GAF Muster 2006

[Silver Creek Slim]

Great news!

Slim

[Mustang Gregg]

MAJ M. Lewis:
We oughta parley some over this. 
Maybe have a mini-muster at Hell On Wheels again. 
At least we could have a GAF posse or two to shoot(). 
I'm jus' ponderin' out loud here. 
I have been off'n the 'net for a week+ wit' a busted compuker.
I'll try to reach you tomorrow, Sir.
SFC Mustang Gregg

[Guns Garrett]

Kayleen, Steve, Maj. Matt, et al:

In going with the War Between the States (no, it wasn't "civil" in any sense) theme for the next muster, may I humbly make a suggestion (or two) for a side match?

1. Soldiers of that time were required to show proficiency in arms, and to be able to fire 4-6 rounds per minute (I think).  A timed-fire match (on line, by relay, or squad/posse) for both muzzle-loaders and breech-loaders (separate events) at 75-100 yards.  Instead of shooting individually (so many hits in "X" seconds), see who can get the most hits in say, 3 minutes.  This would require a spotter for each shooter (steel targets) or paper IPSC targets.  The shooter would be required to score as many hits (SAFELY) as possible within the time allowed.  Shooters would start with an UNLOADED, UNCAPPED (hammer down) rifle/musket, or an open, UNLOADED breechloader.  Standard range commands would be used -"With one round, LOAD... Ready on the right, Ready on the left, Commence firing .... CEASE FIRE, CEASE FIRE...Unload and show clear" (or "Discharge loaded weapons into the berm").  Cleared muzzleoaders show clear by snapping a cap with muzzle pointed downrange and dropping ramrod down the barrel (AFTER snapping the cap!). Time would start with the first shot downrange.  Shots fired after "Cease Fire" would not count.  Ties would have to be decided by most hits in "center of mass", this would require paper targets, I'm afraid.  Paper targets have the advantage of being marked with the shooter's name and scored later, plus it makes a good memento of the match.

I know, "another" side match is more organization, administration and other red tape, plus materials for the paper targets, (frames, staple guns, etc).  Plus spotters, safety observers, ad nauseum.

2.  Another variation of the above would be the infamous "log", or "plank" match, where the squad/posse attempt to cut a post or heavy plank in half, only in this case, by volley fire under command of their leader.  Much less administrative and logistic headaches, strictly first one done wins.  This would be a team, not an individual, match, so that would require multiple awards.

Just a couple ideas, to be considered and/or dismissed as you best judge.  I come up with this idea, and I'm not even sure I can get to Ackley in time for any side matches - depends our work schedule.  I can get off work pretty much any time, but the wife works for a Heat/Air company, and they have busy and slow times, tho September isn't usually bad.

Looking forward to seeing you all - I'm already getting enthused.
Guns

[Kayleen]

Guns Garrett and all,
  Thanks you for the ideas. I have looked them over and yes they are very doable here.
To everyone, please keep the ideas coming, I value the input from each and everyone of you.
  I have had to do some serious research on the Civil War.
  I am working on a historical part for everyone to read. I ran across a site with some very interesting bits of information on the smaller battles in various states. I think  most will enjoy them.
Latter,
Kayleen

[Ottawa Creek Bill]

Kayleen,
Have you and Steve decided on a date yet? I may have missed it elsewhere. I'm going to talk French Jack into coming this year.

Bill

[Dr. Bob]

Howdy OCB,

That would be Oct. 5 - 8, 2006.

[Pitspitr]

I'm planning on being there.

Major Matt, Thanks for all that you have done!!!!!!!!

[Hardtack Henry]

WOW!  I just got here so I had a bunch of catching up to do...Major, thank you again for setting up an extremely fine match last October!  It is a massive undertaking to set up and manage an event like this!  *SALUTE*

I plan to attand if Rattlesnake Jack would care to have me for a traveling partner again.  With gas prices still high, it sure helped the budget when we shared the cost.   Kayleen, thank you for steppin' up and pickin' up the banner. 

[RattlesnakeJack]

Hardtack:

"Long time no see!"

Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend the 2006 Muster, since the dates selected for it conflict directly with our local Fall match ...   

[Hardtack Henry]

Jack,

    That is indeed sad news!  I will need to find a different traveling partner or  I may not be able to make the trip.  Hope to see you at a different match.