GAF in Arizona - Call to Arms

[Bow View Haymaker]

I just keep trying.  I am hopeful that this side match thing can be a start .

[G.W. Strong]

I noticed on the SASS wire you are hunting for a trapdoor. They are out there. Best of luck.

[Bow View Haymaker]

Thanks,  unfortunatly my budget isn't up to the task.  It sure would be beter to demonstrait GAF with  a proper milspec rifle.

[G.W. Strong]

I agree. It would show off what we do much better. How much do you have budgeted? I am always on the hunt for more black powder cartridge miliraty firearms and one may turn up here in my searching that meets your needs.

[cpt dan blodgett]

Don't think I can help you this coming weekend.  Had run out of bullets and really have not developed a sub 1400 FPS load for my Krag yet.  Am now back in bullets and am going to test some loads that should be real close to 1400 FPs to see if I can get them to group.

Perhaps I will be ready by next month, providing I do not have mom detail on match day.

[Bow View Haymaker]

I understand that some have had good luck with 220grain bullets in the krags.
to bad you cant be there but I understand.  just knowing that there is interest helps .

[G.W. Strong]

I love a 180 grain cast bullet over 16 grains of 2400 in my Krag. It is awesome!

[cpt dan blodgett]

Will try that with 170 and 210 as those are the bullets I have.  see if it works for me

[Niederlander]

I've been shooting cast bullets in Krags for about fifteen years now, and from what I've seen the heavier the bullet (up to 220 grains anyway) the better they like it.  (The Krag has always been my favorite bolt action rifle!)

[cpt dan blodgett]

can you point me in the direction of a GAF legal load using a 210 grainer

[Niederlander]

I use the starting load in the Lyman manual for 5744.  I'll send you a PM.

[Bow View Haymaker]

Everything is a go For a GAF side match stage at the Alter Vally SASS shoot tomorrow west of Tucson . 
Planning on doing it before the main match. (I'm going to try to leave home by 5 to be there by 7:30).  I think it's closer to you guys in Phoenix. Sure would be great to have a good GAF turnout.  Most will probably be shooting as "Scouts" (me included) with our regular CAS rifles and 1 pistol.  Anyone with a milspec rifle to show off would be great. 
Round count is less than 15 rile and less than 10 pistol for this one stage.  The rest of the match is regular SASS of 6 stages.

Wish us luck
Bvt Maj. Bow View Haymaker

[G.W. Strong]

I know it is not over yet but we want to see pics! We want to know how it went! Enquiring minds want to know.

[Bow View Haymaker]

I agree. It would show off what we do much better. How much do you have budgeted? I am always on the hunt for more black powder cartridge miliraty firearms and one may turn up here in my searching that meets your needs.

I

It wouldbe great to get an ugly shooter for $400 tomy door but even $600 Ithink I could swing If I sweet talk the banker.  I don't need matchingnubersor anything, cutdown carbine Ok,  wrongsites OK, just milspec enough to pass at a muster and safe to shoot with black subs or trailboss.  Jerry's on the lookout for me also.

[Bow View Haymaker]

First, I apologize for the late report. I want to thank the gracious Match directors at Alter Valley pistoleers for setting up targets for me and letting me give the GAF side match a try. I gave my little intro about the GAF and what makes a GAF muster different from a Cowboy match. Then demonstrated shooting the stage with my lever gun (no trapdoor yet) and pistol reloading a few rounds in each on the clock. That was it. The 3 polite Cowboys listening and watching thanked me and went back too the crowd mingling before the main match. I was pleased with the set up but very disappointed in the interest or lack of. If there were any other GAF members about, I didn't meet them. I did give out some info after the match. might try something again at there next 5th Sunday match. this club has an OPEN category that you can shoot under a second alias just for fun,I Might see if I can shoot a second time through GAF style.

[G.W. Strong]

It would be great to get an ugly shooter for $400 to my door but even $600 I think I could swing If I sweet talk the banker.  I don't need matching nubers or anything, cutdown carbine Ok,  wrong sites OK, just milspec enough to pass at a muster and safe to shoot with black subs or trailboss.  Jerry's on the lookout for me als o.

I have bought a reasonably pretty full length rifle for $400 last year so it is certiainly possible. let me poke around a bit for you.

[pony express]

Remember, if you can't find an affordable trapdoor,(or Krag) you don't HAVE to do a US impression to do GAF. Although many of the European rifles are going up in price too, there may be some that can be had within your budget. Maybe a Moisin-Nagant, with Nagant revolver? Or one of the South American Mausers, along with your existing single action.

[G.W. Strong]

That is a great thought. I once got an Argentinian Mauser Model 1891 artillery carbine in a trade for a box of Macaroni and Cheese!

[pony express]

That's a good trade......or maybe a REALLY big box of mac&cheese. I don't think Argentine's are going all that cheap anymore, was thinking of the various 7mm mausers from different South American countries that came in recently, or has the supply of those dried up?

[Bow View Haymaker]

I Haven't given up on a muster for the dept of the Platte or division of AZ.  Just taking sometime to figure out where the interest is and find a location and waiting to hear form the Dept. members. 
If any one belongs to a GAF friendly range or club, PLEASE let me know.  Maybe a GAF categories with a monthly SASS match or the day before or after???
Also I see we have some new members to the Dept.  Welcome,