Cowboy Shooting Equipment

Jarlath

Jarlath

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Greetings all. I'm probably spreading myself too thin with being equiped for IDPA, BUT!, I'm interested in getting into coyboy shooting as well.

I am looking for a .357/.38/12ga. setup that won't break my bugdet.

What does everyone recommend for the following.
Pistols - .357/.38
Lever - .357/.38
Shotgun - 12g

The reason I am being a stickler for the .357/.38 is that I already shoot and reload for it for my existing wheel guns. I really don't need/want to get into yet another calibre to reload.
Looking for opinions on functionality vs. price.

I also wouldn't mind some tips/links for details on cowboy shooting.

Thanks alot.
 
Depending on how much you have or want to spend. If money is no problem I would go for 2 Ruger Vaqueros in old or new configeration, a new Marlin cowboy in .357 make sure it holds at least 10 rounds in the mag( if it is a short barreled gun it may not). For the shotgun if you like SxS try a STOEGER COUCH GUN, if you want a WINCHESTER M97 PUMP do some looking and buy the one in the best condition you can find (avoid the NORINCO M97 IF YOU PLAN ON TAKING IT TO THE U.S.) If you are on a budget go for used .357 mag RUGER REVOLVERS WITH ADJUSTABLE SIGHTS AND SHOOT IN MODERN CLASS. Used .357 RUGERS are everywhere and they are pretty tough ,so even if well used are still functional, used VAQUEROS are harder to find at reasonable prices. For rifle go used MARLIN in .357 or used ROSSI M92 in .357. For shotgun any used good condition SxS or M 97 . There are other single action hand guns out there that will work but if used , some may be harder to find parts for than RUGERS. But parts can be found ,I have done it but it sometimes takes more time than if you had a used RUGER. Be aware that holsters for COLT STYLE REVOLVERS ARE SMALLER THAN FOR RUGERS, The RUGER is a little larger in frame and cylinder than a COLT or COLT CLONE.
 
As mentioned, Rugers are the way to go for your revolvers.
Rossi or Marlin is what you want for your lever action rifle.
At times, you can pick up an original 1897 Winchester ($300 to $400 range) and cut them down, but Norinco '97 clones can be a good buy, if they are slicked up a bit.
I recently picked up a Norinco Model 99, a clone of the 1887 SXS Coach Gun from SIR for $275.00.
It's an external hammer double and needs some work this winter, on the triggers.
The external hammers were treated to a fine file and a ceramic stone after the first CAS match I shot with it, due to the sharp edges on the hammer that modified the skin on my thumb when I tried to #### both hammers at once.
Good Luck and have fun in CAS.
It's a lot less intense than a lot of other games.
You don't mention where you are, but if you are near Ottawa, the Ottawa Valley Marauders Posse will be having a match at EOHC Saturday October 22. They are a great bunch of cowboys and gals and would welcome you and give you a chance to try out a number of "toys" to see what "fits" you best.
See www.eohc.ca for a map etc. and www.grenvillefishandgame.com for pictures etc.
 
Well,, I'm not a fan of the Rugers. They just don't look right,, and as far a Cowboy shooting goes,, you have to look the part. All part of my fantasy world.

I prefer the Uberti revolvers.
 
Cowboys on a Budget!

Well I have been on the CAS Circuit for four years now, may not be one of the best out there (and by far not even Gamey) but I can hold my own in the Duelist Catagory. I shoot Ruger Old Vaqueros (I have a pair of the new ones on order 357 ith 5 1/2") in 357 with 4 5/8" barrels (I load 38 spl, 158gr FN with 4.1 gr of 231), I put gunfighter grips on this year (makes a huge difference) they shoot straighter then I do. That being said this past weekend at the SASS Regional I got to handle a couple of those new Peitta's that MARSTAR is dealing in now, these are execellent looking and feeling pistols, they are fairly slick out of the box and very well priced...I would consider buying a pair myself if I hadn't ordered the New style RV's already. My wife shoots Uberti Stallions, they are very rough out of the box, need some work on the sights but are a great ladies or kids pistol (as they are 3/4 Colt size).

As for rifle, I have been shooting a Marlin (357) right from the get go, I have had the Marlin Jam fixed but I think it might be time for a major overhaul, starting to have miss jams...I'm either trying to short stroke it to quick and need to adjust overall lenght of my bullets. I have been thinking about buying a Uberti 73 ( and most likely will in the next couple of years) but I did see 2 pack it in this past weekend and heard of another two that failed as well, problems with the ejectors...not good.

Now to shotguns, for the first 3 years I used a chopped down Stoeger SxS, (still have it as a back up) but went to a 97 this year just to try it out, the jury is still out if I'm going to stay with it next year, I can load a SxS faster then most and there isn't much advantage over a 97 unless there are more then 4 targets...so starting out unless you fine a 97 under $300 I would go with a SxS.

Starting out in CAS is not cheap, I would highly suggest buying second hand if you get a chance that way if for some reason you don't find it what you thought it might be you can easier sell your set-up without taking the big hit.

Pair of Pistols - $750-$1400,
Rifle - $500-$1700,
Shotgun - $200 - $600,
Holsters - $150 - $600,
Shotgun Belt - $50 - $200,
Hat(s) - $75 - $900,
Clothing - $100 - ?????
Gun Cart - $125 - $900,
Travel to and from Matches including Match Fee, Lunch, Gas, Brand New 8'9" Camper, new guns for the Wife...

HOLY ####...I SPENT HOW MUCH ON THIS SPORT IN THE PAST FOUR YEARS!!!!

All kidding aside, CAS is the fastest growing of all the shooting sports, it's the most family friendly too...I highly suggest giving it a try
 
I just think that it is something different and insteresting to try. I doubt that I will go "Full cowboy attire" At least not initially. As for all the firearms. Even if I don't do cowboy after all, new hardware never hurts.

IDPA = One fun event with a bunch of semi-serious guys.
I swear that every match I've been to, that everyone loses at least 1-2 seconds from laughing at something.

CAS = Another fun event. Seems different and I'd like to try even if I not very good. (Laugh sounds like IDPA).

I shoot because it's fun to shoot. I hunt because I enjoy hunting. I collect because my wife allows me to. My wife enjoys CAS events to watch, I want my wife to become more involved in shooting, ergo the more I participate the more involved my wife will become.

I better never get so into CAS that I wear black leather vests and chaps in the middle of 40 degree C summers like the silly CAS people I have watched. If I do, please point out that I'm being stupid.
1800's clothing = thread count of <75/in
2000's clothing = thread count of >300/in
Who's smarter in the summer? (Damned technology)....
 
Jarlath
I have been active in CAS for about 12 years, I have changed guns and calibers more than once, as have most of us that have been doing this awhile.
38's are what I recommend to shooters who are starting up. They are cheaper to load, components are easy to find and the recoil is more manageable for speed shooting ( also for women and juniors). Most of the top shooters use 38's for these reasons, also if you decide to fly to a shoot, you can only pack 11 pounds of ammo.
For starting revolvers, I think you should try to find a pair of Ruger Blackhawks. Preferrably the old 3 screw model, but there is nothing wrong with the New Model Blackhawk. Rugers are almost unbreakable, and if you are at all mechanical you can polish the internals and install spring kits that make them very smooth. If you do not like the feel of the Rugers contact Marstar about their new line of Colt clones from Pietta. They donated a couple to the SASS Canadian Regional and I was impressed by the quality of the guns and the people that I dealt with at Marstar.
For a starting rifle I would try to find a used Marlin carbine, the older ones seem to have no issues with feeding 38s and, later, if you want to upgrade the carbine makes a cheap and reliable backup or loaner.
Any decent double without ejectors, or with the ejectors disabled, makes a perfectly acceptable shotgun for CAS, however I would use a 97. Marstar has a good price on new Norincos ( they also donated a Norinco 97 to the SASS Canadian Regional) or you could try to find a used original.
I hope this helps.
 
I thank everyone for their input. I have decided that I WILL equip myself to participate in the CAS events in the future. BUT! Finding the funds to get all this is going to be a great deal of work with the newborn in my family..... Sigh.. Gone are the days when all I worried about was my mortgage and my creditcards. Add a Wife and a baby, both of which seem to increase in cost with age......

Thanks again everyone!
 
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