The 2016 Tombstone shoot is in the books and as usual the Old Publeo Gunfighters put on a great event. I think the value of the door prizes exceeded the entry fee. This year's event used the Arizona Gunslinger Bracket shoot as a format. For those not familiar with it, that format has a no x seeding shoot for as many rounds as time will permit. Then the shooters are seeded by x s and time out of last round and divided into three brackets, then there is a magnificent one x shoot off with the top three shooters in each bracket winning prize money. The prize money is divided equally between Bracket A, B, and C.
This has been been very popular format for jackpot shoots because of the perception that it allows the average shooter a better chance of winning prize money. The perception is that the A bracket is the fastest and the C bracket the slowest, but in fact that is normally not the case. At tombstone, the fastest bracket was the B bracket. Hanker Hank has given me the results and analyzing it, I find that the average time out of A bracket was .6285, B bracket .6039 and C bracket .6403. Taking just the five fastest shooters in each bracket, the averages were A .4464, B .4088, and C .4924. At tombstone, Powder Keg was dialed in and came from the 5th seed to win A Bracket.
Powder Keg won and everyone says he won tombstone, but I am not sure he was the best shooter on that day. Two/thirds of the field did not have a chance to compete against him. Fastest shooter there was Witlock with a timeout of .332, but he was in Bracket B.
It has always annoyed me that the winner of Bracket A claims to have won the shoot (think loverboy) when 2/3rds of the field does not have the opportunity to make it to 1st place.
The Arizona Bracket shoot works best with small to medium shoots. At Tombstone there were 55 shooters and we only got four seeding rounds. That means that the luck of the draw has more to do with where you are seeded and where you place than how you are shooting. If you draw the best three shooter you go down to the bottom in the bracket shoot or out in a last man standing, even if you are shooting well and are the 4th best shooter there. With small numbers you get more seeding rounds and so there is a chance to overcome a tough series of shooters.
WE CAN IMPROVE ON THIS FORMAT. By adding a resurrection feature, we can give each shooter a chance to make it to first. What you do is to shoot the Arizona Gunslinger Bracket as normal, and then take the top three shooters in each bracket and shoot them off. You put all of the 1s on lanes 1 & 2 and they are shooting for 1st, 2nd and 3rd with A 1 getting a bye, you put all of the 2s on lane 3&4 shooting for 4th 5th and 6th with A 2 getting a bye, and you put all of the 3s on lane 5 & 6 and they are shooting for 7th 8th and 9th.
Every shooter has a chance to make it to 1st no matter where they are seeded. No one is out until the fat lady sings.
We tried the Arizona Gunslinger Bracket Shoot with Resurrection last Saturday and it worked. Adding the additional rounds only added two more rounds and about 10 minutes to the shoot. We had 42 shooters participate in the shoot off. EB was seeded 39th, being in bracket C, and he was unstoppable, winning 8 matches in Bracket C and two matches against the other number 1s to win the event. HawgLeg Willie was seeded 17th and moved up to place 7th. Powder Keg was on fire again being seeded 8th and moved up until he met the number one seed Lawless Speed. Lawless Speed finished 2nd and Powder Keg finished 4th. We had one tenderfoot shooter, Coyote Kid, seeded 29th who finished 9th. Our Billy the Kid shooter, Buckeroo Ben, was seeded 28th and finished 6th.
Looking at the breakdown of the top nine, we had 2 three shooters, two four shooters, two five/six shooters, two long guns, two 7/8 shooters, and two youth.
The format rewards the best gunfighter, not necessarily the quickest nor the slowest, but the ones who in the shoot offs are shooting the best. It is interesting to note that we had seven World, National, Territorial, State champions shooting Saturday, none of whom made the top nine. The Champions were pretty much evenly distributed among the three brackets. The fastest shooter there got mowed downed by EB in Bracket C.
Some might says the the lack of the Champions in the final nine means format is not good, but I don't think so. The Champions just were not hitting and it you don't hit you don't win. To do well in this format, what is needed is consistency. You must shoot well in each and every match and for a lot of matches.
SPEED BIAS: There is a speed bias built in since seeding is done by xs and time out. Also the A shooters get a bye. One would expect the speed to be in Bracket A, which among the nine, both of the 3 shooters came from Bracket A. The two fastest shooters were in Bracket B and C. You can't miss fast enough to win.
Saturday's shoot was just for practice and was not for prize money.
However, if and when it is used of a jackpot shoot, prize money can be distributed 1 through 9, thereby alleviate one of the complaints we hear about the bracket shoot.
MAJOR TITLED EVENTS: The Arizona Gunslingers Bracket Shoot with Resurrection would make a great warm-up event at a titled shoot. Warm-up event should be just that, a chance to get dialed in and prepared for the main event. With the last man standing format, say 3x, 25% of the field only gets three matches.
With two ranges, you can shoot everyone together for the seeding rounds and get probably get 6 or 7 rounds in if you have 60 shooters or 5 or 6 with 80 shooters. Then seed by xs and time out into 6 brackets. Shoot three brackets one range and three brackets on the other. Shoot offs on each range would remain separate and you would have 9 places set on one range and 9 places on the other. So you could pay out prize money to a total of 18 shooters. Sounds like fun
One big advantage, after the seeding rounds, you do not need the computer. Everything is set up on paper.
Well, what do you think?
"Remember boys quick don't matter, if you don't hit that which you are trying to be quick about."
Monday, January 25, 2016
Friday, January 1, 2016
Proverbs from Shady Mountaiin
When confronted by a verbal barrage a gunslinger can step to the line and resolve the matter by wax or issue a retort. Such great retorts are for example:
Don't be too sure you are quicker than me!
Been quick enough so far!
Appaloosa
You just shot an unarmed man!
Well, he should have armed himself if he is going to decorate his saloon with my friend!
Unforgiven
I have to put up with a daily barrage from Shady Mtn, most times I just let it slide but sometimes have the energy to retort.
Your New Years resolution is something that shouldn't go in one year and out the other.
Let the deaf hear and the blind see!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Losing a marble can not be undone, only forgotten.
Never forgotten, only mourned.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
A gunfighter must be aware of his surroundings and the state of his firearm.
And that of his prospective opponent!
Nope, one can't worry about opponent's state or equipment.
Thought that is what you did, made sure he was loaded to dry fire.
He better follow your lead, he can't remember what he did.
Heh, we are kind of on a roll, seeded in the top three two months in a row.
Not bad.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heh, on your way out of town would you stop by, I would like hear a couple more clanks in my bucket.
Retired my short guns. I don't exist anymore. Can't compete. Going to my smitthy to get my scatter gun worked on. Out of time as usual.
Sure go ahead and quit after you have all of the marbles. Bat Masterson wouldn't do that.
I'll be back
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
That was some pitiful shooting yesterday.
You did good, Progress for me, Maybe I can't do what I want. We'll see.
Quick don't matter much unless you can hit that which you are trying to be quick about.
You should have put a marble in anyway
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Don't be too sure you're quicker than me;
Been known to go to the shift in a tight spot.
Been quick enough so far.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Started off bad, finished good, beat powder keg 2 out of three.
Good, he needs a little humbling!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Not shooting faster than average is what keeps the average down.
I think you better rethink that, not shooting faster than average is what keeps the average up. Been listening to those bureaucrats too long, up is down and down is up, and we can cut spending by spending more.
If you shoot faster then the average goes up, better have another cup.
Guess we need to go back to school. Up is down, down is up. I know the government told me so.
A mind is a terrible thing to waste
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
He who fears losing marbles is certain of defeat.
Difference between you and me and the Shelton boys, you got feelings.
I know.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Teach yourself not to be afraid of losing a marble or two but treat the experience as a lesson.
Better to give than to receive
I like that thought.
A perfect season is where in every match your opponent is quicker than you, every match goes to 2-2, and you win half and lose half.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
All the mistakes I've made while shooting for marbles was when I wanted to say yes and said no.
Don't cry over spilled marbles.
==================================
When you believe you have lost the power and control of your draw, nothing will ever seem easy or simple.
You talking to me or rather about me. Getting disheartened.
It's just talking in general, "if the shoe fits wear it."
"You should never kick a sleeping dog," if the shoe fits wear it.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well, A mind is a terrible thing to waist.
Waste not, want not, and add to the waist.
OK, whatever.
Noted in new rules our two handed shooters must "where" an identifying object. Never no if it's the computer or a smarter wit, or just a typo. My chip does most of my writing.
I am aware of that but forgot, that's why your there to keep me out of trouble.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Oh thanks, you're a big help, don't strain yourself, wish I thought of that.
Don't get huffy. Just don't know why or what they are suggesting.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
What you get for Christmas.
Nothing yet, Lump of coal. Been naughty so says little woman.
Well remember, If the shoes fits wear it.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
If one complies he quotes from facebook, does that make one a published author?
Nope, only me.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Unretorted proverbs from Shady Mtn:
If it's stupid but it works, it isn't stupid.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
You must do the thing you think you cannot do.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Speed will not cease to exist even if done within the scope.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Difficulties strengthen the mind, as bucket work does your accuracy.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
There is no luck in Cowboy Fastdraw except where there is discipline, which some of us have none.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ok go to bed.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The final test of a leader is that he leaves behind him in other men the conviction and the will to carry on.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Whover is selected for line judges duty should study people's excuses, it's human nature
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Practice is the hardest part of learning, and training is the essence of transformation.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Employ your time in improving your draw at the camp so that you shall gain easily what others have labored hard for.
Don't be too sure you are quicker than me!
Been quick enough so far!
Appaloosa
You just shot an unarmed man!
Well, he should have armed himself if he is going to decorate his saloon with my friend!
Unforgiven
I have to put up with a daily barrage from Shady Mtn, most times I just let it slide but sometimes have the energy to retort.
Your New Years resolution is something that shouldn't go in one year and out the other.
Let the deaf hear and the blind see!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Losing a marble can not be undone, only forgotten.
Never forgotten, only mourned.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
A gunfighter must be aware of his surroundings and the state of his firearm.
And that of his prospective opponent!
Nope, one can't worry about opponent's state or equipment.
Thought that is what you did, made sure he was loaded to dry fire.
He better follow your lead, he can't remember what he did.
Heh, we are kind of on a roll, seeded in the top three two months in a row.
Not bad.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heh, on your way out of town would you stop by, I would like hear a couple more clanks in my bucket.
Retired my short guns. I don't exist anymore. Can't compete. Going to my smitthy to get my scatter gun worked on. Out of time as usual.
Sure go ahead and quit after you have all of the marbles. Bat Masterson wouldn't do that.
I'll be back
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
That was some pitiful shooting yesterday.
You did good, Progress for me, Maybe I can't do what I want. We'll see.
Quick don't matter much unless you can hit that which you are trying to be quick about.
You should have put a marble in anyway
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Don't be too sure you're quicker than me;
Been known to go to the shift in a tight spot.
Been quick enough so far.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Started off bad, finished good, beat powder keg 2 out of three.
Good, he needs a little humbling!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Not shooting faster than average is what keeps the average down.
I think you better rethink that, not shooting faster than average is what keeps the average up. Been listening to those bureaucrats too long, up is down and down is up, and we can cut spending by spending more.
If you shoot faster then the average goes up, better have another cup.
Guess we need to go back to school. Up is down, down is up. I know the government told me so.
A mind is a terrible thing to waste
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
He who fears losing marbles is certain of defeat.
Difference between you and me and the Shelton boys, you got feelings.
I know.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Teach yourself not to be afraid of losing a marble or two but treat the experience as a lesson.
Better to give than to receive
I like that thought.
A perfect season is where in every match your opponent is quicker than you, every match goes to 2-2, and you win half and lose half.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
All the mistakes I've made while shooting for marbles was when I wanted to say yes and said no.
Don't cry over spilled marbles.
==================================
When you believe you have lost the power and control of your draw, nothing will ever seem easy or simple.
You talking to me or rather about me. Getting disheartened.
It's just talking in general, "if the shoe fits wear it."
"You should never kick a sleeping dog," if the shoe fits wear it.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well, A mind is a terrible thing to waist.
Waste not, want not, and add to the waist.
OK, whatever.
Noted in new rules our two handed shooters must "where" an identifying object. Never no if it's the computer or a smarter wit, or just a typo. My chip does most of my writing.
I am aware of that but forgot, that's why your there to keep me out of trouble.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Oh thanks, you're a big help, don't strain yourself, wish I thought of that.
Don't get huffy. Just don't know why or what they are suggesting.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
What you get for Christmas.
Nothing yet, Lump of coal. Been naughty so says little woman.
Well remember, If the shoes fits wear it.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
If one complies he quotes from facebook, does that make one a published author?
Nope, only me.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Unretorted proverbs from Shady Mtn:
If it's stupid but it works, it isn't stupid.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
You must do the thing you think you cannot do.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Speed will not cease to exist even if done within the scope.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Difficulties strengthen the mind, as bucket work does your accuracy.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
There is no luck in Cowboy Fastdraw except where there is discipline, which some of us have none.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ok go to bed.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The final test of a leader is that he leaves behind him in other men the conviction and the will to carry on.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Whover is selected for line judges duty should study people's excuses, it's human nature
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Practice is the hardest part of learning, and training is the essence of transformation.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Employ your time in improving your draw at the camp so that you shall gain easily what others have labored hard for.
Sunday, December 27, 2015
Isn't this Sport Great!
Boxing day 2015 was a pretty typical day for the Arizona Gunslingers except for the cold windy weather. Thirty-three shooters braved the cold weather including some from Texas, Idaho and Iowa.
The format: We shoot a no X "I came to shoot" format for as many rounds as we can get in. After the seeding rounds, the field is divided into three equal brackets based on Xs and time out and we hold a 1 X magnificent shoot off. We therefore get three champions and everyone gets to shoot in a magnificent shoot off. So Saturday we had three magnificent eleven shoot-offs.
Bracket C: The top seed in Bracket C was Hogleg Willie from the Loess Hills of Western Iowa. He is a new shooter with less than 1.year in the game. Also from the Loess Hills was Council Bluff Ranger seeded seventh. The Ranger was on a roll putting three or four to boothill. Isn't this game great.
Also in bracket C was Texas Gunny shooting in his very first shoot. He is the father of Smoking Shawn, a deadly new shooter. In the third round Texas Gunny was matched up against World Champion Miss Kitty and he won. Where else can a new shooter in his third match go up against a World Champion and win. Isn't this game great.
Bracket B: The three top women shooters ended the seeding rounds all with two Xs. Seeding is by Xs first, then fastest time out in the last round. Therefore there is a speed bias, after all it is "fastdraw." So, Holli Day went to Bracket A, and Miss Kitty was seeded 1 in Bracket B and Southwest KC seeded 3rd in Bracket B. In the finals of Bracket B it was Miss Kitty against Southwest KC. Isn't this game great.
Bracket A; It was exactly one year ago that Holli Day started her fastdraw career. No one can argue that she has not entered the realm of the quick. She finished 10th overall, being sent to compete with the quick and the deadly. Bracket A was a interesting mixture of the Quick (Sub 4 shooters) at the bottom of the bracket, including Holli Day, and the Deadly (those who don't practice missing) in the middle of the bracket, and near the top of the bracket, the quick and the deadly from Shady Mtn. Wyoming Ranger, shooting the long gun in the 6s did his part to take care of the Quick. Four shooters from Shady Mtn were left to face the Windmill Kid, the # 1 seed. The finals were between Windmill Kid and Alleluia. There is a bit of history here, the last meeting of these shooters making the front page of The Daily Republic of Mitchell, South Dakota, because Windmill just looks like a cowboy shooter. The results were the same. We don't practice missing on Shady Mountain.
Isn't this sport great! Where else can such a varied group of skill levels, ages, and quickness, compete and everyone has a chance to win.
The format: We shoot a no X "I came to shoot" format for as many rounds as we can get in. After the seeding rounds, the field is divided into three equal brackets based on Xs and time out and we hold a 1 X magnificent shoot off. We therefore get three champions and everyone gets to shoot in a magnificent shoot off. So Saturday we had three magnificent eleven shoot-offs.
Bracket C: The top seed in Bracket C was Hogleg Willie from the Loess Hills of Western Iowa. He is a new shooter with less than 1.year in the game. Also from the Loess Hills was Council Bluff Ranger seeded seventh. The Ranger was on a roll putting three or four to boothill. Isn't this game great.
Also in bracket C was Texas Gunny shooting in his very first shoot. He is the father of Smoking Shawn, a deadly new shooter. In the third round Texas Gunny was matched up against World Champion Miss Kitty and he won. Where else can a new shooter in his third match go up against a World Champion and win. Isn't this game great.
Bracket B: The three top women shooters ended the seeding rounds all with two Xs. Seeding is by Xs first, then fastest time out in the last round. Therefore there is a speed bias, after all it is "fastdraw." So, Holli Day went to Bracket A, and Miss Kitty was seeded 1 in Bracket B and Southwest KC seeded 3rd in Bracket B. In the finals of Bracket B it was Miss Kitty against Southwest KC. Isn't this game great.
Bracket A; It was exactly one year ago that Holli Day started her fastdraw career. No one can argue that she has not entered the realm of the quick. She finished 10th overall, being sent to compete with the quick and the deadly. Bracket A was a interesting mixture of the Quick (Sub 4 shooters) at the bottom of the bracket, including Holli Day, and the Deadly (those who don't practice missing) in the middle of the bracket, and near the top of the bracket, the quick and the deadly from Shady Mtn. Wyoming Ranger, shooting the long gun in the 6s did his part to take care of the Quick. Four shooters from Shady Mtn were left to face the Windmill Kid, the # 1 seed. The finals were between Windmill Kid and Alleluia. There is a bit of history here, the last meeting of these shooters making the front page of The Daily Republic of Mitchell, South Dakota, because Windmill just looks like a cowboy shooter. The results were the same. We don't practice missing on Shady Mountain.
Isn't this sport great! Where else can such a varied group of skill levels, ages, and quickness, compete and everyone has a chance to win.
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
The Dilemma, Rule 17, A Positive View
"Life has a way of making the foreseeable never happen, and the unforeseeable that which your life becomes" Everett Hitch.
This fall I was going to become a new man. I had gotten a couple of long guns, was going change my draw, in part to stand more upright for my aching back, and change my alias to shed some ill gotten reputation. I figured three thousand rounds of wax would do the trick. About five hundred rounds into the new venture, I decided to abandon the effort, being dishearten with my lack of speed and mostly accuracy. So I abandoned the change and rededicated myself to the short gun. Two days later the Gazette arrives with Rule #17.
The Dilemma, now what to do?
Option #1: I could go to the long gun. Add 3 inches and I will be clearly out front of the holster pouch cut. I have a Colt which I can get out of the Shaniko holster in the high 4s and be "clearly obvious" with about 40% accuracy. I struggle to get the shot up and find myself again leaning back which is painful for me. My backup gun is a New Vaquero which I have yet to get out of the holster. That wax just rattles down the holster with the New Vaquero.
Option #2: The Colt long gun came with a 5 inch barrel. I can put the five inch barrel on and I would in fact be compliant with Rule #17. Although I am sure the additional inch would put me out in front, I am not sure it would be "clearly obvious." I would also need another backup gun with a 5 inch barrel.
Option #3: I can change my draw. I use the locked elbow draw as most quick shooters do. I have controlled my elevation by my balance and my stance has a pronounced backward lean. See the following:
Note that the gun is fired about 1 inch behind the front cut, a guess but probably correct. Adding one inch or three inches to the barrel would probably solve the issue except one inch would not be "clearly obvious." (This was a winning shot of .415)
I am a old fella and shooting this way is painful. I think I can comply with the Rule #17 simply by standing more upright. If I stand more upright my shoulder will move forward more than a foot and I believe the front of the barrel with move forward to be "clearly obvious" outside the front holster pouch. I think I will give this a try. For bucket work, I need to recalculate my target height. My new shooting height is 45 inches which makes my target height 46 inches at 5 feet. My problem will be getting the shot up, but I think that it is doable, just need lots of wax.
Rule #17 may be a blessing in the end for me because it may cause me to shoot in a more comfortable stance and add years to my shooting life.
This fall I was going to become a new man. I had gotten a couple of long guns, was going change my draw, in part to stand more upright for my aching back, and change my alias to shed some ill gotten reputation. I figured three thousand rounds of wax would do the trick. About five hundred rounds into the new venture, I decided to abandon the effort, being dishearten with my lack of speed and mostly accuracy. So I abandoned the change and rededicated myself to the short gun. Two days later the Gazette arrives with Rule #17.
The Dilemma, now what to do?
Option #1: I could go to the long gun. Add 3 inches and I will be clearly out front of the holster pouch cut. I have a Colt which I can get out of the Shaniko holster in the high 4s and be "clearly obvious" with about 40% accuracy. I struggle to get the shot up and find myself again leaning back which is painful for me. My backup gun is a New Vaquero which I have yet to get out of the holster. That wax just rattles down the holster with the New Vaquero.
Option #2: The Colt long gun came with a 5 inch barrel. I can put the five inch barrel on and I would in fact be compliant with Rule #17. Although I am sure the additional inch would put me out in front, I am not sure it would be "clearly obvious." I would also need another backup gun with a 5 inch barrel.
Option #3: I can change my draw. I use the locked elbow draw as most quick shooters do. I have controlled my elevation by my balance and my stance has a pronounced backward lean. See the following:
I am a old fella and shooting this way is painful. I think I can comply with the Rule #17 simply by standing more upright. If I stand more upright my shoulder will move forward more than a foot and I believe the front of the barrel with move forward to be "clearly obvious" outside the front holster pouch. I think I will give this a try. For bucket work, I need to recalculate my target height. My new shooting height is 45 inches which makes my target height 46 inches at 5 feet. My problem will be getting the shot up, but I think that it is doable, just need lots of wax.
Rule #17 may be a blessing in the end for me because it may cause me to shoot in a more comfortable stance and add years to my shooting life.
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Did he really mean to say that? Rule#17
As the Counselor astutely points out, "It must be clearly obvious to the Line Judge that the front end of the barrel is in front of the outside of the front holster pouch cut." It is a guilty until proven otherwise standard. Applying that standard a fair and reasonable Line Judge would have to conclude that the draws of the following gunslingers violate rule #17: Oregon Ranger, Master Gunfighter, The Draw, Old West, Marshall Cooper, Caleb, Beaver Creek Kid, Boulder Vaquero, and a host of other quick shooters.
Did he really mean to say that?
I have good video from the Great Plains Territorial of Beaver Creek Kid. Watching at slow motion 1/8 speed it would be "clearly obvious" to a fair and reasonable line judge that he is shooting in front of the outside of the pouch. However, to the naked eye at real time speed, it is also a reasonable conclusion that it is not clearly obvious that the barrel is in front of the outside of the pouch. Buzzard Cooper is interesting because he was shooting between .385 and .430 depending on the competition. To the naked eye at .430 it is "clearly obvious" that he is in front of the outside of the holster pouch. He shoots a very pronounced level and follow through draw. However, at .385, it may not be "clearly obvious" that he is in front the outside of the pouch, but most would give him the benefit of watching his slower draws. Old West is also a proponent of the level and follow through draw. You would think he would not have a problem with this rule, but as Old West has gotten faster he to has a draw that may not be "clearly obvious" to a line judge. Boulder Vaquero has a draw that is not "clearly obvious" in front of the pouch by the naked eye, but at 1/8 slow motion speed you can see he pokes the gun forward just beyond the lip. The correct call with Boulder would be a technical violation, even though factually he is out front.
Some shooters have such a quick draw, in the 90-110 millisecond range, such as Parttime, Thirsty, and Master Gunfighter, that it is impossible to see where the gun is fired. This rule says if you can't see it, "must be clearly obvious", then it is behind the pouch and a technical violation.
Some have commented that the photo on the cover of the Gazette shows Master Gunfighter and Oregon Ranger clearly in front of the holster. That is not what is depicted, what is depicted is the flail after the shot. By the story and the times posted, it is obvious to me that a fair and reasonable line judge would have had to conclude that it was not "clearly obvious" that the gun was fired in front of the pouch for both shooters. Having hand judged Master Gunfighter at World, I personally know nothing is "clearly obvious" concerning where he fires from. Oregon Ranger uses a hip thrust which projects the holster forward. I have also watch him closely at World and it is not "clearly obvious" that he is firing in front of the outside of the holster pouch.
Powder Keg on facebook has been accepting of this rule saying he can make an adjustment in his draw, which he can. I have a lot of video on Powder Keg and he has a very consistent compact draw. He fires between 1/2 inch behind to 1/2 inch in front of the lip of the pouch. He is between .35 to .39 in times with the faster being behind the lip and the slower in front of the lip. He can make the adjustment to the rule. Unfortunately, that will not solve the problem. Even if he is well in front of the lip of the pouch, it will not be "clearly obvious" to a line judge and therefore the correct ruling would be a technical violation.
Did he really mean to say that?
Some of us wear stain protectors, mostly because the little woman objects to the "ruined shirts." Most do not because the "gunslinger badge" is a sign that you have arrived and finally entered the realm of the quick. I am going discard the protector at least in titled events because it probably tags me as one to be watched and secondly because the "gunslinger badge" may be useful to prove I do not shoot behind the holster. If a line judge is ever appointed for me, I will whip out my 4 inch ruler and show the line judge that my "gunslinger badge" is exactly four inches behind the front of my holster pouch cut. For New Vaqueros, it is 4 1/2 inches from headspace to tip of the barrel.
I don't think anyone would have any objection to Rule #17, "Discharging the gun with the muzzle behind the holster is not allowed." I think that is pretty simple and straight forward. Sort of like the boot shot rule. It is in the implementation that there is a problem. The implementing sentence sets a guilty unless proven by naked eye standard and prohibits shots from above the holster, not behind the holster but above the holster. This is the dominant shot in cowboy fast draw today. The shot just as the barrel clears leather.
Did he really mean to say that?
Did he really mean to say that?
I have good video from the Great Plains Territorial of Beaver Creek Kid. Watching at slow motion 1/8 speed it would be "clearly obvious" to a fair and reasonable line judge that he is shooting in front of the outside of the pouch. However, to the naked eye at real time speed, it is also a reasonable conclusion that it is not clearly obvious that the barrel is in front of the outside of the pouch. Buzzard Cooper is interesting because he was shooting between .385 and .430 depending on the competition. To the naked eye at .430 it is "clearly obvious" that he is in front of the outside of the holster pouch. He shoots a very pronounced level and follow through draw. However, at .385, it may not be "clearly obvious" that he is in front the outside of the pouch, but most would give him the benefit of watching his slower draws. Old West is also a proponent of the level and follow through draw. You would think he would not have a problem with this rule, but as Old West has gotten faster he to has a draw that may not be "clearly obvious" to a line judge. Boulder Vaquero has a draw that is not "clearly obvious" in front of the pouch by the naked eye, but at 1/8 slow motion speed you can see he pokes the gun forward just beyond the lip. The correct call with Boulder would be a technical violation, even though factually he is out front.
Some shooters have such a quick draw, in the 90-110 millisecond range, such as Parttime, Thirsty, and Master Gunfighter, that it is impossible to see where the gun is fired. This rule says if you can't see it, "must be clearly obvious", then it is behind the pouch and a technical violation.
Some have commented that the photo on the cover of the Gazette shows Master Gunfighter and Oregon Ranger clearly in front of the holster. That is not what is depicted, what is depicted is the flail after the shot. By the story and the times posted, it is obvious to me that a fair and reasonable line judge would have had to conclude that it was not "clearly obvious" that the gun was fired in front of the pouch for both shooters. Having hand judged Master Gunfighter at World, I personally know nothing is "clearly obvious" concerning where he fires from. Oregon Ranger uses a hip thrust which projects the holster forward. I have also watch him closely at World and it is not "clearly obvious" that he is firing in front of the outside of the holster pouch.
Powder Keg on facebook has been accepting of this rule saying he can make an adjustment in his draw, which he can. I have a lot of video on Powder Keg and he has a very consistent compact draw. He fires between 1/2 inch behind to 1/2 inch in front of the lip of the pouch. He is between .35 to .39 in times with the faster being behind the lip and the slower in front of the lip. He can make the adjustment to the rule. Unfortunately, that will not solve the problem. Even if he is well in front of the lip of the pouch, it will not be "clearly obvious" to a line judge and therefore the correct ruling would be a technical violation.
Did he really mean to say that?
Some of us wear stain protectors, mostly because the little woman objects to the "ruined shirts." Most do not because the "gunslinger badge" is a sign that you have arrived and finally entered the realm of the quick. I am going discard the protector at least in titled events because it probably tags me as one to be watched and secondly because the "gunslinger badge" may be useful to prove I do not shoot behind the holster. If a line judge is ever appointed for me, I will whip out my 4 inch ruler and show the line judge that my "gunslinger badge" is exactly four inches behind the front of my holster pouch cut. For New Vaqueros, it is 4 1/2 inches from headspace to tip of the barrel.
I don't think anyone would have any objection to Rule #17, "Discharging the gun with the muzzle behind the holster is not allowed." I think that is pretty simple and straight forward. Sort of like the boot shot rule. It is in the implementation that there is a problem. The implementing sentence sets a guilty unless proven by naked eye standard and prohibits shots from above the holster, not behind the holster but above the holster. This is the dominant shot in cowboy fast draw today. The shot just as the barrel clears leather.
Did he really mean to say that?
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Certified Armed Citizen
On September 7, 1876, in Northfield, Minnesota, the environment was not much different than today when the terrorists attacked except the citizens had the tools needed and the skill set to use those tools to repel the attackers (James/Younger gang).
Our government should do nothing to solve our problems except provide a framework for its citizens to solve their own problems. We don't solve anything by pouring money on it.
I propose the following federal statute:
Section One: Each sovereign state is hereby authorized to implement a firearm training program wherein its citizen receive training in the use of firearms, firearm safety, and firearm proficiency. Upon successful completion of the training the state shall issue to the citizen a certificate certifying the citizen as a certified armed citizen and a distinctive patch of at least 4 by 2 inches.
Section Two: Any certified armed citizen may travel anywhere within the United States with his/her firearm provided the citizen displays on their outer garment their certified armed citizen patch and at least one fluorescent orange sleeve. The certified armed citizen may possess his/her firearm at any location irrespective of any state or local law to the contrary except in buildings and facilities where access is controlled by armed guards.
Section Three: The sovereign states may implement this program by authorizing private entities to provide such training.
Comments:
We need to get back to a time when citizens could and would defend themselves. I think we could learn from Switzerland which requires its citizen's to be trained and armed.
I am not sure I would carry but think I should have the right to do so anywhere that security is not provided.
Our government should do nothing to solve our problems except provide a framework for its citizens to solve their own problems. We don't solve anything by pouring money on it.
I propose the following federal statute:
Section One: Each sovereign state is hereby authorized to implement a firearm training program wherein its citizen receive training in the use of firearms, firearm safety, and firearm proficiency. Upon successful completion of the training the state shall issue to the citizen a certificate certifying the citizen as a certified armed citizen and a distinctive patch of at least 4 by 2 inches.
Section Two: Any certified armed citizen may travel anywhere within the United States with his/her firearm provided the citizen displays on their outer garment their certified armed citizen patch and at least one fluorescent orange sleeve. The certified armed citizen may possess his/her firearm at any location irrespective of any state or local law to the contrary except in buildings and facilities where access is controlled by armed guards.
Section Three: The sovereign states may implement this program by authorizing private entities to provide such training.
Comments:
We need to get back to a time when citizens could and would defend themselves. I think we could learn from Switzerland which requires its citizen's to be trained and armed.
I am not sure I would carry but think I should have the right to do so anywhere that security is not provided.
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Hunt on Mount X
We had just about as good an opening day on Mtn X (identity withheld) as possible, saw 7 shootable bulls, 3 5X5s, 3 6X6s, and a 5x7 which we harvested. Had he not broken off a tine he would been a 6x7. I was hunting with my son-in-law, Ben, with grandson, Isaiah, spotting on Mtn X. It is an rocky outcropping with about 4-5000 acres to the east which you can looking down onto. The west side is a 4-5000 acres plateau which is dense juniper and unhuntable. The plateau to the West is a bull haven because it is so unhuntable. We have never seen a cow on Mtn X, only bulls, normally in groups of two, a large bull and then a 5X5. When hunted, the bulls on the flats to the east move onto Mtn X to escape either to the south or the north of the peak. From the top you can see them moving and intercept them. I had a tree stand about 1000 yards east of the peak on the tip of a large canyon with mature pine trees.
Opening morning, Ben and Isaiah, hiked to the peak and I due to my years was in the tree stand. First a 6x6 and a 5x5 moved up onto Mtn X on the north side out of gun range. Next, a massive (Isaaih's term) 6x6 and a 5x5 headed up to Mtn X but were turned by late arriving hunters, the hunters left and the elk continued their route to Ben and Isaiah to within gun range. Ben opened up and believed he hit the 6x6 on the fourth shot. The elk bedded. Ben waited about 30 minutes then proceeded to the elk on foot while Isaiah spotted from the peak. Ben jumped the elk from it's bed and it ran about 50 yards then walked into a treed area where Isaiah lost sight of him..
I mean while was in the tree stand 1000 yards away. From the shots I waited about an hour watching north where I had in previous years seen elk escape to the east. After an hour I decided to leave and go help Ben look for his elk. I unloaded my gun and turned to tie it on a rope to lower it down. At that moment I see the 5x5 which had separated from the bigger bull only about 15 feet from the stand heading directly to the tree I was in from the southwest. I hurried to load the gun and the sound alerted the elk and he looked up at about 10 feet from the tree. I don't who was more startled. He turn and fled. I got the scope on him and fired only to miss. I was happy I missed as he was a bull I should have passed on. I then went to help Ben find the elk which we believed to have been hit. We searched and searched and searched and never could find hide nor hair nor blood. So we concluded he was not hit after all.
Evening found us all on Mtn X, I on a lower bench watching the north route. Ben and Isaiah on the peak overlooking the flats. They see two bulls to the south at about 275 yards. Ben hits the 5x7 dropping him dead in a small clearing. He shot him at about 4:30 p.m. It took us until 11:00 to get him packed out. Long day. Best of days.
Lessons to be be relearned. Don't get fixated on one area. Had I been scanning all around I should have seen the 5x5 approach from at least 150 yards. Effort is rewarded. Ben had hiked onto the mountain the night before and slept there to make sure we were the first there. It is always interesting to watch the latecomers show up about 2 hours too late and see how the elk easily avoid them.
Well, still have my tag. Hope to be on mountain X for the last morning of the season.
Opening morning, Ben and Isaiah, hiked to the peak and I due to my years was in the tree stand. First a 6x6 and a 5x5 moved up onto Mtn X on the north side out of gun range. Next, a massive (Isaaih's term) 6x6 and a 5x5 headed up to Mtn X but were turned by late arriving hunters, the hunters left and the elk continued their route to Ben and Isaiah to within gun range. Ben opened up and believed he hit the 6x6 on the fourth shot. The elk bedded. Ben waited about 30 minutes then proceeded to the elk on foot while Isaiah spotted from the peak. Ben jumped the elk from it's bed and it ran about 50 yards then walked into a treed area where Isaiah lost sight of him..
I mean while was in the tree stand 1000 yards away. From the shots I waited about an hour watching north where I had in previous years seen elk escape to the east. After an hour I decided to leave and go help Ben look for his elk. I unloaded my gun and turned to tie it on a rope to lower it down. At that moment I see the 5x5 which had separated from the bigger bull only about 15 feet from the stand heading directly to the tree I was in from the southwest. I hurried to load the gun and the sound alerted the elk and he looked up at about 10 feet from the tree. I don't who was more startled. He turn and fled. I got the scope on him and fired only to miss. I was happy I missed as he was a bull I should have passed on. I then went to help Ben find the elk which we believed to have been hit. We searched and searched and searched and never could find hide nor hair nor blood. So we concluded he was not hit after all.
Evening found us all on Mtn X, I on a lower bench watching the north route. Ben and Isaiah on the peak overlooking the flats. They see two bulls to the south at about 275 yards. Ben hits the 5x7 dropping him dead in a small clearing. He shot him at about 4:30 p.m. It took us until 11:00 to get him packed out. Long day. Best of days.
Lessons to be be relearned. Don't get fixated on one area. Had I been scanning all around I should have seen the 5x5 approach from at least 150 yards. Effort is rewarded. Ben had hiked onto the mountain the night before and slept there to make sure we were the first there. It is always interesting to watch the latecomers show up about 2 hours too late and see how the elk easily avoid them.
Well, still have my tag. Hope to be on mountain X for the last morning of the season.
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