Ambush at Cavern Cove 2005

March 08, 2021

Perhaps no one saw the change on the horizon as the 2005 edition of Ambush at Cavern Cove, kicked off. Then again, I am sure that more than one person had to have seen the writing on the wall. But no matter the prognosticating that took place before the match started, when the dust settled, a new tradition had definitely begun.

Spunky Hollow Slim took over as match director of the Match, which was held September 29 through October 2. The first day was again set aside for RO classes, side matches on Friday, and the main match shot Saturday and Sunday. Additionally, Alabama's own Pistoleer headed up a shooter's clinic on Friday morning.

According to the Shooter's Book, the 2005 match dropped the required cowboy hat from the minimum dress standards. So, there was progress on that front. I was also amazed at all the categories for the costume contest Saturday night, with two pages dedicated to them. This is also the first Ambush to use a 1/2 page booklet format. They have pretty much been using the same format since.

Stories for the stages included biographies of several famous gunfights from the old west. Round count for the first 9 stages included 90 pistol, 91 rifle, and 33 shotgun. If you are doing the math, yes, one stage included 5 shotgun targets. There was a pretty even mix of stationary and knockdown shotgun targets. I don't have any information on stage 10, the Mystery Stage, to pass along to you. It's mysteries remain....

The 2005 Ambush at Cove again played host to the SASS Alabama State Championship. As best we can tell, this was the fifth Alabama State Championship, and the fourth hosted during Ambush. Again, records are incomplete and memories are fading, but this is the best we could come up with. The other thing that we do not have are score for most of these matches.

However, for one shooter, hard work and determination paid off as this was his first Alabama State Championship. As we continue to tell the stories from Ambush matches of old, we are also going to begin to tell the story of Alabama's own Sidekick and how he has made his mark on Cowboy Action Shooting, not only in Alabama, but across the country.

So, please join us next time when we posse up to learn more about the Ambush at Cavern Cove. Applications are out now for this year's match, where I hope to see you on The Firing Line.