True Grit - Black Powder Style!

[Col. Cornelius Gilliam]

Howdy,

I just got back from the Umpqua Regulators Annual True Grit Match and let me tell you, it was a hoot!!

For those that don't know, True Grit is an annual match the Umpqua Regulators started about 10 years ago that requires double the round count on every stage.  They accomplish this with (4)-pistols, (2)-rifles, and (1)-shotgun (empty) with 10+ rnds on person, for a total of 50rnds minimum per stage.  Let me tell you, it's not a match for every shooter, but for those that like to shoot a lot, with a high level of physical activity, it can't be beat.

Shooting this match with black powder is an unbelievable experience.  Talk about the "fog of war" with over 50rnds fired over a 50 to 80 second time period on every stage!!  And this is about as far away from a "stand and deliver" style stage as you can get.  All stages had multiple firing/staging locations with a lot of movement.  We had to vaporize potatoes off a "tree" with a shotgun, push an ore cart down the tracks, avoid no-shoot targets, and shoot at two rotating targets that disappeared behind a metal tree that was set in front of them.  It was great fun!!

There were two clean matches this year:  Mountain Rider and Bullseye Miss – quite an accomplishment.  I came close with only one miss out of 500+ shots.

Thanks to all the Umpqua Regulators who put on such a great match!!

Match results can be found on the Oregon Old West Shooting Society's website.  Once there, click on the "TRUE GRIT 2008" link:

http://www.oowss.com/Monthly_Matches_2008.htm

[Ransom Gaer]

That sounds like an interesting match.  I will have to consider it for next year, when I have some vacation time.

Ransom Gaer

[Athena Jake]

Them thar crazy Oregonians!
Sounds like a Hoot!
(God how I miss home)

[Dick Dastardly]

Fantastic match.  Great report.  Of such extremes do Big Lube™ bullets excel.  I shall have to find my way to Oregon Territory next season.

Thanks for the dream.

DD-DLoS

[hellgate]

Col. Gilliam done speaketh the truth as I was on his posse making smoke (although no nearly as fast). He, me and Jedi left a hefty CARBON FOOTPRINT!!

[Dick Dastardly]

Ya know, I've got size 13 EEE stompers.  I  live the Holy Black.  So from now on, each time I shoot, I'll make believe I'm steppin' on Algore's medal.  I  intend to stomp.

Gonna be around 34 degrees here tonight and "Global Warming" ain't to be found.  Mayhaps it's sittin' in that soothsayers back yard.  I  could only hope.

Whatever the question, fun with my pards perks me up.  Love that movie also, lil britches.

DD-DLoS

[Griff]

Sounds like a good'un.  Had a LOT of fun when I shot out there last fall!