Trying to get started...

[BlackCatBriggs]

Hi there, shooters!

I've been doing a great deal of research into SASS and CAS lately, and I'd like to try out the sport when I get on my feet. At the moment, I'm a recently unemployed IT professional looking for work. When I get my stuff in order, I'd like to find some Cowboy Action Shooting near me. I'm not unfarmiliar with firearms, and I've shot plenty in my time. I've only used a few revolvers, and only one single-action at that. Despite this, I think I'd like to get into the sport for one very strong reason: It's fun to dress up and shoot at things!

I'd like to buy a used Schofield reproduction or two to start. I've yet to decide on a rifle, but I'm almost certain I prefer the coach guns to the pump-guns when it comes to shot guns.

Any tips for a budget shooter trying to get on his feet? Where to get sturdy, plain, inexpensive rigs? Where to find used repro weapons? Where to find shoots in my area (East Alabama right now, though I might relocate for whatever job I find.) or just a nice place to practice at?

[ChuteTheMall]

Go spectate at some matches, don't buy anything yet because it's easy to borrow a test run.
Just bring eye and ear protection.
If you want, you can help pick up brass; that's your excuse to get closer to the firing line.

After you've tried a few guns you'll have a better idea of what you want.
sassnet.com  has links to all SASS affiliated clubs; here's a start:

http://www.sassnet.com/clubs/Clubs_list.php?state=Alabama

http://www.sassnet.com/clubs/Clubs_list.php?state=Georgia

[Bugscuffle]

All can say is "Hurry up slowly!" The guns are just the beginning. There are a couple of dozen things that you'll need and some of them you can start aquiring right now. There are shotshell slides to be made, bandanas to be bought/found/made, suspenders to get, pants (cut off the belt loops and sew in some suspender buttons to make an authentic 1880's pair of trousers, try NOT to use blue jeans), got boots?, got a western shirt? In any respect, you'll feel as though you are making progress toward your goal and if you look like you belong at a shoot it's much easier to engage people in conversation and learn a little about which ever part of CAS you are interested in. For instance in 3 Gun you only need three guns as opposed to four for SASS. In some CAS shoots you only need one reveolver and one rifle. Some clubs can sometimes get a little particular abouit the costumiing nd guns as far as authenticity goes, but to those that shoot those regimes it's worth it to have the feeling of authenticity and they are always ready to help out a newcomer and give him/her a little slack when beginning. So dive on in and welcome to the fold.

[Jefro]

  bandanas to be bought/found/made, suspenders to get, pants (cut off the belt loops and sew in some suspender buttons to make an authentic 1880's pair of trousers, try NOT to use blue jeans), got boots?, got a western shirt?

Howdy BlackCat and Welcome, before you spend a dime STOP!! Start going to as many local matches as you can find, introduce yerself, offer to help out. Most of us are more than willing to let you try our gear, try before you buy. Call the local MD, most of them can have some different shooting irons lined up for you to shoot. Bring a belt large enough to hang two holsters on, try before you buy. If yer on a budget the cost of one Schofield will get you two Cattleman, try before you buy.
   Don't worry too much about clothes to start for SASS. SASS only has specific costume requirements for two categories, B-Western and Classic Cowboy, all other categories only require the minmum. There is one top shooter that wears only a pair of bibs, no shirt, no shoes, sometimes a hat. Not everyone was a cowboy, there were bartenders, cobblers, lawyers, store clerks, miners, townies, farmers...etc...etc. A pair of jeans, a long sleve shirt, and a pair of leather shoes or work boots is all you need. You can build on your costume from there or remain the same.  I usually dress as a townie and always wear shoes. NCOWS does have specific guidlines on clothes, where SASS only has a list of outlawed items. Jeans OK, long sleve work shirt OK, leather shoes OK, work boots OK. Good Luck

Jefro Relax-Enjoy

[Tascosa Joe]

BCB:

Get in touch with Major 2, the Cracker Cowboys NCOWS posse is having their inagural shoot 3 Dec.  It will be held somewhere around Orlando.  My guess is that is 3 hours from you.  Major 2 posts on several of these sites regularly.  NCOWS has 2 gun catagories, which drops start up costs a lot.  Our rules are a little more strict on clothing, but we have a little broader varity of weapons choices as long as they were available 1866-1899.  Google NCOWS and check out the Web page.  Also look at the Berger Sharpshooters Web page as well it has lots of clothing tips.

T-Joe

[BlackCatBriggs]

I've actually got a headstart on costumes, due to a background in theatre, but I appreciate the suggestions. I'd like to try and find a match in my area, so the link is really helpful. I'm a bit disappointed that the closest match to me is at the EAGC. They're the most expensive range I've ever been to, and they also require extraneous memberships. Some of the Western Georgia matches look very nice, and have very cheap membership dues for their local clubs. Not only that, but they're as close as an hour's drive. Very convenient.

And yes, the Schofields are certainly expensive. Nonetheless, I'd prefer them for two reasons that are very important to me: the obvious break-top reloading mechanism, as well as the shorter, wider hammer. My only experience with SA shooting taught me exactly how long my thumb is. And it's long enough that I don't need the hammer tearing up the skin between my thumb and my palm. That said, I will if course want to try before I buy, as with any large purchase.

Does anyone here participate in any of the West Georgia clubs? I'd like to talk to some people and find myself a "range-buddy" who'll meet me there and help me get introduced to everybody.  

As for the NCOWS, I'll have to hold off on that until I can afford to drive that far and possibly even stay in a hotel, depending on how tired I am after driving that distance and then shooting all day. It does sound fun, though, and I'd like to explore multiple clubs and find one that accepts me/is convenient/is cheap/all of the above.

[Jefro]

I'm a bit disappointed that the closest match to me is at the EAGC. They're the most expensive range I've ever been to, and they also require extraneous memberships. Some of the Western Georgia matches look very nice, and have very cheap membership dues for their local clubs. Not only that, but they're as close as an hour's drive. Very convenient.


Does anyone here participate in any of the West Georgia clubs? I'd like to talk to some people and find myself a "range-buddy" who'll meet me there and help me get introduced to everybody.  

Howdy BlackCat, the SASS match at EAGC is only $15 for non-members, and $10 for your first match. You do not have to belong to the different gun clubs, or local cowboy clubs to shoot the matches. We shoot in several different states, but only belong to one local club. Most matches around here are $10-$15, some give a $5 discount if you belong to the local cowboy club, we charge $10 for everyone. There are plenty of good pards in Alabama and Georgia, give the Match Directors a call, start going to some local matches and join the fun. Good Luck

Jefro Relax-Enjoy

[BlackCatBriggs]

Do you play at the EAGC, Jefro?

If so, would you be willing to help me make plans to show up to the December match? Since you'd already know everybody, I'd feel a great deal more comfortabke with your help, at least approaching the RO.

[Tornado]

Black Cat,
I don't know how far you are form Andersonville, Ga but there is a club trying to get stared at this new range.  I just found out about it not too long ago.  I have never been to a CAS shoot but I have allways been interested.  Now that I found out about this place, I have begun to save my pennies.  I emailed them and they will probably be a SASS club but the guy I wrote(Bill I think?) said they will offer some classes that require less than 4 guns .  The range justed opened this summer, but they are doing IDPA and 3 gun competitions now.
http://www.campsumter.net/#!
Also this high end place near Blakely, Georgia opened last spring and I heard they might do CAS later.
http://www.marksmanshipacademy.com/index.cfm