ANY ONE HERE AGREE WITH ME?

[RJACKSON]

I have not joined SASS for one reason: Money. SASS, in my opinion, is an excellent organization. I am glad that it is around. However, it demands me to spend a fortune on firearms. I think that it is rediculous to have to have a Shotgun. Most cowboys did not use shotguns back in the west. Also, most cowboys could not afford a second handgun. I don't mind the second handgun part, but i think the whole shotgun bit is very rediculous. I hope that i do not make anyone angry by saying that, becuause that is not my intentions at all. But i hope someone agrees with what i had to say. Don't get me wrong, I love SASS, but i just think i have to spend alot of money on a worthless shotgun i can't really do anything with.

[Mustang Ash]

I agree with you in part….

“Most cowboys could not afford a second handgun.” – probably a true statement. I’m sure a lot of “cowboys” didn’t pack even one. But other folks did. (Wild Bill carried 2 ’51 Navies)
Also, a lot of “cowboys” didn’t have rifles either.

“Most cowboys did not use shotguns back in the west.” – again probably true about the true cowboy but other folks did.

You don’t have to be a SASS member to shoot Cowboy Action. We always have non-members shooting at our monthly matches. It’s the shootin’ that costs. Granted most stages are set up for 2 revolvers, 1 rifle, and 1 shotgun as per SASS and to get started you will spend at least $1500 but then you have them forever. If you don’t reload yourself the ammo is what will kill your wallet. $30-$40 for a box of .45c, 100 plus rounds a match adds up really fast. I started reloading early on but it’s still expensive.

I guess I’m wondering why you think it’s ridiculous to have a shotgun for Cowboy Shooting and have to spend a lot of money on it when you can’t really do anything with it but think it ok to have the revolvers and rifle. What can you do with the revolvers and rifle? If I wasn’t shooting CAS I wouldn’t have the other firearms and I guess I would also think it ridiculous to have all the revolvers, rifles, and shotguns I now have just for Cowboy Shooting. The shotgun is just part of the Old West and part of playing the game. Save up your money for a shotgun and borrow one until you get one of your own.

I didn’t need to join SASS to shoot at the monthly matches or have a collection of old guns; I joined just because.

All said and done, I sorta agree with you; SASS and Cowboy Shooting is expensive.

[DBC 5273]

Not as expensive as golf, scuba diving, racing or most other hobbies.
If you look around factory loaded new ammo in 45 Colt or 44-40 can be had for $20-$24 per box of 50. You can get started pretty cheap actually. A pair of Cabelas Millenium revolvers will set you back $500 or less. A Stoeger SXS shotgun can be had for around $300 and a Rossi 45 cal. levergun can be had for around $325. That's $1125 for the four guns you need to play CAS. I shoot birds and squirrels and sech with my Stoeger shotgun, so it does have other uses. Costuming can also be done rather inexpensively if you use your head. You can start CAS right away, even if you don't have all the required guns. Lots of folks in CAS are willing to lend a new guy what ever he needs to shoot a match. Buy stuff one item at a time. If you don't reload, stockpile ammo like I do. Buy a box or two of ammo each pay day and in a few weeks you'll have enough for a match.
All things considered CAS is a lot cheaper than most hobbies.

[Rio]

RJackson,
If you check the SASS Wire Classifieds you can get some very good prices on guns, leather and just about any cowboy item you ever dreamed of.
Most of the guns have been shot and have also been tuned by a good gunsmith. So when you get the gun it will be CAS ready - NO gun and I don't care which one, is 100% CAS ready. Yes you can shoot them out of the box but not many do. So you save smithing time and most of the time gunsmith money. Leather can be more expensive than a gun but again check the SASS Wire. Also you can post a query and let folks know what you are looking for and you will get many responses.

Hope this helps. Yeah it is not cheap, but then again nothing is. It is a great sport and tons of fun. A bargain at 5 times the price.

Rio

[RJACKSON]

I hoped that i did not make anyone mad here by saying what i said. I know i do not have much of a right to do that, especially since i do not even belong to the organization. I am planning on joining SASS just to see what it is like. However, i will not be doing SASS for awhile anyway because I just bought a Kimber 84M rifle in .308, and it was expensive, and now i have to buy a Leupold Scope. Thanks for all of your help!

[trench03]

well if you have to you should get a stoeger coach gun there less than 400 and come in matte nickel regular nickel or blued so cheack them out because there made just for that and cowboys did use coachguns but i think the sass should supply them for you

[Footloose]

RJackson,
We all have our own ideas about what is useful and necessary.
I for one can't understand what use there is for a .308 with a scope. Then of Course I don't live in Ohio either.
I agree it 's expensive hobby, but as mentioned above good used guns and equipment is readily available, and that cuts the initial cost considerably.
Spend some time hangin out at some of the local gun shops and you will eventually find good bargins. I have found some really good deals at estate and farm auctions. ( Careful, you can find a lot of other neat stuff that will also empty your pockets)
Good Luck
Footloose

[Wyo Hunter]

RJackson
Don't over power your 308 with a monster scope. If your home range is in a tree stand (in the middle of the trees) a very low power is needed. But if you intend to hunt in open ranges powers of up to 9 will be all you need. Don't let anyone try to convince you that because you are shooting a 308 that you can not benefit from the use of a scope. Just be sure the scope fits your use. smile.gif

[Elm Creek Smith]

One thing about cowboy shooters is that they is allus ready to lend a body a gun at a match. I aint bought a lever gun nor a shotgun yet but I shoot at the matches. I borry my brother's gun fer my left hand holster. A pard a mine loaned me his EMF 92. I get shotguns from dern near anyone. I do bring my own ammo cause I like all the white smoke.

One more thing. You dont hafta join SASS to participate at the local level.

[rds95991]

I am starting to get my stuff together for SASS. I found a new Norinco SXS for $199 at a sporting goods chain.

If you want a cheap shooting sport to start out with, try IDPA. Only one gun, three magazines, a CW holster, and a vest.