western3gun.com

[Irish Red O'Toole]

Well, D. R.,
T. G. Reaper posted a shrot explaination on the Frontier Spot.  In it he said SASS (specifically Chiseler) was of the opinion that folks like Lead Dispencer, Longhunter, and Lefty Longridge were "their champions" and could be told what they could and couldn't shoot in.  T.G. and Lefty polietly disagreed.  How egotistical on SASS, Inc.'s part to think they could dictate what a fella could and couldn't do.  T. G. also promised legal action should SASS try to follow through with their threat of bannings.  I guess no one explained the federal anti-trust statutes to the Wild Bunch before.

[Texas Lawdog]

Any of these folks that endorce certain CAS related products advertized in the SASS Chronicle are "Pros" as far as Im concerned.  I dont have the time or money to practice 7 days a week and fire Thousands of rounds.  These folks should have their own catagory and we should not be expected to have to compete against these folks.  I have a full-time job in Law Enforcement and my primary responsibilty is to that job.   CAS is hobby and a way to have fun and relax and not about how fast I shoot a stage.   Maybe Im wasting my time on developing CAS as a hobby and not a full time job.

[Doc Shapiro]

Texas Lawdog, we all have different priorities and different outlooks on the game. 

For most, the matches are nothing but organized plinking and a chance to socialize. 

For a small group, it's a shooting competition and they are willing to put in the time and make the sacrafices required in order to be competitive.

Whichever you choose is up to you and your outlook on it should reflect the choice that you make.

Most of the top shooters have full time jobs.  In order to put in the practice time and pay for ammo, they have sacraficed family time.  They do it because they love the game.

For the record, the IRS doesn't consider you a "professional" until more than 50% of your income is made from the activity.  W3G will never pay enough for that!  There are some Cowboy Shooters that are making a good amount from various associated activities, but that doesn't make them professional shooters.  It makes them professional teachers, or cart builders, or writers, etc.  They aren't getting much for sponsorships.   For a point, several top shooters endorsed my book Breaking the Shot.  The recieved a free copy of the book.

Doc

[Texas Lawdog]

I guess we can agree to disagree on that.  Opinions are like "rearends", everyone has their own.

[Doc Shapiro]

Guess it depends on your personal definition of "professional."  Legally (as in holding up under tort), I think you have to go with the IRS rules.

Doc

[Paper Chaser]

Just call me NAIVE!  I shoot CAS because it's fun for me and helps break the tension/stress of my occupation.  I'd shoot more in different places given enough time and $$$$.  For now, I'm happy with the monthly club shoots and perhaps I'll be good enough to compete at a higher level.  More power to those who have the time, will-power, and whatever else to become really TOP NOTCH shooters -- good for them! I begrudge no one as they progress and become really good !  Jealous, maybe, but that's because they gave more to it than I did and I say -- good for them !!