Gear for Starting in CAS

Doc Jethro · February 23, 2013, 02:08:15 AM

I need some advice....

I want to get started in CAS or NCOWS and I am starting to accumulate my equipment and have an original 1903 Colt SAA in 38-40, an original 1898 Winchester 73 in 38-40 and a Winchester 97 that needs some work. I have been looking for a Colt clone in 38-40 but I am considering getting two clones and hanging the original Colt on the wall. I probably should put the Winchester on the wall also, but it is just too much fun to shoot. My question is how much trouble is it if your hand guns are a different caliber than your rifle. I reload mostly 38-40, long colt 45 and 40 S&W The 45's are a snap to reload and ammunition would not be a problem, other than that is there any real advantage to having all the same caliber? I also have a pair of 36 BP Navies from Italy that I could shoot with in one of the classes.

I have been a member of SASS for three years now and have seen matches on TV and viewed parts of them on the internet but never actively participated. My plan here is to attend a match and watch and maybe visit with some of the participants the first time but I want to get involved in the shooting yet this season.

Major 2 · February 23, 2013, 05:20:10 AM

won't advise you as to the use of your original firearms, IMO guns were made to shoot, but if condition & value are at stake $:-\$ .
If they are avarage, well it will be entirely your decision.

Now about caliber, yes it is easier to carry just one caliber and simpler to handle at the loading table.

However, a single caliber ( one reloaded the same way ) may not shoot the same in both you rifle & your pistol .
If you are serious competitor/reloader you may have tuned your ammo to be specific purpose made for both.
You still have to keep it serperate at the loading table....

If on the other hand, you enjoy the fact you are just having a good time, good comradory and you pay attention ( which you should be )
at the loading table ( no need to be rushed ) then I doubt , you'll have a issue distinguishing between 45 LC & 38 loading.

I shoot 44 Colt in my pistol & 44 Spcl. in my Rifle, which are way closer , I'm careful , pay attention... anyone rushing me is not very welcome at the loading table IMHO ..and by the way these same folks might rush you if you were loading the 36 Navys

I've seen it happen !

Congrats, on your two Oldsters

Jefro · February 23, 2013, 02:20:20 PM

Howdy Doc, loading a couple of different calibers is no big deal, I load four. An original rifle/pistol caliber is best in the rifle 32/20, 38/40, 44/40, especially if you plan to shoot BP. You already have a 38/40, shoot it for a while. IMHO good leather is most important to start. Don't spend any more money on firearms untill you have attended several different matches. Folks will loan you guns to shoot, take the time to try them all, you'll save a bunch of money in the long run. Good Luck

#1 mistake by new shooters.........buying guns before trying all the different models
#2 mistake by new shooters.........building a huge gun cart as heavy as a tank

Another thing to consider on pistols, do you think you will ever shoot Cowboy Fast Draw??

If so then you will need a 4 3/4" in 45LC. It would be no problem shooting your 38/40 and a 45LC together for SASS or NCOWS. Sumpin to think about.

CFDA

Jefro

Relax-Enjoy

Doc Jethro · February 24, 2013, 07:13:41 PM

Thanks for the input guys, I think that I am going to look into getting another 38-40 as with the Win 73 and Colt already in that Cal. it will make things more convenient. I sold my black powder frame 1880 SAAA and will have enough to get a couple of clones to use. As far as my shotgun, I think my Win 97 needs a little work. It shoots fine but the action is a little slow and sloppy, along with the barrel. I think a good gunsmith could do wonders.

Major 2 · February 25, 2013, 05:15:29 AM

Sounds like a plan

Red Cent · February 25, 2013, 03:31:32 PM

Jefro, I think you meant to type 4 3/4".

Okefinokee Outlaw · February 25, 2013, 09:10:34 PM

Doc, One revolver and the rifle will get you into an NCOWS match.

Jefro · February 25, 2013, 09:21:15 PM

Quote from: Red Cent on February 25, 2013, 03:31:32 PM
Jefro, I think you meant to type 4 3/4".

Duh

who me

.........Yep, I fixed it

Jefro

Relax-Enjoy

Bugscuffle · February 26, 2013, 08:56:44 PM

Doc Jethro - I just thought of one more thing. Right now may not be the optimum time to buy a gun. Prices are over the moon for just about all guns and accessories. True,they are more like over the planet Neptune for AR-15's, but we don't use too many of those in CAS. You may want to let the furor over assault weapons bans, registrations, magazine capacities, etc. die down a little bit.

RickB · February 26, 2013, 09:08:28 PM

Actually the last three gun shows I've attended (in the last two weeks) I've noticed that the prices of cowboy guns are prettymuch the same as they always have been. That goes for rifles, pistols and shotguns. Ammo is higher for most calibers, but. 45 colt and. 38 special are still pretty low. The guns affected are semi auto guns and the ammo associated with them.

Mean Bob Mean · February 26, 2013, 09:18:52 PM

Quote from: RickB on February 26, 2013, 09:08:28 PM
Actually the last three gun shows I've attended (in the last two weeks) I've noticed that the prices of cowboy guns are prettymuch the same as they always have been. That goes for rifles, pistols and shotguns. Ammo is higher for most calibers, but. 45 colt and. 38 special are still pretty low. The guns affected are semi auto guns and the ammo associated with them.

This is my experience as well. I just nailed down a Cimarron Richards-Mason significantly under list price. Ammo and reloading are up, but CAS guns seem to be on an even keel. If a guy had a modern firearm to trade for some CAS guns he might do very well.

Doc Jethro:

1897s are great guns and likely won't be an issue if you shoot just occasionally. Folks I have spoken too--I have never fired one more than casually--have indicated they require constant upkeep, might ask around about 1897s from folks who know more than I. Double barrelled guns earn high marks for reliability from me. The 1897 I owned some years ago was in good working order but was not what I would call overly reliable or easy to use quickly. But, I am no 1897 expert.

Red Cent · February 27, 2013, 12:16:58 PM

You can pick up a Ruger SS Vaquero at
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_49_118/products_id/14326/Ruger+VAQ+45LC+4+58%22+STAINLESS

Allie Mo · February 27, 2013, 02:47:27 PM

Quote from: Bugscuffle on February 26, 2013, 08:56:44 PM
Doc Jethro - I just thought of one more thing. Right now may not be the optimum time to buy a gun. Prices are over the moon for just about all guns and accessories. True,they are more like over the planet Neptune for AR-15's, but we don't use too many of those in CAS. You may want to let the furor over assault weapons bans, registrations, magazine capacities, etc. die down a little bit.

Dear Doc Jethro,

We do not use AR 15s at all in CAS!

Regards,

Allie Mo

Allie Mo · February 27, 2013, 02:52:45 PM

Quote from: Mean Bob Mean on February 26, 2013, 09:18:52 PM...1897s are great guns and likely won't be an issue if you shoot just occasionally. Folks I have spoken too--I have never fired one more than casually--have indicated they require constant upkeep, might ask around about 1897s from folks who know more than I. Double barrelled guns earn high marks for reliability from me. The 1897 I owned some years ago was in good working order but was not what I would call overly reliable or easy to use quickly. But, I am no 1897 expert.

Dear Doc Jethro,

I've been shooting the same 1897 in CAS for almost 14 years now and my husband used it before that for several years. It has been very reliable. I shot 4-5 times a month the first six years. Now, I only shoot it 2-3 times a month.

Ever heard of Lefty Longridge? We had a conversation about '97s last year and his experience has been similar to mine. Like with any product, there can be lemons out there. Don't let people who have only owned one of them dissuade you from considering the '97. Besides you can use it for Wild Bunch.

Regards,

Allie Mo

Camille Eonich · February 27, 2013, 03:28:40 PM

I've had no problems with my '97 either and that was shooting almost every Saturday and every Sunday of almost every weekend over 11 years. Not to mention many, many multiple day matches through out the year.

I've even run black powder though mine with no problems.

The SxS on the other hand, I despise them. Many love them. Try before you buy is a good idea and is very easily doable at most matches.

Leather is another thing that you don't want to spend a ton on for the first rig. Get good leather yes because leather is very important but don't go all out with a bunch of expensive carving and decorations because more than likely you will go through several rigs before you get the perfect one.