Good evening folks,
I've recently become quite interested in CAS, and I would like to compete in SASS using a S&W Schofield. Can anyone comment as to whether they are doing that already, and what their expeience has been? I am very green to this sport and still learning as I go, so I hope you will please excuse me if my question seems a bit too simplistic. I'd be grateful for any input.

Kind regards,
Matt Smith

Good evening folks,
I've recently become quite interested in CAS, and I would like to compete in SASS using a S&W Schofield. Can anyone comment as to whether they are doing that already, and what their expeience has been? I am very green to this sport and still learning as I go, so I hope you will please excuse me if my question seems a bit too simplistic. I'd be grateful for any input.

Kind regards,
Matt Smith

I would suggest that you join the SASS group at http://sassnet.com/forums/index.php .

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

I will be shooting my Performance Center Schofield 2000 in two weeks in a Cowboy shoot for the first time! I've seen about five Schofields (real and replica) being fired before!

Howdy

Schofield's are relatively rare in CAS. Most shooters use Italian manufactured colt SAA replicas, or Ruger Vaqueros. The rest use a smattering of Italian made Remington replicas, Cap & Ball revolvers, American made USFA colt replicas, and real Colts, along with the occaisional Schofield.

I'm not saying there is anything wrong with the Schofield, it is just unusual to see one. I have cut down a bit on my cowboying over the past couple of years, but I still manage to get to one or two matches a month. I'd say I probably only see one or two Schofields a year, I see hundreds of clones and Vaqueros. Unusual guns are always worth extra 'style points' and Schofields certainly rate high for style points, right along with Henry rifles.

One of the percieved advantages of the Schofield design is that it is quicker to load and unload on the clock than a colt style Single Action revolver. But it is relatively rare to actually encounter a pistol reload on the clock in CAS, so even though the Schofield is truly quicker to load and unload, there is not much real advantage gained.

The Schofield has a different grip shape than a colt style SA, and the distance the thumb needs to reach to cock the hammer is greater than with a colt style SA. Since most CAS shooters hold their revolvers with two hands and cock the hammer with the hand that is not pulling the trigger, this does not present much of a problem. However I shoot all my CAS pistols one handed, and I find it a bit awkward to reach forward with my thumb to cock a Schofield hammer. That is probably the biggest reason I decided early on that the Schofield was not for me.

The modern Schofield's, both those produced in Italy and the recent versions produced by Smith have had some very minor design changes from the original Smith design. Although these minor changes have not affected the gun's ability to shoot Smokeless powder, they have have rendered them very poor Black Powder performers, if you are at all interested in shooting Black Powder. Unlike a Colt, clone, or Ruger, the modern versions of the Schofield bind up very quickly when shot with Black Powder. The great majority of CAS shooters do not shoot Black Powder, so this is not an issue for most.

One other point. You mentioned you are interested in competing in CAS using 'a' Schofield. It is pretty universal in the CAS world that two revolvers are required. Nothing says both revolvers have to both be the same. Still, if you want to buy a brace of Schofields you will probably wind up spending more than you will with a pair of SAA clones.

Driftwood's response is right on. We have a few shooters use Schofields during our annual shoot, but since for most competitors speed is of the essence, the Schofield just is not as quick to operate as a real slick Colt or Colt clone (I'm including Vaqueros in that role as well). Costs for the Schofield are generally higher as well, and it is typical at one of our CAS shoots to see a pair of Colt clones or Vaqueros go for $350 to $450 apiece, whereas the Schofields tend to be over $1000 each or more. Neat guns, by the way, but CAS has gotten very specialized in terms of the scoring (speed + accuracy = points)and the Schofield just isn't a 'game gun'. If you simply want to have fun shooting, and are not competitive, take the old Schofield out and have a ball....but a reload costs LOTS of time. Still, it's a lot of fun, even for us geezers!

MikeyL
S&WCA #2010

We've got a guy in our club who has been using a Schofield replica for years alongside a Colt replica.

Two guys this year have spectacular nickel Beretta Schofields with fire blued screws. Wow!

I have been in SASS since 1988 (Member #L316) and I have been using the 5 inch Schofield 45 Colt clones (Navy Arms)for the last two years.

If you get the guns "slicked" up they run good and they are heavier then the SAA either the orginial Colt or a clone.

You can use 45 Schifield brass in most 45 SAA.

It is my understanding that the Schofield clones are only made now in 45 colt or 38 Special.

Where the SAA's are made from .22 to .50.

They are worth a lot of style points and have generated some interest since the movie 3:10 to Yumawas released



They reload a lot faster then any SAA.

mm6mm6

Nice holster.

I'm trying to get a complete rig, two strong side holsters and belt, for my Schofields, in the western foral pattern, like your, for Christmas. I keep leaving hints

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Semper FI

Howdy Again

Navy Arms lists their Uberti made Schofield as being chambered for 45 Colt, 44-40, and 38 Sp.

I am reasonably sure that when S&W offered their Schofield just a few years ago it was only available chambered for the 45 Schofield round.

Thanks Beans! Keep dropping those hints around the house! Good luck!