Hi there my little cactus cuddlers and border buckaroos. Here we are in 2008, and now into our 3rd season of Cowboy Action Shooting. My oh my what a lot has happened. Kells R.P.C. is soon to be affiliated to SASS that is, the Single Action Shooting Society.

Some of our members will be participating at End Of Trails in Albuquerque New Mexico U.S.A. Which my little pistol playmates, should be interesting. Plus a number of the Kells County Regulators have now become members of SASS. Because of this a number of us have had to change our aliases. So the “Preacher” a.k.a “Grizzly Adams” is now “Independence Carroll.” The “Pilgrim” has become Grizzly Kerr do ya get it? Grizzly Kerr, Grizzly Bear!!! ah well please yourselves. Cold Steel now goes under the handle of Stone Cold Steel. Yours truly, was informed by SASS that they had so many Tombstone aliases on their books that they could open a grave yard. So my little muchachos and chiquitos I am now registered as ,wait for it, wait for it, “The Cool Rain Kid”. It's a play on words, Coleraine, Cool Rain, think about it, it's not rocket science. Be that as it may.

Now dear reader, our first competition of 2008 was held on the 16th of February. For me this nearly didn't happen. My ordeal began with me leaping into my fiery steed and crying out “hi ho Silver away” only to find the battery was as flat as a politicians promise without the bull****. Where upon I began making frantic phone calls, including one to the R.A.C. No sooner had I put down the phone on said motoring organization when there was a knock at my door and to my total astonishment, who should be standing there, with the sun gently dancing on his hair and a rye smile playing wistfully on his devilishly handsome face, yes it was the one and only, “Duke”. He, like the cavalry had galloped over the crest of the hill to come timely to my rescue. So with the aid of a bump start I was able to go off and play with my merry little band of Cowboy Action chums. So thanks to the “Duke” who by the way was on his way to run a rifle shoot at Magilligan. Had heard of my plight by phone from his wife. The “Duke’s” only words he said to me just before he rode off into the sunset were, “glad to be of help pilgrim” with that he was gone . “Thanks Duke” what a guy.

These Cowboy Action Shoots are always full of fun, with thrills and spills and bangs and clangs this one was no exception. Including a moving target which always gets my tired blood a pumping. It was a five stage event with something for every one to enjoy. Cowboy Action Shooting is primarily about having fun, but some of our participants are fast becoming very competitive. Plus some of our gun-slinging galoots are very fashion conscious of the ensembles of that era. So now we have two areas of competition. Ho hum! Grizzly Kerr's other half was there, that’s “Finger Lickin’ Banjo Pickin’ “Stichin` Sal”, or just plain old “Stitchin’ Sal” for short. Stitchin’ Sal was mainly there to keep an eye on her man. Which she barely managed to do. Only joking Sal, honest. Lets face it though, he's starting to live up to his name.......... Quick throw some raw meat in his direction “whew” that was close! What is it with women!! put a firearm on their hip and they all become Margaret Thatchers, take the Tart `n` Terror for instance, ........ please!!!!!!

Mean while back at the shoot, Independence Carroll was giving his black powder hog legs a workout. Much to joy of the spectators. At least it gave us all something to chew on. The Banbridge Rebel is still waiting for his single action to arrive, dream on sunshine. Now the winner of this shoot was once again “Slick Vic”. Once again I have to say congratulations. (Which as everybody who knows me knows, I don't mean it).

Hawk failed to make an appearance. He has become as reliable as a chocolate watch in a heat wave. All in all though sports fans it was a fun day. Remember it's not what you are, but what you fail to become that hurts.

Happy trails

The Cool Rain Kid.