Jesse Blankenship, a Miles City resident known on the range as “Hoss Shoer,” brought home a national championship for the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS) after competing in Oklahoma. Blankenship, a member of the Montana Territory Peacemakers, said the early‑morning drive was worth it when he heard the news.
Dedication and early mornings
“I got up at four in the morning to come here today,” Blankenship explained, describing the long drive—more than 100 miles—to the club’s meeting at the Billings Rod and Gun Club. The Peacemakers blend competitive single‑action shooting with the spirit of the Old West, using replica firearms from the late 1800s.
What the sport looks like
“We shoot single‑action pistols. We shoot a lever‑action rifle. We shoot double‑rail shotguns or some pump‑action shotguns,” Blankenship said. Club president Michael Radecki added that members often dress in period‑correct attire, reinforcing the historical flavor of the sport.
National victory
Competing against what he described as “the best in the nation, the best in the world,” Blankenship felt his preparation paid off. “And somehow I slid right through and came out on top,” he said after the final scores were posted.
Community at the core
Beyond the firearms, the Peacemakers emphasize camaraderie. “This is a family. It’s a community,” Blankenship noted. Members register an alias with SASS, keeping personal identities separate from the sport. “Everybody registers an alias with SAS when you join. And your alias is unique to you. You can’t spell it different,” he explained.
Radecki highlighted that members’ day jobs and titles are largely irrelevant on the range. “I don’t know what they do, who they are, and nobody even cares,” Blankenship said, underscoring the club’s focus on shared purpose rather than status.
Safety and mentorship
Safety is a top priority. “Most of the folks here are all trained in gun safety. Several of us are range officers where we receive a different level of training, or formal level of training for gun handling,” Radecki said. Newcomers can try the sport without owning a firearm; the club often provides a gun for first‑time shooters.
Why the sport matters to Miles City
For Blankenship, the competition draws attention to a unique facet of Montana’s heritage. “You come for the shooting and you stay for the community,” he said, reflecting the club’s belief that the sport builds lasting bonds among participants.
The Montana Territory Peacemakers hope the national win will inspire more locals to give the sport a try, reinforcing both the shooting tradition and the tight‑knit community that defines Miles City.
Original reporting: KTVQ Q2 Billings (local) — read the source article.
