Any SASS Shooters Here?

[Candyman87]

I was listening to the Reloading Podcast on my commute yesterday, and this week they were discussing reloading for Cowboy Action Shooting. When I got home, I decided to look a bit into it by watching some videos.

Needless to say, the girlfriend caught me watching these videos and nearly fell in love... I've been trying to find a competition that we could do together (she finds IDPA very intimidating) but finds the idea of SASS a bit more appealing.

We're looking to track down a club that shoots these matches so we can watch one, and maybe participate in another before diving in. That being said, there are some questions about the possibility.

1) If we were to dive in, would it be possible for us to share firearms during a competition? i.e. to initially reduce cost, she would buy the pistols and I would buy the long guns or vice versa and both use them in the same match?

2) Is it feasible to use mismatched revolvers in a competition as long as they're the same caliber? I'm leaning towards either .38 Special/.357 Magnum but her father has an older SAA clone in .45 Colt that we might be able to get our hands on since he doesn't shoot it.

3) Is it as addictive as they say it is? When I first heard about SASS, I thought it sounded silly... a bunch of grown ups playing cowboy. Then I thought about it... it's awesome... a bunch of grown ups are playing cowboy!

 

[2ndunamended]

My neighbor belongs to a local S.A.S.S club. He really likes it and they do get into it. He's always building new sets (saloon, bank, jail... still waiting on the brothel I suggested...).

I know the loads are generally lighter so they are easier to shoot, and more safely accurate.

Regarding who buys what guns... Just make sure you have a "prenup!" Just kidding- good luck and have fun!!!

 

[Candyman87]

Regarding who buys what guns... Just make sure you have a "prenup!" Just kidding- good luck and have fun!!!

Only a temporary solution... knowing me, I'll end up upgrading to some fancier revolvers... you know, boys and their toys

 

[RPRNY]

So I somewhat reluctantly, or to my chagrin, got into it this year.

I am still too embarrassed about dressing up to play cowboy to discuss it with mere civilians and my beloved teases me fairly mercilessly.

However, I have shot with two different clubs this year, albeit with some membership/ participation overlap (northern CO) and I can honestly say they are the nicest, most welcoming, helpful,low pressure cult I have come across. Men, women and a few buckaroos from all walks of life, albeit retiree skewed. Some folks take the competition very seriously, others are there for the social aspect. As long as you are safe, fairly affable, and don't unduly get in the way of the serious competitors, you will, in my somewhat limited experience, be welcomed with open arms.

Your instinctive approach is eminently sensible. The spirit of the thing means you have to cowboy up, but that need not be elaborate or expensive. Jeans, a western shirt off ebay and a straw hat will do until you decide whether you're hooked or not and want to develop a character. Similarly, with firearms, best not to dive in. Safe but cheap is a good way to start and while it will be somewhat brutal on the firearms, you can certainly start off sharing. It is an expensive hobby.

Ideally, revolvers and rifle will be the same caliber. 38 special has the advantages of economy and soft shooting. 45 lc is somewhat quintessential. 44-40 is tastefully highbrow. 1873 race guns predominate among the truly fast. Shotguns are more evenly split between repeaters and double barrels and a Stoeger coach gun is a very cost effective entry.

It is a hoot. People are nice. Go to a few shoots and see if it suits.

 

[RugerBob]

I got into it about 10 years ago, and the wife soon after. We shared guns, but she had her own leather as mine was to big. Go watch a live match, ask questions and I bet at the end someone will let you try out their stuff.
Clothing, start simple with hat and boots, read the rules on the sass forum. Not everyone can gear up to have everything by their first match. Ain't exactly cheap.
Great people.

 

[Lafitte]

I have been shooting CAS/SASS since 1995 and still enjoy every match.

Yes, you can share firearms, it is done quiet often.

Yes, you can use mismatched pistols and calibers, it is not done very much but it is done

Yes, it is addictive!

Find a local match and go visit. You will find a very welcoming bunch and will probably wind up shooting someone's guns that day. Ask questions, look at equipment, have fun.

Lafitte

 

[jwrowland77]

After I got done doing that show, I looked in to it myself. I'm seriously thinking about just getting another cap and ball revolver that takes .454 roundballs and giving it a go. Lol.

All I would have to get is a rifle and shotgun and some holsters. That's it. LOL.

 

[stoky]

Jeans, a western shirt off ebay and a straw hat will do until you decide whether you're hooked or not and want to develop a character.

Boots might be more appropriate than Nikes

just don't do it

 

[25-5]

Some of the most fun shooting you'll ever have. Some of the nicest people you will ever meet.

 

[jwrowland77]

Some of the most fun shooting you'll ever have. Some of the nicest people you will ever meet.

I have found this true over multiple disciplines. The competitive shooting world is just awesome.

 

[delrom418]

I've been doing it for several years. Here's a good website to check out. They have a forum that can answer a lot of your questions. They will also have a list of affiliated clubs in your area. You'll be fine sharing guns, and yes, it's addictive!


http://www.sassnet.com/

 

[Red Cent]

http://www.sassnet.com/clubs/

click on a state for a listing of all the clubs.
Started about 15 years ago and competed until around 2008. I have competed in a bunch of firearms disciplines including IPSC/USPSA and I never had the fun I had in SASS.
Go to a local match and watch a couple of stages. Pick out a decent shooter from the group and approach them. You will probably be overwhelmed with advice.
Don't go buying stuff until you talk to them. You can make some expensive mistakes in your purchases. In SASS, they use a timer. Competition. Leather is important for speed. And the weapons. This should get a rise from a few. The Winchester 92, 94, and the Henry Big Boy are NOT good choices for SASS. Wonderful guns but they will not run at speed.
SASS is a little expensive to get into but it the most fun you can have with your clothes on.

 

[loose noose]

SASS is definitely the cats meow, I joined back in 1998, and had the most fun a guy could have outside of; well you know. Unfortunately back in 2004 I had open heart surgery and just couldn't keep up any more, and had to turn in my spurs. I still have all the guns and leather, and still take to the range on occasion, just not every other weekend. Note I had belonged to two different clubs out here. I started out shooting the conventional pistols and rifles, and shotguns (double barrel), and then got into the black powder 1858 Remingtons, and 1860 Colts, along with a SXS exposed hammer, not to mention my 1873 Winchester rifle, and 1892 rifles. Believe me it is great fun, and can be very expensive and definitely addictive.

 

[cpt-t]

Candyman87: If You and your Girlfriend like to shoot. You guys will have a great time at a Cowboy Action Shoot. Just go and watch one, the people You will meet there are just super, and most of them are there to have a good time. I still remember the first Cowboy Shoot I ever went to in the early 90`s, just to watch of course. Well that never happened, befor I new it I was wearing a really nice Gun Belt and Holsters and a pair of 45cal SA Rugers that belonged to someone I didn`t even know. Along with a Gun Cart with a 45Cal Lever Action Marlin Rifle and a 12 Gauge 1897 Win Pump Shotgun setting in it. And the Gun Cart was full of the ammo I would need for the whole match. There was no telling any of them no. They led me by the hand, threw the whole days shoot. And not one of them would not let me repay them for the ammo I shot. And I had a great time. You will need a pair of SA Pistols, Gun Belt and Holsters, and a Lever Action Rifle of the same Caliber I think. And either a Side by Side or a Pump Shotgun with an exposed Hammer. And there is no reason You Guys can`t share your guns at first. Make sure you both know what you want to shoot befor you buy anything. You will both need a Cowboy Hat , Pair of Boots, and a Cowboy Shirt and you guys will be ready to go. Yes it is addictive and Yes some people think this is silly. But really a bunch of grown ups having a great time, playing Cowboy for a few hours is as You said ((( Awesome ))) IMHO. Give Cowboy Action Shooting a try, I bet you two will really enjoy it. For me its a HOOT, and a great way to spend a day shooting with people I enjoy being with.
ken

 

[SASS#23149]

you <can. share guns,but the unloading table is usually very small,compared to the loading table,while you clear your guns..which u MUST do..and then hand them over to her,another pard or two will be stacked up behind you ,waiting to get cleared.

You can for sure use different caliber/different model guns if need be.One caliber using the same load makes life much easier though.

Is it addictive? Like Cheese-its !!

 

[Crunchy Frog]

Here is a link to the SASS-affiliated clubs in Pennsylvania. You might also check for clubs in neighboring states. http://www.sassnet.com/clubs/Clubs_list.php?state=Pennsylvania

I am coming up on the 6th anniversary of my first match. I enjoy lots of different shooting disciplines but I have found that cowboy action shooters are the friendliest bunch around.

It is a GREAT couples/family sport. My wife joined me a couple of years ago; it is very easy to share guns when you are starting out (having your own leather is a big plus, though). My wife is 5'2" and I am 6'0", so before too long I cut the stock of the shotgun to fit her and got my own shotgun.

Here is the advice I was given when I expressed an interest in the sport: Don't buy anything. Come to a local match and check it out. This is good advice.

At my match director's urging, I showed up for my first match with nothing but ammunition. The match director put the word out that there was a "prospect" coming. When I arrived, one fellow loaned me a gunbelt. Another fellow said, "you can use my backup revolvers today". He handed me a pair of "three screw" Blackhawks and walked away.

At each stage (most monthly matches consist of six stages), it was "try my rifle this time"; "try this shotgun"... it was like a buffet, where I had the chance to try different guns. At every stage, the other shooters encouraged me and gave me tips.

I have to tell you, I was hooked from that first match. I have shot matches (at least one per month) since then, and I am still having a great time.

Feel free to PM me if I can give you any more information about cowboy shooting.