Are There Any Real Cowboys Left?
Saturday was National Cowboy Day.
One would wonder why there would be such a day. After all, cowboys were most popular – and – by the way – a critical part of American culture and society – between the mid to late 1800s.
There would, however, appear to be little reason to actually have a “day†for cowboy these days. Other than the fancy duds complete with boots and spurs and the classic cowboy hat, are there really that many true cowboys today?
Absolutely!
Around where I live, there are actually men and ladies who live to be cowboys and cowgirls. Now they may have fancy jobs where they dress up in modern clothes during the week. But after hours and on the weekends they definitely sport their cowboy gear and are just as proud doing it. I’ve learned more about cowboy living, gun toting, shooting rifles, shotguns and pistols than I EVER thought I would have…though I’ve always had it in me since I am a country girl at heart.
I also happen to love hanging out with these cowboys and cowgirls. They are actually some of the most fun loving folks I know. They are ALL hard workers and yet they know how to have a great time.
The place I’ve learned the most is with a group of folks in a group called SASS.
Now you could spend all your waking hours in SASS events on the weekends. There is actually a “match†here in Columbia the first weekend of every month at a range off Fish Hatchery Road. It’s open to the public to come watch. They usually start shooting around nine thirty and finish up mid afternoon…then out for dinner to chew the fat for awhile.
Dressed like real cowboys and cowgirls, they tote their single action rifles, shotguns and pistols. Most shoot bullets but some shoot blackpowder. All dress in period clothing from the 1800s. All have a great time.
These are the safest people I know when it comes to gun handling. There is NEVER a gun carried loaded. Before each one shoots, there is a table to load their ammo. Then, when finished shooting, the first thing they do is to visit the unloading table where each gun they used is carefully checked to make sure there is no ammo left unshot.
Between shoots there are spotters, range officers, and scorers who take their roles seriously and assure safety is at the maximum level.
My wish for you today is that, if you enjoy the thought of seeing cowboys and cowgirls in action, you come visit at the Mid Carolina Gun Club and see my SASS friends shoot. I guarantee a good, safe, and exhilarating experience. Hope to see you there, partners!
~ Joellen