GRAND ARMY OF THE FRONTIER (GAF) ILLINOIS MUSTER

shamrock

GRAND ARMY OF THE FRONTIER (GAF) ILLINOIS MUSTER<br />
TO BE HELD AT GGP RANGE SATURDAY MAY 30, 2009<br />
The Grand Army of the Frontier (GAF) is an organization that promotes and enhances the portrayal of Victoria Era military personnel, from 1860 to 1900, while participating in Cowboy Action Shooting and similar activities. The GAF is NOT a military, paramilitary, pseudo-military, or militia organization, and it does not espouse any political philosophy or policy. Membership is open to veterans and non-veterans alike. You can join by going to the website: www.grandarmyofthefrontier.org Membership is free. There are three members of the GGP who are members: Shamrock, Thunderbird Kid, and Sergeant Scattergun. The GAF forum is at www.cascity.com at The Barracks.<br />
<br />
The GAF got its start from SASS and NCOWS members who like to wear military uniforms while they shoot. It also includes reenacters, skirmishers, living historians and others who are interested in this eras military history. Uniforms are not required to be a member, but are strongly encouraged. You may have seen me at GGP matches in my 1870s era Cavalry Sergeants Uniform. <br />
<br />
A national muster is held annually. This year it will be held the weekend of October 9-10-ll in Nebraska. I have participated in two national musters. State musters have been held in Kansas, Iowa, and Minnesota. <br />
<br />
The musters we conduct are similar to SASS matches, but the categories differ. GAF classes are rifle based. They are all 2 gun one rifle and one pistol unless specifically stated. The classes are based on GAF Battle Rifle Standards. Classes include:<br />
Milspec Repeating Rifle Smokeless and Black Powder and related era handgun<br />
Milspec Single Shot Smokeless and Black Powder and related era handgun<br />
Militia Lever Action and/or civilian spec repeaters in rifle caliber and related era handgun<br />
Scout Lever Action, pistol calibers, and single action revolver<br />
Staff Officer Handgun only Milspec of documented military use.<br />
Infantry Milspec rifle only<br />
Buffalo Scout Single shot hunting rifles (no ejectors) single action revolvers<br />
<br />
There is a lot of reloading in GAF musters, both rifle and pistol. Misses are scored as 10 second penalties. Those wishing to use cap & ball revolvers may use more than one cylinder, but will have to cap on the clock. All calibers in Milspec will be Milspec. For instance I shoot in Milspec Single Shot using an 1873 Springfield Trapdoor in .45-70 and my .45 LC single action pistol. All ammo will use lead bullets, just like SASS, with limits on fps for both rifle and pistol. Pistol calibers in the Scout classes must be single action and have a minimum bore diameter of .357. <br />
<br />
GAF musters are another way to enjoy the sport we all love. On May 30th we will shoot five stages that will follow the theme of Gen. U.S. Grant Fought Here, with emphasis placed on the Illinois Regiments place in history. Sorry Dice, but he did win battles and the war, you cant change history. We will have lunch and in the afternoon shoot some Wild Bunch Stages, bring your 1911s, lever action rifles and 97 shotguns. If there is sufficient interest, we will also run the GAF qualification course. <br />
<br />
Im looking forward to running this event and hope that a lot of my GGP pards join us. If you have any questions get a hold of me at shamrockgannon@live.com. <br />
<br />
Since Mrs Shamrock and my #2 Daughter are preparing lunch, please drop me an email if you are planning on coming so we have enough food.<br />
<br />
Regards,<br />
<br />
Bvt Lt Col Pat Shamrock Gannon, GAF # 448<br />
Commander, Division of Illinois

jeweler jim

So if I understand things right the shotgun is only necessary if you intend to shoot the Wild Bunch Match in the afternoon.<br />
<br />
Will we be able to use Dice as the "moving target" as he is the Johnny Reb?<br />
<br />
<br />
I loaded two of my 41AE pistols in the cart this afternoon. Think I'll get away with using those? Don't have the 1911's and I only have twenty rounds of lead for the 41's. If you let me use them I figure the kid and I will be able to shoot the stage one time each.

jeweler jim

Shamrock,<br />
<br />
As most cowboy shooters will probably be shooting "Scout" class or at least I will, how many rounds will we be needing?<br />
<br />
Fifty Pistol & Fifty Rifle???

jeweler jim

Thanks to Shamrock and his friends in the GAF. Got through the match, but couldn't muster the energy to shoot the Wild Bunch stages.<br />
<br />
My son the Sicilian Kid shot a 1911 for the first time and thanks to all for getting him snapped in and helped through his first exposure to the semi autos. <br />
<br />
Had a great time and that was the first time I've ever timed anyone with "Paper Cartridges." Shame Dice didn't make it so he could get his fair share of abuse only one "Johnny Reb" (Charles Goodnight) and everyone else a union soldier. Had him out numbered 13 to 1. Yeah, yeah I know "just the right odds" as the southern boy would have you believe. <br />
<br />
We'll have to do it again as now I have some idea what it's about. Might even resurrect a couple of 1917 pistols that I have. To those that missed it, you missed a good time.

Big Grit

Thanks Shamrock, it was a hoot! I got to shoot an old 45-70 Springfield Trapdoor I haven't shot in way too

---

long.Grit

dd

Look at all those happy faces!<br />
<br />
<br />

Longtooth

Really nice picture hope they all shot well and had a great time. Like the idea they used the fort for the background. Damn upset I can't shoot yet. Oh well !!!!!

Santa Fe Jim

Jeeze... I'm starting to feel real old now... my every day issued side-arm in the Army was a 1911! And I have the photo's to prove it... dag gummit!<br />
<br />
SFJ

dd

Yep and aircraft I flew in the military are now in museums. I don't feel old, I feel ancient.<br />
<br />
<br />
<img src='http://www.goodguysposse.org/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/recourse.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':recourse:' /> <img src='http://www.goodguysposse.org/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/mr47_04.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':mr47_04:' /> <img src='http://www.goodguysposse.org/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/gunfighter.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':gunfighter:' /> <img src='http://www.goodguysposse.org/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/mr47_04.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':mr47_04:' /> <img src='http://www.goodguysposse.org/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/recourse.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':recourse:' />

dd

Yes, they will pay to see me.

Dirt Pyle

dd wrote on May 31 2009, 05&#58;43 PM:

Yep and aircraft I flew in the military are now in museums. I don't feel old, I feel ancient.<br />
<br />
<br />
<img src='http://www.goodguysposse.org/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/recourse.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':recourse:' /> <img src='http://www.goodguysposse.org/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/mr47_04.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':mr47_04:' /> <img src='http://www.goodguysposse.org/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/gunfighter.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':gunfighter:' /> <img src='http://www.goodguysposse.org/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/mr47_04.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':mr47_04:' /> <img src='http://www.goodguysposse.org/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/recourse.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':recourse:' />

<br />
<br />
<br />
What did you fly DD?

jeweler jim

The Wright brothers built it.

dd

jeweler jim wrote on Jun 1 2009, 08&#58;22 PM:

The Wright brothers built it.

<br />
<br />
True, but I showed them how.