CLUB NEWS7 min read
What to Expect at Your First Club Shoot
Nervous about your first competition? Here’s a friendly walkthrough of the day, from check-in to awards.
From the Arena
Texas Smokin' Guns Blog
News, stories and insights from the world of Cowboy Mounted Shooting.
HORSEMANSHIP7 min read
Building Trust Between Horse and Rider
Speed means nothing without control. Here’s how experienced riders build the partnership that makes it possible.
EVENTS7 min read
Texas State Championship: The Weekend in Review
Two days, dozens of riders, and some of the fastest runs we’ve seen all season. Here’s how it played out.
FIREARM SAFETY8 min read
Stop Losing Range Time to Fogged Lenses and Dead Earmuff Batteries
Improve Your Range Experience: Avoid Fogged Lenses and Battery Issues Going to the shooting range should be a fun and safe time. There are mistakes that can ruin…
HORSEMANSHIP7 min read
Getting Your Horse Ready for the Season
Conditioning, soundness, and routine — a practical guide to preparing your horse for a full competition calendar.
FIREARM SAFETY5 min read
Your First Sporting Clays Lesson: What to Ask Before Booking
You do not have to arrive at your sporting clays lesson knowing all the technical terms or having a bag full of gear. What matters is that you…
MOUNTED SHOOTING7 min read
Understanding the Course Pattern
Five targets, one horse, and a clock. A beginner’s guide to how a mounted shooting course is designed and scored.
GEAR & EQUIPMENT7 min read
Choosing the Right Western Tack
Saddle, bridle, and everything between — what to look for when equipping yourself and your horse for mounted shooting.
COMMUNITY7 min read
Why Cowboy Mounted Shooting Is a Family Sport
How families find confidence, connection and a welcoming community through mounted shooting.
FIREARM SAFETY9 min read
The Pre-Range Inspection Routine That Prevents Avoidable Problems: The Overlooked Details
A range session can go wrong before you leave the house. The missing magazine, mismatched ammunition, or control that suddenly feels rough may seem like small inconveniences, but…
HORSEMANSHIP7 min read
A Member’s Road to the Championship
A rider’s practical lessons on patience, practice and preparing horse and rider for championship day.
SAFETY7 min read
Safety First: A Practical Range Checklist
A clear, repeatable checklist for safe practice days, from arrival and loading to the final pack-up.
UNCATEGORIZED10 min read
Texas Firearms Trends: What's Hot in 2024
Texas has long been at the forefront of firearms innovation, and 2024 promises to be another groundbreaking year for the Lone Star State’s gun community. As technology evolves…
UNCATEGORIZED8 min read
Clay Shooting: A Sport of Precision and Focus
Clay shooting, often called skeet shooting or trap shooting depending on the discipline, has captured the attention of outdoor enthusiasts and competitive marksmen alike. This exhilarating sport combines…
UNCATEGORIZED8 min read
Why Glock Pistols Are a Top Choice for Professionals and Enthusiasts
Glock pistols have become synonymous with reliability, innovation, and simplicity. Since their introduction in the early 1980s, these Austrian-engineered handguns have revolutionized the firearm industry and gained a…
UNCATEGORIZED7 min read
Safeguarding Your Arsenal in the Lone Star Heat
Introduction In Texas, where the sun blazes with unrelenting intensity, firearm enthusiasts face unique challenges in protecting their armory. Proper firearm storage isn't just a matter of organization—it's…
UNCATEGORIZED7 min read
Choosing the Best Guns for Whitetail Deer Hunting in Texas
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast or a hunting aficionado residing in Texas, you’re likely familiar with the thrill of hunting whitetail deer. This popular activity draws thousands of…
UNCATEGORIZED7 min read
Navigating Texas Gun Laws Every Gun Owner Needs to Know
Introduction Understanding Texas gun laws is crucial for every resident and gun owner. Not only can it help you stay compliant with the law, but it also ensures…
UNCATEGORIZED7 min read
Arm Yourself Wisely Best Handguns for Self-Defense in Texas
The Growing Importance of Self-Defense in the Lone Star State Everything’s bigger in Texas, including the emphasis on personal safety. With its vast landscapes and bustling cities, Texans…