OK, Fellers, you can help me out

[Lou Graham]

I'm trying to figure out the differences in the rules between NCOWS and SASS so I can get a start on finding what I need to change/buy/make to be legal for the GAF Muster.  I also hope to make it to the midwest for an NCOWS shoot this summer.

Fisrt off, does the gun HAVE to be on the list on the NCOWS website?  HA Remmies aren't there.  That could be a problem.

My skirts all are made with a zipper, mostly hidden by the gun belt.  Is that OK?

What do you do to move your long guns, etc  with no cart safely?  Do you have "gun boys" for rent to help carry stuff?    If they are in cases, can the cases be not period correct?  Trying to fly to a shoot, space is limited and the leather cases take up major space.  How about whatever I will use to carry ammo, water etc -- does all that need to be period as well?

What other stuff I haven't thought of to ask (for those of you that shoot SASS and NCOWS) might need to be adressed?  I don't want to look like a greenhorn or break the bank re-outfitting.  I hope if I get a head start on this, I can borrow, make, find bargains on whatever I'm missing or need to change.

I am generally more period cowboy that needed for SASS (BP, mule ear double, never shoot in underwear, always have a hat etc) but I don't think I'm "enough" for NCOWS.

[Will Ketchum]

Lou, Happy New Year and thank you for your interest in NCOWS.

First in order to save a lot of bandwith and repetition I suggest you  read past posts and archives over at the Frontier Spot's NCOWS page.

As for your questions.
Guns:  Mostly you will find that it is mostly prohibited guns that are listed.  Your Remingtons would be fine.
Skirts With Zippers:  Since new members are generally given (I don't know that it is an official policy" a year to get their gear and outfits together.  The Zippers wouldn't be a problem for the next muster.  However I suspect you will find that once you get involved in the historical aspects of our sport besides just the shooting part, you will find yourself wanting to do things in a authentic manner to help recapture what our forefathers experienced.  This becomes pretty much of a personal journey and although there will be many there to help if you want there will be very few that will offer a critique without being asked.  Most skirts can be altered from zippers to buttons without much fuss.

Guncarts:  Most clubs allow them some don't.  Where they aren't you will find they aren't really needed.  At the Muster only a rifle and revolver were required so no real need for a guncart.  (Read over at the spot about guncarts)

General:  You will be fine.  Just that you care enough to ask shows your heart and head are in the right place.  We ask that woman dress as woman would in the 19th century.  That would mostly mean in dresses or skirts.  If I woman's impression is that of one trying to pass as a man then she would wear the baggy, non form fitting clothing of the time not a Sharon Stone type outfit (from "The Quick & The Dead")

I know that you will be welcomed with open arms and that any effort you make will be appreciated.  Many people get so involved in getting their impressions "right" that how well they shoot becomes secondary and they spend far more time and money on their clothing then they do on their guns.

I hope this helps.  Please feel free to contact me direct if you have any questions.  Also Kayleen over at the Spot is a wealth of information regarding woman's clothing.  I have seen her in a different outfit nearly every hour at the NCOWS conventions and have often wondered what she was doing back at her room that necessitated her changing so often

Will Ketchum

[Will Ketchum]

Lou, I neglected to suggest that you sit down and write up a biography of your persona.  You can read my profile and some others here at cas city. for some examples.  Decide just who you are, what is your occupation.  What time period do you live in and everything else will fall into place

Much of this might be dictated by things you all ready have.  For me when I getting my impression figured out I was shooting a Rossi 92.  This of course meant that I couldn't be doing one prior to 1892.  I have always felt that the 1890s were the easiest to do because we have so much more information on that era than any other.  Also anything earlier would of course still be okay for the 90s.  I have stuck with that time period because I find in one of the most interesting.  others prefer the time of the great cattle drives of the  early 1870s and others of the Indian Wars of the later 70s and early 80s.  Some develop multiple characters for different times periods.  Again this is a personal thing.

I like being a Pinkerton because it gives me a lot of flexibility.  I can be "undercover" as most anybody.  I could always use a female operative cohort

Will Ketchum

[Trap]

 Lou;  I think Will answered most of your questions, as for guncarts they are not needed , and I don't think will be allowed at the Muster. the range is the home range of the KVC. so any specifics, I could probably answer. Again you only need 1 pistol and 1 rifle. Looking foreward to meeting you.  jt

[Delmonico]

<Whisper on: There might be an extra desert fer ya if ya let me shoot Francis.>

[Lou Graham]

Will, thanks for the insight, I think I understand the "spirit" of NCOWS better now.  I have a pattern  from 1887 for a Ladies Shooting Costume that I hope to have done for the Muster, but I can't wear the same thing for three days!  -- I read what was on the NCOWS web pages, but haven't checked out the TFS  stuff. <smacks herself> duh!

Lou is (was) a real person.  I'll have to doctor the persona some to work for me.  I can't crawl up San Jaun Hill dressed like a Madame from the fanciest "House" in Seattle    I have a life-long interest in history, by kinda got sidetracked in SASS.  One example is the pouch I used for shotgun ammo.  I took so much flack for it being "too slow" I gave in and went to a slide like everybody else.  Took flack for my loads being "too hot"...... you know the drill!  Amazingly, the switch to BP really helped to get 'em to leave me be.  Guess they figure I'm insane and there's no point in trying to help me 

Trap, I'm a "kitchen sink" kinda gal and I always have everything anybody on any posse could want or need.  Do most of you put slings on your rifles to carry them?

Del, I'd be glad to let you shoot my darling Francis, even with no dessert!

[Will Ketchum]

Lou, for carrying your stuff you might consider a carpet or Doctor's bag (properly called a "club" bag.

Since I didn't make the Muster and I have never been on the that range I don't know how it's set up but If Trap says you won't need a gun cart then things are probably set up so you don't.

Are you going to be joining NCOWS?

Will Ketchum

[Delmonico]

Lou, don't worry my pard Matt "Gopher Grease" Moore is gonna be there cookin' with me,  when we are together he is in charge of deserts, I am in charge of yeast breads and the main dishes are divided up between the two of us.  So you see an extra desert for you would be extra work for him.

Sides that he's got my baby yet, that sweet little 28 gauge Remmy 870, not Cowboy, but it's killed a couple of truck loads of delishious birds.  Hopin' a couple Chinese Chickens come home with it at the end of January.

Lookin' forward to meetin' you and everyone else at the muster.

[Lou Graham]

Yup, Wonnerful Hubby and I talked about joining and that's what we're gonna do. 

[Wymore Wrangler]

Lou, you can use saddlebags or a carpet bag to carry your stuff in, if you want a very good carpet bag, contact Rock Creek Critter (Rock Creek Leather) over on the Spot, he makes some very nice ones at reasonable prices....

[Grizzle Bear]

Howdy, Lou.  I'm kinda gettin' in late on this, but here goes.

I am the head of the Kansas Vigilance Committee, and we are co-sponsoring the GAF Muster.  Your clothes sound fine, a zipper is not a problem if it doesn't show.  Even if it does show, I doubt anyone would mention it to a newcomer to our range.

But, on the other hand, there are guncarts.......

I thought I would be nice at the last Muster, and told ONE ELDERLY GENTLEMAN that he could use his guncart instead of having to carry his gear.  This quickly became like a plague of locusts, they were appearing faster than I could swat them away. 

So the rule this year will be: NO GUNCARTS, NOT NO WAY, NOT NO HOW!

For the rest of your gear, a small bag should suffice.  Although Major Matt likes to proceed in a smart, precise, military manner, the rest of us tend to shoot at a leisurely pace.  So there's always time to go get any supplies you might need.  Refreshments will be available inside the fort, and the firing line is just outside the fort walls.

In short, put out of your mind any thoughts of what a SASS shoot is like.  This is NCOWS, and the KVC is a rengade bunch even for NCOWS.  You'll do things you've never done before, and they'll be FUN!

Grizzle Bear


 

[Irish Dave]

Lou:
We'd be right pleased to have you and hubby ridin' for the brand. Overall, it's as fine a group of pards as you'll ever meet.

And generally speaking we even tend to disagree agreeably.
(Well, yeah, there are exceptions, but they're few and far between.) 

Take this as a standing invite to the Great Lakes Freight and Mining Co. goin's-on whenever you're in the territory.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

For the rest of your gear, a small bag should suffice.  Although Major Matt likes to proceed in a smart, precise, military manner, the rest of us tend to shoot at a leisurely pace.

So where do you put your long guns when they're not being used? You have rack or something or do you just lay 'em doen on the ground as best ya can?

[Trap]

  There will be plenty of places to put long guns, racks, fort wall, against a cabin. All the stages are in easy distance from the central stockade. Lou; you won't need a sling unless you just want an excuse to put one on. Rifle in one hand, ammo bag in the other.  jt

  P.S. If any of you want to get a head start and see the range before the muster, we will be having an NCOWS regional shoot in April. 7-9th, I believe, Stay tuned for more info

[Wymore Wrangler]

Trap, does that mean you folks built some rifle racks since last spring?  I went up to the Fort yesterday and got a pair of saddlebags, I think they would work better than a shooting bag at your place...

[Grizzle Bear]

Wymore, yes we have built some rifle racks.  Probably have some more new stuff by the time of the 2-gun regional.

GB

[Wymore Wrangler]

Sounds good to me, when are you sending out the entries....

[Trap]

  Lou G;
   I don't know why I didn't think of this sooner , duh, but if you haven't already been there, go to the Kansas page (below the NCOWS page ) , and open up the GAF muster website posted by Lone Gunman. It will give info and pictures of last years muster.  jt

[Silver Creek Slim]

This is great info for the NCOWS newbies.  Welcome to NCOWS, Lou.

Slim

[Lou Graham]

Thanks for all the info and tips and encouragement!

For the GAF Muster, I am without a doubt shooting Wild Bunch.  Even if I'm the only lady, which is what usually happens.  I guess Del won't get to shoot Francis, as I'll need my pump but no BP shotgun for main match.

After camping at the SASS NE Regional, Wonnerful Hubby and I decided that we are done with that.  It's a long story for another day.

I usually dress for the weather and terrain, with some consideration given to what kind of "comfort facilities" are avaliable for a lady to use. Rocky, hilly, muddy, climbing stairs, climbing through fence rails, etc...... I will dress as a man so I can negotiate everything safely.  I shot in a skirt for the first time at Winter Range '04.  I've had a couple of near-disasters with caught skirts and petticoats as I try to figure this out.  If it's pretty flat and no climbing, skirts are OK.  Spurs and skirts don't mix.  I've always been a bit of a tomboy -- "Don't try that, you'll muss your pretty dress"  AAAAAKKKKK!  It didn't work when I was 8 and it won't work now  .  My mens clothes are just that, not ladies pants and shirts.  I want to get that 1887 shooting costume done 'cause it has leggins and a mid-calf length skirt, should make it easier to negotiate the stages safely and with style

I'm looking forward to trying this slightly different style of cowboy shooting and to being able to meet some of my cyber-pards.  I'm going to come up with the best kit I can for the Muster, but mostly plan on scoping out what the rest of you have and asking questions as I go.  What I lack in clothes, I'll make up for it with a smoke and flame show