It's hard to pick a better pistol for SASS than the New Vaquero. 357, or particularly 38 Special is definitely your best bet for caliber, as well. Brass, powder, and lead are all cheaper than any of the big bores, and recoil is light. Since all you need do is make the steel go ding, any more power is unnecessary.
As for the rifle, a Rossi is a reasonable choice for the beginner on a budget. They can be a little rough, but Nate Kiowa Jones can either sell you one that runs, get yours running, or sell you a DVD on how to do so yourself.
Be aware, however, that there's only so fast that a '92 can run, and as you get better, you may find yourself limited by it.
With only a few exceptions, you'll find that the top shooters are using Winchester 1866 and 1873 replicas made by Uberti, and short stroked. They are smooth and they are fast.
You also have a decision to make regarding a shotgun. There are four basic choices.
1: Winchester 1897 pump, cut to riot size, or Chinese clone thereof. '97s are both the easiest to learn to use, (with simple techniques) and the fastest shotguns in the game (with advanced techniques.) The downside is that they can be glitchy. It's not uncommon for a top 97 shooter to have three of them: one match gun (til it breaks,) one backup, and one in the shop.
2. Internal hammer SxS. The better examples, such as the SKB 100 and Browning BSS are tops for reliability, and don't lose much in speed to the 97. Cheaper versions, like Stoegers, are prone to all manner of breakage. The Baikal is supposed to be somewhere in the middle, but I've never used one.
3. Winchester 1887 lever action shotgun, and Chinese and Italian clones thereof. These are relatively new on the scene. I know one top shooter who makes one sing, but with most other shooters, they seem clumsy and fumble prone. They have the potential to match of even surpass a good double, but probably not to match an expert with a 97.
4. Externally hammered SxS. A common mistake among new shooters is to buy one of these. They may be cooler, more stylish and arguably more correct, but they are also slow. A great shooter with a hammer gun can beat a mediocre one with the other types, but it's definitely doing things the hard way. Their main niche is in a category called Classic Cowboy, which also requires extra costuming, .40+ caliber guns, and an early design rifle, as well as shooting the pistols one handed. Those guys are admirable, dedicated, and have a lot of fun, but they don't win many matches.
Oh, re: rifle barrel length. Most people will recommend a 20" barrel. The longer will be steadier on target in the case of multi taps, but also harder to start and stop its swing between targets. A shorter one is also cited as quicker in and out of windows and scabbards, but if you don't crowd the window that's a non issue, and I haven't seen a scabbard in years.
If you want any more info, advice, or what have you, feel free to PM me.
And don't forget to have fun.
Jerkline Jesse, SASS# 64073 and erstwhile state champion, Ohio.
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