Western Romance
"Western Romance" was the theme for the Cowboy Action Shooting match of the Lincoln County Regulators for February. Nearly 20 spectators, waddies, cowgirls, cowboys, and buckaroos armed with six guns, lever guns, and scatter guns gathered at the Cowboy Action Shooting Range and Old West Town at the Ruidoso Gun Club range on Hale Lake Road in Ruidoso Downs on Saturday morning, February 13. Judge William Cutenshoot, SASS #80334 came all the way from El Paso, Texas.
Competitors shot four stages based on The Big Trail, Stagecoach, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon and Rio Grande, all Western Romances starring John Wayne. Stages were designed by Special Constable John Steele, SASS #82159 with scenarios written by Sgt. Shuster, SASS #60835. Match Director was Rowdy Lane, SASS # 82087, assisted by Rusty Fillins, SASS # 82379. Registration was handled by Scarlet Lane, SASS #84914 and Sgt. Shuster coordinated scoring.
On the First Stage, “The Big Trail,” shooters began with the statement, “I love you, Ruthie!” Gunsmoke Cowboy, SASS #84261, from Capitan took first place, followed by Rowdy Lane of Alto and Saddletramp, SASS #16500 from La Luz.
Rowdy Lane took first place on Stage Two, based on “Stagecoach” which began with the line, “Dallas, marry me.” Gunsmoke Cowboy came in second with Rusty Fillins of Ruidoso taking third place. A clean stage, no misses, was shot by Capitan Regulator, SASS # 84262 from Capitan, Gunsmoke Cowboy, Rusty Fillins, Judge William Cutenshoot and Rowdy Lane,
Winners of Stage Three, “She Wore a Yellow Ribbon” were Rowdy Lane in first place with Rusty Fillins and Gunsmoke Cowboy in second and third. Cowboys and cowgirls joined the Captain by telling his lieutenants, “Leave that girl alone!” No misses from Judge William Cutenshoot, Saddletramp and Rowdy Lane on that stage.
In the Fourth and final Stage, “Rio Grande” contenders began with, “You know you still love me, Kathleen.” Gunsmoke Cowboy captured the lead, followed by Rowdy Lane and Rusty Fillins. Gunsmoke Cowboy, Capitan Regulator and Rusty Fillins all shot a clean stage.
The four stage "Western Romance" Cowboy Action Shooting match was followed by a single stage Wild Bunch Action match, a new Single Action Shooting Society competition. Winners were Rowdy Lane, Capitan Regulator and Gunsmoke Cowboy, in that order.
Overall Top Gun for "Western Romance" was Rowdy Lane, followed by Gunsmoke Cowboy and Rusty Fillins. Winner in the Wrangler category were Gunsmoke Cowboy. Top Buckaroo was 10 year old Capitan Regulator. Top 49er was Judge William Cutenshoot. Leading the Silver Seniors was Rowdy Lane and top Elder Statesman was Doc Lector of Ruidoso. The Wild Bunch Modern category was won by Rowdy Lane and Doc Lecter was tops in the Wild Bunch Traditional category.
Cowboy Action Shooting is a multifaceted amateur shooting sport in which contestants compete with firearms typical of those used in the taming of the Old West: single action revolvers; lever action rifles; and side by side double barreled, pre-1899 pump, or lever action shotguns. The shooting competition is staged in a unique, characterized, Old West style. Contestants shoot in several one-to-four gun stages in which they engage steel and/or cardboard targets. Scoring is based on accuracy and speed. The truly unique aspect of Cowboy Action Shooting is the requirement placed on authentic period or western screen dress. Each participant is required to adopt a shooting alias appropriate to a character or profession of the late 19th century, or a Hollywood western star, and develop a costume accordingly.
The Lincoln County Regulators dress western, shoot western and never use their real names. It's the closest you can get to the Old West short of a time machine!
The Lincoln County Regulators is the Cowboy Action Shooting arm of the Ruidoso Gun Club and an affiliate of the Single Action Shooting Society. For information about Cowboy Action Shooting, the fastest growing family shooting sport in the world, and the Lincoln County Regulators, call or email Special Constable John Steele at srwood@valornet.com or 937-3023.
Directions to the Cowboy Action Shooting Range and Western Town
Ruidoso Gun Club Range
Located one-half mile up Hale Lake Road, at mile marker 266 on Highway 70 East, just past Conley's Nursery and Landscaping, about 1 mile east of Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico and four miles east of the Race Track.
Set your GPS for 33 degrees 20'50.73" N x 105 degrees 33'00.18" W
Capitan Regulator headin' for the unloading table
