2004 Posse Match Rule Changes

These changes are a result of the Cowboy Summit held December 2003.

1. Shotgun shell slides cannot be worn over shotgun ammo belts.
2. It is not allowed to seat caps on C&B revolvers using the gun's hammer.
3. Dry firing any gun at the loading table is not allowed.
4. A miss is defined as the failure to hit the designated targets using the correct firearm. If the designated targets are shot in an incorrect sequence, a procedural penalty is awarded. This means that so long as the correct kind of target is hit using the designated firearm, there are no misses, no matter in which sequence the targets are hit. If targets are shot in wrong sequence it's not a miss it's a procedural. This also means that if a rifle target is shot while the shooter is shooting at the pistol targets it's a miss and not a procedural infraction. It should be difficult to get both a miss and a procedural as a result of any one shot. A procedural is awarded for an unintentional error a mistake. If the targets are intentionally shot in an incorrect sequence, that's a "Spirit Of The Game Violation" and will results in a 30 second penalty. Example: there are 3 pistol targets, 1 large target and 4 small ones. The shooter dumps all five rounds on the large target expecting to get only a 10 second procedural. He's wrong he will have shot clean but will receive a 30 second penalty for a Spirit Of The Game Violation.
5. Gunfighters are relieved of the requirement to shoot their pistols alternately or switch leads. They may draw 1 or both pistols and shoot them anyway the please. The one thing that gunfighters cannot do is draw both pistols and shoot only 5 rounds then holster, use another gun (rifle or shotgun) then draw the both pistols again and complete the 10 shot scenario. This means when shooting Gunfighter Category you must empty the drawn gun or guns before you holster. This is because RO's are having difficulty keeping count of rounds fired from both pistols & observing that the hammers are down on spent rounds when holstered.
6. Failure to correctly stage guns & ammo for a stage is the responsibility of the shooter. The RO is there to assist, but it's the shooter's responsibility to be in compliance. If the shooter realizes the mistake after the clock has started and can correct the situation (correctly stage the firearm or ammo) unassisted, there is no procedural penalty.
7. The 49er Category is no longer a Traditional-style Category. Modern revolvers may now be used in this category.

New Firearms approved for SASS use

The Marlin .32 H&R rifle has been approved. A Chinese made 1887 Winchester clone Lever Action Shotgun was also approved. A new conversion cylinder by "Kirst Conversion Cylinders" for the 1860 Army C&B Revolver was approved.

Rule Changes Proposed for 2005

Some possible rule changes for next year to think about. It looks like there is a possibility that a rule will be instituted to require shooters of 1897 Winchester Pump Shotguns to "load what you grab", meaning that you could only grab 2 rounds at a time and they both must be loaded into the gun right then. Load 1 in the chamber and 1 into the magazine. No more grabbing a handful of shotshells and loading them one at a time. Classic Cowboy will get more accoutrement requirements and may be restricted to cowboys/cowgirls and not to just any 19th Century character. Lastly Modern Style Revolvers would be allowed in all Traditional-only Categories. This issue was split right down the middle, but look for it to be on the agenda come December 2004. Something to think about, since we are not a SASS club we have no say in what new rule is or isn't adopted as we have no Territorial Governor to speak for us. Is it time to become a SASS Club again??? Before I make the decision I'd like to hear from you, what do you think?

Last update: Wednesday, January 28, 2004, R. Cort Tompkins. © 2002-2006 Virginia Beach Rifle & Pistol Club