Cowboy action roll call

[Rekrab]

In the off chance that nobody pops up here and invites you to go with them, check your local gun store, chances are they'll no where and when a shoot in your area is. If one doesn't know, check another. It's alot of fun. You will need 2 six guns, a lever rifle and a shotgun. (all period correct in period correct calibers.) You might try searching the internet too.

Holy cow, I didn't know you needed all that.

Do most people have matching pistols or is it more a mix-n-match?

[coyotebait]

All the same caliber makes it simpler, but no, you can mix match. Nobody judges there. In fact, it would be more authentic for the pistols to NOT match. Go check out a shoot first. You'll be amazed!!
Oh, don't forget, you need to "dress the part too."

[Rekrab]

Well, I was thinking of going .357 for practicality since I can roll with .38 special... But .45 Colt seems more appropriate for some reason.

With shotguns, what is considered "period correct?" Coach guns? Pumps? Levers?

[coyotebait]

Well, I was thinking of going .357 for practicality since I can roll with .38 special... But .45 Colt seems more appropriate for some reason.

With shotguns, what is considered "period correct?" Coach guns? Pumps? Levers?

You can use 357, shoot 38 special, just remember that the revolvers have to be single action with no "actual" sights.....think Ruger vaquero and/or Peacemaker. 45 colt is what I shot. Shotguns, coach guns are good to go but are a bit slow. I shot a Rossi "mule eared" one for a long time...fun though. Pumps are GTG as long as it's a model 94? (old school pump with external hammer) I last shot it with my lever shot gun...Winchester model 87, it was made in 1893...they didn't make any reproductions of the lever shot guns. Typically, everyone shoots 12 gauge, I think you can shoot 28 gauge, but I'm not sure of that. A buddy of mine has a model 87 chambered for 10 gauge, he HAS to reload those as the 10 from the 1800's are 2 5/8 in? (don't remember the exact length) whereas modern 10's are 3 1/2....and BRUTAL!
Here's a "hand book" for you to check out, has a lot of good info.

http://www.sassnet.com/Downloads/2011ROMaterials/SASSHandbook-17-2011.pdf

[Rekrab]

Man, pricey hobby. Looking at about 800 for revolvers, 500 for a shotgun, another 500 for the rifle...

Then add on the costume and leathers and you're easily of 2 grand just to participate. I'll have to go check out one of the matches. It sounds like a lot of fun for sure.

[7.62 FMJ]

Alias, Diablo Dawg... new to area but have shot with Escondido Banditos and El Cajon...

I shot the Feb. match at Escondido and hope to make it a regular shoot for me. See ya around.

[7.62 FMJ]

Man, pricey hobby. Looking at about 800 for revolvers, 500 for a shotgun, another 500 for the rifle...

Then add on the costume and leathers and you're easily of 2 grand just to participate. I'll have to go check out one of the matches. It sounds like a lot of fun for sure.

If you check out the SASS website there is a list of clubs and when their matches are. Just contact the person listed for the club. They will more than likely tell you to show up with what you have and someone will let you use their stuff to make up the difference, this is one of the great things about the sport(the people). Nobody starts out with everything right off the bat. Plus it will be a good way to figure out what type of guns and leather suit you best.

[coyotebait]

Man, pricey hobby. Looking at about 800 for revolvers, 500 for a shotgun, another 500 for the rifle...

Then add on the costume and leathers and you're easily of 2 grand just to participate. I'll have to go check out one of the matches. It sounds like a lot of fun for sure.

You don't have to get too crazy with the costume to start with, jeans, button up cowboy stylish shirt and a cowboy hat.....oh and boots, don't forget the cowboy boots. I found the most expensive parts to be the guns and the rigs (holsters) Even cheap ones can still be a little pricey. You may be able to find a used set up.

[7.62 FMJ]

Here is a video of me shooting last weekend at RRbar in Lucerne. They have a pretty elaborate cowboy range and some cool props.

[Southpaw45]

You can use 357, shoot 38 special, just remember that the revolvers have to be single action with no "actual" sights.....think Ruger vaquero and/or Peacemaker. 45 colt is what I shot. Shotguns, coach guns are good to go but are a bit slow. I shot a Rossi "mule eared" one for a long time...fun though. Pumps are GTG as long as it's a model 94? (old school pump with external hammer) I last shot it with my lever shot gun...Winchester model 87, it was made in 1893...they didn't make any reproductions of the lever shot guns. Typically, everyone shoots 12 gauge, I think you can shoot 28 gauge, but I'm not sure of that. A buddy of mine has a model 87 chambered for 10 gauge, he HAS to reload those as the 10 from the 1800's are 2 5/8 in? (don't remember the exact length) whereas modern 10's are 3 1/2....and BRUTAL!
Here's a "hand book" for you to check out, has a lot of good info.
http://www.sassnet.com/Downloads/201...ok-17-2011.pdf

Good info Coyotebait. I just want to clarify. Single action pistols like the Ruger Vaquero is a fixed site revolver. Ruger Blackhawks are an adjustable site revolver and are perfectly legal to shoot in SASS sanctioned shooting. A winchester 87 is a lever action rifle. A Winchester 97 is a pump action exposed hammer shotgun that is widely used in CAS shooting. There are Chinese copies of this shotgun. The Winchester 87 is a lever action shotgun and there is also Chinese copies of this one too. Side by side shotguns can be shot just as fast or faster than Winchester 97 pumps with lots of practice. Most Cowboy action shooters are using .38 specials in there pistols and rifles due to fast follow up shots and the lower cost of reloading compared to lets say the .45 Colt. My preference is the .45 Colt. HAPPY SHOOTING!!!

[RudyN]

Pay Dirt here, SASS #90056.

I will be shooting with a new club in Morgan Hill. Coyote Valley Cowboys.

I am lucky as I already had a sxs shotgun and two 1858 C&B revolvers. All I needed to buy was my lever action.

[Southpaw45]

Here is a video of me shooting last weekend at RRbar in Lucerne. They have a pretty elaborate cowboy range and some cool props.

Good run there Smokestack! Im sure you were shaking your head for the two pistol and shotgun misses. Besides that you were SMOKEN!!!!

[Southpaw45]

Pay Dirt here, SASS #90056.

I will be shooting with a new club in Morgan Hill. Coyote Valley Cowboys.

I am lucky as I already had a sxs shotgun and two 1858 C&B revolvers. All I needed to buy was my lever action.

Hey there Pay Dirt. Thats going to be a good club. Im going to have to visit you guys one of these days. Say hello to my brother Bad Eye Bobolu for me.

[Southpaw45]

Well, I was thinking of going .357 for practicality since I can roll with .38 special... But .45 Colt seems more appropriate for some reason.

With shotguns, what is considered "period correct?" Coach guns? Pumps? Levers?

like I said earlier, most CAS shooters use .38 spl due to cost and recoil. Most rifles that are chambered for the .357 dont like to digest .38s unless modified and sticking with down loaded .357s would be the way to go. I love the .45 Colt in rifle and pistol and will never change. A so called "period correct" shooter will use a coach gun or a lever action Win 87 shotgun. Winchester 1897shotguns and its clone are very popular with the smokeless powder shooters. Its my shotgun of choice. Let me say this. Cowboy action shooters in most part are a great bunch of people. If your starting out, you dont need to be totally decked out in Cowboy garb or have all of your equipment. You just need to show an interest in the sport and there will always be someone to help you out and lend you a hand or something you dont have. Its the spirit of the game......

[Alan Block]

I have been doing this for awhile now = SASS# 1840

Make an honest attempt at the clothing. Your first few shoots should give some wiggle room on this. You can start out without having all the guns you need - someone will be happy to loan theirs (and the ammo) so go to one near you. SASSNET.com is the website for SASS and has the schedules for all the meets.
A 97 shotgun limits you to certain categories. A hammered double or hammerless double is more versitile.
Before buying your guns, research who you want to be. What time period etc. Then pickl your equipment.