CAPT JEB FORREST MEMORIAL & REMEMBRANCE ("5th SATURDAY") MATCH

This coming Saturday, August 30, 2025, the South Carolina Old West Shootists, our local NCOWS posse, will hold one of its occasional “5th Saturday” matches. This will be our annual CAPT J.E.B. Forrest Memorial & Remembrance Match, in which we take a moment to remember all our past posse members who shared our love of this sport. There will be a picnic lunch served immediately following the match for all to enjoy, so we can reminisce about the cowboys who are no longer with us.

Match location will be in the Cooper Pistol Bays, of the Mid-Carolina Rifle 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 Saturday 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.

This Match will have an abbreviated format, consisting of up to 3 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 40 rifle, 40 pistol, and about 12 shotgun, 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 what type gun it is (i.e., rifle, pistol or shotgun).

Note: Our Posse Marshal, Sgt. Henry, will bring youth size .22 rifles, pistols, a 20 gauge coach gun, as well as ammo for same, for any young'uns and juniors who may attend the match and wish to shoot.

Match fee/donation normally $15 suggested donation per individual; $10 suggested donation per additional, same household family members; juniors, age 15 and 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.

Weather forecast is calling for partly cloudy skies, less than 25% chance of rain, and a high of 84, which sounds like pretty good weather if the rain holds off. Remember that our range can sometimes be 10 degrees hotter than the forecast, similar to the Southwest desert, so we will, depending on circumstances, pause the match for a shade and drink break. As usual, our matches are weather sensitive events, so please stay tuned. Weather subject to change without notice. In the event of rain, the match may be postponed.

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).

We look forward to seeing you at the match. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the SCOWS Posse Marshal, Henry R. Schlein at (843) 607-6907.

Also check out other Nonprofit events in Gaston, Sports events in Gaston, Trips & Adventurous Activities in Gaston.