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IS IT COOL YET?

For all of you that were with us in September, it was anything BUT cool!  We had hot stages, hot lead, hot water and hot cowboys.  Guns were melting, corn was popping on the stalk, there was a very likely chance of prairie fires, and the outlaws stole somebody’s boots.  It was so hot, you could fry an egg on your hat!  Thank goodness cooler days are coming!

The Indian River Regulators would like to say welcome back to a whole bunch of folks who have been away – it’s great to have you back!  We missed ya! Welcome to our pistol packin’ friends from across the state-you folks came a far piece to try your hand at this gunfight-hope y’all come back soon!  It was nice to see all the spectators-hope we have some future cowboys out there!

Tip of the Stetson goes to Quicksdraw Connie for the brownie soup, and a big muchas gracias to all the other people who helped make this month’s match a success: posse marshals Bad Hombre, Black Diamond Doug (who also provided us with a special guest stage design), and Jim Duncan.  Thanks as well to Lawdog and Burt Blade for helping us set up and tear down.  We couldn’t have done it without you!

Hot tamales!  Look at all the September birthdays!  Congratulations to Badlands Barry, Cherokee County Kid, El Concho, Maverick Milt, Medicine Lodge Luke, Regulator Rude, Salsa Sure Shot and Utah!  And by the way, Cypress Sam is a grandpa on the day of our match!

UPCOMING MATCHES

We will be offering something a little different at our November match, and we wanted to give you a little time to prepare, if you are interested.  We will be offering, in addition to all the regular SASS categories, an “open” class.  The stages will be shot in the same order for all cowboys, but those to shoot open class will be required to shoot in different styles at each stage, including duelist and gunfighter.  The open class will require more technically challenging gun handling skills and is not for everyone, but if you’re interested, call Turkey Creek Red for more information.

The Haunted Mesa is coming up in October – seven stages of frightful fun!  This is Diabolo Kate’s favorite shoot of the year!  Don’t forget!  We’ll be drawing for the pistol, too.

Titusville will begin shooting the FIRST SUNDAY of the month beginning in November.  These folks put on a great shoot.  Ya’ll come, and have a good time.

NEWSLETTER NEWS

Beginning in September, the Dispatch will appear on our web sight.  If you prefer to continue to have the newsletter MAILED to you, please email us at Ccoll28198@aol.com or call 728-7928.

COWBOY CLASS & R/O CLASS

The monthly cowboy classes are suspended for the summer.  We will resume classes in November as the weather allows.  If you have special needs please contact Utah at (321)951-1223 or Turkey Creek Red at (321)728-7928. 

The next Level I R/O class will be November 24.2002 at Port Malabar.  Class will start at 9:00am and the cost is $10.  Please call Turkey Creek Red to register.  Kid Hawkins and Turkey Creek Red will also have a Level II class December 15, 2002 at 9:00 in Orlando.  Cost is $25 and you must pre-register.  Please call Turkey Creek Red for details.

FROM THE PONY EXPRESS

Safety is always first and foremost.  Please remember Port Malabar Rifle and Pistol Club is a private range, and we have a lot of people shooting in areas you can’t always see.  Please do not handle your guns unnecessarily at your vehicle when transferring them to gun carts.  Be mindful of your muzzle direction.  Resist the urge to show off that new fancy rig until you are inside the action area in a designated safe area.  Observe the 10mph speed limit.  Please park in the open lot across from the registration area and NOT along the bullseye line.  Additional parking is available in the pistol practice area just south of Bay 1.  Parking inside the action area is limited to handicapped vehicles without trailers and Indian River Regulator Cowboy Council members.  Your support and consideration in these areas will make us better neighbors with out other shooting disciplines.

You know, it takes a lot of work for a fun, safe shooting day.  Everyone has something they can contribute.  Don’t let your posse marshal be the only one running the timer all day.  They are out here to have fun, too.  If you don’t know how to run a timer, we’d be happy to show you how they work.  The loading and unloading tables need attendance, times and scores need to be recorded, there is always brass to pick up, and there needs to be at least three spotters for each shooter.  Pitch in! It’s the cowboy way!

Visit us at our website at http://home.earthlink.net/~irregulators/.  You’ll find scores, directions to the club, the monthly newsletter and exciting pictures to entertain you between matches.  Web Master Burt Blade has worked very hard to get this up and running, and new features are coming soon.  Many thanks to the cowboy who committed a “random act of kindness” by replacing Ed Stapleton the Photo Guy’s film at the match.  You are the best!

Remember, at the Port Malabar Rifle and Pistol Club, all juniors shoot free of charge.  This is an excellent way to get more young people involved in our wonderful sport.  If you know someone who might be interested in cowboy action shooting, please encourage them to attend the cowboy class and come join the fun!

Need cowboy stuff? Bullets, clothes, hats, reloading equipment?  John’s Precision Bullets and Byrd's Western Wear have the solution to your problem!  By supporting them and other cowboy vendors, you support cowboy action shooting locally.  Plus, they are really nice folks!

Got comments? Suggestions? Criticisms? Got an idea for a stage?  WE WANT YOUR INPUT!  This is YOUR shoot and we feel this truly is an interactive sport!  You can write us, call us at (321)728-7928, or e-mail us at Ccoll28198@aol.com – even if you want to remain a “Ghost Writer”.  We members of the press know how to protect our sources.  And now you can visit us on the web at http://home.earthlink.net/~irregulators.

GOD BLESS AMERICA  &  HAPPY TRAILS  

November 23, 2002 – Turkey Trot

December 28, 2002 – Happy Holidays

January 25, 2003 – Revenge of the Red Sash Gang

The Last Stand   January 9-12, 2003  State of Florida SASS Championship

Registration opens at 9:00am, mandatory shooter’s meeting at 9:30am, shooting starts at 10:00am.  Cost is $10.00 per person.  All first time shooters with the Indian River Regulators must check in with safety officers prior to the shooter’s meeting (please register early so you can join your posse on time).

Ghost Writers of the Purple Sage

1050 Grapefruit Road SE

Palm Bay   FL   32909