09/10/2026
This coming Sunday, September 13, 2026, the South Carolina Old West Shootists, our local NCOWS posse, will hold its monthly “2nd Sunday” match for September. The details for this coming Sunday's match are as follows:
Match location will be in the Cooper Pistol Bays, of the Mid-Carolina R***e Club, 3435 Fish Hatchery Rd., Gaston, SC 29053. After entering the range through the gate, take the first turn to the right, proceed across a large open parking area, up a narrower paved driveway, out the other end, and into a smaller open parking area. You have arrived. Restrooms are in that last parking area, adjacent to the range.
Match schedule: Registration will begin at 0900 hours (9:00 a.m.). Mandatory safety briefing will be at 0945 hours (9:45 a.m.) and hot lead will commence flying downrange immediately thereafter. Setup will be Sunday morning, at approx. 0830 hours (8:30 a.m.) prior to the match. Anyone wishing to help please arrive a little early and thank you.
Match format will consist of up to 4 stages and an optional bonus stage, all based upon historic, Old West shootouts and events.
Round count estimate for the match will be less than 50 r***e, 50 pistol, and up to 16+ sh***un, if shooting 4 guns. If shooting fewer guns, adjust downward accordingly. For those who do not have 4 guns, or who just desire to conserve ammo, you can sign up to shoot in a category that requires fewer guns and shoots fewer rounds. Local posse rules allow have created shooting categories that for every possible combination of guns possible. This also makes it easier and more economical for new members, or anyone else for that matter, to be able to get started and participate. You can still shoot this match, even if you have only one single Period Correct gun, regardless of what type gun it is (i.e., r***e, pistol or sh***un).
Match fee/donation normally $15 suggested donation per individual; $10 suggested donation per additional, same household family members; first-time new shooters and juniors (age 15 & under) shoot donation free. There will be a one-time yearly waiver of the suggested match donation for anyone who joins or renews their NCOWS membership at a match, or for anyone who has already renewed on their own, for the upcoming year. Anyone who is a life member may also request this one-time waiver, for one match each year. Everyone is welcome to just come watch the match and enjoy refreshments without expectation of donation.
Weather: The current forecast for Sunday looks relatively mild – high temperature of 91 degrees, with a 24% possibility of rain. As usual, our matches are weather sensitive events, so please stay tuned for further updates. Weather is subject to change without notice. In the event of actual rain on Sunday morning, or if the bays are a messy bog because of overnight rains on Saturday night, the match may be postponed and rescheduled.
Refreshments: Hot Coffee (Cowboy coffee that tastes like coffee, not coffee-flavored water), breakfast pastries, and bottled water will be provided. Please remember to drink plenty of fluids to avoid the incipient onset of dehydration (even during colder temperatures).
NCOWS Rules for matches are similar to those for SASS, with more emphasis placed on historical accuracy and marksmanship (targets tend to be further out and not quite so large). Folks who normally shoot SASS, who are currently outfitted for SASS, and who would like to try NCOWS can do so at this match and can later work on gathering up any needed guns and equipment during the grace period for new members. New members joining us for the first time, please do NOT go out and buy any guns or equipment for this match. Rather, it would be much better to please wait until you have had a full opportunity to see for yourselves, what is allowed and what will work well, before investing your hard-earned money in what could easily be something that cannot be used.
Match Attire is any clothing or attire that would normally have been worn, during the period immediately following the Civil War, through 1899. This does not necessarily mean Cowboy attire, but can be city or country type clothing, as well as uniform wear, depending on individual preference, persona, or character.
Newer members have relaxed requirements and can work on acquiring what they need, during the generous grace period.
Any questions should be directed to the SCOWS Posse Marshal, Henry R. Schlein by either text or phone call at (843) 607-6907.
