Timeline *UPDATED*
· Dec. 14, 2023 - Distribution of revised descriptions of the voting items email and ballot.
· Dec. 13 - Jan. 30, 2023 - Discussion period: TG's should contact and discuss the item with the clubs they represent. Remember- a TG vote is not one of that individual's preference, rather- the TG is to cast their vote to reflect their club's wishes.
· Jan. 30, 2023 - All Votes are due. Voting closes Midnight on January 30, 2023!
· February 15, 2023 - the new, updated version of the SASS Shooters Handbook for 2023 will be available across all platforms- incorporating any appropriate changes as a result of the voting process.
VOTING ITEMS - INFORMATION
ITEM #1 - Allowing competitors to shoot Gunfighter style in the Junior Category.
OPTION 1: (VOTE NO) - No change. Under current Gunfighter category rules, Gunfighter is an open category. (No age restrictions).
A Junior could shoot in the Gunfighter category.
SHB p. 10: Above the “Base Categories” listed in this handbook, the local club monthly match and club annual match level, all SASS recognized shooting categories may be offered by subdividing by all factors, including age, gender, shooting style, and propellant.
*Shooting categories offered at any match are ultimately at the discretion of the Match Officials to ensure the success and viability of each match individually.
OPTION 2: (VOTE YES) Allow Gunfighter-style in the Junior category as follows:
SHB p.5:
AGE BASED CATEGORIES
Age based categories are offered to allow all participants to compete amongst their peers. Age based categories carry the following guidelines:
· May use any main match revolver.
· Revolvers may be shot in any SASS legal shooting style – EXCEPT Gunfighter.
· * Junior category shooters may shoot Gunfighter-style under close supervision.
NOTE: This does NOT add additional categories. (ie: Junior Gunfighter) - this simply allows Juniors to shoot gunfighter style IN the Junior category.
ITEM #2 – Revised BP Standard
(VOTE YES OR NO)
A majority "NO" vote would result in NO CHANGE. (See below)
Current Shooters Handbook page 25 reads: (the section in question is italicized)
Power Factor / Blackpowder Smoke – Testing
The Range Master or Match Director may, at their sole discretion, require the testing of any ammunition suspected of not meeting SASS ammunition specifications at any time during the match. If a competitor’s smokeless ammunition is being checked for power factor, they will be asked to provide five rounds from each suspect firearm, already loaded at the loading table. From the five rounds, one round will have the bullet pulled and weighed. The other four rounds will be fired across a chronograph using the competitor’s firearm to record velocity data. The muzzle should be raised to at least 80 degrees into the vertical before each shot is fired. The competitor may not choose the firearm to be tested, all firearms regardless of caliber are subject to testing at any time.
If the average velocity of the four rounds meets or exceeds the calculated power factor of 60 AND the minimum velocity of 400 fps, the loads will be considered legal. If the loads do not meet the 60 power factor OR the minimum velocity of 400 fps, the competitor will be assessed a 30 second Spirit of the Game (SOG) penalty for the last stage completed. Any subsequent stages completed with the illegal ammunition will result in the SOG penalty being assessed for those stages. Two SOG penalties will result in a Match DQ.
Testing of blackpowder rounds for the production of adequate smoke will also be conducted in a similar manner as described above. Rounds should be obtained from the shooter’s loaded firearms while at the loading table. The rounds should be fired in comparison to test rounds made using the following load data:
· Standard .38 Special case.
· 1 cc GOEX 2F powder.
· Federal Standard primer.
· 145 grain bullet lubed with SPG.
· Powder lightly compressed with a medium roll crimp.
Failure of the shooter’s rounds to produce the same level of smoke as the standard rounds will result in a penalty for not adhering to the category requirements. The first offence will be assessed as a procedural penalty, the second offence in the same match a Stage DQ, and the third offence in the same match a Match DQ.
A majority “YES” vote on this item will result in the Shooters Handbook being edited to read as follows:
SHB p. 25
Power Factor / Blackpowder Smoke – Testing
... Testing of blackpowder rounds for the production of adequate smoke will also be conducted in a similar manner as described above. Rounds should be obtained from the shooter’s loaded firearms while at the loading table. The rounds should be fired in comparison to test rounds made using the following load data:
· .38 Special with 125 gr to 158 gr bullet weights and 1 cc of any common BP substitute.
Notes/Additional information on Item #2:
Real Blackpowder is not included in the test loads. Considering the rarity of BP challenges over the years, this fulfills the intent of revising the standard rounds to be used for any such testing using more readily available components.
Riverview Rattler
TG Sucker Creek Saddle & Gun Club
