Shooter Spotlight : Blazing Saddles

Where do you live? (what state or country)

Central Florida

When did you start shooting CAS and how did you or who got you into the sport?

I started shooting around four years ago when I retired from Disney. I was shooting with a friend at The Eustis Gun Club when I saw a bunch of Cowboys in Swampwater (Cowboy Town). Sheleen showed me how a Posse works. Cypress Sam showed me some guns then invited me to his Cowboy Clinic at another club.

Who was your mentor, either known to them or not?

Cypress Sam was my initial mentor, he showed me the ropes and taught me an awful lot about the guns and the sport. I believe he has mentored most of the new shooters in the Central Florida area, he is quite a shooter and has been in the sport a very long time.

How much do you practice, how many rounds a month do you send down range?

I dry-fire in my garage every day, mostly transitions and sequences. I practice at least once a week at the range and compete every Saturday at the local clubs. I would say at least 1,000 rounds a month although I have slowed down a bit with the primer shortage.

Have you won any state, regional, national or world championships?

I recently brought home the Belt Buckle for First Place, State of Florida Senior Gunfighter at The IDES of March last November (it was delayed due to the chaos).

Tell us about your most memorable match:

The Tennessee State Match 2019 was my most memorable match. It was my first State Match and I was in awe of the incredible range and all that there was to do there. I shot all the Side Matches; Josey Wales, Wild Bunch, Speed Rifle, Speed Shotgun, Speed Pistol (which was a joke as a Gunfighter, I was really slow back). They put on a great match and I learned a lot.

What is your favorite aspect of CAS?

The guns and the people are why I enjoy this sport so much. I am blessed to have exceptional equipment tuned by exceptional gunsmiths and I have learned how to maintain them (with some great guidance from Fireball) which speaks to the people. Cowboy shooters are the warmest and friendliest bunch of hooligans on the planet.

Is there a story behind your alias, and what is that story?

I love cowboy movies and have to say that Blazing Saddles is about the funniest cowboy movie ever, we have been quoting that film since it was released so when I was looking for an alias I was pleased to see that Blazing Saddles was available. It suits my personality well!

Do you have a travel/shootin buddy? (you know that friend that makes this game what it is)

I shoot every Wednesday with a relatively new shooter named Mowhawken. We get along great and laugh a lot. I also practice with Fireball now and again, he recently taught me how to service my Rugers. I could already fix my long guns so this was a really great contribution to my mechanical skills.

Where is your favorite place to shoot? (range or match past or present)

My favorite range is in Fort White, Florida. They have 15 (+/-) cowboy themed ranges and Confederate Colt always has some great stages. I also enjoy shooting in Gainesville as Delta Glen has technically complicated stages that will certainly test your mental and physical skill sets.

Have you tried other categories? What categories have you shot and how did that go?

I started with Gunfighter because it was harder (to me) and also served the other shooting sports that I used to compete in, shooting with your off-hand is common in IDPA and ICORE. I think Shooting Gunfighter makes it a bit easier to remember the sequences as well. Memory is my Achilles Heel so I will take every advantage I can.

What is you posse job of choice?

I like writing the stages but I don't like being Posse Marshal, the SASS Lawyers take a bit of the fun out but I do understand there need to clarify. I like being a Spotter so I can see how to shoot the stage (Sheleen taught me that). I also like the unloading table as I get a chance to see and feel everyone's cool cowboy guns.

What is the time of your fastest clean stage?

I shot a 14.10 Stand & Deliver stage once, that was a thrill, I have not been even close to that lately!

What was the best advice you got from a fellow shooter, and who was it?

Don't buy any guns before you try as many (other peoples guns) as you can. Almost every cowboy told me this when I started. I still made a few mistakes but I have learned what works best for me along the way.

What advice can you give to some of the shooters reading this?

Don't buy any guns before you try as many (other peoples guns) as you can and to keep it simple at first. Find the style you want to shoot and the best hardware you can afford. There are often great deals on guns that have already had action work from cowboys that have upgraded their equipment of have retired from the sport.

What keeps you playing this game?

I would have to say that the people and the friendships I have made keep me interested. I also truly love my cowboy guns and take really good care of them, they are a pleasure to handle and shoot. There is always room for personal improvement, you learn from every shot and every transition you make, never a dull moment!

What is your favorite thing to do when you are not on the range or shooting?

I have recently learned how to reload (thanks to Fireball), I fought it hard for over three years, now I really enjoy the process. I have finally found my load and don't experiment like I used to, I did end up with a good amount of practice ammo with all the mistakes I have made in the past, not a bad problem to have at the moment!

Anything else you would like to add:

I have never had a hobby, my work was extremely fulfilling and I always loved the jobs I have had in the past. Cowboy Action is now the single most exciting thing in my life, I look forward to hanging around with this community and I truly love the sound of ringing steel!!!