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IT’S HOT!!

The theme of the June match was just that – hot weather, hot lead.  You name it, it was hot.  Hot enough to fry an egg on your hat.  It was so hot the bullets were melting in the chambers.  It was so hot there was no need to cook your beef for the Fourth of July Barbeque, the cows were roasted just standing in the field!  That’s hot, and the weatherman promises more for this month.  Keep in mind, pards-this is why we live and shoot in Florida.  Come December, when the snow is a foot deep up north, we’ll still be shootin’ and it will still be HOT!

The Indian River Regulators would like to say howdy and welcome to our pistol packin’ friends from across the state-you folks came a far piece to try your hand at this gunfight-hope y’all come back soon!  Welcome to new shooter, Kid Bear. It was nice to see all the spectators-hope we have some future cowboys out there!

Many thanks to all the cowboys that invest “sweat equity” in our match.  Thanks to Turkey Creek Red, Utah, and Law Dog for setting up.  Thanks to Quicksdraw Connie, Bad Hombre, Turkey Creek Red, and Night Train Kate for stepping up as posse marshals and keeping things moving.  A BIG thank you to everyone who helped tear down.  It’s really tough at the end of a long hot day, but many hands do make light work.  The sooner everything gets put away all snug, the sooner all of us can get some place COOL!

AN ACT OF COWBOY KINDNESS

The Indian River Regulators would like to tip their Stetsons to Quicksdraw Connie and Bad Hombre for doing things the “cowboy way”.  On their trip up to Eustis for the June match, these two outstanding cowboys stopped to render first aid and assistance at a motorcycle vs automobile accident.  Just another example of their fine character.  Well done.

LOCAL LADY TAKES THE PRIZE

The Southeast Regional Ladies Duelist Champion this year is our own Night Train Kate. (BB)

COWBOY CLASS & R/O CLASS

We have resumed the monthly cowboy classes on the first Saturday of the month. If you have never done action shooting cowboy style, and would like to give it a try, these are the folks to talk to.  If you need a little practice, or polishing of those very important shooting skills, this is a good time!  Please contact Utah at (321)951-1223 or Burt Blade at (321)242-8163.

The next Level I course at Port Malabar will be Sunday, September 26, 2004 (the day after our regular match).  If you have a hankerin’ to take it, call Turkey Creek Red at (321)728-7928.

FROM THE PONY EXPRESS

Safety is always first and foremost.  Please remember Port Malabar Rifle and Pistol Club is a private range, and we have a lot of people shooting in areas you can’t always see.  Please do not handle your guns unnecessarily at your vehicle when transferring them to gun carts.  Be mindful of your muzzle direction.  Resist the urge to show off that new fancy rig until you are inside the action area in a designated safe area.  Observe the 10mph speed limit.  Please park in the open lot across from the registration area and NOT along the bullseye line.  Additional parking is available in the pistol practice area just south of Bay 1.  Parking inside the action area is limited to handicapped vehicles without trailers and Indian River Regulator Cowboy Council members.  Your support and consideration in these areas will make us better neighbors with our other shooting disciplines.

You know, it takes a lot of work for a fun, safe shooting day.  Everyone has something they can contribute.  Don’t let your posse marshal be the only one running the timer all day.  They are out here to have fun, too.  If you don’t know how to run a timer, we’d be happy to show you how they work.  The loading and unloading tables need attendance, times and scores need to be recorded, there is always brass to pick up, and there needs to be at least three spotters for each shooter.  Pitch in! It’s the cowboy way!

Visit us at our website at http://www.indianriverregulators.com.  You’ll find scores, directions to the club, the monthly newsletter and exciting pictures to entertain you between matches.  Web Master Burt Blade has done a fine job – just another of his many hats!

Remember, at the Port Malabar Rifle and Pistol Club, all juniors shoot free of charge.  This is an excellent way to get more young people involved in our wonderful sport.  If you know someone who might be interested in cowboy action shooting, please encourage them to attend the cowboy class and come join the fun!

Need cowboy stuff? Bullets, clothes, hats, reloading equipment?  John’s Precision Bullets and Byrds Western Wear have the solution to your problem!  By supporting them and other cowboy vendors, you support cowboy action shooting locally.

Next time you’re out on the Malabar range you might want to check out Rawhide’s guncart.  He and his beautiful bride do custom woodwork and such, and if you’re looking for that one of a kind cart, you might want to chat with him a bit.  Also, you may have seen some of his creative iron work.  Remember: Christmas is just around the corner!

Got comments? Suggestions? Criticisms? Got an idea for a stage?  WE WANT YOUR INPUT!  This is YOUR shoot and we feel this truly is an interactive sport!  You can write us, call us at (321)242-8163, or e-mail us at Ccoll28198@aol.com – even if you want to remain a “Ghost Writer”.  We members of the press know how to protect our sources.  And now you can visit us on the web at http://www.indianriverregulators.com.

GOD BLESS AMERICA  &  HAPPY TRAILS

Next Shoot:                   July 24, 2004 – Three Ways to Sunday

                                    August 28, 2004 – It’s All in the Cards

                                    September 25, 2004 – Sweeping the Range Clean

                                    October 23, 2004 – The Haunted Mesa

                                    November 27, 2004 – Turkey Trot

Registration opens at 9:00am, mandatory shooter’s meeting at 9:30am, shooting starts at 10:00am.  Cost is $10.00 per person.  All first time shooters with the Indian River Regulators must check in with safety officers prior to the shooter’s meeting (please register early so you can join your posse on time).

Ghost Writers of the Purple Sage

P O Box 100861

Palm Bay   FL   32910