Saturday, December 22, 2018

Memories- 2018

Recently a couple of my good friends got into a "discussion" on the comments to one of my posts.  It is humorous how a thread can morph, you never know if you are going get a moth or a butterfly. Anyway it got me thinking about 2018 season.

The most memorable match of 2018 for me was a match at the last Texas circuit shoot against Lucky 45. We were evenly matched in quickness and temperament. After 4 shots the match was tied each having won two on quickness. The match was decided on the fifth shot.  It did not matter who won, it was great fun.

The second most memorable was a series of three consecutive matches at the Springs against Okie Ed. Again we were evenly matched, with the matches all being decided in less that five shots.  Unfortunately, we eliminated each other from the main match but again it was great fun.

The third most memorable was four matches against Oregon Ranger in the Marshall Cup. It is memorable for me because I was shooting at a 1.41 (.61+.80) clip which normally will win an event easily but Ranger was at 1.60 plus.  Again great fun.  Memorable for me because I hit my fastest competitive time of the year while hitting better than 80%.

I like "sayings," generally acquiring a new one about one a year. My new saying for 2018 is "80% is just average."  And that is, if you are following my others. "Never ever slow down!" "Your quickest shot is your most accurate."  "We don't practice missing!"

Just think what our sport would be like is everyone shot 80% or better. All matches would be decided by quickness, and you would rise in the standings to the level of your quickness and mental toughness.  It would eliminate the lottery matches where the outcome is just a matter of chance.

"80% is just average!"  Alleluia Ruah.

Monday, December 17, 2018

Handicapping the Gunfight at Pioneer

The final gunfight of the year for The Association of Arizona Gunfighters will be held on December 29. We are expecting a big turnout and will have two 6 lane ranges in operation.  It will be sort of a practice run for Winter Range and we will be shooting our normal Arizona Bracket shoot but with a 6 bracket shoot off. We can handle up to 100 shooters easily but the turnout probably will be about 60.

The club Top Gun points are in play with some tight races to be determined.  The top two spots for the ladies have been decided but there is still a battle to be fought for third.  Hot Flash is currently in third but Troublemaker is in range because she has 40 points in play. Most Improved awards for the ladies is pretty much set.

In the men's division the top spot has been settled for a few months, but there are five shooters competing for 2nd and 3rd. QC Carver, Waco Kid, and Shady Mike stand at 257, 255, and 254 for those spots. But as Old West learned at FGA  you have to be wary of those in striking distance.  Rodeo Romero and Hi Strung both have 40 points in play and are capable of reaching 2nd or 3rd.

For the men the Most Improved is really hard to handicap because Top Gun award winners are not considered for Most Improved.  The crowd favorite has to be Coyote Kid who currently sit in fourth and is capable of catching third place Rodeo Romeo. If Rodeo shoots poorly Coyote Kid may catch him, if Rodeo shoots well Rodeo probably will get a Top Gun award and will not be considered in Most Improved.

For 2019 we are changing the rules a bit.  Presently you have to have an average from the previous year to be considered for Most Improved which effective eliminated new shooters. For 2019 new shooters will start with their first placing in an event.  Also, to be considered for Most Improved, you must have shot in a minimum of 4 events starting in 2019.

Being the Copper State. awards will be copper.

I hope to see you at Pioneer. It will be fun.  Come looking for a gunfight, but remember the Cowboy  Way.  It is all about work, play, and being neighborly. Enjoy the task at hand, that bonc or maverick will be there again tomorrow.