So when I show up at a NCOWS event is there going to be clothing police come around and say your hat isn't correct or they wouldn't wear a shirt like that, and I have to admit that I'm really not into cowboy boots, the look good but my feet will not deal with that kind of boot..was thinking more like maybe being a early miner or something different then the cowboy..would be good to know more on the clothing issue before I go out and spend big money that I really don't have..just buying the guns is a bite out of my retirement stash..any advice would be helpful, I am right now doing some research on the west, all my experience was in 18th century muzzle loading and the long-hunter time period, frankly the fashion police are one of the reasons I dropped that..
Howdy, Will Penny!
Glad to have you here joining in with the fun and asking questions. Welcome!!!
There is NO fashion police. Period. Cowboy boots, while authentic, weren't the ONLY footwear. NCOWS provides guidelines, but not many rules. Here's a link to all the requirements involved:
http://www.ncows.org/Bylaws.htm It's the straight poop. The first part has to do with the organization itself: about halfway through are the actual do's and don'ts.
First off, if you show up, you are under no obligation to be totally outfitted! Most folks who actually "show up" and who aren't dressed in shorts, baseball cap and T-shirt can shoot with very little planning. Another thing is this: are you talking about your 1st event being a monthly club match, or ... is your first time a visit to the National Shoot? (It has happened) We even have a provision for that. The current Congress even made it possible for a person to join NCOWS (you have to be a member to participate in a National or Regional-level event - insurance reasons) ON THE SPOT - at a reduced rate - and shoot, as long as an ATTEMPT at period clothing was met! A pair of jeans, a work shirt, any one of several types of hats (or possibly none), and either boots (of several types, including "ropers") or brogan-type workshoes and you're in! Heck at some shoots, you don't have to have any guns or ammo! MANY of us in NCOWS (and SASS, too) bring extra guns and ammo "just in case." Equipment breaks ... pards forget ammo ... or guns
... and we've been known to share extra guns and ammo to folks who wish to TRY this game! You'll find that NCOWS
AND SASS folks are very generous and love to share - it gives us a chance to show off our toys!
Heck - many of us carry extra safety glasses and earplugs, too.
You are interested in being a miner? Great! Cowboys were actually a small minority of the residents in the old West. They just get all the glory. Also, you mentioned equipment: There is a category in NCOWS called Working Cowboy. (Forget the Cowboy part
) All you need is a pistol and a pistol caliber rifle. Not only is it more authentic to the old West than 2 pistols, a rifle and a shotgun - and the leather involved - it's also a LOT easier on the pocketbook and you can spend more money on bullets! Which is fun!!!
Stick around here, Will. You'll hear it all.
Again - glad you "dropped in" and we hope to see and hear more from you!
Jeff "Steel Horse Bailey"