The Legality of it All

[Laura M Hayes]

I think I know this answer before I ask, but it’s getting frustrating as everyone I ask has a different answer.  I hope someone has the definitive answer.

-Are low profile hammers for CMS approved for NCOWS and SASS?

I recently went to the NRA convention in Pittsburgh and I liked the CMS guns a lot better.  They felt better in my hand & I was able to reach the hammer better. 

I have my guns choices narrowed down to: (kinda  )

 New Sheriff- 44-40 but not the low hammer – 3 ½
http://cimarron-firearms.com/ModelP/CA332-NewSheriff.htm# 
http://www.buffaloarms.com/Detail.aspx?PROD=158969&CAT=3962

El Patron CMS- low hammer -but not 44-40- 3 ½
http://www.uberti.com/firearms/1873_cattleman_el_patron.php

Cattlemen – 44-40 but not low profile
http://www.uberti.com/firearms/single_action_cattleman.php

I already have my ’73 Winchester in 44-40. 
Also, I want to be historic, so wouldn’t cowboys have modified or altered their guns? 
Thoughts?  Suggestions?
I am determined not to shoot any more matches until I have my own guns & know how to use them.  I am tired of borrowing and not being comfortable with the guns. 

Thanks. 

[Shotgun Franklin]

Also, I want to be historic, so wouldn’t cowboys have modified or altered their guns?
Thoughts?  Suggestions?

If you can document a period gun modified like you want yours to be like then you don't have a problem.
I doubt you'll fine an historic gun like your describing.

[Pancho Peacemaker]

Laura,

The only "low profile" hammer I know of that has a historic basis is the hammer on the Colt Bisley revolver.

You can find modern replicas from Uberti and USFA.  My wife has small hands and she finds the Uberti Bisley to be a very comfortable grip.  

Regarding other modern models with low profile hammers, NCOWS leaves that up to you.  If you find an item and you think it has historic provenance find some documentation (i.e. picutres).  Present them to Congress for discussion and a vote.  I am no authority here.  

One other revolver you might try is a S&W Schofield or New Model No. 3.  Many people with smaller hands (like me), find the grip and hammer reach much more comfortable.  Uberti makes replicas of the Schofield.  Beretta/Uberti made a replica of the New Model #3 (called the "Laramie").  They were discontinued in '08.  You can still find them on Gunbroker and other auctions sites.

Pancho


P.S.  If you are attending Nationals, I'll have my Schofields and my New Model #3's with me.  You are welcome to try them both.

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[Tascosa Joe]

Laura:
The short answer for the legality of the low profile hammer for NCOWS is no.  I think they are legal for SASS.  You might PM Cole Bluesteele as he is a SASS TG as well as a NCOWS senator.  As Pancho stated the only low profile hammer from the period on a single action is the Colt Bisley.  Colt produced the Bisley from 1895 to 1912.  The Ruger Bisley is a copy of Elmer Keith's #5 and it is not NCOWS legal. 
T-Joe

[Dr. Bob]

As stated, the only NCOWS approved low profile hammer revolver is the Colt Bisley and reproductions of the same.  Both the Schofield and New Model 3 repro's are approved.

The Ruger Bisley does not look like the Colt Bisley and is NOT approved.

Bob Dorian
NCOWS Judge

[panhead pete]

Hello Laura,

Have you tried the 51 Navy Colt Conversions?  Even though they are 38's, they are period correct.  You can even load 38 Colt rounds with a heeled bullet if you want to go to that level.  They fit smaller hands very well.  I know it is another caliber, but they are sweet shooters, especially loaded with the holy black.

Good luck,

PhP

[Laura M Hayes]

Thanks for the clarifications. 

This might be a stupid question, but do you need matching revolvers? 

[Okefinokee Outlaw]

Matching revolvers definitely not required.

[Pancho Peacemaker]

Thanks for the clarifications. 

This might be a stupid question, but do you need matching revolvers? 

No.

Many of the "famous" lawmen in the Old West carried a stong-side belt revolver with a mid to long barrel and a "back-up" revovler with a shorter, concealable barrel (i.e. "shop keepers" or "sheriff" model)

All that said, it is nice to use matching revolvers in competition since they have the same balance & sight picture.  If you use mis-matched revolvers, you do need to keep a mental note regarding which you are shooting to adjust your hold and sighting.


Pancho

[Major 2]

You don't even have to have Two..... Working Cowboy & Original come to mind.

Didn't you shoot at the Saluda Saddle Tramps shoot last week ?

[Tascosa Joe]

Yes she did!

[Laura M Hayes]

Ugh I need prettier clothes.   

[Steel Horse Bailey]

Ugh I need prettier clothes.  

Laura, if that picture includes you, you look fine!  Since NCOWS stresses authenticity, the typical SASS lady, with the fine clothing or even the many saloon gal outfits may LOOK wonderful (they DO, IMHO) it isn't really much of an authentic look.  Most women wouldn't be out shooting in a get-up like what so many wear.  Now don't get me wrong, I'm just trying to point out that your outfit pictured is just fine!

[Tascosa Joe]

Laura:

If you can find a copy of the Time/Life Book, The Women, there are many pictures of frontier ladies. Page 192-193 has a great independant Wyoming ranch woman.

T-Joe