OT-Cowboy Action Shooting

[JohnnyReb]

I have noted several on this board participate in SASS.

I am thinking about it with my son.

What is the best/most versatile/ etc. caliber?

I am leaning toward the .357 because of being able to use .38 for practice and competition.

However, 45LC is a more tradition caliber, it can be used in the mounted competition with wax bullets, there are more wax bullet options for 45LC.

Any thoughts or opinions to share?

Thanks
JR

[Grizzly Adams]

I use 357/38 spl for all my CAS guns. Overall, the 38 spl is the cheapest and, IMHO, the most versatile choice. It is also the best choice if your going to get your son involved.

Brass is cheaper to get, bullets are a bit less expensive and you use less powder so your money goes farther.

Whatever you choose, settle on the same caliber for both pistols and rifle - and for those who shoot with you. Makes life and reloading much less stressful!

FWIW, I load and shoot BP only, and my loads have never failed to take down the biggest knock down targets.

On some occasions I shoot 44WCF just to get my Colts and my 1860 Henry a little exercise!

Enjoy, its a great game for family!

[Nate Kiowa Jones]

Hi JR,
I agree. 38/357 guns are the most economical for the game. You didn't say how old your son is but if he can handle a full size revolver the new Ruger Vaquero is the most durable handgun, and of course the Rossi 92 is the most economical rifle.

[JohnnyReb]

Thanks fellas. My son is 13 yrs old. However, he is a big fella and should be able to handle the New Vaquero.

Sounds like a consensus on 357/38.

If I may follow-up. Noticed that you have a traditional class and kind of a "hollywood" class, the latter being for the more non-traditional holsters, etc as promotioned by the westerns. Any advantage or dis-advantage to being in one or the other? Other than personal style? Same competitions, etc?

[O.S.O.K.]

I haven't shot cas in a while - several years in fact. But, I'd like to get back into it.

I concurr on the 38 Special - and I highly recommend the Marlin 94 Cowboy chambered for 38 Special. Its a pip.

When I started, I chose the 45 Colt and loaded "traditional" power level loads - that is, black powder equivalent, smokless loads with 250 grain bullets at 800 fps. I liked the bark and challenge of making quick hits with a truely capable load. I did very well too - winning several competitions, but not nearly as many as those that chose the 38 Speical with mild competition loads.

If I were doing it all from scratch today - I'd go with the 38's.

As to the tradional vs modern class - with modern, you can use adjustable sighted revolvers like blackhawks which allows you to easily adjust your point of impact to your chosen loads. The traditional class dictates fixed sighted revolvers which means that you pick your load and then adjust your sights (by turning the barrel and filing the front sight) and then don't change anything. That, or just learn where to aim - a little high and left for example. And it's really mostly that- not the garb. You can shoot traditional and still use drop loop holsters (B Western type).

I will also recommend http://www.epsaddlery.com - this is what I outfitted myself and my boys with. Exceptional quality for the money and authentic - they've been making tack for over a hundered years.

Hope that helps some.

- "Three Cracker Jack"

[Lefty Dude]

Ditto;

On the 38's/ .357 This is what my Son shoots.

I shoot 44 specials in my Colts, and 44-40's in my Rifles 92 & 73.

[RIHMFIRE]

DITTOS ON THE 357....

[piller]

I have got to come see one of these events. Sounds like a great time. Anyone have a date on when the next one near Dallas would be?

[Lefty Dude]

Dallas area;

Ormsby ranch, south of FW, Cleburn area.

Look up; Lonestar Frontier Cowboy Action Shooting Club.

[piller]

Thanks, I will look it up. If I can get the time off I will be there to watch and see what it is all about.

[Grizzly Adams]

Thanks fellas. My son is 13 yrs old. However, he is a big fella and should be able to handle the New Vaquero.

Sounds like a consensus on 357/38.

If I may follow-up. Noticed that you have a traditional class and kind of a "hollywood" class, the latter being for the more non-traditional holsters, etc as promotioned by the westerns. Any advantage or dis-advantage to being in one or the other? Other than personal style? Same competitions, etc?

The "hollywood" class is called "B" Western, and has specific clothing, leather and gun requirements. No particular advantage to any catagory as such, other than something like B Western may cost you more to get equipped for. You can check on the specifics for each catagory by going here:

http://www.sassnet.com/Downloads/RO/SAS ... ok(14).pdf

I agree with Nate, the Vaquero and Rossi 92 are excellent values. Nate can fix you up with the Rossi, and may even be able to set you up with the starting package that EMF is offering now. Two pistols, a 92 and a shotgun for a reasonable price.

[Lefty Dude]

With one set of guns and each a holster set-up, you can have fun.

I agree a 92 would be the perfect starter Rifle you both can share.

And Yes, contact Nate he is also a CAS shooter and will steer you in the right direction.

[Griff]

I shoot .45s. My wife and son (@ 9yo) both started with .38s. The son now shoots .45s also. But, with 185 grain boolits @ ~800fps. I shoot BP either with the .45s or my .36 Navies.

Thanks Lefty Dude; I'll add that LSFSC is the BEST and oldest club in North Texas (2nd club in TX), we shoot both Sat and Sun the 2nd weekend of each month. However, in addition to our regular club shoot in May, over the Memorial Day weekend we're hosting our annual shoot, "The North Texas Roundup". Which, I might add, is the oldest annual shoot in TX. You can see more info @ Lone Star Frontier Shooting Club. (Oh, did I mention I was a founding officer?)

I also helped the first mounted club get started in TX. Now defunct, but replaced with a couple very competently run. But, they don't use wax bullets in mounted shooting. Just BP blanks. You can make your own for practice, but matches supply the blanks for competition. For more info you can visit www.cowboymountedshooting.com or www.sassnet.com

[Texican]

Ruger, Marlin, Stoeger. -- .38's and 12 gauge -- They'll take you as far as you want to go.

LSFSC is a fine club. I had the privilege of shooting there with Griff, Hondo Kid, Show Me Kid, Cookie, Dusty Boddems, Two Tre Sixes, Valdez and other true cowboys back when it was in Chico. A good bunch.