first shoot

[sweettooth]

I am about ready to go to my first shoot. We happened upon a shoot about 2 yrs ago while motorcycle riding . That got me interested.
Now I own 3 single actions a marlin cbc and a lever action shotgun is on order .  Already own Hat and boots and the local club ( have not met anybody yet ) shoots the third weekend.  I am looking forward to attending . I will take my guns and see when I can pass the range officers safety test . I downloaded the rules and handbooks. Joined sass . Their web site says shoot on sat. Practice on Sunday.
I proably wont shoot sat but maybe can shoot at practice sun. and get to meet some people . I live in centralTexas. Anything else I should have or prepare for ?  Thanls this forum has been a great help and a lot of fun . Sweettooth

[Jax Orebetter]

Howdy Sweettooth!!

Sounds like you have the important bases covered. I have been addicted to this for about 8 years.    When I started I had 3-4 clubs close by and shot at all of them eventually. Most of the clubs have folks that will come up to a stranger and just start talking to 'em wondering if they are new to the game. Now, with you already having the guns and duds, folks might just think you are already a shooter from another club. Not that they won't talk to you, but they might think you know more than you think you do. Just let 'em know that you are new and would like to be partnered up with an experienced Pard or 2 to help you get your feet wet. Other than that, just go out and have fun!!

[Wymore Wrangler]

I agree with Jax's let them know you are new shooter and they will be very helpful showing you the ropes...

[Micheal Fortune]

Sound like your are all set for a great time!

Did you make your gun cart yet?  You don't need one for your first shoot, but I bet you build one for your second shoot. 

[sweettooth]

Thanks for the responses . i have no trouble telling people I dont know squat , I hope they are as helpful as you all have been.
I finished reading the shooters manual and I have a question on holsters . I presently have a strongside NON buscadero and a cross draw for my other pistol.
It seems like the cross draw would be illegal with the 85 deg. rule . Any pointers on how to stay legal when drawing and holstering cross draw pistol. I would like to practice safe procedures before I get there. I will definitly ask who ever runs the sfety course but practice wont hurt.
  Dont have a set of duds just hat and boots ordered suspenders but dont know when they will get here. I am looking forward to the practice on sunday. Seems like thats when people wont have to worry about their own matches.

[Four-Eyed Buck]

With cross draws, you have to do the "dance",ie: turn the body so when drawing, you don't break the 170 plane. Do the same when reholstering, either at the firing line or the loading/unloading tables. Now, there is a rule about the angle of rake for the cross draws as they sit on the belt, but am not sure about the correct stated angle. Maybe one of our Ro's or RO II's, or a TG can illuminate that one......Buck

[Jax Orebetter]

Another "trick" with the crossdraw is, if the stage design allows, to start with your crossdraw. If you are already standing with your left foot (if you are right handed) slightly in front of you right foot. This puts your crossdraw holster in a position that is almost perpendicular to the firing line. Now all you have to do is turn your hips before you draw, instead of taking that forward step and turning, thus shaving a little time off your draw. I don't know if I explained it well enough, but I hope you get the idea.

[sweettooth]

Yep I can picture both those and will start practiseing soon as I get off line. Thank you very much gentlemen.
I have several other questions but I should move those to the newby section. Form is important to me because muscle memory starts immediattly and I dont want to have to break bad habits .         Sweettooth

[Bristow Kid]

With cross draws, you have to do the "dance",ie: turn the body so when drawing, you don't break the 170 plane. Do the same when reholstering, either at the firing line or the loading/unloading tables. Now, there is a rule about the angle of rake for the cross draws as they sit on the belt, but am not sure about the correct stated angle. Maybe one of our Ro's or RO II's, or a TG can illuminate that one......Buck

I think its 30 degrees but not 100% sure on that.

[Four-Eyed Buck]

Thanks, BK. I knew there was a ruling a few years back, had to have ours altered some on our original rigs, but couldn't remember the correct figure. I run two cross draw rigs and one double strongside. Susie is running a double strong now........Buck

[Russ T Chambers]

I think its 30 degrees but not 100% sure on that.

Right on the money BK!