Hello from the swamps!

[The collector]

Hello from the swamps of Florida! I'm new in this here neck of the woods, and am gittin' more and more excited about joinin' the SASS community. I've downloaded the SASS handbook and read it cover to cover and I am hoping to start buying guns later this year. My applicable experience is as such, 5 years USMC, I do most of my own gunsmithing and I build AR15 rifles for fun, I have done a very modest amount of leather working, and sewing. I have an 1800's treadle sewing machine I landed to make most of my own clothes and leather with. So my first question to you guys shall be, where do I start?

[Major 2]

You probably have done one of the best things to start ...Looked in and chimed on here at Cas City.  

Many many many, wise folks here,  in the "been there, done that" expertise.

What part of Florida ? ...you can't turn into 'nother county  without finding a SASS club , range or members of this posse or that posse'.
Every weekend , Sat. or Sun somewhere they are holding a match....
So, look up the ones close to your home base, call then go to a few matches .

Bet you'll find , familiar faces , as these guys travel all over the State.  

Someone is always, selling something somewhere so Guns may be had, duds too....
But at lest go, wade in a bit first , find what you like in the way of equipment , calibers etc. .... before you jump in the deep end  

Now if your in the Orlando area , PM me and I'd be happy meet with you...

[The collector]

Not to far. New port Richey. Bout 30 minutes straight north of Tampa.

[Sagebrush Burns]

Go on the SASS web page and find some local clubs.  Give the contacts a call and tell 'em what you told us.  Then go to some matches and let the shooters know you're interested.  Most of them will go out of their way to welcome you, likely put some guns in your hands and say something like:  "here, give it a try".  From there, proceed as ...

[The collector]

Sounds good. I'll do that. Hopefully there's a meet or two going on during spring break.

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

Have you heard of NCOWS, the National Congress of Old West Shootists. The Cracker Cowboy Cavalry are located in the Orlando area. If you wish to explore a more historical approach to frontier action shooting, then check it out;

http://ncows.com/posses.html

Of course, you can access NCOWS without a comitment through this forum.

[Major 2]

   Cracker Cow Cavalry would be, ummmm   >  My posse'