Tag Archives: Single Action Shooting Society

Wild Bunch World Championship

Posted on by kathousekelli70

What an exceptional weekend of weather and shooting for the 2017 Wild Bunch World Championships.

Plenty of action and plenty of rounds down range. It certainly was a challenging match but the stages were fun.

This match definitely called for precision and by the time I got to day 3 I had worked out a better grip, better arm control and keeping my head aligned. What more could a cowgirl want! Just happened at the wrong end of the match! Haaa Haa Haa

Neither Jack or I had particularly stunning matches in the good sense but we weren't the only ones.

 

We had a great Posse with Jim Milker, Texas Tiger, Back Forty, Shell Stuffer, Lawless Lil, Molly Magoo, Rum Walker, Capitan Regulator, Trigger Happy Ted, Beaver John, Billy The Avenger, Wild Horse John, Squibber, Macon A Longshot, Grizzly Peak Jake, Duke City Deadeye, Calhoun Kid, Blaze Kinkaid, Jackaroo and myself.

We also had the 285 Scout troop picking up brass and painting targets for us.

This year we didn't do any side events but from what I heard there was a lot of fun and some great wins!

Costume contest was carried out with EZ GZ taking 1st Place, Dixie Bell 2nd Place and Kathouse Kelli 3rd. Men's was Captain George Baylor in 1st Place and Wild Horse John 2nd.

 

The Wild Bunch awards were held separate this year to the cowboy match. Santa Fe Brewing Company supplied the kegs to the bar, Pizza Barn provided pizza for the dinner (awesome pizza by the way and frequented often by many a cowboy shooter!) and so began the handing out of awards.

Congratulations to all shooters who placed in their category!

Wild Bunch Modern – Last Chance Morales

Wild Bunch Senior Modern – Evil Roy

Wild Bunch Lady Modern – Idaho Six Gun Sam

Wild Bunch Senior Lady Modern – Secondfiddle Sue

Wild Bunch Traditional – Capitan Regulator

Wild Bunch Senior Traditional – Marshal Stone

Wild Bunch Lady Traditional – Lady Jane

Wild Bunch Senior Lady Traditional – Lawless Lil

 

Congratulations to my fellow Lady Traditional shooters 1st Place Lady Jane, 2nd Place Lacey Doyly and myself in 3rd.

Phew! What a match!

Kat xo

 

Oklahoma State Wild Bunch

Posted on by kathousekelli70

I guess I should start with a recap from last weekend before I get into the new stuff!

This past weekend the Territorial Marshal's hosted the SASS Oklahoma State – Red Dirt Wild Bunch.

 

We had 36 shooters from far afield as Canada, Florida, Texas and a couple Aussie Okies for good measure.

 

As usual the Territorial Marshal's – Hondo Tweed and friends put on a great Wild Bunch match, dinners, side matches etc. Stages were well written, degree of difficulty was standard but everything was well executed.

AAAannndd despite a few hiccups along the way (ahem for me, including not loading ALL mags required) everyone seemed to have a great time despite the heat.

Five stages Saturday, the other 5 on Sunday.

Jack and I both placed in our categories and Jack had a great finish overall in 12th place. With both of us taking our categories as State Champions. Oh yes, and Jack won a gun.

 

Thank you to all of Hondo and his crew for putting everything together, for John Elder and his outstanding meals and service.

 

We had our Texas friends Goatneck Clem and Captain Sam Evans stay with us which was a great catch up.

Congratulations also to Captain Sam Evans and Missouri Mae for taking top honours men's and ladie's overall!

Kat xo

 

End Of Trail 2017

Posted on by kathousekelli70

It is June and that means one thing. The World Championships of Cowboy Action Shooting, End of Trail, is on this next week!

 

Well actually we head out today for Moriarty, New Mexico. The van is loaded to the hilt! It will be a full day's drive with the occasional stop on the way.

Tomorrow we will head out to Founders Ranch to pick up our packs and check in. Dropping gear off to other Aussie's and catching up with a few friends.

Saturday will be the start of the Wild Bunch 3 day championship so will be back in touch then!

Travel safely those who are heading that way as well, all 600 of you!

Kat xo

 

Smokin’ Guns At Rabbit Ridge Part 2

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Okay, so after the exceptional opening ceremony yesterday, we shot 5 stages, got a little more suntan, had a blast with our posse and finished on a high note!

Friday I think as previously mentioned, was Wild Bunch, side matches, and a chilli dinner with joke night. THAT brought out some of the best and worst from all ages (might I add).

Saturday after the exceptional opening ceremony (see Smokin' Guns At Rabbit Ridge Part 1) we went through 5 stages of the main match which was pretty good and then we had a range dinner of catfish, shrimp and hush puppies with coleslaw and fries – of course a cupcake, and chicken tenders for Jack and others that didn't want catfish!

We had the band play last night but we retired reasonably early.

Throughout the night the thunder and lightning kept some of us awake and when it was time to see in the new day this morning it was still raining at a reasonable rate. Yuck!

Breakfast was had and by the time we left for the range it was very very light.

When we were ready to start shooting, all rain had ceased and we were blessed with spectacular cloudy, or cloudless weather for the rest of the day. It was particularly water logged and muddy – to say the very least!!!

 

Our group of shooters, Posse 1, (which included Annie Hicock, Fast Fingers Green, Billy Broncstomper, Belle Vaquera, Jackaroo and myself, C.S. Brady, Trail Agent, Slick McClade, Harpe, Jackalope Jeb, Red Jack Morgan, Okie Buck, Outlaw Bill Wilson, The Arizona Ranger and Three Sheets) finished in spectacular style, sliding into the very muddy Train Depot stage.

 

The clean match winners were announced and given a guncart hand towel. A neat idea and something different.

The veterans from each division (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard) were presented with a special challenge coin. I didn't know they had an area on the entry forms to state service, Jack had put his service down too and was pleasantly surprised to be included in this honour.

I present to you the 'Veterans Posse'. Everyone gave a standing ovation to these men and women. We thank you for your service.

 

Category awards were handed out with Jack and I both winning ours. Congratulations to the Lady Wranglers; Dew R Dye 2nd and Belle Vaquera 3rd! To the Silver Seniors; Three Sheets 2nd, 3rd and 4th!

 

We worked out 12 of the 16 in our posse placed!

The Mississippi State overall champions were Blackfish Kid for the Men's and Lady Gator for the Ladies.

The overall match champions were Slick McClade and Slick's Sharpshooter (not related, she belongs to a different 'Slick' family! 🙂 )

 

Well done to the Mississippi River Rangers for a fabulous and memorable weekend.

Kat xo

 

Smokin’ Guns At Rabbit Ridge Part1

Posted on by kathousekelli70

……I'm an American soldier, an American, besides my brothers and my sisters, I will proudly take a stand, when liberty's in jeopardy, I will always do what's right, I'm out here on the front line, so you can sleep in peace tonight….. (yes, sing along, Toby Keith's American Soldier) well, what a heart rendering opening ceremony as Smokin' Guns at Rabbit Ridge is known for. The presentation of the Color Guard is the highlight to this match which usually falls on Memorial Day weekend. Thank you to all those who have served and are serving, be it here or across the world.

Sweetwater Sage riding Quervo trotted down the range with the Christian flag and Tumbleweed riding Sunny with the American flag ready to hand to Col. Benjamin Grierson and Sgt. Hampton for raising. This is all whilst they have Toby Keith's, American Soldier playing in the background. Man, just brings tears to your eyes. Just truly sensational! Go to Facebook to see the video.

 

After the Color Guard, National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance, was a very moving tribute to Easy Lee who passed away just a short time ago. Fellow cowboy's from the Mississippi Rangers led a procession with the painted pony bearing a set of cowboy boots back to front in the stirrups, his rig, pistols and hat astride the saddle. May he rest in peace.

 

With the fire of multi shotgun blast, the ceremony was complete and after having the usual group photo beside the paddle steamer facade everyone departed to their assigned Posse and we are ready to throw some lead down range!

 

Five spectacular stages completed under light cloud cover with intense humidity….,yeah that's probably a good way to describe it, although I think the humidity hit its peak earlier this evening when the sun came out and we were all hanging around waiting for dinner and the band.

A visit with vendors, chatting with folks, drinking beer. Yep, sounds like a whole lot of fun!! When the band, Drivin' Sideways, got on to play with our resident star guitar player Fast Fingers Green from Oklahoma, we were rockin' out to the good Ol' tunes. (He played with the likes of Jerry Lee Lewis and Conway Twitter when teenagers! Just imagine! I was so born in the wrong era, love this music!)

 

We called it a night, been a long day, got another long one tomorrow (yes it was only 7.45pm when we left the range 🙂 ) and just too sticky to stay out longer.

 

Night y'all!

Kat xo

 

The Great Spaghetti Western

Posted on by kathousekelli70

By definition 'a western film made cheaply in Europe by an Italian director'.

 

The GREAT Spaghetti Western however, was not in Europe but the great state of Texas (Leonard, TX) directed by the Texas Ten Horns.

A neat little range that is slowly growing. Great facades and buildings that allow for shooting under cover should the weather be inclement and a couple of open ranges. Plans are in place for expansion so we look forward to attending this range again!

 

Only a few hours drive, we arrived Friday finding the motel and the range without any hassle. We checked in and caught up with some cowboy's and cowgirl's, watching some already commence with side matches.

Stages were set simply with a great mix of target shapes and sizes. This was going to be fun!

 

Jack and I also got to meet these little treasures! We had met their Dad 'Texas Jack Diamondback' and eldest daughter 15yr old 'Darlin Diamondback' up in Thurmont, MD last year. Adding to the Diamondback family is 7yr old twins 'Dixie Diamondback' and 'Dazzlin Diamondback' along with 10yr old 'Daisy Diamondback' they are all just so sweet and I'm looking forward to making the little ones their dresses for End Of Trail. Now if we can just get Mom to shoot!! 😉

 

Saturday morning with safety briefing, pledge of allegiance and a spectacular rendition of the Star Spangled Banner by Chiquita Bandita! Outstanding!

Five stages done by lunch time, everyone is fed, watered and released back into the field for side matches or just catching up. Of course where would we be without 'spaghetti and meatballs' for dinner!! Side match awards were given out also.

 

Then we caught up with Hawkshaw Fred and Annie D Vine and got to see the riding habit (previous blog post) in all its glory! It's perfect, fits her, length is spot on, I couldn't be happier – best of all was the smile on her face!

Sunday, last chance for another spectacular day with the Ten Horns. Five stages done and dusted! Thank you to our Posse Marshal, Billy Boots who headed up Posse 3 – Big Iron Patnode, C R Hicock, Colorado Jackson, Creek County Kid, Forty Dawg Kid, Highland Scottie, Jackaroo, K D Steel, Kathouse Kelli, Krazy Legs Kay, Lefty Wheeler, Longhandle Slim, Marshal Kidd, Red Knee, Roy's Creek Dan, Sassy Boots, Sharp Shootin' Leroy, Silver Sam and Snake Oil George.

 

Another spectacular lunch with Tiramisu cake for lunch dessert. O…M…G! Yum!

Raffle drawings and prizes were given away before and during the awards. I didn't get to see a clean match pin but the conchos given for 2nd and 3rd winners and the 1st place champion are a great idea for a change.

Congratulations to all cowboy's and cowgirl's that placed in or won their categories. Creek County Kid and Kathouse Kelli took overall honours for Men's and Ladies. Good work CCK!

 

Thanks again to the Texas Ten Horns – a great little match! If you didn't get there you missed out and should look to go next year!

 

'Once Upon A Time In The West'

Kat xo

Texas Ten Horns http://www.texas10horns.org/index.html

Molly's Custom Silver (buckles and conchos) https://www.mollyscustomsilver.com/

Spaghetti Western pic found on Pinterest.

Spaghetti western definition courtesy of Google.

 

2nd Amendment Theme Park

Posted on by kathousekelli70

I saw a picture on Facebook that said, “it's not a shooting range, it's a 2nd amendment theme park!” or words to that affect.

When you are involved in a shooting sport and especially one like Cowboy Action, that's what it does feel like! It's always amusing, we are always having fun, you gotta line up, there's rules and safety requirements and probably the only thing missing is height limitations!

Last weekend we headed to Red Castle and played up there, weather was sensational, with hints that summer is on its way.

Whilst neither of us shot particularly well that day, it's still a chance to test yourself, hone your skills and workout any issues – so it's not all about shooting clean all the time. 😉

 

Today we went to play with the 1911's. Not a full Wild Bunch practice but the pistol is what I need work with anyway and that's the point. Practice on where your weakness is to improve your overall match. (Hope you're paying attention!?) 😉

It was a little on the cool side after the cold front came through the night before but that's okay, hand warmers, gloves, extra layers – it's all good! Any day shooting is a good day – rain, snow or shine! Especially with the Territorial Marshal's as they are lucky enough to have facades that you can close up to the weather and run heaters should we require it! Feel pretty damn lucky to have the opportunity to call this a 'home' club when we are over here.

 

So from our theme park, to yours, whatever keeps you amused or wherever you may be, go get 'em pilgrim. (that last part was in my best John Wayne voice……in my head anyway lol!)

Kat xo

 

Land Run 2017

Posted on by kathousekelli70

The last few weeks a posse of Territorial Marshal's spent time sprucing up the range, getting targets straightened and new ones made, new buildings and decking done, trees trimmed and so much more.

Land Run was coming and everything has to be right for the 300 odd shooters that would come to the Indian territory for one of the country's best SASS shoots.

The pre-shooting posse – our match directors and dedicated helpers shot the weekend before with glorious weather one day and a thick fog the next. Thankfully they didn't have to shoot in rain.

As the wind came sweeping 'cross the plains and with it the horsepower (of a different variety) carrying shooters from afar, so did the spectacular weather for the match.

 

Thursday, side match day and the ranges are a buzz with people catching up, chatting, hugging, laughing and that ever sweet sound of lead on steel.

 

Friday after opening ceremonies, 12 posses headed to their designated start stage. At the end of 6 stages I was clean and Jack had had 1 miss. There was a one in, all in shootout with new shooter Gabby Gertie shooting clean to take the title!!! Yay Gabby! A brisket dinner ensued and the. It was home for rest and an even earlier start on Saturday.

 

Our posse this time was fabulous, although we did miss Wild Horse John not being able to be here with us. We had Angus Red, Asa Smith, Bronco Lumpy, Cal Cogburn, Captain Lee, Copperhead Carson, G Rowdy Hook, Gin Dee, Insanity Jane, Jackaroo, K.C. Ranger, Kathouse Kelli, Kylie Coyote, Loco Vaquero, Moonshine, Prairie Drifter, Rusty Dove, Sally Ranger, Silver, Stonewall, Trent, and Vallian.

 

Saturday and it's the final chance to make or break! 6 stages complete, clean for me with a rifle reload and round the world on pistol. Happy days! Jack had a mishap 'P' and a miss to add insult to injury. He did have a great match otherwise.

 

Saturday night would be the tell tale of all. The foyer of my most favourite museum, the National Cowboy and Hall of Fame Museum has a bar set up and the costume judging was underway in a far corner. Once the doors opened at 6 we all headed in to sit down for dinner and the final hour of costume judging.

I must add that we had many spectacular costumes and accompanying stories this year, you were all amazing but I couldn't give everyone a plaque! Thank you for all those who did enter. There were plenty of fine dressed gentleman and ladies that did not and I hope you partake in the future.

With guns and other prizes given away, raffles from guns donated back for auction to raise money for Just L and awards done and dusted. There were many happy Cowboys and Cowgirls at the end of the evening and I congratulate you all!!! 57 clean shooters!!

 

Jack was very happily surprised to place 1st in Silver Senior! Awesome job man! Congratulations to the other Silver Senior's – Creek 2nd, Greasy Creek Slim 3rd, Matt Valentine 4th, Snake Oil George 5th, Half Fast Len 6th.

 

I placed first in my category Lady Wrangler alongside my good friend Belle Vaquera in 2nd, my lovely costume judge and friend Cheeka Bow Wow in 3rd and the one and only Misty Moonshine in 4th! Congratulations ladies.

 

I also placed 15th and 1st lady overall, with Creek County Kid taking the men's.

 

Another fabulous shoot in the Sooners and Boomers state!

Kat xo

 

Cold, Shoot, Wet, Shoot, More Cold

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Why…..on a shot weekend…..does it need to be 30-48F/sub zero to around 6C.

Holy moly! Yesterday started off cool but pleasant, hmm not too bad we think, take jackets, hand warmers etc, all good.

A short time later, a slight breeze picks up – create wind chill.

The northern cold front moves in – temperature plummets again.

Add a little of that moisture stuff – yay drizzle as well.

Anyway, still had fun, 36 shooters, 6 stages shot, just meant a bit more cleaning of guns after and despite the fumbles had a respectable finish. Happy days! Thanks again Territorial Marshal's for a fabulous club match.

 

This morning we get up earlier – need to travel 2 hours to get to Sand Springs.

Again, cool but pleasant with hopes of it clearing. Scarf included in the mix of items today. Legs were warm yesterday so it's pants and chinks again – hmm toasty.

Have high hopes of cloud clearing and sun breaking through on the way. Just after Macca's picking up breaky, the sun is rising and I'm excited.

We get onto Zinc Ranch and we see 5 deer, (pic of 2 from the pack) and it's a great day to be here.

 

We end up with 30 shooters, 6 stages, a better day than yesterday shooting wise, really happy days. Great posse, weather consistently cool, everyone's rugged up and making sure all shooters are soon deposited back into their warm coats and gloves. Thanks to Indian Territory SASS for a great day.

 

Worn out, warmed up, nice and cosy. Hoping for some warmer days for Land Run! Less than two weeks to get your entries in, then another two weeks on til we have approx 300 shooters take part in this awesome event.

See you down the trail soon

Kat xo

 

Winter Range Wrap Up

Posted on by kathousekelli70

The week began with Sunday being somewhat wet and miserable still with folks hoping it would dry out ready for Winter Range to start last Monday.

Heading out to the range later that day to register and pick up packs, it as sunny but cool and the waddies were desperately trying to create drains around vendor tents and pump water off ranges.

 

Monday and Tuesday were for Wild Bunch. Ten stages were done, along with some long range side match and speed. Our posse for Wild Bunch was Half-A-Hand Henri, Long Swede, Dixie Bell, Constable Nelson, Rooster Cockburn, Medicine Creek Johnny, Big Foot Billy, Deadwood Fred, Wolf Gang, Haole, Paniola Annie, Kid Rich, Shirttail Bess, Mad Dog Mark, Mar-Lynn, Matchlock, Ottercreek Bushwacker, Yellowstone Vic, Flyin' Shootist, Brushy Creek Bill, and Major Pain.

 

Tuesday afternoon was spent helping out with the Doily Gang Clinic, giving some coaching to ladies wanting to improve their transitions. I Posse'd with Dixie Bell and Whirlwind Wendy and we had 10 beautiful ladies to teach. I spoke to a few of them throughout the week and seems all are happy to have taken away something from the clinic and are excited about their matches.

Wednesday, it's warm up, side matches (which we didn't do this year), shopping, eating, catching up with more cowboys and the opening ceremonies. The fly over of 11 war birds lead by Lt. Col Scratch in his Nang Chang was spectacular and I bet those Cowboys that were chosen to go for a ride were absolutely loving it!

 

Thursday, Friday and Saturday were main match days. Four stages each and at the end of the 12, Jack and I were pretty satisfied with how we had shot our matches and would eagerly wait to hear the results. We had a great Posse, Posse 30! Alvira Sullivan Earp and Virgil Earp (our Aussie friends), Bois D'Arc and Tacky Jackie (Oklahoma friends), Chugwater One Shot, Coal Train, High Country, Honest Henry, J.B. Corn (and his lovely wife Aurora who kept all our scores for us), Just Marshall, Kerman Kid, Lazlo Scarr, Little Joe Dalton, Marshal Law, Pill Peddler, Sgt. StroDog, Standpat Steve, Valrico Kid and of course Jack and myself.

 

Friday night was Saloon night and this year they had craps tables, black jack, Texas hold 'em and the infamous Doc Holliday (we saw him when visiting Tombstone a few times) with his Faro table and regaling people with his stories. You handed your chips in, when you were ready to leave, in exchange for prize tickets of which I was lucky enough to win a voucher with Wild West Mercantile!

 

Saturday is of course the day of relief I guess, the match is done and everyone now gets to enjoy the Banquet and side match awards. Costume contest is on and I had the pleasure of being a judge this year. I stepped aside from my judging duties for Pea Patch to step in when a couple of ladies presented in costumes I had made for them. Costume Judges this year were myself, Goodness Grace, Cowtown Scout, Skinny and Capt.

 

The shoot off participants for Wild Bunch and cowboy were announced. Making it into the sweet sixteen with 3 other Lady Wranglers meant it was going to be a close match for us all.

 

This brings us to yesterday, I had one run in the shootout with fellow Lady Wrangler and my main competition Echo Meadows. She shot well and made it through to the next round after I left 3 plates up.

For the Ladies the shootout was won by Molly Magoo and for the Men's, Slick McClade.

So onto the awards and first up the SASS Wild Bunch presented the Wooly Award to the Winter Range Board for their 2016 match.

For Wild Bunch, the overall winners were Captain Sam Evans for Men and Texas Tiger for the Ladies. Jackaroo placed 9th for Wild Bunch Senior Modern and I finished 3rd in Ladies Traditional.

This year's Cowboy match had 111 people from 749 shoot a clean match! That's no misses, no procedurals etc! Outstanding effort and was achieved by three of the Aussie's – Frank James, Renegade Ty and Rooster Cockburn.

Out of the 10 Australians participating, 8 of them (sorry if you did too Renegade Ty but I didn't catch that one) placed in their categories. Constable Nelson, 8th Place in Forty Niners. Frank James, 9th Place in Senior. Alvira Sullivan Earp, 5th Place in Ladies Silver Senior. KC Woody, 7th Place in Senior Gunfighter.

Jackaroo finished 7th Place in Silver Senior and 60th overall! He shot a great match and wasn't too far off me.

I'm ecstatic, I achieved my goal for this match finishing 1st Place Lady Wrangler, 2nd Lady overall and placed 57th overall.


AND the 2017 Winter Range US National Champions overall with a huge congratulations goes to SASS Kicker for the Ladies and Deuce Stevens for the Men.

Here's congratulations to all the competitors who placed at Winter Range and we will see you again somewhere down the road for the next one.

Kat xo