Skirmish Match

based on the Grand Army of The Frontier Match

Regular Match Schedule: TBD

Match Location: Willow Hole Cowboy range (see home page for range location)

Registration: On-site day of match.

Advance information: Email sent to cowboy email list the weekend prior to the match (CLICK HERE and send message requesting to be added to the cowboy email list).

Firearm categories:

Double Deuce
Lever Pistol Caliber
Lever Rifle Caliber
Single Shot
Bolt action

Match description:

The Grand Army of the Frontier skirmish match is an open-sighted, lead-only steel-target event at Willow Hole Cowboy Range using 1860–1917 firearms (max 1400 fps) divided into five categories: Double Deuce (sidearms), Lever Pistol Caliber, Lever Rifle Caliber, Single Shot, and Bolt Action, with specific period examples like Springfield Trapdoor (Single Shot) or Browning Hi-wall.

Matches feature roughly a dozen rifle targets at 30–80 yards and four sidearm targets at 12–20 yards; you must hit every target with no misses, starting all runs with empty rifles, loading under observation, and carrying only 30 rifle rounds (that includes what the rifle may hold) plus six sidearm rounds (in addition to the initial 5).

Movement is strictly limited—you may move only with open actions or spent cartridges in chamber—and you can reload anytime while adhering to those movement rules.

There’s no preset course of fire; engage targets as acquired, use any shooting position or bracing method allowed, and clear all weapons safely at range end before leaving. If you exhaust ammunition mid-run, Hand-to-Hand combat ensues (yelling, running, knocking down targets with bayonets, knives, or bare hands) for maximum entertainment value.

Contact Troy Melton if you have questions about specific firearms.