Lincoln County
Old West
TIME MACHINE
The Monthly E-Newsletter of the
Lincoln County Regulators
The Cowboy Action Shooting Arm
of the Ruidoso Gun Club
SEPTEMBER 2010
TIME MACHINE
The Monthly E-Newsletter of the
Lincoln County Regulators
The Cowboy Action Shooting Arm
of the Ruidoso Gun Club
SEPTEMBER 2010
published monthly by the
Lincoln County Regulators
Special Constable John Steele
Special Constable John Steele
Publisher
JohnSteeleLCR@live.com
JohnSteeleLCR@live.com
We shoot Western, we dress Western and we never use our real names!
Contents of this issue include the Special Constable’s Corner, the September “Texas War of Independence” CAS Match, The New Mexico State Championship, this month in Lincoln County History, this month’s Lincoln County Activities, “What’s in a Name?”, last month’s “Billy the Kid‘s Breakout” Match Results, Trading Post, Ruidoso Gun Club news, SASS 2010 Convention, SASS “Alias” information, NRA update and New Mexico Political News.
SPECIAL CONSTABLE’S CORNER
Howdy all,
What makes a good Cowboy Action Shooting match? Good stages, close targets, costuming, lots of shooters. What makes a GREAT Cowboy Action Shooting match? Happy shooters. One shooter at Billy the Kid's Breakout said, “I just can’t stop smilin’!” I have attended hard matches, easy matches, and convoluted matches. This is the only match I have seen where everyone was smiling! The Lincoln County Regulators should be proud to have put on such a show. Most two year old clubs don’t have the grit it takes for this type of success. A big tip of the ten gallon hat to those club members who made all of this possible. Next year’s Third Annual Billy The Kid’s Breakout will be based on the little-known history of Billy in the often overlooked Old West Town of Justice. Get ready, they will still be smilin’ when they come back.
SEPTEMBER COWBOY ACTION SHOOTING MATCH
The Lincoln County Regulators‘ “Texas War of Independence” Cowboy Action Shooting match will be held at the Old West town of Justice, located at the Ruidoso Gun Club Range on Hale Lake Road in Ruidoso Downs, September 11.
This western event in Ruidoso is open to the public and cowgirls, cowboys, and buckaroos, as well as guests are urged to dress Western, bring lawn chairs, sun screen and non-alcoholic beverages, and get ready for some rip-roarin’ fun. Ear and eye protection is highly recommended. Ear plugs and sunglasses should be sufficient. Ear and eye protection will be available for purchase. It will also be a great opportunity for folks to learn about Cowboy Action Shooting, the fastest growing family shooting sport in the world!
Competitors, armed with six guns, lever guns, and scatter guns, will shoot a total of four Cowboy Action Shooting stages based on the Texas War of Independence. Registration begins at 9;00 am and shooters are asked to pick a Single Action Shooting Society age-based, standard or costume shooting category when they register. "The Texas War of Independence " will begin officially at 9:30 am with Presentation of the Colors and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a mandatory safety briefing. The shooting starts at 10:00 am. John Steele will be Match Director.
Animosity between the Mexican government and the American settlers in Texas began when Mexican General and President Santa Anna abolished the Constitution of 1824 and proclaimed a new constitution in its place.
The Texas War of Independence began on October 2, 1835, with the Battle of Gonzales. Early Texian successes at La Bahia and San Antonio were soon met with crushing defeat at the same locations a few months later. The war ended at the Battle of San Jacinto where General Sam Houston led the Texian Army to victory in 18 minutes over a portion of the Mexican Army under Santa Anna, who was captured shortly after the battle. The conclusion of the war resulted in the creation of the Republic of Texas.
Shooters will recall four major battles in that war. In the First Stage, Battle of Gonzales competitors are going to keep that cannon and challenge the Mexicans to come and get it. Stage Two is the battle of Goliad. The tragic but memorable battle at the Alamo is Stage Three and Stage Four recalls the fight at San Jacinto and the defeat of Santa Anna. Stages are designed by John Steele with historical scenarios written by Sgt. Shuster.
The Battle of Gonzales, Stage One, was the first military engagement of the Texas Revolution. It was fought near the town of Gonzales on October 2, 1835 between rebellious settlers and a detachment of Mexican army troops. Four years previously, Mexican authorities had given the settlers of Gonzales a small cannon to help protect them from Comanche raids. The commander of all Mexican troops in Texas felt it unwise to leave the residents of Gonzales a weapon and requested its return. When the request was refused, 100 dragoons arrived to retrieve the cannon. On October 2 the Texians attacked. The skirmish marked a clear break between the American colonists and the Mexican government, and is considered to have been the start of the Texas Revolution. News of the skirmish spread throughout the United States, where it was often referred to as the "Lexington of Texas". Many adventurers traveled to Texas to participate in the fighting. Participants will be at Gonzales and they’re going to keep that cannon!
Stage Two takes place on October 9, 1835, in the early days of the Texas Revolution, when a group of Texians attacked the Presidio in the Battle of Goliad. After a thirty-minute skirmish, the Mexican garrison surrendered, leaving the Texians in control of the fort. The first declaration of independence of the Republic of Texas was signed here on December 20, 1835. Texians held the area until March 1836, when the Texian garrison under Colonel James Fannin was defeated at the nearby Battle of Coleto. The Texian survivors were imprisoned at the presidio until Palm Sunday, March 27, 1836, when they were executed in the Goliad Massacre. Entrants will be at Goliad, about to attack the Presidio.
The Battle of the Alamo, on Stage Three, took place from February 23 to March 6, 1836. Santa Anna, without waiting to bring up his heavy artillery, hurled his troops against the walls of the fort in mass assaults. These were carried out with great courage by the Mexican troops and were repelled with equal courage by the defenders of the Alamo. It was only during the siege that the Texas Congress declared an independent Republic of Texas. After 13 days the 189 Texan defenders were overwhelmed by a final assault from the 4,000 Mexican troops led by Santa Anna. Shooters will be at the Alamo. The line has been drawn in the sand. All they can do is do their best for Texas.
Stage Four depicts the Battle of San Jacinto, fought on April 21, 1836. This was the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution. Led by General Sam Houston, the Texas Army engaged and defeated General Santa Anna's Mexican forces in a fight that lasted just eighteen minutes. About 700 of the Mexican soldiers were killed and 730 captured, while only nine Texans died.. Santa Anna, the President of Mexico, was captured the following day and held as a prisoner of war. Three weeks later, he signed the treaties that dictated that the Mexican army leave the region, paving the way for the Republic of Texas to become an independent country. The Texans' rallying cry, "Remember the Alamo!" became etched into American history and legend. Contestants will be facing the Mexican army and remembering what happened at the Alamo.
The Lincoln County Regulators’ six guns, lever guns and scatter guns would seem as unbelievably modern to the Texians as the M-16 would be to a cowboy. We won’t reconstruct the Texas War of Independence, we’ll just remember it.
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 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 are the Cowboy Action Shooting arm of the Ruidoso Gun Club. They dress western, shoot western and never use their real names. In fact, it's the closest you can get to the Old West short of a time machine! For information about “The Texas War of Independence,” call or email Lincoln County Regulator Special Constable John Steele at 937-3023 or JohnSteeleLCR@live.com
The Lincoln County Regulators‘ “Texas War of Independence” Cowboy Action Shooting match will be held at the Old West town of Justice, located at the Ruidoso Gun Club Range on Hale Lake Road in Ruidoso Downs, September 11.
This western event in Ruidoso is open to the public and cowgirls, cowboys, and buckaroos, as well as guests are urged to dress Western, bring lawn chairs, sun screen and non-alcoholic beverages, and get ready for some rip-roarin’ fun. Ear and eye protection is highly recommended. Ear plugs and sunglasses should be sufficient. Ear and eye protection will be available for purchase. It will also be a great opportunity for folks to learn about Cowboy Action Shooting, the fastest growing family shooting sport in the world!
Competitors, armed with six guns, lever guns, and scatter guns, will shoot a total of four Cowboy Action Shooting stages based on the Texas War of Independence. Registration begins at 9;00 am and shooters are asked to pick a Single Action Shooting Society age-based, standard or costume shooting category when they register. "The Texas War of Independence " will begin officially at 9:30 am with Presentation of the Colors and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a mandatory safety briefing. The shooting starts at 10:00 am. John Steele will be Match Director.
Animosity between the Mexican government and the American settlers in Texas began when Mexican General and President Santa Anna abolished the Constitution of 1824 and proclaimed a new constitution in its place.
The Texas War of Independence began on October 2, 1835, with the Battle of Gonzales. Early Texian successes at La Bahia and San Antonio were soon met with crushing defeat at the same locations a few months later. The war ended at the Battle of San Jacinto where General Sam Houston led the Texian Army to victory in 18 minutes over a portion of the Mexican Army under Santa Anna, who was captured shortly after the battle. The conclusion of the war resulted in the creation of the Republic of Texas.
Shooters will recall four major battles in that war. In the First Stage, Battle of Gonzales competitors are going to keep that cannon and challenge the Mexicans to come and get it. Stage Two is the battle of Goliad. The tragic but memorable battle at the Alamo is Stage Three and Stage Four recalls the fight at San Jacinto and the defeat of Santa Anna. Stages are designed by John Steele with historical scenarios written by Sgt. Shuster.
The Battle of Gonzales, Stage One, was the first military engagement of the Texas Revolution. It was fought near the town of Gonzales on October 2, 1835 between rebellious settlers and a detachment of Mexican army troops. Four years previously, Mexican authorities had given the settlers of Gonzales a small cannon to help protect them from Comanche raids. The commander of all Mexican troops in Texas felt it unwise to leave the residents of Gonzales a weapon and requested its return. When the request was refused, 100 dragoons arrived to retrieve the cannon. On October 2 the Texians attacked. The skirmish marked a clear break between the American colonists and the Mexican government, and is considered to have been the start of the Texas Revolution. News of the skirmish spread throughout the United States, where it was often referred to as the "Lexington of Texas". Many adventurers traveled to Texas to participate in the fighting. Participants will be at Gonzales and they’re going to keep that cannon!
Stage Two takes place on October 9, 1835, in the early days of the Texas Revolution, when a group of Texians attacked the Presidio in the Battle of Goliad. After a thirty-minute skirmish, the Mexican garrison surrendered, leaving the Texians in control of the fort. The first declaration of independence of the Republic of Texas was signed here on December 20, 1835. Texians held the area until March 1836, when the Texian garrison under Colonel James Fannin was defeated at the nearby Battle of Coleto. The Texian survivors were imprisoned at the presidio until Palm Sunday, March 27, 1836, when they were executed in the Goliad Massacre. Entrants will be at Goliad, about to attack the Presidio.
The Battle of the Alamo, on Stage Three, took place from February 23 to March 6, 1836. Santa Anna, without waiting to bring up his heavy artillery, hurled his troops against the walls of the fort in mass assaults. These were carried out with great courage by the Mexican troops and were repelled with equal courage by the defenders of the Alamo. It was only during the siege that the Texas Congress declared an independent Republic of Texas. After 13 days the 189 Texan defenders were overwhelmed by a final assault from the 4,000 Mexican troops led by Santa Anna. Shooters will be at the Alamo. The line has been drawn in the sand. All they can do is do their best for Texas.
Stage Four depicts the Battle of San Jacinto, fought on April 21, 1836. This was the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution. Led by General Sam Houston, the Texas Army engaged and defeated General Santa Anna's Mexican forces in a fight that lasted just eighteen minutes. About 700 of the Mexican soldiers were killed and 730 captured, while only nine Texans died.. Santa Anna, the President of Mexico, was captured the following day and held as a prisoner of war. Three weeks later, he signed the treaties that dictated that the Mexican army leave the region, paving the way for the Republic of Texas to become an independent country. The Texans' rallying cry, "Remember the Alamo!" became etched into American history and legend. Contestants will be facing the Mexican army and remembering what happened at the Alamo.
The Lincoln County Regulators’ six guns, lever guns and scatter guns would seem as unbelievably modern to the Texians as the M-16 would be to a cowboy. We won’t reconstruct the Texas War of Independence, we’ll just remember it.
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 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 are the Cowboy Action Shooting arm of the Ruidoso Gun Club. They dress western, shoot western and never use their real names. In fact, it's the closest you can get to the Old West short of a time machine! For information about “The Texas War of Independence,” call or email Lincoln County Regulator Special Constable John Steele at 937-3023 or JohnSteeleLCR@live.com
NEW MEXICO STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
SASS presents the 2010 New Mexico State Championship “Shootout In Old Magdalena”, hosted by THE MAGDALENA TRAIL DRIVERS, Friday through Sunday, September 17, 18 & 19, 2010. The “OLD MAGDALENA” range is 3 miles west of the town of Magdalena on US Hwy 60 (milepost 109). Magdalena is 26 miles west of Socorro. Twelve Stages will be shot in the Main Match and all SASS Rules apply. All SASS Categories with at least three shooters will be recognized. Long Range competition will be held Friday morning at 8am. There will be a four stage SASS Wild Bunch match at 11am on Friday and four warm-up stages on Friday afternoon at 2pm. There will be free Dry Camping, too. Plus, potluck and entertainment all included in one low fee! NOTE: Shooters observing Yom Kippur will be accommodated.
Match fees for the first adult are $70 with spouse at $50. Buckaroos and Young Guns shoot for free. Conventioneers are only $20. There is a limit of 150 shooters so sign up early!!! Go to www.magdalenatraildrivers.com for more information. Call or email Grizzly Adams at 575-854-2488 or radams@gilanet. com
Half-a-Hand Henri will conduct her ‘Finishing School,‘ Wednesday and Thursday, September 15 &16. Contact her at HC 64 Box 668, Magdalena, NM 87825; call 575- 854-3710 or 802-233-3710; e-mail brdhntrs@gilanet.com .
SASS presents the 2010 New Mexico State Championship “Shootout In Old Magdalena”, hosted by THE MAGDALENA TRAIL DRIVERS, Friday through Sunday, September 17, 18 & 19, 2010. The “OLD MAGDALENA” range is 3 miles west of the town of Magdalena on US Hwy 60 (milepost 109). Magdalena is 26 miles west of Socorro. Twelve Stages will be shot in the Main Match and all SASS Rules apply. All SASS Categories with at least three shooters will be recognized. Long Range competition will be held Friday morning at 8am. There will be a four stage SASS Wild Bunch match at 11am on Friday and four warm-up stages on Friday afternoon at 2pm. There will be free Dry Camping, too. Plus, potluck and entertainment all included in one low fee! NOTE: Shooters observing Yom Kippur will be accommodated.
Match fees for the first adult are $70 with spouse at $50. Buckaroos and Young Guns shoot for free. Conventioneers are only $20. There is a limit of 150 shooters so sign up early!!! Go to www.magdalenatraildrivers.com for more information. Call or email Grizzly Adams at 575-854-2488 or radams@gilanet. com
Half-a-Hand Henri will conduct her ‘Finishing School,‘ Wednesday and Thursday, September 15 &16. Contact her at HC 64 Box 668, Magdalena, NM 87825; call 575- 854-3710 or 802-233-3710; e-mail brdhntrs@gilanet.com .
HISTORY IN LINCOLN COUNTY
Historically speaking, despite the better climate in Silver City, New Mexico, the health of Billy McCarty-Antrim's mother continued to worsen and on September 16, 1874, she died. One year later, on September 23, 1875 Billy was arrested for hiding a bundle of stolen clothes for a man playing a prank on a Chinese laundryman. Two days after Billy was thrown in jail, the scrawny teen escaped by worming his way up the jailhouse chimney. From that point onward McCarty would be a fugitive. Billy fled New Mexico and eventually found work as an itinerant ranch hand and sheepherder in southeastern Arizona. In 1877 he became a civilian teamster at Camp Grant Army Post with the duty of hauling logs from a timber camp to a sawmill.
Also in September, this time in 1878, President Rutherford B. Hayes removed New Mexico's corrupt Governor Axtell from office and appointed Lew Wallace as New Mexico's new governor. Wallace would later offer amnesty to Billy. We’ll discuss that fiasco next month.
Also in September, this time in 1878, President Rutherford B. Hayes removed New Mexico's corrupt Governor Axtell from office and appointed Lew Wallace as New Mexico's new governor. Wallace would later offer amnesty to Billy. We’ll discuss that fiasco next month.
ACTIVITIES IN LINCOLN COUNTY
The All American Gun and Western Collectibles Show will be at the Ruidoso Convention Center on Friday and Saturday, September 4th and 5th from 9am to 5pm. Admission will be $5 for adults, kids 12 & under are free. The All American Gun and Western Collectible Show is just what the name implies. There will be 180 tables of everything that relates to guns as well as hunting equipment. knives, cowboy gear, saddles, blankets, spurs, western relics, Indian artifacts, jewelry, coins and much, much more.
The All American Gun and Western Collectibles Show will be at the Ruidoso Convention Center on Friday and Saturday, September 4th and 5th from 9am to 5pm. Admission will be $5 for adults, kids 12 & under are free. The All American Gun and Western Collectible Show is just what the name implies. There will be 180 tables of everything that relates to guns as well as hunting equipment. knives, cowboy gear, saddles, blankets, spurs, western relics, Indian artifacts, jewelry, coins and much, much more.
Friends of NRA dinner will be Saturday, September 25 at the Ruidoso Convention Center. See NRA below for details.
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
Every Lincoln County Regulator and every SASS member is required to select a shooting alias representative of a character or profession from the Old West or the western film genre. An alias may not in any way duplicate or easily be confused with any other member’s alias.
Linda Dominguez, known on the range as EZGZ, SASS #83885, claims that her alias came pretty “ez” to her. She takes things pretty much in stride and finds that it takes a lot to rile her up. But the one big burr that gets under her saddle quicker than anything is when her given paternombre gets misspelled! D-o-m-i-n-G-u-e-Z… por favor, not a Q for a G not an S for a Z not two N’s or a U for the O for heaven’s sake!
Meanwhile, back at the kitchen table where she proudly filled out her SASS application… she carefully typed out her given name and her cowgirl alias, paid her dues, sealed the online application, hit the send button and began to dream of shooting.
Ten days later, a big manila packet arrived. She eagerly ripped it open and was greeted with “Welcome EZGZ, you are SASS # 83885”. She carefully put all the treasured paper work back in the envelope and turned it over with a proud caress. But her joy was to be short lived because her last name had once again been misspelled on the front of the envelope!
EZGZ says that there is a lesson in all of this: “Everyone has to learn their ABC’s and many folks need to watch their P’s and Q’s - but for me it is a G and a Z if you please …see, now isn’t that EZ ?”
The SASS Alias Registry changes daily. Telephone, fax or email the SASS office to confirm the availability of your alias choice. And emule Sgt. Shuster at ShootingAction@aol.com the story of YOUR alias!
Every Lincoln County Regulator and every SASS member is required to select a shooting alias representative of a character or profession from the Old West or the western film genre. An alias may not in any way duplicate or easily be confused with any other member’s alias.
Linda Dominguez, known on the range as EZGZ, SASS #83885, claims that her alias came pretty “ez” to her. She takes things pretty much in stride and finds that it takes a lot to rile her up. But the one big burr that gets under her saddle quicker than anything is when her given paternombre gets misspelled! D-o-m-i-n-G-u-e-Z… por favor, not a Q for a G not an S for a Z not two N’s or a U for the O for heaven’s sake! Meanwhile, back at the kitchen table where she proudly filled out her SASS application… she carefully typed out her given name and her cowgirl alias, paid her dues, sealed the online application, hit the send button and began to dream of shooting.
Ten days later, a big manila packet arrived. She eagerly ripped it open and was greeted with “Welcome EZGZ, you are SASS # 83885”. She carefully put all the treasured paper work back in the envelope and turned it over with a proud caress. But her joy was to be short lived because her last name had once again been misspelled on the front of the envelope!
EZGZ says that there is a lesson in all of this: “Everyone has to learn their ABC’s and many folks need to watch their P’s and Q’s - but for me it is a G and a Z if you please …see, now isn’t that EZ ?”
The SASS Alias Registry changes daily. Telephone, fax or email the SASS office to confirm the availability of your alias choice. And emule Sgt. Shuster at ShootingAction@aol.com the story of YOUR alias!
LAST MONTH'S “BILLY THE KID’S BREAKOUT” MATCH RESULTS
The Lincoln County Regulators‘ Second Annual “Billy the Kid‘s Breakout” was held at the Old West Town of Justice, located at the Ruidoso Gun Club Range on Hale Lake Road in Ruidoso Downs, NM, August 13 through 15. Hosted by the Ruidoso Gun Club, Inc. and sponsored by City Bank New Mexico, this three day Western extravaganza featured ten Cowboy Action Shooting stages based on the erstwhile adventures of Billy the Kid, along with a passel of side matches and lots of vittles.
The event opened for registration on Friday the Thirteenth at 1:00pm and the Side Matches began at 2:00pm. The events included the World’s Fastest Regulator competition, Speed Pistol and Speed Rifle contests and a fifty yard Long Range Rifle challenge for pistol caliber rifles. There was a Nail Drivin’ Shoot, too.
Also on Friday afternoon, shooters enjoyed a four stage Wild Bunch Action Shooting match. Wild Bunch Action Shooting, the latest Single Action Shooting Society competition, is a combination of SASS Cowboy Action Shooting and Action Shooting and is based on the film, The Wild Bunch. The sport uses 1911 Pistols, Lever Action Rifles, and 1897 Pump Shotguns.
The serious shooting started on Saturday when competitors gathered for the second annual Billy the Kid’s Breakout, “same history…new stages.“ Following a brief Opening Ceremony and safety briefing, competitors, armed with six guns, lever guns, and scatter guns, shot a total of ten Cowboy Action Shooting stages on both Saturday and Sunday, under the rules of the Single Action Shooting Society. Overall Trail Boss and Match Director for Billy the Kid’s Breakout was Lincoln County Regulator Special Constable John Steele, SASS # 82159 of Ruidoso, NM. Chief Scorekeeper, otherwise known as the crazy man in the closet with the computer, was Rowdy Lane, SASS # 82087 of Alto, NM. Shooting stages were designed by John Steele with scenarios based on the history of Billy the Kid by Sgt. Shuster, SASS #60835 of Ruidoso, NM. Shooters were assigned to five posses and all five shooting bays were in operation. The Posse Marshals were Dry Creek, SASS # 2755 of Brighton, CO, Texas Slim, SASS #92089 of Texas, Fast Hammer, SASS # 60707 of Las Cruces, NM, Mica McGuire, SASS #18526 of Albuquerque, NM and J.W. Brockey, SASS #57406 of Elephant Butte, NM.
Stage One took place when Billy made a deal with Governor Lew Wallace to submit to a token arrest and testify against Jimmy Dolan. When the District Attorney disregarded Wallace’s order to free Billy, the Kid and Tom O’Folliard slipped away on horses supplied by friends. The shooter had to say, “Get away from them horses!” and commence firing. The first stage was won by Mica McGuire followed by Pecos Cahill, SASS #75623 of Hermleigh, TX and Concho Bullet Bob, SASS #65613 of San Angelo, TX.
Stage Two recalled the Kid’s encounter with Joe Grant in a Fort Sumner bar. Grant, an obnoxious drunk who didn’t know he was playing poker with Billy, boasted that he would kill Billy the Kid if he ever met him. The Kid asked to see Grant’s pearl handled revolver, rotated the cylinder to an empty chamber and reveled his identity. When Grant fired nothing happened and Billy shot him. Shooters had to start with a hand on a post, saying, “It’s a game for two and I got here first.“ Besting stage two was Texas Slim trailed closely by Mica McGuire and Grubstake Charlie, SASS #85065 of Albuquerque.
Billy was in a ranch house, surrounded by the posse on Stage Three. Hostages were exchanged but an accidental shoot outside caused the hostage inside to break through a window in an attempt to escape. The shooter stood in the doorway with a dummy and said, “This is easier than a window.“ The winner on stage three was Concho Bullet Bob with Mica McGuire in a close second and Rusty Cuffs, SASS #29137, from Texas, coming in third.
Stage Four took place at Stinking Springs when Billy and the gang were cornered by Pat Garrett’s posse. The lawmen began to cook breakfast in the morning and Pat invited Billy to surrender and join them. The gang soon surrendered and the Shooter, while sitting on a bench at the cabin, started with the line, “Hey Garrett, what’s for breakfast?“ The fourth stage was won by Grubstake Charlie, followed by Texas Slim and Albuquerque’s Texas Tiger, SASS #74829, all just one second apart.
John Tunstall’s men, who called themselves the Regulators, reported on Stage Five that Tunstall’s killers Morton and Baker had been shot trying to escape. They also killed one of their own named McCloskey, whom they suspected of being a traitor. The shooter had to start in the undertaker’s shack and say, “McCloskey was a traitor!“ Texas Slim triumphed over Mica McGuire by a fraction of a second on stage five with Concho Bullet Bob scoring third place.
Stage Six recounted the story of the shooting of the old buffalo hunter Buckshot Roberts at Blazer’s Mill. The shooter had to say, “You’ll never shoot another old buffalo, Buckshot!“ Stage six saw another hair’s breadth win by Texas Slim over Mica McGuire with Grubstake Charlie in third position.
Stage Seven recalled the iconic story of Billy’s escape from the Lincoln County Courthouse when he shot deputy James Bell, grabbed Robert Ollinger’s shotgun and waited at the upstairs window. When Bell appeared, Billy gave him both barrels. Like Billy, the shooter said, “Hello, Bob” and commenced firing with the shotgun. Grubstake Charlie took nearly a two second lead on stage seven to beat Texas Tiger in second and Annabelle Peacock, SASS #50114 of Tucson, AZ in third place.
Stage Eight recreated the ambush of sheriff Brady and his deputy. The Kid was shot in the thigh and the shooter started with the line, “That’s mighty close enough, Brady.” Mica McGuire succeeded in taking first place on stage eight followed by Pecos Cahill and Grubstake Charlie.
On Stage Nine, a posse made up of the Jessie Evans Gang and the Seven Rivers Warriors shot it out with Regulators at the Fritz ranch. The shooter began holding the reins at the windmill and saying, “I count more than seven of them Rivers Warriors!“ Stage nine was won by Texas Slim with Mica McGuire in second place and both Grubstake Charlie and Albuquerque’s Johnny Tucker, SASS #70852 tied for third.
On Stage Ten, the final stage, Billy barely escapes a midnight ambush at Fort Sumner and the shooter, seated in the wagon, shouts, “Whoa, mules” and pulls on the reins, setting a plate rack. The tenth stage saw Texas Slim beat Mica McGuire by less than a second with Texas Tiger scoring third.
After a break for lunch, the Awards Ceremony took place on the main street of the Old West Town of Justice.
Overall top shooter for Billy the Kid’s Breakout was Mica McGuire, followed by Pecos Cahill and Grubstake Charlie. Top lady shooter was Texas Tiger, trailed by Annabelle Peacock and Anna Pavlova, SASS # 57407 from Elephant Butte, NM. Taking first place among the Juniors was Capitan Regulator, SASS # 84262 of Capitan, NM and Mustang Jessi of Ruidoso, NM. The “Dead Last” Award was presented to Doc Lecter, SASS # 81609 of Ruidoso, NM because, well, someone just has to come in last.
Best in the age-based categories were Elder Statesman Texas Rooster, SASS #39957 of Montgomery, TX and Grand Dame Lawless Lori Sue, SASS # 80852 of Albuquerque; Silver Senior Johnny Tucker and Silver Senior Lady Alamosa Rosa, SASS #73820 of Fairacres, NM; Senior English Lyn and Senior Lady Anna Pavlova; 49er Grubstake Charlie and Lady 49er Annabelle Peacock; Wrangler Gunsmoke Cowboy, SASS # 84261 of Capitan, NM and Lady Wrangler Texas Tiger; Cowboy Mica McGuire; Buckaroo Capitan Regulator and Buckaroo Gal Mustang Jessi.
Tops in the costume categories were B Western Pecos Cahill and B Western Lady Lill McGill, SASS #92090, from Texas; Doc Baker, SASS #50032 of Las Cruces, NM was top Classic Cowboy.
Leading the smoke makers in Frontier Cartridge was Dead Last, SASS #65836 of Ruidoso, NM.
Standard categories were bested by Gunfighter Gunz Brokus, SASS # 63883 from Texas and Duelist Fast Hammer, with New Mexico’s Silver Senior Duelist El Viejo Cougero, SASS # 43155.
A new award was presented by the Lincoln County Regulators for the first time this year. The TEX Award For Exhibiting Exuberant and Enthusiastic Participation in the Grand Tradition of The Cowboy Way has been named in honor of Tex, SASS #4, one of the founders of SASS, a member of the Wild Bunch and the editor of the Cowboy Chronicle because, as Special Constable John Steele stated, “Nobody shoots a stage like Tex!” The winner of the 2010 TEX Award was Texas Slim.
Next year’s Third Annual Billy The Kid’s Breakout will be based on the little-known history of Billy in the often overlooked Old West Town of Justice, with stages based on the diary entries and gumbo recipes of Mrs. Ima Lyer, wife of the late Judge Habitual T. Lyer and former president of the Ladies’ Chowder and Marching Society of Lincoln County, NM. Ima was the only daughter of the Prevaricators of Boston, Massachusetts.
TRADING POST
Sgt. Shuster is looking for someone interested in the trade show business. Sgt. Shuster is a gourmet coffee importer, manufacturer and wholesaler. He needs someone to help with his Kona Cowboy Coffee Company booth at various trade shows throughout the year. His assistant would be paid a percentage of sales done at the show. He is also interested in someone who would like to take over the trade show side of his business and travel. This would be good for retired folks who want to “hit the road.” Call Sgt. Shuster at 575-257-8593.
Miss Kitty Kaffeine, SASS #82174 may have a way to help you save money on your existing communications services, such cell phones, local and long distance, Internet, satellite TV and even home security...no matter where you are located! Check out the products and services, including video phones and more, at www.reginashuster.acnrep.com or call (575) 973-7007.
If you have something you'd like to buy, sell or trade, the Trading Post is the place to do it. Contact Sgt. Shuster at 257-0871 or emule ShootingAction@aol.com.
The Lincoln County Regulators‘ Second Annual “Billy the Kid‘s Breakout” was held at the Old West Town of Justice, located at the Ruidoso Gun Club Range on Hale Lake Road in Ruidoso Downs, NM, August 13 through 15. Hosted by the Ruidoso Gun Club, Inc. and sponsored by City Bank New Mexico, this three day Western extravaganza featured ten Cowboy Action Shooting stages based on the erstwhile adventures of Billy the Kid, along with a passel of side matches and lots of vittles.
The event opened for registration on Friday the Thirteenth at 1:00pm and the Side Matches began at 2:00pm. The events included the World’s Fastest Regulator competition, Speed Pistol and Speed Rifle contests and a fifty yard Long Range Rifle challenge for pistol caliber rifles. There was a Nail Drivin’ Shoot, too.
Also on Friday afternoon, shooters enjoyed a four stage Wild Bunch Action Shooting match. Wild Bunch Action Shooting, the latest Single Action Shooting Society competition, is a combination of SASS Cowboy Action Shooting and Action Shooting and is based on the film, The Wild Bunch. The sport uses 1911 Pistols, Lever Action Rifles, and 1897 Pump Shotguns.
The serious shooting started on Saturday when competitors gathered for the second annual Billy the Kid’s Breakout, “same history…new stages.“ Following a brief Opening Ceremony and safety briefing, competitors, armed with six guns, lever guns, and scatter guns, shot a total of ten Cowboy Action Shooting stages on both Saturday and Sunday, under the rules of the Single Action Shooting Society. Overall Trail Boss and Match Director for Billy the Kid’s Breakout was Lincoln County Regulator Special Constable John Steele, SASS # 82159 of Ruidoso, NM. Chief Scorekeeper, otherwise known as the crazy man in the closet with the computer, was Rowdy Lane, SASS # 82087 of Alto, NM. Shooting stages were designed by John Steele with scenarios based on the history of Billy the Kid by Sgt. Shuster, SASS #60835 of Ruidoso, NM. Shooters were assigned to five posses and all five shooting bays were in operation. The Posse Marshals were Dry Creek, SASS # 2755 of Brighton, CO, Texas Slim, SASS #92089 of Texas, Fast Hammer, SASS # 60707 of Las Cruces, NM, Mica McGuire, SASS #18526 of Albuquerque, NM and J.W. Brockey, SASS #57406 of Elephant Butte, NM.
Stage One took place when Billy made a deal with Governor Lew Wallace to submit to a token arrest and testify against Jimmy Dolan. When the District Attorney disregarded Wallace’s order to free Billy, the Kid and Tom O’Folliard slipped away on horses supplied by friends. The shooter had to say, “Get away from them horses!” and commence firing. The first stage was won by Mica McGuire followed by Pecos Cahill, SASS #75623 of Hermleigh, TX and Concho Bullet Bob, SASS #65613 of San Angelo, TX.
Stage Two recalled the Kid’s encounter with Joe Grant in a Fort Sumner bar. Grant, an obnoxious drunk who didn’t know he was playing poker with Billy, boasted that he would kill Billy the Kid if he ever met him. The Kid asked to see Grant’s pearl handled revolver, rotated the cylinder to an empty chamber and reveled his identity. When Grant fired nothing happened and Billy shot him. Shooters had to start with a hand on a post, saying, “It’s a game for two and I got here first.“ Besting stage two was Texas Slim trailed closely by Mica McGuire and Grubstake Charlie, SASS #85065 of Albuquerque.
Billy was in a ranch house, surrounded by the posse on Stage Three. Hostages were exchanged but an accidental shoot outside caused the hostage inside to break through a window in an attempt to escape. The shooter stood in the doorway with a dummy and said, “This is easier than a window.“ The winner on stage three was Concho Bullet Bob with Mica McGuire in a close second and Rusty Cuffs, SASS #29137, from Texas, coming in third.
Stage Four took place at Stinking Springs when Billy and the gang were cornered by Pat Garrett’s posse. The lawmen began to cook breakfast in the morning and Pat invited Billy to surrender and join them. The gang soon surrendered and the Shooter, while sitting on a bench at the cabin, started with the line, “Hey Garrett, what’s for breakfast?“ The fourth stage was won by Grubstake Charlie, followed by Texas Slim and Albuquerque’s Texas Tiger, SASS #74829, all just one second apart.
John Tunstall’s men, who called themselves the Regulators, reported on Stage Five that Tunstall’s killers Morton and Baker had been shot trying to escape. They also killed one of their own named McCloskey, whom they suspected of being a traitor. The shooter had to start in the undertaker’s shack and say, “McCloskey was a traitor!“ Texas Slim triumphed over Mica McGuire by a fraction of a second on stage five with Concho Bullet Bob scoring third place.
Stage Six recounted the story of the shooting of the old buffalo hunter Buckshot Roberts at Blazer’s Mill. The shooter had to say, “You’ll never shoot another old buffalo, Buckshot!“ Stage six saw another hair’s breadth win by Texas Slim over Mica McGuire with Grubstake Charlie in third position.
Stage Seven recalled the iconic story of Billy’s escape from the Lincoln County Courthouse when he shot deputy James Bell, grabbed Robert Ollinger’s shotgun and waited at the upstairs window. When Bell appeared, Billy gave him both barrels. Like Billy, the shooter said, “Hello, Bob” and commenced firing with the shotgun. Grubstake Charlie took nearly a two second lead on stage seven to beat Texas Tiger in second and Annabelle Peacock, SASS #50114 of Tucson, AZ in third place.
Stage Eight recreated the ambush of sheriff Brady and his deputy. The Kid was shot in the thigh and the shooter started with the line, “That’s mighty close enough, Brady.” Mica McGuire succeeded in taking first place on stage eight followed by Pecos Cahill and Grubstake Charlie.
On Stage Nine, a posse made up of the Jessie Evans Gang and the Seven Rivers Warriors shot it out with Regulators at the Fritz ranch. The shooter began holding the reins at the windmill and saying, “I count more than seven of them Rivers Warriors!“ Stage nine was won by Texas Slim with Mica McGuire in second place and both Grubstake Charlie and Albuquerque’s Johnny Tucker, SASS #70852 tied for third.
On Stage Ten, the final stage, Billy barely escapes a midnight ambush at Fort Sumner and the shooter, seated in the wagon, shouts, “Whoa, mules” and pulls on the reins, setting a plate rack. The tenth stage saw Texas Slim beat Mica McGuire by less than a second with Texas Tiger scoring third.
After a break for lunch, the Awards Ceremony took place on the main street of the Old West Town of Justice.
Overall top shooter for Billy the Kid’s Breakout was Mica McGuire, followed by Pecos Cahill and Grubstake Charlie. Top lady shooter was Texas Tiger, trailed by Annabelle Peacock and Anna Pavlova, SASS # 57407 from Elephant Butte, NM. Taking first place among the Juniors was Capitan Regulator, SASS # 84262 of Capitan, NM and Mustang Jessi of Ruidoso, NM. The “Dead Last” Award was presented to Doc Lecter, SASS # 81609 of Ruidoso, NM because, well, someone just has to come in last.
Best in the age-based categories were Elder Statesman Texas Rooster, SASS #39957 of Montgomery, TX and Grand Dame Lawless Lori Sue, SASS # 80852 of Albuquerque; Silver Senior Johnny Tucker and Silver Senior Lady Alamosa Rosa, SASS #73820 of Fairacres, NM; Senior English Lyn and Senior Lady Anna Pavlova; 49er Grubstake Charlie and Lady 49er Annabelle Peacock; Wrangler Gunsmoke Cowboy, SASS # 84261 of Capitan, NM and Lady Wrangler Texas Tiger; Cowboy Mica McGuire; Buckaroo Capitan Regulator and Buckaroo Gal Mustang Jessi.
Tops in the costume categories were B Western Pecos Cahill and B Western Lady Lill McGill, SASS #92090, from Texas; Doc Baker, SASS #50032 of Las Cruces, NM was top Classic Cowboy.
Leading the smoke makers in Frontier Cartridge was Dead Last, SASS #65836 of Ruidoso, NM.
Standard categories were bested by Gunfighter Gunz Brokus, SASS # 63883 from Texas and Duelist Fast Hammer, with New Mexico’s Silver Senior Duelist El Viejo Cougero, SASS # 43155.
A new award was presented by the Lincoln County Regulators for the first time this year. The TEX Award For Exhibiting Exuberant and Enthusiastic Participation in the Grand Tradition of The Cowboy Way has been named in honor of Tex, SASS #4, one of the founders of SASS, a member of the Wild Bunch and the editor of the Cowboy Chronicle because, as Special Constable John Steele stated, “Nobody shoots a stage like Tex!” The winner of the 2010 TEX Award was Texas Slim.
Next year’s Third Annual Billy The Kid’s Breakout will be based on the little-known history of Billy in the often overlooked Old West Town of Justice, with stages based on the diary entries and gumbo recipes of Mrs. Ima Lyer, wife of the late Judge Habitual T. Lyer and former president of the Ladies’ Chowder and Marching Society of Lincoln County, NM. Ima was the only daughter of the Prevaricators of Boston, Massachusetts.
TRADING POST
Sgt. Shuster is looking for someone interested in the trade show business. Sgt. Shuster is a gourmet coffee importer, manufacturer and wholesaler. He needs someone to help with his Kona Cowboy Coffee Company booth at various trade shows throughout the year. His assistant would be paid a percentage of sales done at the show. He is also interested in someone who would like to take over the trade show side of his business and travel. This would be good for retired folks who want to “hit the road.” Call Sgt. Shuster at 575-257-8593.
Miss Kitty Kaffeine, SASS #82174 may have a way to help you save money on your existing communications services, such cell phones, local and long distance, Internet, satellite TV and even home security...no matter where you are located! Check out the products and services, including video phones and more, at www.reginashuster.acnrep.com or call (575) 973-7007.
If you have something you'd like to buy, sell or trade, the Trading Post is the place to do it. Contact Sgt. Shuster at 257-0871 or emule ShootingAction@aol.com.
RUIDOSO GUN CLUB
The Lincoln County Regulators are the Cowboy Action Shooting™ arm of the Ruidoso Gun Club and now there's another.
Mountain Muzzle Loaders, the black powder shooting arm of the Ruidoso Gun Club, had their first black powder event on Saturday, August 28. Black powder shooters enjoyed four matches of five rounds each, firing at targets placed at a distance of 25 and 50 yards.
Black powder muzzle loading firearms include early American rifles of the 1800 to 1850 era, such as Kentucky Longrifles and Hawkens, in calibers ranging from .40 to .54. These are the historical long guns made famous by the mountain men, trappers and explorers of the frontier.
For more information about the Mountain Muzzle Loaders and black powder shooting events, contact Bob "Smokepole" Vickers, a one-time Field Representative for the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association, at (575) 808-1329.
RGC range keys are available at Firepower Gun and Pawn. Dues are $50 per year with $5 going to the NRA-ILA. Day keys are available for $10 plus a deposit. A limit of 300 RGC members has been set.
If you have questions about the Ruidoso Gun Club, contact Avery Clontz at 937-9297 or aclontz@mac.com.
SASS CONVENTION AND WILD WEST CHRISTMAS 
The 9th Annual SASS Convention and Wild West Christmas registration is now open at www.SASSNet.com! The dates for the convention are December 9th - 12th, 2010. Join in all the fun now with unlimited workshops and seminars, SASS WWPAS World Championship Competitions, SASS Indoor World Championship of Cowboy Action Shooting, SASS Tombstone Ball and a special concert on Friday night with Riders in the Sky. Car pooling to Las Vegas and room sharing at the Riviera will be available for Lincoln County Regulators.
SINGLE ACTION SHOOTING SOCIETY
The Single Action Shooting Society is an international organization
created to preserve and promote the fast growing sport of Cowboy Action Shooting™. The Lincoln County Regulators is the Cowboy Action Shooting™ arm of the Ruidoso Gun Club and a SASS affiliate.
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 (courses of fire) in which they engage steel targets. Scoring is based on accuracy and speed.
Every Lincoln County Regulator and every SASS member is required to select a shooting alias representative of a character or profession from the Old West or the western film genre. Your alias may not in any way duplicate or easily be confused with any other member’s alias. Your SASS shooting alias is exclusively yours. In the tradition of the Old West cattle brand registries, SASS prohibits one shooter duplicating another’s alias. SASS headquarters is the final arbiter of whether an alias is acceptable or not. The SASS Alias Registry changes daily. Telephone, fax or email the SASS office to confirm the availability of your alias choice.
Another truly unique aspect of Cowboy Action Shooting™ is the requirement placed on authentic period or western screen dress.
Outside of competition, the Lincoln County Regulators believe that “The Spirit of the Game” includes proper costuming, addressing folks by their aliases and living the Code of the West. Whatever you call it, if you don’t have it, Cowboy Action Shooting™ with the Lincoln County Regulators might not be your game.
American history buffs and serious shooters alike agree the use of vintage firearms, authentic costuming, unique targets, and fast action make Cowboy Action Shooting™ one of the most interesting of all shooting sports for both spectator and contestant
The Single Action Shooting Society is an international organizationcreated to preserve and promote the fast growing sport of Cowboy Action Shooting™. The Lincoln County Regulators is the Cowboy Action Shooting™ arm of the Ruidoso Gun Club and a SASS affiliate.
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 (courses of fire) in which they engage steel targets. Scoring is based on accuracy and speed.
Every Lincoln County Regulator and every SASS member is required to select a shooting alias representative of a character or profession from the Old West or the western film genre. Your alias may not in any way duplicate or easily be confused with any other member’s alias. Your SASS shooting alias is exclusively yours. In the tradition of the Old West cattle brand registries, SASS prohibits one shooter duplicating another’s alias. SASS headquarters is the final arbiter of whether an alias is acceptable or not. The SASS Alias Registry changes daily. Telephone, fax or email the SASS office to confirm the availability of your alias choice.
Another truly unique aspect of Cowboy Action Shooting™ is the requirement placed on authentic period or western screen dress.
Outside of competition, the Lincoln County Regulators believe that “The Spirit of the Game” includes proper costuming, addressing folks by their aliases and living the Code of the West. Whatever you call it, if you don’t have it, Cowboy Action Shooting™ with the Lincoln County Regulators might not be your game.
American history buffs and serious shooters alike agree the use of vintage firearms, authentic costuming, unique targets, and fast action make Cowboy Action Shooting™ one of the most interesting of all shooting sports for both spectator and contestant
NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION
The Sierra Blanca Committee, Friends of NRA will hold their fund-raising dinner at the Ruidoso Convention Center on Saturday, September 25 at 6PM. This year’s Gun of the Year - the matched set of Ruger Vaquero’s will be accompanied by a beautiful Buscadero Holster Rig hand made by “Billy the Kid Leather” of nearby Capitan. For tickets, contact Dana Terlecky at 9731268 or tacberry@zianet.com.
NEW MEXICO LAW
While the New Mexico legislature is not in session, our neighbors to the West have had a new gun law quietly take effect. Anyone 21 years or older who is legally qualified to own a firearm may carry one in Arizona now without a Concealed to Carry permit. According to Arizona CCW, a newsletter for Concealed to Carry news in Arizona, about 154,000 residents in the state have the permit. The new law expands the rights of Arizona gun owners. As for the permit classes, enrollment may go down slightly in the beginning, but it is expected to level off.
Yuma Police Department spokesman Sgt. Clint Norred said even though it's legal for residents to carry a firearm without the permit, they still have to say that they have a firearm on them if asked by a member of law enforcement. And if someone does encounter a member of law enforcement, it's always a good idea to let them know anyway, he said.
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