Run what ya Brung

couple of questions:  does the shotgun have an exposed hammer?  that's a requirement of both WB and CAS (cowboy action shooting)

1911 needs to be normal slide length

lever action rifle needs to be above .4o cal

have you thought about just shooting CAS?  we can lend you revolvers and leather so you can complete.  Your lever action is fine and we can russell up a shotgun for you to use if you pump doesn't have the exposed hammer that is required

cheyenne

We're pretty forgiving at the club level matches for new shooters, and will be happy to work with you to get started.  There are various requirements for SASS and Wild Bunch (two nominally different shooting groups that we allow at our local matches.

Wild Bunch - As Cheyenne says, it officially requires a full size 1911.  At our local matches you can use what you have.  Even calibers other than 45 ACP.  Shotguns can be either a Winchester 1897 or Winchester Model 12.  The rifle is supposed to be 40 caliber (i.e. 38-40) or greater.  We'll let you use what you have.

For regular SASS type shooting, any single action revolver and caliber is fine (32 caliber or larger).  Any pistol caliber rifle is fine.  Shotguns may be either a double (hammered or hammerless) or the Winchester 1887 (lever action) or 1897 (pump).

We'll be happy to bring loaner guns to help get started.  Our monthly practice day is a good time to come out and get familiar with various options and discuss things.  You're also very welcome to come on a match day and observe and ask questions.

I have a been a shooter for a long time. I lived in NYC for a few years and that was when I realized most high schools did not have a rifle range on campus. My ROTC had a .22 50' range.  I have wanted to do some action shooting, I like costumes a little....  I don't have a CAS set up nor a WB set up.  I would like to shoot an automatic and get better with it than pick up a SA or two revolvers.  Which is why I am drifting towards WB.  After some more perusing, of rules and guides, I understand about the shotgun rule and Cimarron makes a 97 that looks interesting.  I am now just trying to convince myself to wake up early Saturday and drive out to see a match and meet all ya'll folks.

The only weapon I actually own right now, that is a SASS weapon is my old Marlin 38/357.    If I were going to buy some more gun (What? No me? Never....)

Id rather buy a 1911.

Also I like the 41/4" barrel guns more.  I know I would never get out of Thunder River with it but.... Always the problem is you start with one gun and end up with several safes.

Most clubs will let you use a shorter barreled 1911 at their local matches, but you’d have to check with them to be sure. You just wouldn’t be able to shoot it at a major match. That being said, lots of folks never attend one of the big matches.

Your Marlin is an excellent SASS rifle, so great there. And the Cimarron 1897 is a good shotgun. You might also check around the used guns (and places liked gunbroker.com) for used ones and original 1897’s and Model 12’a. Most folks don’t realize it but 1897’s were manufactured until 1955 and there are a lot of them around in good condition. They were a John Browning design and a very robust gun.

We’ll be there the next two Saturday’s, so come on out and check us out - we don’t bite!

howdy JR

First welcome to the most fun you'll ever have with your clothes on  ?  

just come on out and let us lend you what you need to try the cowboy part of SASS/WB. Normal round count is 10 pistol, 10 rifle and 4+ shotgun shells per stage = 60, 60 and about a box of shotgun shells per match.  WB will shoot about 100-120 pistol rounds as well as 50 rifle and a box of shotgun.  They usually take 4-5 magazines to each stage.  

Bring you Marlin to use (if you need ammo I have both 38 and 357--does one work better than the other in you rifle?) while you have to have .40 caliber or better to shoot WB, we don't worry about that as you're getting into the sport/hobby/obsession. 

If you don't have a shotgun I have both a SxS and 97 you can try . . . heck fire, try them both during the match--I've got ammo for them, too.

I've got loaner 45 Colt revolvers and holsters--you might want to bring a belt as my girth is legendary.  what I have is in 40-48 size which I'll bring if that will fit you

Eyes and ears are required and we have loaners if you need them.

Don't worry about cowboy clothes; about the only thing that can rile folks is a baseball cap.  If that's all you got, wear it--we don't have fashion police at TRR

Registration ends at 8:30, then a safety meeting and shooting around 9:00 assuming our President-for-Life Blackpowder Burn (BPB) doesn't take forever.  Come early so we can get you leathered up (is that even a word?) and checked out on each gun type.

you can email me direct walterlaich  'at' comcast 'dot' net and we can carry on a much quicker discussion.

let me know and I can send you our latest newsletter (went out yesterday) and the match booklet for Sat--that way you can ask questions ahead of time

cheyenne

1st thing is I hate computers often, took me 30 min to log back in.

I have been talking to people here for a while, I hope to be by this weekend.  But Life gets in the way.

I feel your pain. I’m in the socialist paradise of Rhode Island this week. I’ll get back just in time to gather up things so I can shoot stuff Saturday.