well, bout' time i get into this............

[deputy dave]

howdy all, long time shooter and reloader..............in other sports that is............

so here i am, bout' to turn 50 and embark into the world of cas. And feelin' like a rookie to say the least.  Lord knows i have been readin' up on cas as much as possible on the internet. Its basicly the only source of info available to me as no one else in my county is involved in the sport. I have managed to locate some sass clubs in the region which will mean dependin' on my days off, i will be drivin' anywhere from 90 to 130 mile round trip to get involved.

Anyways, i am startin' to 2nd guess myself and decisions on the equipment as for one thing, this is a rather expensive sport to get in to. So, i hope ya'll don't mind if i ramble a bit and ask a few questions here and there about a few specifics on guns and equipment.

bout' the only concrete decisions so far is the stoger sxs and the marlin lever. These are for the most part cost driven decisions as the stoger seems reasonable and the marlin---especially on the used market----seems way more affordable than the 1873's, 66's, or the 92's........... However, other questions sure do remain as far as handguns and leather.

i am hoping that attending a couple of cas matches over the next couple of months may help settle the handgun and leather questions-------at least startin' out. Hopefully there will be an opptrunity to handle a few guns and get perhaps a little trigger time.

But, bein' kind of eager, i'm just explorin' the options. Here is what i've come up with so please give me an opinion based on either experience or first hand knowledge of what you have seen........

Costs is the over-whelming concern here getting started so unfortunately, the ruger vaqueros are ruled out at least in the short run. I know from past life experiences tha used blackhawks can be had ball park $250, but i really don't want to go the adj sight route as i feel it is too limiting. Currently as i understand it, the adj sight guns will limit me to the traditional catagory since "modern" has been merged with it.........and "B" western. While fixed sight seems to open more doors such as gunfighter and dualist.

So, here is what i am looking at.
charles daly (discontinued but still available)
eaa "bounty hunter" (rarely talked about but seems down right impressive----but ignored by the majority?)
taurus gaucho--------(discontinued but still available, and a love/hate relationship)

that's purty much it for selections----cost wise. There are no gun shops in the area that handle any of these cas revolvers as rugers and cimmerons seem to rule the roost. And for some reason, i am afraid that the area cas clubs will follow the gunshops in what they use.........just don't know till i get there.

i have used the search feature here and have read reports on these 3 guns...........unfortunately what is available seems to be a bit old. I know that the charles daly and the taurus gaucho are discontinued which makes one wonder as to why. Was it lack of sales? quality problems? design problems? or just plain lack of interest.........

the eaa bounty hunter is still available and also has a lifetime warranty and parts available....but again, it is generally rarely spoken of and seldom brought up which makes me wonder why. The gun as i understand is the basic size of the blackhawk so its a bit bigger, but folks continue to say it is strong and durable. Is this gun just a sleeper that is over-looked?

Anyways, ya'll get the general idea by now what is floatin' around in my head. I'm gonna sit tight and hope i will be able to handle these models at a meet. But i ain't holdin' my breath.

Right know, the leading canadate for me is the bounty hunter as it is still in production, blackhawk size which i am familar with and have shot a lot over the years, has a lifetime waranty, and available for me to order in at around $300. But opinions are welcomed.

Caliber will most likely be 45-----just because i am a 45 shooter (acp) and have been for a long time. Reloadin' should help there and the loads will of course will be on the light side which also brings up another question. From past experience reloading say the 38 spl, it would not be unusual for me to reload a piece of brass over 20 times befor having to discard it for getting weak/neck splits/etc. I do not have experience with the 45 colt. Considering the design of the case, does the colt have a great "life expectancy" in the brass with light loads and reloading?

As for leather, be it right or wrong, this will fall into a "stop-gap" type mentality probably for the first year. Which means buyin' used from other shooters at the meets who have upgraded or changed-------or hitting oklahoama leather for low end holsters and use a klein belt.

Anyways, i appreciate ya'll puttin' up with my ramblin' and would appreciate any input on these 3 specific handguns. I am sure probably in time, there will be changes but the key word there is---------time.

[Black Powder]

Welcome, Deputy Dave. 

I'm sure you're embarking on a fun-filled journey.  It's a great group here, lots of good writers, good ideas and years and years of experience freely shared.

I am not familiar with those specific handguns.  As for leather, I expect you'll be able to find a better quality used rig with character that will prove more satisfying than new Oklahoma Leather.

BP

[Burly Bill]

Welcome, Deputy Dave. 

I'm sure you're embarking on a fun-filled journey.  It's a great group here, lots of good writers, good ideas and years and years of experience freely shared.

I am not familiar with those specific handguns.  As for leather, I expect you'll be able to find a better quality used rig with character that will prove more satisfying than new Oklahoma Leather.

BP

I looked for a long time and was surprised that one of the guys in our club, made me a great setup and it was really cheap.

[Forty Rod]

Yep, 'bout time.  What kept you? 

Welcome aboard and enjoy yourself.