THE HAUNTED MESA

Yep, it’s that time of year when the light gets long early and the Haunted Mesa materializes out of the mists of legend.  The headless horseman takes his annual ride, and the residents of Boot Hill may rise and take a stroll with you.  The Hotel has a new proprietor, Mr. Frank N. Stein from back east, and the Mesa introduced a new tale-that of the famous cutthroat, Red Ned the Pirate.  The Black Widow invited several of you to tea, and if you don’t like her cooking, you can always take your chances with the three witches.  It was over too soon, and we hope everyone had a nice bit of frightful fun.

The Indian River Regulators would like to say howdy to new shooters on the Mesa, B’ville Bandit, Lady J, Dave Roper, Backshooter, and Kissimmee Kid. 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!  It was nice to see all the spectators-hope we have some future cowboys out there!

Tip of the Stetson goes to Quicksdraw Connie for the devil-licious brownies, and a big muchas gracias to all the other people who helped make this month’s match a success: posse marshals Bad Hombre, El Concho, and Colonel Dan.  Thanks as well to Utah, Law Dog, Quicksdraw Connie, Bad Hombre, and El Concho for helping us set up and tear down.  We couldn’t have done it without you!

Spooktacular October Cowghouls:  Badlands Barry, Bonnie Jean, Burt Blade, Chiloh, Cypress Sam, Pot Belly Joe, Slow Draw Lem, Wylie De, and Yosemity.

AND THE WINNER IS…

The lucky recipient of the cap and ball pistol, presentation case, powder flask and bullet mold was Hot Skillet!  Hope to see that smoke wagon put to good use.

We cannot thank the generosity of the anonymous donor of this beautiful pistol enough.  You truly exemplify the Cowboy Spirit.  With the money raised, we were able to get our swinging shotgun targets out of hock.

WORK DAY

There are some things that need fixin’, movin’ and just general tidying up out at the range.  We need a bunch of hands.  We’ll be out there at 9:00 am on Sunday, November 17, 2002.

UPCOMING MATCHES

If you have a pocket pistol or derringer, please bring it and ammunition to the November match.

Remember: we will be offering, in addition to all the regular SASS categories, an “open” class.  The stages will be shot in the same order for all cowboys, but those to shoot open class will be required to shoot in different styles at each stage, including duelist and gunfighter.  The open class will require more technically challenging gun handling skills and is not for everyone, but if you’re interested, call Turkey Creek Red at (321) 728-7928 for more information.  

We will have some good “tuning” stages in December to get y’all ready for the Last Stand, and maybe a few surprises from dear old Saint Nick.  

NEWSLETTER NEWS

The Dispatch appears on our web site, but if you prefer to continue to have the newsletter MAILED to you, please email us at Ccoll28198@aol.com or call (321) 728-7928.

COWBOY CLASS & R/O CLASS

We have resumed the monthly cowboy classes on the first Saturday of the month. Please contact Utah at (321) 951-1223 or Turkey Creek Red at (321)728-7928. 

The next Level I R/O class will be November 24.2002 at Port Malabar.  Class will start at 9:00am and the cost is $10.  Please call Turkey Creek Red to register.  Kid Hawkins and Turkey Creek Red will also have a Level II class December 15, 2002 at 9:00 in Orlando.  Cost is $25 and you must pre-register.  Please call Turkey Creek Red for details.

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 out 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://home.earthlink.net/~irregulators/.  You’ll find scores, directions to the club, the monthly newsletter and exciting pictures to entertain you between matches.  Web Master Burt Blade has worked very hard to get this up and running, and new features are coming soon.

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 Byrd's Western Wear have the solution to your problem!  By supporting them and other cowboy vendors, you support cowboy action shooting locally.  Plus, they are really nice folks!

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)728-7928, 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://home.earthlink.net/~irregulators.

GOD BLESS AMERICA  &  HAPPY TRAILS

Next Shoot: November 23, 2002 – Turkey Trot

December 28, 2002 – Happy Holidays

January 25, 2003 – Revenge of the Red Sash Gang

February 22, 2003 – Queen of Hearts

The Last Stand   January 9-12, 2003  State of Florida SASS Championship

See Night Train Kate for an application!

Registration for our matches 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

1050 Grapefruit Road SE

Palm Bay   FL   32909