Mismatched Revolers

Tompullings

Tompullings

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I suddenly realized I would like to get into CAS so in a scramble to find suitable revolvers I ordered the two Pietta SAA I could find just as everyone sold out of them. Problem is I could only find one in 44-40 and one in 45lc. Also one is 4 3/4” and the other is 5 1/2”. Knowing nothing about CAS I’m trying to imagine what problems this might pose. I think I could load them to have similar recoil but are there stages where you must reload? I would have to do a real good job separating and marking my ammo if so. Should I just shell out for a matching revolver at the inflated prices if I find one and try to sell the oddball if I receive it in time? I’d prefer 44-40 cause I like black powder but they seem more rare.

Thanks for any advice.
 
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Lots of folks use miss-matched guns with miss-matched calibers....very do-able but requires a certain diligence when at the loading table especially when loading your rifle if using a 44-40 rifle... those 45 LC rounds will fit in the mag tube but when you try to chamber one "at speed", it will lock up that rifle and need a range rod to remove it....seen this happen waaayyy more than once.
Using "loading blocks" with different characteristics to easily identify can alleviate & lessen confusion & mistakes at the loading table.

Above all....use what you have right now if your having difficulty matching up...don't wait, have some fun.
 
i don't think you will have a problem, from what i have seen there is no reloading of pistol or rifle on the line. only shotgun. i too just bought some pistols for CAS but lucked out and got two 44-40 and two 1851's
may i will see you someday at a shoot.
 
Tompullings: As already mentioned, mis-matched firearms are a fairly common sight, in CAS. Make sure your ammo is clearly marked/separated, and you shouldn't have any problems.

I haven't seen a pistol reload on the clock for some time. At least, not in the past 3-4 years. Still, you might run into such a scenario. So I recommend adding pistol reloads to your regular practice regimen. You never know when it might come in handy.

Also: You should decide beforehand, which pistol you intend to use, if having to reload on the clock. Then, be sure to only have the appropriate ammo available, when needed. If the same as your rifle, the choice is dead simple.

Rifle reloads are far more common. At some clubs I attend, rifle reloads are often a regular feature at every match. Some stages may even require a reload, as part of the round count. Also, should you jack out a live round or experience a misfire(dead primer, etc....which happens), it will be necessary to reload on the clock, to avoid a penalty. So be sure to practice the technique.

Being prepared for the unexpected is something that every competitive shooter should be keenly aware of. CAS being no exception.

But: "Don't sweat the small stuff". As Fingers284 recommends, use what you have. And above all....have fun!

Al
 
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Considerate CAS shooters use a loading block and don't overwhelm the loading table with ammunition boxes. For the past 10 years my choice has been either pistols in .44 mag/rifle in .357 or pistols in .44 mag/rifle in .45LC. All my ammo goes in a loading block. When I use .44/.45 combination all my .44 has a blue stripe across the base and .45 rifle ammo has a red stripe. Only someone paying no attention could screw it up.

DSCN7563.jpg
 
Garand said:
Considerate CAS shooters use a loading block and don't overwhelm the loading table with ammunition boxes. For the past 10 years my choice has been either pistols in .44 mag/rifle in .357 or pistols in .44 mag/rifle in .45LC. All my ammo goes in a loading block. When I use .44/.45 combination all my .44 has a blue stripe across the base and .45 rifle ammo has a red stripe. Only someone paying no attention could screw it up.

DSCN7563.jpg
Click to expand...

Unless your "Peter" and mark both calibers identical.....
 
Sort of related, seems like 44-40 is pretty hard to find? I've been looking for brass, wait-times could be a year? I put an order in with DoubleTap Sports for Starline brass, just to get in the queue. Going to be a race between Ontario approving my transfer and the brass lol
 
Tompullings:
If you haven't already, download and read the Single Action Shooting Society SASS Shooter Handbook as well as Range Operations.
It will help you with your choice of clothing, shooting category, firearms to use and all the current rules (There are changes/clarifications every year)
I found it better to use two revolvers the same grip, barrel length calibre etc. although this may become impossible after Justin gets through with us.
What you buy now will likely be it for the foreseeable future.
To para-phase Smokey the Bear: Only YOU can prevent Liberals!
 
My experience: i started with what i could find and ended up with 2 revolvers in same caliber, same barrel length, same grip but with different sights width. I had a hard time. I changed one to have a pair with the same sight configuration as soon as I could!
That being said, come to a CAS match, shoot what you have, enjoy!
 
Like others have already said the BIG issue is the loading table mark your ammo to keep it straight.
I shot 38spl and 45cbs (same recoil) so not a big deal to be able to screw those up until I got my second 38.
 
I'm in the same wagon here ! been trying to collect the guns needed , already had a Uberti El Patron 45 lc , as soon as the import ban was suggested I couldn't find a match , other than a Pietta , same look and feel , other than the grips one is checked and the other smooth. Have tried them at a SASS practice , they work just fine . My problem is finding a lever gun in the same cal .!
 
Just a question. I'd love to come watch a CAS shoot but I wasn't able to afford two revolvers to compete. Are there any classes that allow one revolver only? I didn't see mention in the SASS book, maybe I just missed it?
 
There are no official classes that allows one revolver only. That being said, i suggest you get in touch with your local SASS club : sometimes they have an "outlaw" category that would allow you to shoot with what you have (it's all for fun anyways). Get there, talk with the other shooters, do not hesitate to help (pick up brass, spot, etc). Cowboys are friendly bunch, i am sure that someone will lend you a pistol at some point. That's how I started: a revolver and a shotgun!
 
infidel29: The category is loosely known as "Working Cowboy". Might also fall under Outlaw but, have most often seen it referred to the other way.
Not an official SASS category in any case, as fredfiset states. So not allowed at sanctioned matches. But, many clubs will allow a shooter to compete with only one handgun, at local events. Revolver reloading will have to be done on the clock, during stages. So, overall time won't be that great. But, at least a person does get the chance to participate and enjoy themself. Which is the best part of being there, anyway.
Plenty of times, fellow cowpokes are more than willing to lend an extra gun, ammo, leather, etc., whenever needed. But....never their hat! Cowboys/cowgals really are a friendly bunch. So don't hesitate to show up and shoot.

Al
 
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