adventures of Wild Bill Andy got more and more adven- Hickok, with Guy Madison as Wild ture-picture roles …as cowboys, as Bill and Andy as his faithful (usually gunmen, as football players, as confused) Sidekick, Jingle P. Jones. pilots, as buddies to the films’ This well-made Western was stars. He was glad to play just aimed at a younger audience …and about any role they wanted him to it kept their attention for 112 play … times were tough episodes from 1951-1958. An eight- (Depression donchano). year lifespan on TV is incredible, but OK, now comes the payoff for this program had the stuff to keep it knowing how to drive a six-horse coming back year after year. hitch. Director John Ford was about Andy’s appeal was broader to start filming an oater starring a than just to a youth demographic, relative newcomer cowboy (John however. He appeared in a whole Wayne), a pretty chanteuse (Claire raft of adult TV Westerns like Trevor), and a host of quality support Bonanza, Gunsmoke, The Virgin- players. He planned to cast one of ian, and The Rounders. his favorite young actors, Ward Andy’s last Western role was as Bond, as the film’s stagecoach driver. Sheriff Bintell in a 1972 episode of Then Ford discovered Bond didn’t the comedy series Smith and Jones. know how to handle a six-horse Since Andy usually took the “light” hitch. Who stepped in to save the route to his role playing, he fit in real day and take over the role as Buck in well with the series cast in this the soon classic flick, Stagecoach, but appearance. our own Andy Devine. He not only Spanning a career of over 400 took over the reins, he also took over movies (and who knows how many the hearts of Hollywood Casting Radio and TV appearances) in his 51 Directors and America’s movie fans! years in front of the cameras, Andy After Stagecoach, Western roles Devine easily makes our own (especially as Sidekicks to the films’ Sidekicks Hall of Fame. heroes) just fell into Andy’s lap. Tinseltown has recognized Andy One of his favorite roles was as with two stars on the Hollywood Cookie Bullfincher in ten different Walk of Fame … one for Radio and films with Roy Rogers. Millions of one for Television. I think he should kids got to know Cookie (Andy) on have one for Movies as well. Saturday afternoons as he and Roy Andy rode off into the sunset in cleaned up The West. 1977 at the age of 71. If you’d like to Andy went on to sidekick and visit him, drop in at Pacific View support many Hollywood Biggies Cemetery in Newport Beach, CA (but including The Duke, Jimmy Stewart, don’t be surprised if you hear a faint, Richard Widmark, Audie Murphy, crackly voice hollerin’ “Wild Bill!”). Gregory Peck, Lloyd Nolan, James Sources: Arness, Spencer Tracy, Jane Russell, wikipedia; B-Western Boot Hill and Henry Fonda. Photos: Andy liked Westerns best of all Whooper Crane by Deadeye Al the films he made. Probably the Andy Devine by Moviemarket
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RANGE TECH: How Technology Affects Our Lives Getting to the Firing Line TRANSPORTATION (Part II)
By Inspector, SASS #41400
Inspector, SASS #41400 than an extra long mud hole that was kept free of vegetation by the trampling ast month, we discussed how our of hooves, feet, and wagon wheels. Lmodern society has sped up its Back East, some of the better pace and how we can now travel far- roads were built and maintained by ther and faster while giving us more use of paving stones, sand, and gravel, freedom than ever imaginable in the but even that technology dated all the nineteenth century. This achievement way back to the Roman Empire. was accomplished thanks to the inter- Instead, major transportation was nal combustion engine. However, after done by rail or steamship. writing that article, it later dawned In the 1880’s and 1890’s it was the upon me the internal combustion popularity of the bicycle that sparked engine ain’t gonna take you nowhere demand for better roads. Fast forward fast unless the rubber meets the road. a few years, and the popularity of the Roads – let’s face it, in the Old bicycle evolved toward the invention of West, a road was often not much more (Continued on next page) August 2009 Cowboy Chronicle Page 39 Handlebar Doc Shooting Schools
NEW SHOTGUN KNOCK-DOWN TARGET!!! Shot at EOT, NE Regional, SW Regional and Mule Camp
(Continued from previous page) through. These kilns are fueled by the internal combustion engine, and in coal, oil, or gas. 1908, Henry Ford began mass-produc- The process that occurs in the kiln Shooting Schools ing his famous Model T, and the is known as sintering. The heat from Private Lessons demand for better roads exploded. the furnace drives off gasses in the Today, all our major roads and powder compound and causes a chem- Group Schools city streets are paved with concrete or ical reaction in the ingredients allow- One on One Via Video asphalt. ing them to chemically bind together Asphalt: Not too technical in its and form chunks known as clinker. Focusing on your nature, asphalt is derived from petro- After the hot clinker comes out of individual needs leum waste products that are heated the kiln, it is allowed to cool. Once until they reach a tar-like consistency. cooled, it is then mixed with our final The actual asphalt, which acts as a ingredient, gypsum. Gypsum is a nat- binder, is then mixed with sand and or urally occurring crystal and, when www.handlebardoc.com gravel and spread onto a prepared added to our cement, it slows and roadbed to make a road. helps control the hardening process. Handlebar Doc 903-732-5245 - [email protected] Concrete on the other hand, well, Finally, the gypsum and the clinker that is where technology comes in. are ground in a finishing mill to Like asphalt, concrete also utilizes return it back to the powdered state sand and gravel as a filler to make its we know as cement. binder go farther. The difference is And there you have it, cement, the the binder is cement. basic ingredient in making concrete Cement: Otherwise known as for our roads (just add water). Portland cement, it is a mixture of In 1849, a Frenchman, Joseph several common earth substances Monier, discovered that concrete could that, when processed and mixed with be reinforced with steel mesh or rods. water, makes a plastic compound that This innovation proved useful and can be pour cast and will retain the was patented by Mr. Monier in 1867. shape of its mold when it dries and Mr. Monier was a simple gardener hardens. and was only using his invention for In order to make cement, we need planters and tubs. His idea quickly four ingredients that are found in became popular, and he soon began three different sources. The main promoting his invention for structural ingredient is calcium. This ingredient uses. This idea kept finding new uses is most abundantly found in lime- and later made a major contribution stone. Next, we need silicon. Clay or to modern architecture in the form of sand will provide this ingredient. high-rise buildings. Finally, we need lesser amounts of In today’s modern society, we tend iron and aluminum that can be found to take our good roads for granted; in bauxite. that is, until we hit a pothole. If you The limestone is first sent think about it, the design of our cars through primary and secondary and the design of our roads compli- crushers that break the large rocks ment each other. With the exception down into marble sized pieces. From of 4X4 off-road vehicles, our cars and here, the remaining ingredients are cargo trucks utilize tires designed to mixed to appropriate proportion in a ride on hard, solid, smooth surfaces. blender before being sent to the Modern passenger cars sit lower grinder. The grinder pulverizes the to the ground than those a few ingredients into a powder as fine as decades ago, and the styles keep going talcum powder. lower and lower. Modern styles sport It is at this point where the larger rim diameters and lower pro- process gets really cool … ‘er I mean file tires; tires that are less tolerant of hot … I’m talking up to 2700 degrees bumps and potholes. hot. The powder is sent to a rotating So, I guess the next time our fast- kiln lined with high temperature fire- paced lives are slowed down by road brick. These kilns can be up to 12 feet construction, maybe we ought to take in diameter and some as long as a a deep breath and appreciate we football field. The kiln is slightly made it as far as we did thanks to the angled to keep the materials moving blessings of modern technology. Page 40 Cowboy Chronicle August 2009
TUNING THE UBERTI OPEN TOP REVOLVERS ~ Part 4 ~ . By Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS Life #32933
Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS Life #32933
hen we finished last month’s Winstallment, we had marked and punched the center of our Uberti open top arbor. We are now ready to install and fit the Dillon #3 locator button and make our open tops ready for competition. This modifi- cation is the single most important thing that can be done to an open top for long-term longevity. WAY back in Part 1, Photo 11, a typical drill press vice was shown. Also in Part 1, Photo 21, the relationship between various angles on our open top frames was shown. To install the locator button in the arbor, we need to be concerned with the “Y” dimensions in Photo 21. On most drill press vices the bottom of the vice is perpendicular to the jaws of the vice, Photo 69, and will
will make a chamfer for the button to fit into. Photo 73. Take your locator button and drop it into the hole. Photo 74. If all went well, it should drop right in and sit flush on top of the arbor. Photo 75. Yes, the shank maintain our “Y” dimension. On this the drill bit. Move the vice until of the locator button is sticking into particular drill press vice, the frame when the bit hits the center punch the wedge slot. Photo 76. At this was simply inserted and the bottom mark, it is dead center and there is point, don’t worry about it or try to of the frame firmly pressed down on no deflection of the tip of the bit. shorten the shank. We need that the bottom of the vice while the jaws Photo 71. Drill the tip of the arbor extra length for the next operation. were being slowly tightened. Photo right through into the wedge slot. Now comes the part where you 70. Remember, we are not out to Where the shank of the locator but- get to do some machining and actual- crush the frame, simply to hold it ton joints the head of the button ly use your Dremel and not ruin your tight enough for drilling. there is a small radius. This radius gun! Install the barrel on the arbor Put a number 28 drill into your could prevent the locator button from at a 90-degree angle and rotate it drill press chuck and put the vice seating squarely on the top of the down to the frame. The barrel is now under the drill. With the drill press arbor. So, without moving the vice, in FRONT of the frame, Photo 77, NOT running, slowly lower the drill change the drill bit to a number 1 bit instead of behind it, Photo 45. Take bit until it hits the center punch and just lightly kiss the top of the your electric drill (yeah, I know its mark and look for any deflection of hole you just drilled. Photo 72. This actually a ‘drill motor,’ but this arti- August 2009 Cowboy Chronicle Page 41
cle is for the average guy and aver- age guys just call them drills), put it into a vice pointing up. GENTLY tighten the vice just enough so the drill won’t fall out of the vice. If you tighten it too much, you’ll get to see if Home Depot will really honor that money back guarantee! (If you don’t have a bench vice, but have an extremely strong and patient neigh- bor, he may be able to hold the drill for the next operation.) Now, go get your Dremel and put a sanding drum in it. Put the locator button in the drill chuck and turn on the drill. rotate the barrel down it mates flush ent because they have no cylinder Now, take your Dremel, turn it on, with the frame. Photo 81. bushing. With the hammer at half and gently start machining the head Next, put in the cylinder and cock, pull the cylinder to the rear. of the locator button to make it thin- mount the barrel to do a preliminary You should have a gap between the ner. Photo 78. The two rotating check for cylinder gap, on the cap barrel and the cylinder. Photo 87. and ball guns, or cylinder gap and When the gun is brought to full cock, end shake, for the ‘72’s and conver- the hand will push the cylinder for- sions (which have cylinder bush- ward until it contacts the back of the ings). Part 1, Photo 4. On the ‘72 in barrel. Photo 88. If the gap is too Photo 82, the end shake and cylin- large, over .010” or so, thin the but- fully, everything will be properly ton until when the wedge is inserted aligned. In Photo 86 the wedge the gap is reduced. If there is no gap goes in just a little past the bottom of or it is very small (below .004), then the wedge slot and our retaining some material may have to be screw will fit in with no problem. removed from the back of the barrel. This ‘72’s arbor, barrel, and cylinder The object of the button adjustment all wound up fitting perfect, so this on the cap and ball guns is to have a particular gun is finished. gap at half cock that will not change Guns have tolerances, however, when the wedge is inserted. With a and sometimes the wedge might not properly set gap, as fouling builds on go into the wedge slot far enough, or the cylinder face, the cylinder will be the cylinder gap is too big, or there is pushed slightly to the rear by the too much end shake, etc. Sometimes fouling buildup, but will still have the button head may have to be enough gap to turn freely. thinned to allow the barrel sit just Remember on all of these adjust- slightly behind the frame. This will ments DON’T remove any material allow the wedge to tilt the barrel from the gun parts until you have back just a little to adjust the cylin- exhausted all attempts to adjust the der gap and end shake. On the con- barrel, arbor, cylinder fit by making versions and ‘72’s, if the cylinder adjustments to the button. What is binds or drags and there is a gap nice about the button adjustment is between the cylinder bushing and that if you make a mistake, you are the barrel, then some material may only out a dollar and can simply devices will ensure the button is have to be removed from the back of make another one. Once everything machined evenly. After you have the forcing cone area of the barrel. is set and gapped properly, you can thinned the button a bit, remove it In other words, in Photo 82 if the put the button back in the drill and and check to see how close the barrel der gap appeared about perfect. You barrel is contacting the cylinder at lightly polish the dull surface left by is getting to the frame. can also see the shank of the locator “A” and there is a gap at “B,” it might the Dremel. Photo 89. This is In Photo 79, we are about button sticking into the wedge slot in be necessary to remove a little mate- (Continued on page 42) halfway done. On some guns, Photo 82. This now has to be short- rial from the back of the barrel at depending on how far off the arbor ened so we can move on to the final “A.” The object of the button adjust- was when it was originally fit; the fitting. Put a cut off wheel in your ment is to ensure the cylinder gap is head of the button is going to get Dremel and cut off part of the shank. established and maintained by the fairly thin and might bend if you Photo 83. Try it in the arbor and cylinder bushing contacting the bar- press to hard with the Dremel. To then grind a little material off at a rel around the arbor hole so that help prevent this, if the head is start- time, Photo 84, until when the but- once the wedge is inserted, the cylin- ing to get very thin, put a steel wash- ton is seated in the arbor it no longer der gap can no longer change. We er under the button head to help protrudes into the wedge slot. don’t want the cylinder face drag- support it. Photo 80. Keep grinding Photo 85. Now comes the moment ging on the back of the barrel. and checking the fit until when you of truth. Put in the wedge and, hope- The cap and ball guns are differ- Page 42 Cowboy Chronicle August 2009 TUNING THE UBERTI OPEN TOP REVOLVERS . . . (Continued from page 41) entirely optional and is only cosmet- ic. But, since you will want to show all your friends your work, you do want it to look nice, right? After final fitting and polishing, put some loctite on the button shank and seat it in the arbor hole. You don’t want it falling out and don’t want to mix it up with one from another gun, as each button will be custom fit to each gun to make up for individual arbor variances. One side benefit from the 2nd Gen Colt’s perforated arbor hole shown in Photos 51 and 52 is the ly seat the barrel to the frame. Your results of our work can be seen. In cylinder gap won’t vary and you will Photos 90 and 91 the brass button have years of trouble free shooting. can be clearly seen bumped up If anything ever changes (you change against the end of the arbor hole. barrels or cylinders, etc), heat the Now that this gap has been filled, arbor, pull out the button, and simply your wedge can do its job and proper- start over.
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WHAT’S THE CALL?
By Oracle, SASS #4854 Regulator, RO-III . TG – The Bitter Creek Rangers ,
would like to address two items of the Loading Table be limited to Where do Spotters stand and Iinterest for this month’s article. counting rounds, watching the shoot- why do they take up a specific posi- The first is a safety concern about er load the correct number of rounds tion? What is their responsibility posse members working or standing in each firearm, and answering any after the shooter has completed the between the shooter coming off the questions the shooter may have course of fire and they have given line and going to the unloading about the stage. It is tempting to the count to the Timer Operator? table, and the other is “shadow talk about other subjects, but it is Spotters spread out along the shooting.” Neither is addressed distracting to the next shooter. firing line in order to see down specifically in our RO materials. The other Range Official involved range with no obstructions. “Shadow shooting” is not defined with “Shadow Shooting” is the Berm Spotters position themselves so in the Glossary of the SASS Shooters Marshal/Stage Marshal/Stage Driver. those of the Holy Black will receive Handbook, and there is nothing in The reason they are involved is their a fair “see and hear” strike of the Oracle, SASS #4854, Regulator writing that specifically prohibits a job duties. “The primary responsibil- bullet. Spotters don’t look at other RO-III, TG (Un Retired) shooter coming to the shooting line, ity of a stage marshal is to ensure Spotters to see what they have in pointing their finger to each target, consistency between posses and to the way of misses and/or Proce- going through the motions of the keep posses running on time.” Part of durals. When the Timer Operator Spotter/target re-setter/brass pick- shooting sequence, maybe or maybe that “keep the posse running on time” sees a Spotter doing that, they need er to remain in place between the not picking up or putting down the is to observe the Timer Operator and to admonish the spotter to pay shooter and down range. DO NOT next imaginary firearm, and review- Shooter. The Timer Operator does attention to their job or get another stand/sit/work between the shooter ing the stage in their mind. Nor is NOT ask, “Does the shooter under- spotter. No shooter minds waiting and the unloading table. It may there a written rule that says a stand the course of fire?” The reason until a new Spotter is brought for- take a whole five seconds for the shooter can not come to the first being time. If the Timer Operator has ward in order to receive a fair count. brass pickers to move so they are position on the stage and, instead of to explain the stage to each shooter, it Additional Spotter responsibili- NOT between the shooter and the pointing their finger and going adds an additional 30 seconds to one ties may include resetting knock- unloading table. through the motions, they simply minute to the time each shooter is on downs. It is not unusual for I strongly suggest during the look at each target in sequence, plac- the firing line. If the Timer Operator Spotters to pick-up brass. The most Safety Brief before each SASS match, ing all 20 to 30 targets in their place is allowed by the Berm Marshal to frequently broken Safety Rule is for the Safety Officer remind ALL partic- in time and space. allow the shooter to point at each tar- Spotters to stand/sit/work between ipants to get out of the way. Whether you point your finger get in the shooting sequence, it adds the shooter coming off the firing LOOK IT UP! Welcome to the and go through the motions, or sim- an additional 20 seconds. Further, if line and down range. The shooter hard call of a RO. ply “look at” each individual target, the shooter has to ask about stage has two firearms in hand and addi- Question 1 – Where are the it is still “shadow shooting.” The instructions, review shooting tional firearms on their person. Expediters duties listed? Expediters position is where the sequence, and so forth, the shooter is Hopefully, they are empty. The ANSWER – Range Officers question is asked and answered, NOT ready to shoot and should be responsibility lies not only with the Basic Course Student Book, Page 7, “Does the shooter understand the directed to the Unloading Table. The brass picker/spotters/workers, but Item 6 course of fire?” If no Expediter posi- only exception I can think of is for a also with the Shooter. Do not pro- Question 2 – Where are the tion is used, then the Loading Table worker on a “shoot through” to not be ceed until you have a clear, safe Berm Marshal/Stage Marshal/Stage is where the shooter reviews the present during the initial stage path to the unloading table. Not so Driver duties shown? stage requirements of positions, instructions. At that point, the Timer usual, but it still happens, is the ANSWER – Range Officers sequence, and movement. That is Operator coaches the shooter through shooter with loaded firearms going Basic Course Student Book, Page 6, why it is important conversation at the entire stage, if requested. to the firing line and allowing a Items 1, 2, 3, and 4. Page 44 Cowboy Chronicle August 2009
RESURRECTING THE , REMINGTON ROLLING BLOCK BUFFALO GUN ~PART I~
By Buckskin Dave, SASS #25968
Buckskin Dave, SASS #25968 agreed to manufacture the firearm. The idea had to be developed into a production he Remington Arms Company is stage by Remington designer Tthe oldest arms manufacturing Joseph Rider. The first gun company in America. Before they was a split breech carbine that were founded in 1816 by Eliphalet saw little duty toward the end Remington, most arms were secured of the war. The design needed from gun makers such as the Hawkin some improvements, and even- Brothers or other small gun making tually was turned into the Original Rolling Block. My action came smiths. They were the beginning of rolling block action we all know from this 7mm Mauser Rolling Block. the Industrial Revolution in the gun and love today. This design The wood was shot, and it was way Buckskin Dave shooting the rifle business. It is interesting, one of came at the right time, as end- the wrong caliber, but the action at the Beaver Dick their most popular products would ing wars are always bad for was in great shape. Blackpowder Blowout. also be the product that pulled them arms manufacturers. The from almost certain ruination toward rolling block was accepted as the with a rolling block action for shoot- and would take the pressures devel- the end of the Civil War. best arm of the time, and overseas ing Cowboy Single Shot Long Range oped by the new propellant and car- Leonard Geiger brought the idea acceptance brought the company events. I had shot many with Sharps tridges. The rifles were chambered of the Rolling Block to Remington back in black. Even today the action type rifles, but wanted to have a dif- for 7mm Mauser, .303, .30-40, and Arms Company, and Remington is a popular single shot for hunters ferent rifle of the time, and it was other cartridges that were being pro- and target sportsmen. pretty cool I could start with an action duced for the new fangled repeating There were so many versions pro- that was 100 years old plus to build it. rifles gaining popularity. These were duced in its seventy years of produc- The actions are still available and pop No. 5 actions, and although the rifles tion it would take a book to decipher up in pawn shops and estate sales all differed in many details, as type of them all, and there is a good one by the time. Gun Broker usually has a sights or length, the action was George Layman called “The Military good selection of rolling block actions essentially the same as the No. 1, Remington Rolling Block Rifle.” and rifles and miscellaneous parts except it was made with the stronger Although there were many sporting always on auction. The last one I “smokeless” steel. The parts are rifles produced, the rolling block was bought was from Gun Broker. interchangeable. primarily a military weapon. The first actions were built in The rolling block came in a vari- Sustained fire with the rolling block the late 1860’s and were made of the ety of other models, but the one I ran Checking the fit – was full auto compared to other previ- steel of the era. They were used with into for this project was a No. 5 in The first step was to barrel the ous options of the era, and the action blackpowder cartridges, most of 7mm. It was a carbine made in 1902- action with a .45 caliber barrel. was sturdy and reliable for military which are now obsolete. These 5 era. The rifle was functional, but as A nice tight Class 3 fit was what I use. The Layman book helped me to actions were called No. 1’s. The I disassembled it to start this rebuild was after. This involved taking off distinguish what type of action I was sporting rifles were produced in .50- project, I would have desired not to a couple thousands and trying it. going to start with to produce a sport- 70 caliber. Some skirmishes with shoot it in its state of repair. The After numerous tries, the fit was perfect. ing buffalo rifle. Indians in the west occurred where action was in excellent shape though, I decided to build a buffalo gun men armed with rolling block rifles and was going to be a great base for held off attackers 5 to 1. As the rifles my project. I began the search for the were produced for overseas markets, parts necessary to rechamber it into they were chambered to various cal- a .45-90 “buffler” gun. ibers such as the .43 Spanish, .43 The question of caliber was going Egyptian, and metric calibers from to be the first decision. There were Danish contracts in 11.7x51. Rifles many reasons to pick each of the dif- will usually have markings to identi- ferent choices. I wanted to build a fy where the rifle did service. sporting type rifle and give it that In the late 1890’s and early look, so the .50-70 might have been a Chambering the Barrel – 1900’s when smokeless powder more period correct caliber. It was a I chambered this one in .45-90. development started to rule ammu- No. 5 action made of stronger steel, so I already had a .45-90 in a Sharps, Rolling Block so far – nition, better steels were developed it wouldn’t matter if I wanted to shoot and it would make it easy to build It’s getting to look like a buffalo and were being used to produce smokeless or blackpowder, but I the ammo as I already had the stuff. gun. Fitting the stock will be next. these actions. They were stronger (Continued on next page) August 2009 Cowboy Chronicle Page 45 haven’t run into before. Brownells carries a good selection of later on they were redesigned with a The barrel threads were Dave Manson reamers. I use his rotary extractor. The No. 5 I was square. I knew they exist- reamers in my shop and have always working with already was fitted with ed, but have never had to been satisfied with the quality. When the rotary, and again, I only had to cut them. I would have to picking out a reamer for the .45-90, duplicate the position using the old grind a tool to cut square there is a choice between lead bullets barrel as a guide. I bought a new threads, which turned out and copper jackets. I knew I was extractor off of Gun Broker, and it to be a really easy project. going to shoot buffalo matches in the was easy to fit to the rim of the .45- I counted how many Cowboy game and would have to use 90. Having the old barrel made posi- threads were inside an lead bullets. I also planned on doing tioning the cut easy. I did all of the inch, and found it to be 12 some elk hunting with the finished cutting of the slot and fitting the tpi. I measured between rifle and have been happy with the action block with grinder and file. the threads and across performance of lead bullets before. While I was doing the metal the threads, and they These big slow bullets do not destroy work, I was trying to decide how I were around .041". I say meat from velocity shock. You can was going to stock it and what type of Remington #5 Rolling Block – After taking off around because they var- literally eat right up to the hole. sights I was going to use. The sights all the junk, a real nice action emerged. ied a bit, but only by a few The .458 size bore was big were kind of easy to pick. I wanted to thousands. I then ground enough, so I didn’t have to drill out duplicate a sporting rifle and really (Continued from previous page) a square tool to those dimensions out the hole before starting the reamer. didn’t want verneer sights because it would want it in a more common buf- of high-speed steel. I gave it a trial A roughing reamer could be used to would also be a hunting rifle. falo caliber. I also wanted something run on a piece of aluminum that I get closer and finalized with a finish Montana Vintage Arms makes a peri- with easy to find loading components turned down to the correct dimen- reamer. This is not a part of the job od correct Rough and Ready rear for making cartridges. The .45-70 sions, and made a plug that had a that will get done in a few minutes. sight that combines an open sight really fits that description and would Class 3 fit to the receiver. A Class 3 The process is slow, and the reamer and a flip up peep for distance shoot- be a period correct caliber. There are fit has very little wobble when screw- has to be removed often to clear off ing. For the front sight, I chose their a host of other calibers popular in the ing it in and is what I was looking for the chips. A good quality cutting oil Beech type combination that has a day, but I went with the .45 Sharps. with the barrel/receiver fit. is also needed in liberal quantities. I blade for the open sighting and a flip The .45 Sharps is more commonly The machining to fit a barrel kept the blank in the lathe and lined up hooded pin for the peep rear sight. known today as the .45-90. My blank requires access to a lathe. I up the reamer with the tail stock Stocking the gun has many spaghetti Sharps is a .45-90, and I fig- had seen barrels offered on Gun and turned it by hand with a options and it depends on what the ured that would be the easiest to get Broker that were already machined wrench. This keeps the reamer lined gun will be used for. I was going to components for because I could get and chambered. If you keep an eye up precisely with the bore, which is shoot Cowboy Long Range and also them right at my loading bench! out, a barrel may be found that will paramount for accuracy. I was very hunt with the gun. Just shooting I have found the only good rea- suit your needs. Some barrel compa- careful not to turn the reamer back- competition, the gun could be kept in son to shoot the .45-90 over the .45- nies offer the barreling and cham- wards or counterclockwise because pristine condition, but hunting would 70 is when shooting blackpowder. bering with their products. Most the chips binding against the cutting definitely cause platelet build up in The extra blackpowder that will fit local gunsmiths will be able to do edges will dull the reamer. my arteries trying to keep nicks out in the .45-90 cases will increase the this part of the process for you, and I Once the chamber was reamed to of a custom finished stock. Brownells velocity a bit. When I shoot smoke- also offer this service in my shop. If the desired length, I fired up the lathe carries a stock made by Treebark less loads, I have found the most you have the machining skills but and slightly chamfered the edges to Carving that is a plain walnut stock accurate loads out of either are real- need some coaching, Brownells Tech knock off the sharpness and keep bul- for the rolling block action. It is 90% ly about the same speed. Some of Support guys are always there to lets from snagging when loading. fitted and for hunting would be cor- the new big case powders will get the help. I have found them to be Then, the chamber was polished to a rect and practical for the rifle I was pill traveling faster, but slowing extremely knowledgeable and will high finish with 600 grit emery and building. It has a flat butt and can be them down to 1300-1600fps yields point the do-it- yourselfer or profes- steel wool. I wrap the abrasive up on fitted with a recoil pad or inletted to better accuracy. The .45-70 can be sional in the right direction. an appropriately sized wooden dowel a period butt plate. Treebark loaded faster than that, but is only I turned the barrel stub down to and insert it into the chamber when Carving also offers a variety of woods recommended in the Ruger #1 the right diameter and found the spinning it in the lathe. It can also be to fit any level of look you would action. The .45-90 will stay in the round stub was a bit short for the polished in a vise and spinning the want to fit the rifle with. Treebark safe pressure zone at the higher rolling block action. This is not a abrasive with a drill motor. really has some beautiful wood. velocities, but the accuracy suffers. problem for the lathe to lengthen the Once the barrel was chambered, I With the receiver barreled and Now that I decided on the cal- stub and round out some of the had to form the breech face to fit the chambered, I usually proof test them iber, I could start rounding up the octagonal barrel. I like putting my rolling block part of the action and before I go any further. In Part Two stuff. I would need a barrel, sights, own shoulder on the barrel so every- cut the extractor slot. The First No. I will proof test our work and shape stock and forearm, and a .45-90 thing in the chambering and thread- 1 actions had a straight eject extrac- the barrel, fit the stock and sights, chambering reamer. I went to my ing process is on the same plane. I tor on the bottom of the chamber, but and decide on the final finish. Brownell’s catalog and found just had the old barrel to measure to get about everything I needed. They it close enough to hand fit and that carry Green Mountain blackpowder was really helpful. When I was cartridge barrel blanks in an octago- ready for the threading, I kept the OFF THE WALL nal stock. The barrel would have to stripped receiver close by to try, as be sized and threaded, chambered, the threads were getting close. This . Gun Carts , and crowned to the desired length. is the only way to get a precise fit It was oversized plenty to do whatev- and it takes some time to try it take 7 Cart styles Suited for the Rowdiest er I wanted to do. I could have made off a few more thousands and try Cowboys & Cowgirls it half octagonal half round, or again until it screws down tight. 3 Species of wood swamped it down to reduce the With the octagonal barrel it also has 224 N. Howard St. weight. I liked the full octagonal to stop with a flat on top and level. 7 Wheel options Greentown, Indiana 46936 barrel, but ended up tapering it Once the fit is good, the barrel can be down from breech to muzzle to adjusted to the right position by tak- 2 Wagons Tel: (765) 628-2050 decrease weight. I also would end up ing off a few thousands at the shoul- shortening it down to 30 inches der until it stops level. The breech 2 New Sheriffs Rack Fax: (765) 628-1899 before crowning it. The Green face will then have to be trimmed Mountain barrel blank was .458 bore down to be flush with the back of the E-mail: [email protected] “The Ultimate Gun Cart for C.A.S.” and 1-18 twist. receiver to headspace correctly. Now a SASS Gunther Cartwright When I pulled the 7mm barrel off Once the receiver was fit to the www.guncarts.com Affiliated Merchant SASS Life Member #20136 of the No.5, I found something I barrel, it needed to be chambered. Page 46 Cowboy Chronicle August 2009
A BUCKBOARD LOOK ALIKE
By Cree Vicar Dave, SASS Life #49907 TG Sucker Creek Michigan
air dried (at least three years) 1 inch The middle board was slotted to are firm.” This is very good advice by 10 inch by 8 foot rough sawn red accept the threaded rod. Holes were that can keep one from going amok. oak. They were planed to a little drilled in the threaded rod and wood A three quarter inch square nut over three-quarter inch. After sizing to hold the axles in place. The rear was embedded securely in the center up the boards, they were ripped axle was secured directly to the bot- of the fifth wheel. Then, a three around 8 inches wide and cut 7 and tom, while the front took a little quarter inch bolt was used to hold a half-foot long. This made the bed more head work to design the fifth the front axle in place. The bolt a little over 32 inches wide. Cross wheel. This was accomplished by must be held in place so as not to be cleats were put on the bottom to building up the under side of the able to unscrew when axle is turned. hold the bed together. The front and front to one-half the difference A thin piece of metal was placed on Cree Vicar Dave, SASS Life #49907 sideboards rise 8 inches above the between the larger diameter wheels the fifth wheel and the axle at the Territorial Governor, bed, were glued, and deck screwed on the back and the smaller diame- pivot point held in place by deck Sucker Creek Michigan in place. A three quarter by 10 inch ter front wheels. This makes all screws. A coat of grease on these board was placed on the top of the things come out level. Level is good metal plates frees up the action. front cross board on around a 5° in most circumstances. It says in Stain and three coats of varnish fin- Cowboy Action Shooting™ town angle toward the front of the buck- Proverbs 4:26 “Make level paths for ished it off. Like most other aspects Ajust doesn’t seem complete ta board. Three angled struts were your feet and take only ways that (Continued on next page) me without a buckboard or cart used to secure it in place. strategically placed on a stage. The axles were made in three Whether for transportation or only layers of three quarter inch boards.
ambience, they are easy on the eyes of this ole cowboy. A while ago I wrote an article on wood spoke wheels. Well, next I had to build something to put em on. This buckboard (or town wagon) was made around full size. The wood is red oak, my wood of preference. It’s lighter in weight than many hard- woods, and when sanded, stained, and varnished always looks great. Looking online, I found many pictures of what I wanted to build. The Webster’s Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary also has pictures of a buck- board and such that help a cowboy out when drawing up a set of plans. The wood for the main body was August 2009 Cowboy Chronicle Page 47
(Continued from previous page) of Cowboy Action this buckboard is primarily for looks. But then, half the reason I’m in this sport is to reflect nostalgia. The seat required a little more homework. I made a trip to see a local Amish buggy maker, Mervin, who operates Pine View Carriage. He sold me a set of buggy seat leaf springs. While there, I gained valu- able knowledge that can be used on my next buckboard-building project. Too bad I didn’t pay him a visit soon- wheels that Mervin puts on the er. The springs were built up with Amish buggies use one-inch metal wood on each side and bolted on. axles. The wheels come with either The bottom fits just between the a one-inch or one and one quarter- sideboards and is secured in place to inch rubber tires fastened to the the bed. felly. They use 1" greased bearings The buckboard looks great and with a seal on the inside and a cap can be used to shoot out of or to just on the outside. These would work sit there in town. It should be kept very well and afford the buckboard under cover when not in use to pro- good mobility, but there is a cost fac- tect the wood. The wood spoke tor. Each wood spoke wheel costs over $125, plus the axles! Treated lumber could be used to build the buckboard. This would make it a little more outdoor friendly. But this also adds to the expense. If the wheels you use are not sturdy, the buckboard can set on a solid stand. Check with a buggy maker before starting a project like this. It may save some headaches. And as always, follow all safety and health rules when working on projects. Hope ta see ya on the trail [email protected]