Cowboy Action Shooting

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Grimjaws

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A club nearby is starting CASS. I have a few questions

Does anyone here shoot CASS, and if so, what do you shoot?

I have looked at Ruger and Uberti for handguns, Henry for rifle and will probably go Stoeger for the shotgun. I don't have a large budget but can scrimp and save if need be to get something decent.

What do you like about it?

What are some pitfalls to avoid?

If you could start over what advice would you give?

Thanks gang!
 
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Don't go with a henry big boy. Tons of problems with trying to keep them running for sass. Uberti rifles can be found all day long used for 700 so don't go crazy jumping on a too expensive sample. Don't go all in till you know you like it. Most matches you will find people who will lend you pieces you don't have till you know you like it enough for the investment.
 
I shot SASS Matches for about 20 years and used a genuine set of Colt SAA's in .45 Colt, a Marlin 1894 in the same caliber and a 12 Ga. Stoeger SxS Coach gun. I never had any malfunctions or any problems with any of them.

Most guys won't shoot real Colts because they do get dinged up a bit, but I enjoyed using them immensely. The Marlin (circa 1980's) is lightening fast and slick, and the cheap Stoeger shotgun sufficed. I would not classify the Stoeger as a great quality gun, but for it's intended CAS purpose it was fine. When I hung up my spurs I had no use for the Stoeger so I sold it for more than I paid for it. All in all, I did enjoy the SASS matches but it has now become a Gamers sport. It's quite common now for guys to shoot very watered down loads, smaller caliber and lighter bullets, short-stroked rifles, slicked up to the hilt guns, and shooters are taking every advantage allowable to win. Nothing against winning of course, but the fun factor was my main priority.
 
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You will find anything and everything used in SASS. I have been out of it for almost 15 years, but what I used were a pair of Ruger Super Blackhawks in .44 Mag, a Winchester Model 94 Trapper, also in .44 Magnum, and a Winchester Model 1897 12 Gauge pump gun (mine was from about 1910). I used light .44 Special lead SWC reloads in the revolvers and rifle. In addition to restrictions on MV, it's a good idea to use the lightest possible loads to maintain better control over recoil. I'd also suggest maintaining commonality of ammunition for revolvers and rifle, just to simplify logistics. Regarding shotguns, Model 97s are quite popular, and there is a specific technique for loading it during stages. Double guns are OK, but I used to see mainly Model 97s in use.
 
I shoot Cowboy Action but I need to clarify my position before I make recommendations, first off, I shoot for the camaraderie and to improve my shooting skills. I'm not a gamer. I do my absolute best at each stage using my unmodified firearms, I also shoot my revolvers one handed, both strong hand and weak hand. I really don't care if I win in my category or not. I also use full loads not powderpuff loads. I use Ruger New Vaqueros in .45 Colt, a Henry in .45 Colt and a Stoeger 12 ga DBL. The gamers use tricked-out guns, powder-puff loads and lower caliber guns. Whatever floats your boat, for me its all about my capabilities not the equipment. If you will attend the matches, the guys and gals are really receptive to helping new shooters, even to the point of letting you try their guns and gear. They are really the greatest bunch of people.
 
You need to decide, before buying anything, what you want to do.

Do you want to play cowboy?

Or do you want to win?

Many people start off - they want to play cowboy. So they buy 44s or 45s, because "Cowboys used big guns". Problem is, big guns recoil more, and getting back on target takes longer. 45 shooters can't shoot as fast as 38 shooters.

If you want to win, go with 38s. Lighter recoil means faster back on target means quicker times.

If you want to win, go with Ruger. They hold up better than Colts or US Fire Arms or the Italian copies. Nothing against the Colts and their counterfeits (as Col. Colt used to call 'em), but Rugers are stronger, and in a speed competition, a stronger gun does not break down as much.

You want real speed from a rifle - get a Henry-action - the 1866 or the 1873. They can be made to run faster than the Marlins, and than the Brownings. And for sure stay away from the Winchester 94, because that hermaphrodite cannot go fast. And again, go 38.

Seems like all the really fast people with a shotgun use a 97. But I've heard you really need three - one to shoot, one for backup, and one in the shop being fixed.

Of course, none of that applies if the CATEGORY you wish to shoot in has gun requirements.

Classic, for example. Guns HAVE TO be 40 caliber or larger. Rifles HAVE TO be 1873 or earlier - which means no Browning-designed 1892, no Marlin 1894. Shotguns HAVE TO be either a hammered SxS or an 1887 lever-action.

But if you chose Movie Cowboy, you rifle HAS TO be a 92. The 73 and 66 aren't allowed.

Those are some things to consider.

Me - I never COMPETED. I had no expectation of winning. I PARTICIPATED. I shot 44s, either 44/40 in US Firearms or 44 Russian in a Uberti #3 Russian. My rifle was usually a Rossi 92, in 44/40, but occasionally it was a Spencer in 44 Russian. And I shot SxS shotguns with exposed hammers, underlever opening, and long barrels.

I wasn't fast, but I had fun playing cowboy.
 
And there is the issue of different guns for side matches. Some clubs also do Wild Bunch shoots with Model 1911s and Winchester Model 12 shotguns (as used in the movie of the same name). But for starters, a pair of SA revolvers, a lever-action rifle, and a Model 97 or a double gun will get you started. I actually started with a pair of replica 1851 Colt C&B revolvers. They will work OK, but slow to load.
 
I have the old model Vaqueros, with a lot of wasted money in custom gun smith work, in .44 Magnum. A Marlin Cowboy, also in .44 Magnum and the aforementioned Stoeger coach gun, but in hammerless model in 12 gauge. The Marlin has an action job along with a leather wrapped lever.
The Marlin runs smoothest and functions better with magnum cases, although it is listed as being able to function with Specials. I found that wrapping the lever was a very worthwhile addition and cheap and easy to do by yourself. It is not as fast as the Winchester 73, but I'm not fast enough for the 73 :-).
Now, I kinda like the idea of using Smith New Model Number 3s as my holster guns, but I have so much invested in the Rugers that changing now is financially prohibitive. Start with standard guns and do action jobs when you feel you need them to improve. You can spend a ton of money getting started, needing four guns and then there is the clothes. Its great fun, and the people are great. Safety procedures are top notch, and everyone gets involved in making a posse run. Best of luck.
 
At one point I had 6 sets of the 4 required guns. My 3 sons and son-in -law shot with me every now and then. I only bought a Marlin 1894 Cowboy Special (45 Colt) new, everything else used! At a point I had 4 pair of Ruger "Old" Vaquero revolvers, They hold up when Italian clones keep breaking down! Had several Marlins and 73 & 92 rifles (Marlins are the easiest to strip down for service and detail cleaning) I used SxS and '97 (1904) shot guns. In a busy year the boys (the youngest is now 30) and I would shoot 4000-5000 rounds plus around 1000 shotgun in this sport alone. Most people reload for metallic and buy shotgun.

Practice is what makes better shooters! If you can't do anything else, use dummies and dry fire at home. Many clubs will allow you to shoot more after the match, so have ammo to do so! Cowboy shooting is a timed event, and the most time is lost in reloading shotgun; SO PRACTICE SHOOTING AND LOADING YOUR SHOTGUN FAST!(it helps with hunting and other sports!)

Gamers play by being on the edge of the rules, there are others that do dump things to get around rules, get online and become familiar with the rules. Rule Nazis have taken the fun out of the game for me, by knowing the rules you shoot your game, not theirs! I "Play Cowboy" by myself, and stay in practice for fun.

Ammo: I don't shoot full powered loads, they are hard on the the equipment and on my joints. My 45 Colt and 44 Special loads are 230 or 200 grain bullets at about 825 fps. Not gamer loads either, and alot like 45 ACP ball loads. If your club shoots knockdown targets, you won't have to worry about where you hit the plate, they will fall! Gamer loads have problems knocking down steel!

Safety First, Last, and Always! and have fun. No matter how well or fast you shoot, you'll be a winner.

Ivan the Butcher, SASS #40349
 
Earlier comment made about the Win Model 94 being slow. It may be true, but my rapid fire limitation was more from my own handling capabilities than the Model 94s. I tried to use a Model 1873 replica on several occasions, and was no faster with it than the Model 94. I will say that if handguns and semiautomatics were ever banned, my first choice for a PDW would be that M94 Trapper. Light, handy, powerful, and plenty accurate out to 50 yards. It just feels deadly in your hands.
 
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Ruger new vaqueros in 38/357 , überti heavy barrel rifle in 38/357 . Stoeger coach gun
38s are cheaper to load , you don't have to kill the steel only make it ring :-)
I sold my genuine Winchester 92 for a überti 73 clone
The heavy barrel is easier to keep on target during rapid fire strings
Smoother action as well
Lots of slick up parts available for überti too , you'll need them to compete
As said above most time is lost reloading your shotgun , practice practice practice
 
I shot it for about eleven years. You get out of it what you want, shoot to win or shoot to have fun. I got the gotta win thing out of my system shooting IPSC for a long time and shot Cowboy for fun and my inner six year old just loved it! I shot two 3 1/2" Uberti Thunderers and a Uberti 73 all three in .45 Colt with 250gr RNFP bullets at right around 850 fps ( my hand loads, no weenie loads!) along with a Stoger side by side in 12 gauge using WW AA factory. I did rather well with that set up despite using "the wrong guns and loads". I will tell you one thing fer sure, you will not find a bunch of nicer folks anywhere!

You cant go wrong with the Uberti's both handgun or rifle,but of course any good quality fire arm will get er done. Caliber, that's up to you if you want to have fun go big bore or if you think you might go all mad dog mean to win, go with the .38 Special. The big thing is to have a lot of good and safe fun, and pardner, if you don't have fun doing this, check the obituary's cause you just may be dead. Good luck and happy trails!
 
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What Oldnavy said. There are cowboys and gamers. I was a cowboy for two three days at a time. I had a ball and met some of the best folks ever.
Attend matches in different states. Some clubs have all the wild west bldgs. The big matches are fun, but crowded.
Be safe and have a good time.
 
Back when I was shooting CAS, there were quite a few shooters using .32-20s, both revolvers and rifle. I remember one guy who had a brace of original Bisleys in .32-20. For awhile I used a 7-1/2" Ruger Blackhawk in .30 Carbine, but with .32-20-level lead bullet handloads. It worked fine for me. I know there was at least one other shooter doing the same thing. I finally standardized on using .44 Special for both revolvers and the rifle.
 
Ivan the Butcher said:
Gamers play by being on the edge of the rules, there are others that do dump things to get around rules, get online and become familiar with the rules. Rule Nazis have taken the fun out of the game for me, by knowing the rules you shoot your game, not theirs! I "Play Cowboy" by myself, and stay in practice for fun.
Click to expand...

I looked into CASS a few years ago. First thing that I noticed was that, for a group so dedicated to the last of the rugged individuals, they sure have a lot of rules... ;)
 
Fishslayer said:
I looked into CASS a few years ago. First thing that I noticed was that, for a group so dedicated to the last of the rugged individuals, they sure have a lot of rules... ;)
Click to expand...


What i was most amazed of (when i started) was the lack of blackpowder shooters :confused:

And the fact that some were irritated of me shooting C&B revolvers
(slow reloads holding up the flow of shooters):o
 
I love the looks and the romance of the cowboy style single action revolvers and I've owned a few but was never that crazy about how they fit my hand or the LONG hammer fall. The Wild Bunch match with 1911 .45s and pump shotguns sounds like more to my taste.
 
I have a Rossi 1892 and a pair of Ruger New Vaquero Bisleys that I use for CAS. They are all in 45LC and work fine for me. The Rossi has been slicked up a bit so it shoots quite well. Anyway the guns are more accurate than I will ever be. :p :D
 
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