SASS stands for Single Action Shooting Society, known more generically as "cowboy action shooters." They are distinct from the old quick-draw competitors. Quick draw was popular in the 1950s but is pretty close to extinct today, I think. Cowboy action shooting involves shooting a variety of courses--generally involving fairly large targets, relatively close range and great speed of fire--with Old West firearms--single-action revolvers, lever-action carbines, double-barreled shotguns and such--while wearing period costume.

The events are pretty bizarre. You will observe an endless parade of fat men in late middle age sporting brocaded vests, frock coats, kneeboots and whatnot, always with a gunbelt and a pair of six-shooters. Walrus mustaches seem de rigueur. However, the men pale in comparison to the women--some wear cowgirl outfits, others go for the bonneted frontierswoman, but the worst are the dance hall girls. The latter go about in skimpy costumes that show so much cleavage and crotch that they would probably be arrested in most venues. This might sound inviting. However, when such garb is being sported by a very overweight 60-year-old, as it most commonly is, it is enough to make the lustiest heterosexual male consider going the gay route!

That said, the top competitors in this game are superb shots--combining great speed and a fair degree of precision with comparatively primitive equipment--and are certainly worthy of great respect by all who value prowess with firearms.

LETS TALK HATS!

And I mean ... NICE Hats.

Not dumbass ballcaps.

How's the weather out your way?

Silk hats were all about that thing called the Top Hat.

IMO everytime hats left function out of the recipe and became fashion over function ... it hurt the industry. I think that's what happened in the late 1950's when they became stingy brims offering no shade. Style over function, a death knell.

In the 19th century people still had need of protection from the sun's rays. In the 20th century cars offered shade and the advent of heaters in cars... well you see where I'm going.

IMO...There is a direct correlation in the recent rise in melanoma and that lack of hats.