Saturday and Sunday we headed out to Cowtown just a short drive from the Ben Avery Facility.

A lot of work gone into the range since the last time we attended but still very much Cowtown despite the reworks from previous flooding.

Was so good to be back amongst it all and catching up with folks we haven’t seen in a long time.

Saturday started out chilly, needing jacket and gloves but it soon warmed up enough to ditch the jacket.

We had a few issues with shotgun ammo sticking in the chambers which costs seconds to your time but we got it worked out eventually moving into the back half of the day and into Sunday.

I finished with a clean match and first in category. 27th overall from 210 shooters. Jack not so lucky but still managed 5th in category.

Thanks to Barbwire and Zona, all the hardworking crew and extras that made Fire and Ice happen! it is always a great pre-start to End of Trail in Aroizona.

Kat x

Moving on from Las Cruces this morning leaving New Mexico and heading into Arizona and Saguaro country.

After a very long stretch of straight road we eventually end up In Mescal but the Film Studio is closed today.

From here we continue into Tucson and Old Tucson Studios for a visit. Also home to many a film setting over the years.

We stayed on, watched the stunt guys after the magic show in the Saloon. A great visit, a new Christmas tree decoration and we are now on our way to Scottsdale. Our final destination for the next 10 days.

It’s quite cool today but the weather come the weekend for shooting is set to be spectacular!!

Kat x

A 4.30am start gets us on the road by 5 to head west.

The sun is rising behind us now as we are half way into our journey.

This weekend being a preliminary warm up prior to the Heartland, having not shot for months.

Yes it’s true dear readers (hmm perhaps a bit too much time watching Bridgerton in the Craft room 🤭) too much work and not enough play for Kat.

Jack is still not able to shoot due to broken ribs but we will go and enjoy Quigley’s Redemption, hosted by the Dalby Pistol Club and South West Quarry Gang.

It is a black powder match but they have a ladies only ‘smokeless‘ in conjunction with it.

Looking forward to catch ups and some shooting!!

It’s a cool 4 degrees C 😳 sooo not used to this anymore.

Til later

Kat x

It’s the final day, Sunday and like all good cowboys and cowgirls we head to the range for this morning’s shootout!

Where the best of the best go head to head in a final showdown and bit more fun on the range.

You know you can be lucky sometimes….on last stage of warm up match the bottom tab in my rifle broke, caught the piece in my hand when I cleared it at the unloading table. ‘Well that can’t be good’ I exclaimed but Jack got it fixed ready for the main match.

Fast forward to the shootout – Wild Rose and I take off from the middle,

pistols are shot first,

go to rifle….click, nothing happens..re cock the hammer, click…rack it, it must be a dead round,

click on the next one…..rack everything out and move to shotgun. A win for Wild Rose. Firing pin is broken.

Moral of the story? Better today then copping 10 misses for a broken rifle during the main match!!!

Huge congratulations to shootout winners Violet Rose for the ladies and Bat Masterson for the men.

Jack was pleasantly surprised to finish 1st in Elder Statesman category.

Congrats to Sister Sarah Carnegie 1st in Lady Gunfighter!

And the 2023 Australian Single Action National Champions – The Terror and Violet Rose – congratulations.

To the Frontier Shooting Club, as everyone has been saying all week and beyond, this truly was a fantastic match that in our minds rivaled shoots we’ve been to in the US. Other clubs here now have a lot to take away from this and make their shoots also something to be talked about.

Well played guys, well played.

Kat xo

The final day of main match, time to claw back a bit of yesterdays disasters. it is a much much cooler day, with winds and light drizzle.

Stage 11 – Zee’s Mine

The Pikes Peak Gold Rush – Pikes Peak 1859, there’s gold in them there hills. Buffalo Bill was there with 100,000 other miners who got busy with their claims, for with toil and hardship came great reward. But for some, less fortunate or downright lazy, it was easier to take from others what they had earned….at the end of a gun. Take aim and defend your claim.

Stage 12 – The Cantina

Doc Carver is helping you put the final touches to a new shooting exhibition. This one should draw a crowd and really showcase your skills of speed and accuracy. It’s pretty much done except you just can’t decide how it should begin. Which targets are you going to begin with?

Stage 1 – Sheriffs Office

Clay Bustin’ Sharpshooter – it’s try out day and you reckon you’ve got what it takes to be Buffalo Bill’s next sharpshooter. Imagine your name up there with the likes of Frank Butler and even Annie Oakley. This your chance to shine, step on up and show us how it’s done.

Last stage of the day and the match!

Stage 2 – Town Hall

Perils of the Pony Express – Buffalo Bill recalls his time as a pony express rider as being tough, but the relay station boys had it hard as well. When Indians attacked, they were pretty much alone, outnumbered and surrounded. “We all knew what was expected of us, whatever the weather….and whatever the Indians could throw at us, the mail must go through.”

Well not the best finish for either of us but we will see how it comes out in the wash.

It’s moments like these that you appreciate the match, the people, the fun! Trooper ‘horsing’ around at the end. 🤭

Night time comes and we are ready for the banquet.

And a bit of clowning around with Charlie Wagon, Pearl Starr, Clancy and Marksman.

Top 16 was announced at dinner.

Kat xo

Red Shirt Friday, 2nd Day of main match and we are in for another hot day. A few have come down with heat stroke so it’s make sure you’re hydrated throughout.

Starting with a LOCAS photo and Jack and Charlie Wagon horsing around.

Stage 7 – Station

Quiet Achiever – Congratulations, you are part of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. This is your acting debit and you’ve been directed to be the strong silent type. In this scene you need to look stern, yet dashing as you blaze away across the station. It’s time to show your qualities.

Stage 8 – Train

The Great Train Robbery – The great train robbery has always been a fan favourite and you have the honor of starting the whole thing off. This is your big break, your first speaking part…..surely no one will notice your slight speech impediment.

Stage 9 – Mercantile

Attack on The Settlers Cabin – The settlers cabin was a regular of the show. This stirring tale revisits the terrors our frontier settlers could face on the lonely open plains. You’re with the cowboys under the leadership of Buffalo Bill as you come to the rescue and repulse the attack of the hostile Indian horde.

Stage 10 – Barbershop

The Grand Buffalo Hunt – The Grand Buffalo Hunt was a real crowd pleaser. Charging buffalo were pursued by hard riding cowboys, discharging black powder rounds. The patrons cheered as the arena was quickly enveloped in gun smoke. Buffalo are a bit scarce here in Virginia, so for your viewing pleasure we have done the best we can.

And that dear readers rounded out the second day of shooting. A number of my shots never made the mark! Front sight…front sight…..front sight.

More side events with the Annie Oakley Mirror shoot, Cowboy and Indian Auditions, last chance at the .22 sideshow and more.

Gourmet hamburgers and side match awards were done this evening. Jack took out the bow and arrow, I won the Annie Oakley shoot for the ladies, Speed Rifle and placed in a couple others! What a blast!!

Kat xo