What Rifle??

[jay2101]

All I need is a rifle to be ready to shoot .what are the top three rifle that cowboys use in NCOWS ..I was going to get a Marlin 1894 cowboy in 45 long colt, but I don't think you can use it in NCOWS

[Captain Rob Page]

  I would say an1873 Uberti/Cimarron/ Taylor's, an 1866 Uberti/Cimarron/Taylor's or a Model 1892 by the same mfgs. Seems that most shoot 45 Colt in our NCOWS posse followed by 44WCF and 38 Special. 

[Cole Bluesteele]

Per the Tally Book under approved Rifles, Reproductions... "Marlin '94 and '95 if they retain the same appearance  as the originals prior to 1899, and as long as they are cahmbered in approved calibers/cartridges and safe in operation."

The Marlin 1894 Cowboy in .45 Colt meets those criteria.

Cole

[jay2101]

from what I read the Marlin 1894 cowboy is a side discharge that why I was thinking maybe I could not use it in NCOWS..

[Major 2]

It's the Winchester 94 that is side discharge in it's modern incarnation.
The Marlin 94 was side discharge then as now...so it's approved...I think the white line butt pad is not however.

The Uberti 73 is the 1st. choice of so many, follow by the 66   
The new Burgess is approved now I believe , and there the Henry if you do an earlier impression.

[Tascosa Joe]

Jay2101:

If you live in a location where NCOWS Posses exsist.  Contact the local club president and see what you can work out to borrow a rifle for a match or two.   This will give you an opportunity to try several different rifles before you make up your mind.  Be willing to purchase ammunition.  At our club here in north Texas there is always someone who is willing to loan a rifle or pistol for you to try.  We also sponsor a new shooters clinic, which teaches some gun handling and allows the participant to shoot different weapons.  Most everyone I know has started with whatever was handy and economical, then spending a lot more money upgrading weapons and clothing as your personna grows. 

You may already have a goal set as to your personna, if you do look at what weapons and gear that person would have available.  If your goal is to get to Level one in order to shoot, I say welcome to the organization.  If you have an idea on who you want to be when you grow up, then take a little more time with your initial purchases.  You will spend a lot less money in the long run.

I hope this makes sense.

T-Joe

[Montana Slim]

Also consider the category you plan to shoot...why?...for example the C&B category (Pistoleer) only allows pre-1873 models.


Slim

[Pancho Peacemaker]

All I need is a rifle to be ready to shoot .what are the top three rifle that cowboys use in NCOWS ..I was going to get a Marlin 1894 cowboy in 45 long colt, but I don't think you can use it in NCOWS

If this is your first CAS rifle, please consider getting an Uberti '73.   On a practical level, these rifles (as currently produced) are well made, well finished, well balanced, and extremely reliable right out of the box.  It is easy to clean and maintain wether you shoot black powder or smokeless.  I am known to carry "too many guns" at most matches.  In my over stuffed gun cart, I always carry one of my '73's with me as a back-up or a loaner rifle if a pard has a rifle go down.  You can always depend on the action.  If something does go wrong, you simply pop off the side plate to diagnose and fix the situation.

On a historic note, the '73 was fairly ubiquitous after it's introduction.  It would be an appropriate long arm for many different personas during and after the great cattle drives.

[lethal larry]

I have a '73 that I like a lot but the last rifle I got was a Uberti '66 in .44 WCF. That allows me to shoot pistoleer as well as the other categories. The .44 WCF caliber with it's smaller neck really keep the inside of the rifle clean, even with BP. Welcome to the wonderful world of NCOWS pard. Enjoy the ride!

[Patrick Henry Brown]

Wwell, I'll stir the pot again, but then, isn't that what I'm good at? Larry is right, as are others -- to shoot pistoleer, you need a Spencer, Henry or 1866. That said, I really do not understand the exclusion of the 73 in pistoleer. It's not like everyone abandoned Cap & Ball in 1873. BTW, the 1866 or the 1873 are both good choices.

[Montana Slim]

Very briefly, the Pistoleer category timeframe predates the 1873 Winchester. I don't believe there is a lot of wording in the bylaws to state this....but this is my understanding of the intent. I've shot this category at most Nataional matches since it was introduced.

Regards,
Slim

[Dr. Bob]

Here is the section of the NCOWS Bylaws that covers the Pistoleer Class.  States pre-1873 for both revolvers & rifles.

Men's and Women's Pistoleer: Shooters are restricted to the use of percussion revolvers, pre-1873 percussion or original/authentic reproductions of rimfire cartridge pocket pistols, exposed-hammer double-barrel shotguns (percussion or cartridge), and reproduction or original pre-1873 pistol-caliber repeating rifles (e.g. 1860 Henry, Spencer, 1866 Winchester, etc: Shooters must shoot blackpowder or approved blackpowder substitute powder in all firearms except those chambered for rimfire cartridges. Pistols and revolvers must be shot one-handed. Pistoleer shooters will shoot the same course of fire as the other competitors except that in a stage requiring more than two shotgun rounds the Pistoleer shooter would not be required to shoot the extra rounds.

[bear tooth billy]

I started with a 66 repro, but after a ncows nat. I bought an original 73 that was made in 1882. The chamber and barrel
had some wear so I had Vaughn at the bullet hole reline it. Now it shoots great and cleans like a new one. Total price
$1150 probably about the same as an Uberti. Don't know if this is your best option but its cool shooting a gun that
"was there" and its probably a wise investment,

                                      BTB

[joec]

All I need is a rifle to be ready to shoot .what are the top three rifle that cowboys use in NCOWS ..I was going to get a Marlin 1894 cowboy in 45 long colt, but I don't think you can use it in NCOWS

I picked up a Rossi 92 model with a 20" octagon barrel, case harden finish for $415. Now if it gives me a problem in the future I will consider others but so far it has shot great.

[Major 2]

You did not get hurt...good score 

[Patrick Henry Brown]

Bob:

No need to post the Bylaw on my account. Obviously, I knew what it said  otherwise I would not have raised the question.

[Major 2]

Oscar

I'm pleased you decided to stick around  

I'm also glad Bob posted the By-law, I was asked the question yesterday, and I did not have my Tally Book  
I was able to cut and paste it to the quizer.
There for he's looking for a 66.....