14 Thursday, September 11, 1997 Pahrump Valley Gazette
Kenneth Sumpter (akaJack Malone, gunfighter) looks like he
just stepped out of the 19th century. Hat, vest, chaps, boots and
spurs are modeled on the 18th Century style of Jack Malone. The
costume adds to the fun and feel of stepping back in time when life
was simpler, the pace less hectic and a man was only as good as his
word.
Like the cosaune, Sumpter's firearms: revolvers, lever action
dries and double barreled side by side, pre-1899 pump or lever
a_ion shotguns lXeserve the flavor of the 1800s. The fuearms are
maintained in top condition and used in single action shooting
competitions.
In fact, Sumpter is far from unique. He has joined thousands
of others who are making Cowboy Action Shooting one of the
fastest growing sports in the United States. The Single Action
Shooting Society (SASS), founded in 1987, has grown from 2,000
members in 1992 to over 7,000 in 1996 with over 100 affiliated
clubs.
What makes a fifty-something man want to dress up in an
1800s costume and shoot antique (or antique replica) firearms?
Sumpter grins boyishly and says, "You never get too old to play
cowboy."
Sumpter says, "I've been around guns all my life. I like
shooting, and when I couldn't bowl anymore (due to a back injury)
I I I II IIH IIHI
Bishop Veterinary Hospital
Tonopah Clinic
Dr. Linda will be in Tonopah
September 17
1 Front downstairs office-42 Belmont St. II
I Appointments/Info, Call 482-6458 after 5 p.m. II
I Dr. Linda will be in everv oth0r Wednesdav I|
[ $ a.m.- I p.m.: Dogs, cats and other small animals, 1|
I including spays, neutering, dentistry, minor surgery, etc. II
1:30 p.m.- 3:30 p.m.: Horses, cows, etc. 1|
I NIGHT CLINIC 1
[ kl IrTonopah 5:30 p.m to 7:30 p.m. 1
I Round Mountain: 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. tl
J, "-', .. Sawn. eates as Tonopah Clinic _ I__ J
I could still pick up a rifle, so I decided shooting would he my
sport." Always fascinated by the romance of the wild west,
Cowboy Action Shooting attracted his interest.
He and his wife, Penny (aka Six Gun Penny), attended the
Nevada State Cowboy Action Shooting Championship in Pahr-
ump in mid-January. Already acquainted with the shooting sport
and atwacted by the old west flavor and the friendly people, the
Pahrump event fueled Sumpter's interest. Long time members of
the National Rifle Association (NRA), the couple joined SASS.
The closest SASS affiliate club was in Las Vegas.
Sumpter decided there were enough like-minded folks in
Pahrump to form alocal club. Hecontacted SASS and obtained the
information needed to establish the Pahrump Cowboy Shooters
Association. Sumpter is founder and president. Ralph Henderson
(aka Rusty Pots) serves as vice president. JeffGiese(aka Sling Shot
Pete) is treasurer. Six Gun Penny is secretary, and Margo Molampy
(aka Big Nose Kate) is club historian. The new club currently
numbers about ten members and is on the grow.
'q'he big thing is just getting the word out so people know
about the club," Sumpter says. He'll be doing just that during
Harvest Festival when he will ride his appaloosa horse, Jake, in the
parade. Friend, neighbor and fellow club member John Molampy
(aka Bisbee Kid) will carry a club banner. The rest of the time the
two will be at The Pahrump Cowboy Shooters booth to encourage
others to join them in their favorite sport.
A shooters club needs aplace to shoot. Several times Sumpter
tlxmght he had found a #ace, then it would fall through. Finally,
he contacted the Bureau of Land Management, and was successful
in obtaining a shooting range. The range is off Highway 95, five
miles north of Highway 160. A banner and a sign will be posted
on the gate when the club has its first meet the last weekend of
October.
The targets used in Cowboy Action Shooting are unique. Each
target is actually a stage set with a story. For example, the scene
might be villains attacking a homestead trying to steal the cattle and
chickens and rob the homesteader/cowboy. The shooter will use
all three types of firearms: pistols, rifle and shotgun to dispatch the
bad guys. Theclock starts when
the shooterpicks up the weapon
which he usually has to load.
The shooter with the best time
wins.
APPOINTMENTS WEEKL
Jan McDonald, M.D.
Dermatology Clinic of Nevada, Ltd.
Harvard Medical School
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1151 S. Hwy 160
Pahrump Station
Call: 727-5509
Pahrump Medical Center
1501 E. Calvada
Call: 727-6060
For Insurance/Billing Questions
Call 1-800- 752-4338
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• Diseases of Hair • Psoriasis
° Skin Cancer • Cosmetic Laser
° Acne Surgery
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Shooting scenarios are limited only by the imaginations of the
club members. Well, maybe also by the availability of materials
and craftspeople to assemble them. This is a big challenge fora new
club. The club welcomes all volunteer materials and help.
Sponsors, too, are needed to provide prizes and trophies. Gift
certificates, belt buckles, dinners and other prize donations will be
gratefully accepted.
The club will have fund raiser breakfasts at their day
meets. Other meals will be available for weekend events.
The club is already looking ahead to sponsoring an annual
meet that will bring shooters from other areas to Pahrump.
Why do club members adopt aliases? It's fun to become
a character from the old west. It's also a great way to put all
participants on equal footing. Cowboy Action Shooters are
doctors, mechanics, stock brokers, janitors, people coverit
a broad spectrum of occupations and lifestyles. No one knows
or cares. They are known by their alias and often never even
know competitor's real names, much less their occupations.
Costumes? Again, it' s fun, and a good way to depict your
character. Some members enjoy the costume contests more
than the shooting. In fact, some members aren't shooters, but
love the play acting.
Aren't the firearms dangerous? Yes, all firearms are.
Safety training is mandatory and adherence to all safety rules
is strictly enforced. The f'uearms prior to 1850 are cap and ball
also known as black powder. This is what Clint Eastwood
used in "The Outlaw Josie Wales." Brass firearms date from
1850 to 1899. All firearms must be original or replicas of
firearms dating prior to 1900.
Who can join? Everyone who has an interest in preserv-
ing and promoting the sport of Cowboy Action Shooting and
who enjoys the romance of the old west. This is a family sport.
It' s a sport that can be started young, and remember, "You are
never too old to play cowboy."
For more information contact Ken Sumpter at 727-0360
evenings and weekends, or visit him at the Pahrump Cowboy
Shooters Harvest Festival booth.
Ron Adams
/I
