Why I like NCOWS

[Ol Gabe]

Charles, Kind Sir,
Welcome!
As River City John indicates, you would fall into the parameters of the GAF most easily. I encourage you to look at the forum on this website if you haven't done so already as it is a positive endeavor to encourage participation in Historical Military events.
Best regards and good shooting,
'Ol Gabe
NCOWS #925
GAF #114
Bvt. Capt.
Adjt., Retired
c/o Dunbar Station
Iowa Territory
USA

[Charles Isaac]

Hello Gents

Well, I guess I also like NCOWS because I made my first post 1 day ago and have only been made to feel welcome. No comments made with disdain alluding to inexperienced newbies, greenhorns, pilgrims. Just positive comments about shooting fun.

Tried the NSSA board because I like history and shooting original US Military arms, so shooting in a Skirmish seemed like a good Idea at the time. No welcome at all and you would have thought these guys actually fought the Civil War and I was some kind of tinhorn. Then there is the issue with them shooting mostly 2 band muskets with tall squared off front sights and all manner of rear target sights. Just seems wrong to me. Now, I know I should not stereotype all Skirmishers from an experience 10 years ago, but the perception was created. So I just continued to go to the range with my ancient iron surrounded by gents that have no intrest in these arms of a bygone era.

I have gone to several modern shoots I found out about on the internet. I went there to win nothing and always left with a new friend, something that a trophy pales in comparisom to.

I am very humbled by the information and welcomes. Thank You

[Steel Horse Bailey]

You're VERY welcome here, Charles.

We were ALL new at one time.

[Charles Isaac]

Thanks Steel Horse.

I see there are some NCOWS members in Va. Hopefully there will be a shoot sometime in the near future.

[Steel Horse Bailey]

Thanks Steel Horse.

I see there are some NCOWS members in Va. Hopefully there will be a shoot sometime in the near future.

I know it's a bit of a drive, but you're always welcome here in Indiana!

[gw]

Sorry for the late replies, I have kind of fallen off the face of the earth for a bit.

glad to see you have returned                                                                                                                                                                                     Deadwood                 

[Smokin Gun]

After readin' your Posts I had to clang a gong and say I sure like what I have read in this thread... I was invited to CAS Shoot at the Desert Marksmen R&P Club, Anteope Valley, So. CA. I had jus' gone to watch and see what it was like and meet some new faces. The guy that invited me didn't show...(Officer of the Law) So I knew no one there,  even though I've been member of a Black Powder Mountain Man Group and BP Revolver Shootin' Since 1980's.
All were very cordgile, offered rifles and shotguns to borrow.

Jus' thought I'd chime in...

Thanks,

SG

[RickB]

For me the reason I am a member of NCOWS is the authenticity. Yeah, at first it was a pain to get authentic but it became a real challenge and with the great people who are members helping me I think I've come a long way. I just need to attend more events now. My old possie quit NCOWS so I quit them. I was a member of the Fort Des Moines Rangers and we were the first possie until it got hijacked. So I stuck with NCOWS and left the possie. Now I need to get myself in gear and join with the order of the phoenix. I got the itch to do some shooting and showing off the (hopfully) authentic gear I've put together.

Thanks for giving me the time to rant. lol

[Dr. Bob]

RickB,

Glad that you stuck with NCOWS!!  I joined because of the authenticity and having a 2 gun category.  Great pard abound!!

[Will Ketchum]

For me the reason I am a member of NCOWS is the authenticity. Yeah, at first it was a pain to get authentic but it became a real challenge and with the great people who are members helping me I think I've come a long way. I just need to attend more events now. My old possie quit NCOWS so I quit them. I was a member of the Fort Des Moines Rangers and we were the first possie until it got hijacked. So I stuck with NCOWS and left the possie. Now I need to get myself in gear and join with the order of the phoenix. I got the itch to do some shooting and showing off the (hopfully) authentic gear I've put together.

Thanks for giving me the time to rant. lol

Rick, I am so glad you have found your way here.  I have fond memories of the old Fort Des Moines Rangers.  They put on the first NCOWS conventions I attended.  I have many great Pards who were members. I was sad when they chose to leave, prompted I'm sure by one of our past NCOWS Marshals .   It was happy when Len Ables told me they were starting up the Phoenix posse (what and appropriate name).  I don't shoot as much as I once did but I sure enjoy spending my time with Old Friends.  Let me know when you get access to the members only child board

Will Ketchum

[Irish Dave]

Rick:

Very glad to see you here and my hat's off to your loyalty and commitment to NCOWS.
Folks like you who recognize the outfit for what it truly stands for are the strength and soul of our organization.

As you have said, there are many great folks in this outfit -- and they're the ones that make it all worthwhile.

[RickB]

I'm glad that I stuck with NCOWS too. It is great to see people who care about the history of the west as well as getting together and shooting the authentic and reproductions of the guns. I just can't get into the TV type outfits that some groups allow. I loved John Wayne and Roy Rodgers too but some of those TV western guys looked a little like a san fran gay rights parade. lol

I know summer is running by as fast as a shy nudest trying to get to some cover, but I still hope to make it to one of the shoots this year and meet up with some of you guys. The sad thing is my guns are clean but I'm a bit rusty. I need to derust myself and get back in the saddle, so to speak.

Sorry for the long breaks in between my visits. I try to come on when life and time allows. Maybe with fall coming on now I'll have more time to be on the puter.

Thanks one and all.
Rick.

[Steel Horse Bailey]

RickB, you're not the only one who visits intermittently - we ALL do from time to time.

As I said to Charles Issac, you're most welcome here and also certainly welcome to our Indiana clubs in particular.  Then there's our Ken-tuck brothers who are also a great bunch.  And then ...

Well, you get the picture!  Come and join the fun!

[whiskers]

I have intended to go to an NCOWS shoot for a long time.  I am tired of the competition in SASS and was looking for something with more fun and less complaining.  I just attended the SW Regional put on by the Texas Ten Horns and I had a great time.  The atmosphere is laid back and competition is second to FUN. Nobody left the range when the match was over, just stayed for good stories and good food.  The food was great and the match was a hoot.  Looking forward to more NCOWS matches in the furure.

Whiskers (don't have a NCOWS number yet but I joined with my wife Sidekick)

[Dr. Bob]

Whiskers,

Glad that you found out how much fun that NCOWS can be.  Them 10 Horns are a great bunch of fellows.  Hope that you can make it to the Nationals in Evansville in June.  Great area for camping and reasonable hotels near by!   

[whiskers]

I'll have to check my schedule. I have already cocmitted to the OWSA shoot in Raton in June, but may be able to work in both, will check dates.

Whiskers
Gatlin Gun Cowboy

[PJ Hardtack]

You mean I'm going to get a rough ride from the unwashed, unlettered, uncouth SASS-enachs if I wear my beautiful Scottish-made kilt in my family's tartan?
Grant and I will simply form a 'Thin Red Line' and beat off the rabble ;>)

[Dr. Bob]

If it was not sooooooooooo far, I would don my 95th Regt. of Foot [Rifles] kit and join ya!  Ya can't have too many uniforms!!       

[c.o.jones]

I'M A MEMBER OF THE KANSAS VIGILANCE  COMMITTEE. WHAT BROUGHT  ME TO KVC ORIGINALLY WAS THE CAMPING OUT. NOTHING IS BETTER THAN SITTING AROUND A CAMPFIRE WITH GOOD FRIENDS, TELLING STORIES, LISTENING TO LIES AND SIPPING BAD WHISKEY.  AUTHENTICITY ABOUT MY GEAR AND CAMP IS A NEVERENDING CHALLENGE. BUT IT'S ALL GOOD. TO ME SHOOTING IS SECONDARY. IF I SHOOT GOOD, THATS FINE. IF I SHOOT BAD, THATS FINE TOO. NCOWS IS A GOOD ORGANIZATION. HATS OFF TO YOU BOYS.            C.O. JONES

[Windy City Joe]

"Ditto" with the sitting around the campfire with good friends.
Windy City Joe