How to get started in CAS?

ChefBoyOhBoy

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Hey!

I would really like to get started doing some CAS this year, but have no idea where to go/who to contact. I'm located in the Kitchener/Waterloo area so preferably some events that are within a reasonable drive.

Can someone point me in the right direction please?

Thanks
 
I would suggest checking the O.S.A.S.F. website. There is a page with a schedule of cowboy shoots. Through the winter there are shoots in Burlington, Barrie,Wentworth (Hamilton Mountain) & St. Catherines. Come the spring they'll be shoots in London (Crumlin), HAHA (Ancaster), Guelph, Barrie, and a bunch of other ranges that I can't think of right now. From May to Oct. , if you don't mind driving an hour or two, you could probably find a shoot every weekend. And at least 3 weekends each month thru the winter. There is a very special shoot this summer in Barrie. The first ever 3 day SASS Eastern Canada Regional. Come out to one of the winter shoots (Bring eye & ear protection) Meet the guys and gals. (Some of the female shooters are really good.) Ask questions. No shortage of opinions, you'll find. Anyhow, all the shoots and directions etc are on the O.S.A.S.F. website ( Ontario Single Action Shooters Federation)
Seeya at the shoots
Wildcat O'Shea SASS # 47844
 
I can help you out with some instruction and the lend of some firearms if you come out to a Barrie match. PM me if you have interest.
 
Before you spend money on any guns, go to the SASSnet.com website, download the manual. Most clubs in North America follow the rules/guidelines laid out by SASS. Find out what category that interests you/you fall into then purchase accordingly. This way you won't be buying the wrong kit if you decide later to get into sanctioned matches.
 
That's good advice too. don't buy gear right away. All the different guns fit hands differently and if you go to a shoot there is a good variety of equipment there. Most of us would be tickled to let you try a few shots out of our irons. It'll give you an idea of what you want to look for. Check the SASS rules of course too. (sassnet.com) You can download the handbooks there. If you want to shoot a particular style or category, and don't have the correct guns, then you'll experience regret.
 
Before you spend money on any guns, go to the SASSnet.com website, download the manual. Most clubs in North America follow the rules/guidelines laid out by SASS. Find out what category that interests you/you fall into then purchase accordingly. This way you won't be buying the wrong kit if you decide later to get into sanctioned matches.

and go to a shoot or two and see what people use and recommend.

www.cascanada.com some info around Canada. Start saving :)
 
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Thanks guys! I have a lever action 45-70- but that looks like its not allowed after looking through the manual. I have a single shot 12 gauge w/ exposed hammer that should work though. I definetley plan on checking a few shoots out first, then deciding what I should go out and buy.
 
Sorry...not my intent to hijack....but is there any prerequisite to participating in a CAS match? Any type of holster or safety program?
 
Right now, in Ontario, there's no requirement for holster certification. However, everyone is expected to be able to manipulate the firearms safely from the holster and back into the holster. As the SASS shooters manual says, it's no place for basic firearms training. All are expected to be comfortable & safe with their guns and if it becomes evident that there is a problem, it will be dealt with on a case by case basis. (I know of a couple of instances in the past few years where people were told not to come back to a particular club. Not for one incident, but they had demonstrated a pattern of behaviour that had the potential to put the sport in danger, and they were unwilling to adapt to safety "suggestions"). That's about where we're at right now. If you have restricted guns, then you have been through at least a club level safety course. And through the PAL safety course/test. Keep proving yourself safe and there'll be no troubles.
 
Sorry...not my intent to hijack....but is there any prerequisite to participating in a CAS match? Any type of holster or safety program?

Here in New Brunswick there isn't. Having said that, it is our club policy that a new shooter will spend some time with one of our ROs and go thru a safety proficency session. As a group we very much want to see more people shooting CAS with us but, we do want to be certain that new shooters are comfortable with the use and rules of cowboy Action Shooting.
Just playing it safe, plus it gives the new shooter the oportunity to see and handle different firearms before he of she will spend money on firearms they may or may not like.
PM me if you would like more information. We would love to have you come out and play.

Frenchy
 
FRESH MEAT, we all got stuff to sell ya.
You will be looking for pistol calber rifle, .357 mainly two revolvers in the same cal. as the rifle and a short barreled double 12 gauge shotgun. Leather look for strong side only no crossdraw stuff.
 
Thanks guys! I have a lever action 45-70- but that looks like its not allowed after looking through the manual. I have a single shot 12 gauge w/ exposed hammer that should work though. I definetley plan on checking a few shoots out first, then deciding what I should go out and buy.

45/70 is fine for long range rifle matches. I use a 45/70 buffalo rifle (single shot). You will want a lever or pump gun in pistol caliber. 1873, 1866, 1892's all popular, I like the 73's myself.

There's a cowboy match march 3rd at GRGC...
Stop by and check it out maybe.

Is this one on the OSASF site? Details?

Sorry...not my intent to hijack....but is there any prerequisite to participating in a CAS match? Any type of holster or safety program?

Yes, you must be a good fellow of good character and high moral standing to be a "good guy", or a despicable brute capable of great sin and debauchery to be a "bad guy". You can tell which I am because of my SASS ID. Cowboy action shooting is not a sport for new shooters, much like IPSC. The is an expected level of handling competency. That being said, at club matches we will usually let new folks try it out under the watchful supervision of an experienced RO.

Here in New Brunswick there isn't. Having said that, it is our club policy that a new shooter will spend some time with one of our ROs and go thru a safety proficency session. As a group we very much want to see more people shooting CAS with us but, we do want to be certain that new shooters are comfortable with the use and rules of cowboy Action Shooting.

It is also our groups policy to do a similar thing as well.

Leather look for strong side only no crossdraw stuff.

NAY, NAY, NAY. We want all SASS shooters and such to be welcomed with open arms. I suggest that you start with two strong side holsters, but as you become more comfortable with the sport, by all means get a crossdraw if that is what you like (for your category or just your getup). It requires more thought and more effort to use, but can be great fun. After shooting for a while at matches, I decided to try one. I liked it, but since my main goal is to be in the gunfighter category, two strong sides are what is needed for that.
 
The GRGC shoot is a club only practice that they do twice a month through the winter. If you're not a member, or an invited guest, then ....... That being said, if you're close, and drop by to watch and ask questions, I'm sure you'd be welcome. I was a guest at the last one. We did a bit of training, (a couple of us were at the Evil Roy School in the fall & are trying to spread the info), and then shot 3 stages for fun and practise.
 
We don't have any formal rules, but at Pincrest, we encourage Sodbusters to place handguns on a table, rather then draw from leather. Once we see that you are ok with handling your pistols, and we go over the SASS guidelines, then drawing from holster is ok with us. (Usually the same night.)

ps: Pinecrest practice and mini-matches are second and fourth Wednesdays of the month.

Niagara Glen
 
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