Shooter Spotlight : Barkeep Casey

Where do you live? (what state or country)

Chattanooga, TN

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

I started SASS in 2009 after a job transfer took me to North Alabama. I had shot competitively in other disciplines, but most the ranges were not local. I found the North Alabama Regulators were really close to me but did not know a thing about Cowboy Shooting. So, I dismissed it. A couple of weeks later I was channel surfing and caught a show called Cowboys which was a 30-minute show about SASS. As soon as I saw the show and what was going on, I was hooked.

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

Buck D. Law was the first guy to see me struggling and walk me through the equipment, rules and provided a constant sounding board for all things SASS. Bless his heart he is a patient man because I had LOTS of questions. And he always found time to help me. T Bone Dooley put on a shooter clinic at one of my first major matches that made a huge difference in my shooting. He is the master when it comes to transitions. His couple hour class made a huge difference in my shooting times, and I will always be grateful for his knowledge he passed on that day...

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

When primers were available, I live fire practiced a couple times a month at the casa de "Hurricane Charley" He is a great shooter and friend and constantly pushes me to be a better shooter. I try to dry fire practice now but there is no substitute for live fire practice. I can't wait to get primers back on the shelves!

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

Yes, multiple category wins at State and Regional matches.

Tell us about your most memorable match:

2009 US Open in Sparta Ill. Every State Category Champion in the United States was given a free entry to the match. Back then there was about thirty categories per state or about 1500 free entries available. I have never seen that level of competition at any match. And if you have never been to that range it will amaze. There is over a thousand camping facilities and 2.5 miles of trap fields.

What is your favorite aspect of CAS?

The saying "come for the shooting and stay for the friendships" couldn't be more true.

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

I used to Bartend in college at a place called Church Street Station in Orlando. It was a place with old timey beautiful wood saloons. It was my inspiration for both my Barkeep alias and my original costuming was very similar to the uniforms we used to wear at work.

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

It is a long list. I would make a joke about them having low standards hanging with me. But these are all great people that I have enjoyed traveling with over the years! Buck D. Law Koda Joe Lawman Mark Graywolf Tate Yohan and Sapphire Rose Lickskillet Charlie Toolman Ocoee Red Pickett Uncle Ethan Purly

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

North Alabama Regulators will always be home. Even though I now live 90 miles away. I still try to make every match and am involved in helping run the club.

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

I think I have tried everything but B Western. (I don't own a bedazzler).

What is you posse job of choice?

I will do anything. I just hate not having a job and sitting still.

What is the time of your fastest clean stage?

I don't really know. I have shot 10,10,4's in the 16's

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

"Make sure if your right hand is doing something that your left hand is too" T Bone Dooley

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

It takes you doing something a thousand times to become muscle memory. Just make sure you are doing it right before you commit it to memory.

What keeps you playing this game?

My friends!

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

I love cars. Specifically, muscle cars and high horsepower.