Why aren't you a cowboy action shooter?

[kiskicowboy]

There are many CAS shooters who fill their holsters with Ruger Blackhawks. As per the Redhawk, that is a DA revolver, and cannot be used in this sport.

 

[ADKWOODSMAN]

TRY IT YOU WILL LIKE IT

If your a shooter of any type of competition don’t knock it till you try it!

As a 40 year of some time of shooting competition I enjoy CAS the most.

I started as a hunter and still am. My love of guns brought me to competitive pistol shooting (bullseye).

Our club sponsored PPC, Air Pistol, high power, Pin shoots for over 35 years and I was running or helping run the shoots.

As I got older I started IPSC shooting then started CAS.

I’m not in CAS for the outfits and nostalgia. I there as a shooter and enjoy it the most.

COST

An old pair of jeans and a long sleeve shirt. Boots most time are optional, I wear my work boots.

Here was my cost to start:

two used ruger .45 colts loaded 900 FPS with 250 gr. bullets--spirit of the game, $325 each

A Puma .45 colt/.454 $325 and I had a double barrel shotgun 12ga.

Belt and two cheap holsters $100.

So to start it cost me about a grand over about 3 months.

I borrowed a .44 mag and shot factory .44 special ammo.

loaded for the 12 ga. and used my 5 shot original ‘73 in 38-40.

I wasn’t competitive but had fun I TRIED IT.

Now I shoot IPSC-too old and slow but get to use guns and shoot them.

Now I shoot 6 days a month if I can fit it around the wife and grand kids.

We have also started to shoot the ruger challenge in our area with .22 rifles and pistol.

SAS still the favorite.

State championships are fun, I too old and slow to be very competitive but I try for a clean march and ave done it 75% of the time.

 

[CraigC]

Hmmm, I was at a gun shop yesterday with lots of good leverguns under $500. Brand new 1892 replicas can still be had under $500.

I find it interesting that so many SHOOTERS on a SHOOTING FORUM think that it's perfectly fine for re-enactors to dress the part and shoot blanks at each other but that the costume aspect is silly in an actual shooting sport like COWBOY ACTION SHOOTING.

Another thing that folks who complain about the cost should keep in mind is that cowboy action shooting came about as a way for those who already owned and enjoyed those 19th century guns to get out and compete with them. I dare say that if you don't already have a strong enough interest to own a couple single actions and leverguns, you were probably never gonna anyway.

 

[kimberkid]

Instead of thinking up reasons not to try it , come on out and try it ...

Folks are more than happy to leand guns and rigs to newcomers ,,,,, If you borrow one of mine I supply the ammo as well ....

We are as friendly a bunch as you could ever hope to meet ...


Jabez Cowboy

First off they are friendly as long as you think like they do. Most cowboy shooters (at least of the ones I've met) at our range look down on anyone that shoots modern firearms ... epically AK's and AR's ... black rifles in general. Why would I want to associate myself with them? These are the same kind of people that would join with the snooty shotgun and hunter types that would agree to ban my preferred type of firearm because;

(a) In there mind no one needs firearms like that except military and law enforcement
(b) Banning black rifles won't affect them.

Secondly, I don't have enough time for the shooting sports I do like ... why should I try something I'm fairly certain I'll have no interest in?

Its too bad firearms enthusiasts aren't as unified as the anti-gunners.

 

[benEzra]

CAS sounds like an interesting and fun pastime---my wife played in the SCA for a while and I attended from time to time, and I suspect the concept is similar---but it is not particularly practical for me. Also, I was never really interested in Westerns (they were just barely before my time). Instead, I shoot USPSA both for fun and for self-improvement, using practical, non-gamey firearms.

As far as startup cost goes, when I started shooting USPSA, trying it out for the first time cost me exactly $15, the cost of the first local match's entry fee. I used my CCW 9mm, an AK I already owned, and Walmart ammo I had on-hand. I eventually splurged on a $40 magazine carrier that I needed anyway, and a $40 USPSA membership.

$1K just to try a sport is way, way out of my reach, and I'm not sure that it would translate into self-improvement as well as USPSA Production or Limited-10 does. So while CAS looks like a lot of fun, practical shooting is just a better fit for me personally.

Another thing that folks who complain about the cost should keep in mind is that cowboy action shooting came about as a way for those who already owned and enjoyed those 19th century guns to get out and compete with them.

I think you nailed it. If you already own those guns because you enjoy them and like to shoot them, then CAS is a natural progression. For someone who owns an EBR and a 9mm, less so.

 

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

The whole costume thing is a little too much for my taste------as is anything taken too far-----such as Nascar fans showing up in full race suits---one thing if you're really a driver---off the scale freakish if you're a fan.

Same thing for baseball fans showing up in full baseball uniforms etc.....................weird.

So you went out and picked that out for yourself? REALLY!?!?!? really!?!? How many 3 dollar bills did that set you back?

Somewhere-----Somebody-----Actually thought that was a good idea.

These are just my opinions.

 

[J-Bar]

There are many CAS shooters who fill their holsters with Ruger Blackhawks. As per the Redhawk, that is a DA revolver, and cannot be used in this sport.

Ruger Blackhawks are single action revolvers and are perfectly legal for SASS competition. Geez!!


_____________________

Edit: After personal communication with kiskicowboy, I now understand his message better. I apologize for misinterpreting his phrase, "as per.."; I interpreted it as meaning "like". Hopefully I am the only one who made this interpretation, but I am leaving the post as it was in case anyone else made the same mistake I did.

Kiskicowboy and I both agree that Ruger Blackhawks are single action revolvers, and are legal for SASS competition.

 

[Olympus]

I've been on the fence and off the fence about SASS/CAS shooting for several years now. I would be considered in one of the younger age classifications, and probably the demographic that the OP is talking about.

Probably the #1 reason I haven't started is because up until last Christmas, I wasn't a reloader. A guy would spend what I consider a fortune buying commercial ammo and it would be difficult to find a steady stream of ammo at CAS velocities. So a personally really either needs to be a reloader or have an abundant supply of unallocated income readily available. I don't have the later, but now I do have the reloading supplies. That brings me to the second reason...

#2 reason is the cost of the equipment. Two single action revolvers, one levergun, and one shotgun. Time and money to build a decent and reliable gun cart. Gun leather for two pistols and a shotgun belt (good quality leather comes at a pretty high price tag from what I found). And attire. Even if a guy reloads, having to buy 4 guns, gun leather, gun chart, and attire is going to be expensive, even if you go modestly. And then you end up with 4 guns that most people wouldn't have any other practical or modern purpose to use them for. I don't know anyone that carries a single action revolver or even who hunts with one. So you've got 2 guns that really only serve one purpose. For the cost of all the equipment, even moderately prices stuff, I could go out and buy 1 NICE gun that could be used for more than just one thing. I could have a custom 1911, a nice Python with a box, a S&W Registered Magnum, etc, etc. These are things that in 10 years from now would likely increase in value compared to the SASS equipment that would likely decrease in value.

#3 reason is it just seems kind of "hoakie" to me. I think it's a little silly to walk around all weekend calling people "pard" and whatever else. It just kind of reminds me of a Renaissance fair or something. If I were to do it, it would be because I had the disposable income available and because I wanted to compete with period-correct guns and attire. But "acting the part" just doesnt' appeal to me. Shooting the right guns and wearing the right clothes would be about as good as I could do.

 

[Red Cent]

Un freakin' believeable. Some of you are so misinformed it ain't funny.

 

[SG1]

There are many CAS shooters who fill their holsters with Ruger Blackhawks. As per the Redhawk, that is a DA revolver, and cannot be used in this sport.

I stand corrected Kiskicowboy. I thought the rules said no adjustable sights for CAS.

I was just plain wrong about the Redhawk

 

[Leadfoot]

Tell ya what, I have no idea where some of this information comes from. As for tha black gun stuff Tha cowboys here in central NC have their own 3 gun match each month. We constantly hear tha top shooters in tha sport don't rank against other gun games,cause they play dress up shoot light loads/big target Etc Etc. Well don't you bet your life on it. Tha shooter your talking about has mastered 4 guns, of those 4 NONE require just a sight picture and a trigger squeeze as do more modern guns. He is also depending on tha shooter running through this stage firing working tha action and loading these 4 guns with 30 lbs of chaps/holsters/old west clothing, spurs, tall boots and cowboy hat even when its 100 degrees.
Yes, and they will put 24 rounds on steel, 10 pistol/10 rifle/4 shotgun with 25-30 feet of movement in around 14-15 sec.

An best of all I've never met one that wouldn't stop and tell a new shooter how to get that good.

Make fun if ya like but never bet a man at his own game.


LF

 

[safetyjoe]

I read an article recently about "The Wild Bunch" CASS shooting and thought I'd like that. I talked to a guy I know who shoots CASS and read the requirements. I was taken back to tell the truth, I have a very nice 1911 but no lever action or shotgun. I thought perhaps I could get a decent SxS (say a Stevens 311 or something similar) but the rules state the shotgun must be a Model 97 or clone at $500.00 or more. I wouldn't mind buying a Marlin 336 or a decent lever action that would serve double duty (I'm sure with a 30-30 I wouldn't be competitive but at least it would be useful for more than one thing). As far as the clothing (costuming) if I could wear jeans and western style boots w/o all the other peripherals, that wouldn't be so bad either but as it is I'm looking at $1000.00 plus just to get started. With the SxS and 336 I'm still looking at $500-$600, but again I could use those for other things.

 

[kiskicowboy]

Safetyjoe,
The only part of the sport that requires the use of the '97 shotgun is Wild Bunch Action Shooting (a good IAC '97 can be found for about $350 or so). A good SxS shotgun will work in any of the regular CAS categories that we shoot. If you want to do Wild Bunch matches, then your 1911 will work for that.

For rifles, your Marlin 336 will not work though. All SASS legal rifles must be pistol caliber rifles (for Wild Bunch, the caliber must be .40 or larger). Believe it or not, a good Marlin 1894 lever action in .44 Mag will work very well for hunting as well, as the round is ideal for deer hunting.

 

[notbubba]

What are all these comments about "costumes" and "dress ups"??????????


Boots, jeans, shirt and hat, thats my street clothes.

Ya bunch of city slicker hippies

 

[rogertc1]

Not popular in my part of the Country. Not into dress up. Have more than enought guns that qualife and even leather. Just too much of an intravert and happy.

 

[Carl N. Brown]

CAS: I have not tried it (yet) but the one guy I know does it enjoys the heck out out of it. He makes them sound like the Creative Anachronism buffs I've known: as much about the socialising as about the weaponscraft or history, whether its medieval or Old West. You do learn there's the Old West of history and the Wild West of dime novels and and oater movies.

 

[kiskicowboy]

Half the fun of going to a match is the socialising aspect of the sport. Most of the shooters in my neck of the woods are pretty fun characters to be around. We enjoy having a good time while shooting, and enjoy throwing good natured jabs at one and other during the match whenever the mood strikes. That said, all of us take it very serious when it comes time to load the guns and shoot.

At my local club, there's always the friendly rivalry going between the blackpowder shooters and the smokeless powder shooters (holy black vs. heathen smokeless). We have lots of fun with it, and frequently use the rivalry for match themes, or individual stage themes.

 

[banjotx]

This is my 1st.post on THR, but have been here before as a guest many times in the past. Liking what Kiskicowboy posted. I have been a CAS shooter for the past ten years and before that I shot a bit of large bore pistol matches indoors and some range time with rifles, before that I spent $1000.00 plus on metal detecting equipment & gear and before that I spent $$$$$$$$$ on coin collectiing. I'm the right age group for CAS being over 50 and with all the TV Westerns & movies some how connected with the thought of competing with cowboy guns would be fun. At first, I had no interest in dress outfit and only motivation was to shoot single action revolvers and rifle,shotgun, but also liked cap & ball blackpowder stuff. Later I learned more about the blackpowder cartridge era and became interested primarily as a blackpowder frontier cartidge shooter and still am.

Dressing the character part came later and where else can you draw both blackpowder 44 cal. revolvers at the same time from leather and fire on steel targets on the clock with a bunch of friendly yahoos egging ya on.

P.S., not required to join SASS to shoot at monthly matches or have an alias or a costume and heck you can even use a single shot shotgun with ejector. All that is really needed is to show up at a CAS match and introduce yourself, maybe leave the flipflops at home and wear something more protective.

 

[Ken C]

Any CAS categories that don't require a rifle and a shotgun ? I have the pistols and would enjoy the competition. Not too interested in the rifle and shotgun part, maybe the rifle, certainly not the shotgun.

 

[banjotx]

Ken C,
Cas categories do required 4 guns, but sometimes the stages during a match only have one revolver or no shotgun or no rifle. The idea is to stay consistent in these matches so one could go from state to state and compete within the same guidelines and know what to expect, sort of. I know folks who are non-cas shooters,but own Rugers and Marlin rifles in same caliber like .357 to keep things simple, just for personel use. Unless handicapped, to shoot shotgun would be required.
Although I've known several shooters who had some kind of shoulder surgery/injury and could not use a shotgun at their shoulder and might shoot from the the hip to ease the recoil from shooting.

 

[GLShooter]

I guess since I started in IPSC stuff in 1980 I was hooked on that. When the CAS stuff started several friends got in on the ground floor, even published a magazine, and had a great time.

I watched a couple local matches in Oklahoma City and in all truthfulness was scared senseless. I had never seen so much poor gun handling in my life at an organized shooting event. Guys racking levers, spinning cylinders, breaking open shotguns etc. behind the lines. I was just uncomfortable. I never liked looking down the bore of a 12 gauge coach gun before and I darn sure didn't like it later!!

Nothing wrong with the sport for others and I know it has evolved since I looked at it but though I am in Arizona and was born in Oklahoma I guess I'll just pass on being a cowboy.

Greg

 

[banjotx]

GLShooter,
Yes, there have been folks who would scare the crap out of ya with muzzle direction and did see a new guy spinning his revos, but that ain't the accepted way of doing things at a cas match. Sometimes new/old to cas people will do unsafe gun handeling,but it is not condoned or accepted in any way and everyone one at the match is expected to be a safety officer. 'Safety' is the primary concern at the cas matches and safety meetings before a match are Must be present to shoot.

 

[GLShooter]

Yep, thats why I said I knew it had evolved. I just will stick with my high speed low drag IPSC stuff and the old man sports of PPC and Bullseye!!

Greg

 

[banjotx]

and as long as your enjoying your chosen shooting sport , I wish ya Good luck, regardless if doing it for competition or just for a relaxing way to get away from everday stress.

 

[royal barnes]

One of our standard jokes in CAS is that it's the only shooting sport where the women talk guns and the men talk clothes.