Another Word About CAS Guns

[Griff]

So's to not change another's thread:

I am collecting my CAS guns, one gun per completed semester of college. I have 2 Ruger NVs in 45 Colt, an inherited 97 shotgun and now will be looking for a Marlin Cowboy in 45 Colt. I was also thinking of a 92 in 45 Colt but the Marlin is easier to work on with drop in trigger kits, one piece firing pins, etc. Plus the bolt can be removed for cleaning. The Marlin is as period correct as the Rugers (not), but legal according to SASS.

Just a word about CAS guns. Most of us end up shooting 38 special instead of 45 C, but there are a few hangers on who still stick to the 45's. You need a 45C if you intend to shoot in the Classic Cowboy Category. Get a 92 or 94 as the very last resort. They are difficult to slick up, and can never be as slick as a Marlin 1894C. Buying a Marlin Cowboy is a waste of money as long as the 1894C is available, they look different but are no better. The 1894CBC also looks different than the standard 1894C, but doesn't shoot any better. I just spent two days working on a friend's 1894CBC (38 special only) and it still doesn't feed shorter cartridges very well. Marlin's are your best buy for a Cowboy rifle if cost is a concern. A toggle action rifle like a '73 or '66 makes the best Cowboy Rifle as far as speed goes because you can install a short stroke kit, but they are expensive at about $1000, compared to a Marlin being about $400.
NR

Another word about CAS guns, some categories are gun or caliber sensitive or specific.

CLASSIC COWBOY/COWGIRL
• Any Main Match revolver with non-adjustable, traditional sights.
• Revolvers must be shot duelist style. See Duelist description for required shooting technique.
• Revolver calibers: .40 caliber rimmed cartridges or larger—revolvers and rifle Examples include, but are not limited to, .38-40, .44 Special, .44 Russian, .44 Mag., .44-40, .45 Schofield, .45 Colt or .36 caliber or larger cap and ball.
• May use any SASS–legal ammunition as long as it adheres to the above caliber restrictions.
• Rifles: Any 1873 or earlier manufacture SASS–legal rifle or a replica thereof (e.g., 1866 Winchester, 1860 Henry, 1873 Winchester).
• Shotguns: SASS–legal external hammer double barrel or lever actions.

So yer '92, Win 94 or Marlin wouldn't be legal, nor yer 1897 pump. Howver, for:

“B” WESTERN
• Any main match revolver with Traditional or Modern sights.
• Revolvers may be shot in any SASS–legal shooting style, at any time.
• Rifles: Any SASS–legal rifle of 1884 or later design or a replica thereof (i.e., 1892, 1894, Lightening Rifle, or Marlin).
• May use any SASS–legal shotgun.
• May use any SASS–legal ammunition.

And then there's BP for us purists, which includes Frontier Cartridge and Frontiersman for us masochistic purists!

BLACKPOWDER CATEGORIES
It is expected the blackpowder competitor shall contend with smoke obscured targets. To insure this, all shotgun, revolver, and rifle powder charges must produce smoke at least equivalent to a base line load of 15 grains by volume (1 cc) of ffg blackpowder.
FRONTIER CARTRIDGE
• Any Main Match revolver with non-adjustable, traditional sights.
• Revolvers may be shot two handed or one handed (duelist style).
• Must use blackpowder in all loads (rifle, sixgun, and shotgun).
• Must use a side-by-side or lever action shotgun in the main match stages.
• Any SASS–legal pistol caliber rifle is acceptable.
• Frontier Cartridge Duelist is also recognized, with all requirements being the same except the Duelist shooting style is used. See Duelist description for required shooting technique.
NOTE: Frontier Cartridge competitors may use any SASS–legal firearms and propellants in team and side matches.
FRONTIERSMAN
• Any Main Match percussion revolver with non-adjustable, traditional sights. (Exception: The 1873 Uberti percussion revolver is not allowed. )
• Revolvers must be shot duelist style. See Duelist description for required shooting technique.
• Must use blackpowder in all loads (rifle, sixgun, and shotgun).
• Must use a side-by-side or lever action shotgun in the main match stages.
• Any SASS–legal pistol caliber rifle is acceptable.

Please note that I didn't include the costuming requirements for either CC or B-Western.

However, I have to emphasize that none of the above should stop or delay your apppearance nor participation as there are many other categoreis which don't restrict gun or caliber choices. Just thought I'd give ya a 'lil warnin'!

I'll also speak for most any club, just show up, I'm sure you'll be made to feel welcome.

[JReed]

Yep get what you want shoot lots and have fun. Many in the CAS game tend to forget that this is suposed to be a fun game. When I first started in SASS I used a Ruger Vaquero and a Blackhawk for pistols a Win 94 Trapper and SxS Rossi 20ga. All except the shotgun were .45colt and I did fairly well as far as times IMHO. Unfortunatly I dont shoot anymore just dont have the time.
If you want a slick 92 get a hold of our own Nate Jones. But for the average CAS shooter any of the levers will get you in the game and provide lots of fun. I never felt like I couldnt shoot fast with my Win 94 but then again I am no China Camp or Evil Roy.

[Ysabel Kid]

Handy reference - thank you!