Inexpensive Armament

[O.T. Buchannan]

Hey, I'm getting ready to do an article concerning getting into Western Action Shooting 'on a budget'.  With this in mind, I've got a question:

What are some of the most affordable reproduction firearms on the market, that are still reasonably authentic?  I'm going to do this article with different 'levels' of expense.  There are some other reproductions on the market that I've heard about, but not handled, so any insight you all can give me will be GREATLY appreciated.

THANKS!

[Books OToole]

It is hard to beat the price of the new Taurus "Thunderbolt."  It's functionality has got mixed reviews.  I have not shot one but have handled a couple.  They look and feel great.

Books

[Chance]

I believe Dixie does the Whitney Navy revolver by Palmetto. It's cheap over here so should be good value over there. The one I tested was a great little pistol.

[44caliberkid]

I started with cap n' ball revolvers just from an economic standpoint.  I got both my pistols for less than $200 (one was used, $35 at an auction)  I bought a shirt, trousers, and brougans at Civil War Re-enactments, all on sale, less than $110 for the whole outfit.  My only splurge was for the rifle, a Uberti 1866 in 44-40.  I could have saved $150 if I'd accepted a 38 Special or 45 Colt, but I wanted a 44.  Civil War era belt and holsters, cap pouch, ammo pouch, also from Suttler's row, you can make some good deals there, 'specially on Sunday afternoon and it's been a slow weekend.
  I found Uberti/Armi/Pietta 1873 revolvers in 45 Colt, used, going for $300 -$325 at the gunshows last winter.  Those German made 1873's, whose name escapes me now(oh yeah, Bounty Hunters), go for about $325 -$350 new, and are good product.
 An 1892 Italian repro in 38/357 or 45 Colt can be had for $400 new, or $325 used. (Rossi, Puma, Navy, EMF)
Just about everyones prices have been going up in the last few months, which puts the Taurus Goucho in the ball park.  Forget suggested retail, I've never seen a Taurus sell for anywhere near MSRP.  Also, go to big, chain sporting stores like Cabellas, Sportsmans Warehouse, etc.  They buy in quantity and can sell them cheaper.

[Lone Gunman]

Two words: Pawn Shops...or is that one word, Pawnshops?

Either way it won't be as fast as plunkin' down full retail for shiny new guns but you can't beat the price. I paid $170 for my 3" ejectorless SAA; $225 for an 1875 Remington; $175 for a Rossi Overland SXS; $165 for a Puma '92 etc. Always make a ridiculous lowball offer, if they take it you offered too much      Even if it's nothing you'd want to shoot, a good deal can often be traded somewhere else for something you do want. You won't find a lot of 'our' guns in pawn shops but the ones yo do find are usually a bargain because the typical pawn shop gun buyer will usually be looking for something more along the lines of a semi-auto, and may be heard asking, "what kind of bullets does this gun shoot?"    I was once in a pawn shop and a kid with his pants halfway to his knees and  his mother in tow said he was looking for some kind of 9mm or a shotgun     He compromised with one of those Chinese 9mm clip-fed rifles. I figure his name was probably in the paper not long after that.  The same shop sold me a 'C' model '97 for $100.  It takes a little time but bargains are out there.

[Sam Perfye]

I'd have to agree with LG, as much as that pains me. Pawn-shops are a great source for the firearms we use. I picked up an original H&A SxS in 90-95% condition for $180. Another source is the local auction house. In my area there isn't to much demand for our guns and they usually go fairly reasonable, unless 44CK and I happen to be at the same auction, great minds think alike I quess.  Hope this helps, Al.

[Major 2]

I think you need to include the Uberti Millennium @ $249 ea.
I've seen two of these used in Mounted and CAS (same two) for the last 4 or 5 years.
He bought them on sale at Cabella for $179 ea. (reg. $199 ) those days are gone, but still @ $249 they are a budget minded bargain.

A good used SXS is not to hard to find at around $200....

Levergun well thats a bit harder,  but at entry level , a Rossi 94 can be had cheap enough $249.00 , or better yet a Plain Jane Marlin at one of those Big chain Sporting goods stores.

Howdy Doody (on this Board)  got one for about $350  NIB

Heck , that still $950.00 - $1050.00   

[Guage Rod]

I was in Scheals All Sport about 2 years ago, and Was talking to the Gun Manager, asking about any guns that were in the Single Action, arangement that were on sale.   He found me a brand new 44 mag, ORV for $329.00 brand new in the box. He had it under the counter, and another in 45 Cal on display I believe.  The 44 had been around for over a year and they wanted to move it.  I wanted to help them and the Baby is now in my gun cabinet. If you don't see it on display, ask, might work out for you.  I heard a pard In happened upon a 66 winny repro in 44-40 from the Scheals up there in Waterloo, he got a Great buy about on the 66 about 4 years ago since it had been in the Store for over a year (Not many non-cas types want to load 44-40's), I believe he said he paid just over $500.00 for it brand new.  It pays to look also at Cabela's bargin area, they will move older merchandise out there and they will often have CW or CAS stuff, anything from clothing to holsters, even saw C&B pistolas in the Cabela's discount area in Prairie Du Scheen store.  I like to also look at the local trader magazines for good used weapons, can just about always pick up a new Muzzel loader (Non-CAS) for dear hunting or getting used to BP for about half price.  Most are lightly used.  Good Luck and Happy Hunting.

Vayva Con Dios

[Cuts Crooked]

Keeping in mind your original premise of "affordable reproduction firearms" I'd have to agree with those who have mentioned the Rossi rifles and scatterguns. The normal prices on those are pretty danged good and they are good quality too! (The new Taurus Thunderbolt sounds fabulous, and Taurus has a hard earned reputation for quality, but they don't have a track record with this gun yet)

Regarding pistols, the Eytalian guns are really hard to beat price wise, and again the quality is very nice on them these days. I recently purchased a Charles Daly in .357 from Marshal Halloway and the quality and price were simply unbelieveable!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Yuma Kid]

Major231,
Isn't the Millenium a matted finished brass grip frame revolver?  I don't believe they would be a legal revolver if so.  I don't believe any Colt cartridge revolvers were produced with brass grip frames or a matted finish.
Yuma

[Major 2]

It's SASS legal ,and as far as I know fine for NCOWS...
Same finish as the USFA Rodeo ( Matte ) and they are legal

Colt produced the 51 Navy and the Richards Conversions  (Brass grip frames) they are legal.

O.T.  said "Western Action Shooting" assumed he meant  CAS ... SASS & NCOWS.

They use Stainless Steel Rugers ,Remingtons & Stoegers  all legal , heck even the Henry "Big Boy" is legal in SASS... (but not NCOWS )

I've seen the Milleniums used at the National Mounted Champs....

They are legal   

[O.T. Buchannan]

Matt, thanks for the reply.  Actually, my focus is on what would be NCOWS legal - not SASS legal.  Still, I appreciate the reply, and I will give that one some thought, along with the rest.

THANKS!

[Major 2]

I should have paid attention to where this was posted the NCOWS Forum...

Sadly no NCOWS Posse in Florida, so I was not up on the Rule 10.
I use Opentops & R&M's so matte finish is not within the scope of my interest so it did not register.

Now if you remove the finish, Like some here have, it is legal in NCOWS ?

Also something to note : NCOWs has the working Cowboy class ( just two Guns Revolver & Rifle) Something SASS Should offer.
So the entry equipment costs are lower.
This alone should make NCOWS more attractive to a new shooter....

I myself prefer NCOWS more historical approach.... Here's hoping more Fla. shooters feel the same way.

[Books OToole]

Major231;

One of the vendors at the NCOWS Convention did just that.  I'm not sure what brand it was, through it did have a steele grip frame.  He removed the mat finish and applied a beautiful straw/charcoal blue.  I was real tempted.  But I bought a '58 Remington w/conversion cylinder instead.

Books

[O.T. Buchannan]

Major, yes, refinishing it would be a good option, and there are things you can do with that backstrap.  Also, yes, I'm already thinking in terms of the Working Cowboy class to keep the cost down........

[Major 2]

Working Cowboy should predominate , ( I don't mean take over I still want to shoot the other Guns , I mean large #'s of entries  )
... I've seen several fellows look at the entry cost of 4 Guns and either pospone starting or not getting involved at all.

Sure There are those that will loan guns, but that gets old, because there are those that take advantage of the good will.

A two gun class , unified between NCOWS & SASS , now that is something CAS shooters should get behind.

[US Scout]

I'm for it. 

I visited the SASS board today - first time in about a month as I seldom find anything of interest.  Someone was saying he was just getting into SASS after many years of shooting because he couldn't afford the four guns. 

Getting started with just two guns is much easier than trying to assemble all four (not everyone likes to borrow guns from others).

[44caliberkid]

I've had a notion to sit in the casino parking lots with a "Will Buy Guns for Cash" sign on the windshield, but figured the cops would be unamused.
Shalako, the auctions are safe for awhile, I'm broke.

[Major Matt Lewis]

I have found that the Taurus Gaucho's are high quality and generally run between $350 - $375.  Couple that with a Rossi 92 for $400 and a Remington Spartan Coach Gun for $270 and you are in the game for a meager...$1370.

[Dr. Bob]

Howdy OTB,

My ol' daddy told me, when I was a young lad, "Buy the best gun for the purpose the first time and you will spend a lot less in the long run."  I purchased both of mine used, but still $1,100.  A Beretta Stampede and a 1873 short rifle, both in 45 LC.

I handled a Thnderbolt and it looks great.  I would like to own one.  I'm making payments on a shotgun and the Thunderbolt will have to wait.

I am quite happy shooting Working Cowboy/Originals, so I don't need the shotgun, but I want one any way.  It will be an interesting article, I'm sure!