/r/CowboyAction

Photograph via snooOG

This community is mostly (but not exclusively) for posts about anything and all things related to the old west, history, and the sport of Cowboy Action Shooting

This community is mostly (but not exclusively) for posts about anything and all things related to guns and gun models from or around the mid-to-late 19th century.

  • Single action revolvers

  • Lever action rifles

  • Shotguns

  • Any gun used in a John Wayne movie

Also, feel free to post other things gun related as well (e.g., double action revolvers, pro gun rights news, awesome stories about people using guns to save the day, hunting stories, western movies with cool guns, pictures of cowboys with their weapons, etc.).

There is only one real rule: Be kind; if you wouldn't say it in real life then don't say it here.

Recommended subreddits:

r/Westerns

r/wildwest

/r/CowboyAction

5,819 Subscribers

7

Is there any noticeable difference in the recoil of 44-40 vs 45 Colt in a revolver?

  • I’m trying to get a Colt New Service in either 44-40 or 45 Colt, and I was wondering if there is any significant difference in recoil between the two?
3 Comments
2024/11/23
02:46 UTC

11

It's COLD outside! What are you cowpokes wearing to keep warm?

I've seen a few "Clint Eastwood" style ponchos, and might go for one. But also some big leather jackets that are like a modern barn-coat (Think like the one that Paul Harrell wore). Then there are guys like me that just put their Old Navy winter coat on over top of the cowboy gear, which ruins the look.

I'm sort of leaning towards the poncho as it's basically just a wearable blanket.

What do you guys wear?

Also thinking bout those portable propane heaters!

9 Comments
2024/11/19
21:02 UTC

3

Anyone know anything about clubs in Maryland?

I looked on the SASS find a club function on their website and the two clubs closest to me, the Thumont Rangers and the Damascus Wildlife Rangers, both have defunct websites.

I eventually found evidence that the Thurmont Rangers are still around, but what about the Damascus group? (They're way closer to where I live.) Does anyone have any info on them?

Thanks!

3 Comments
2024/11/16
17:50 UTC

4

Newbie in Denver/Boulder Area

Hi all, can someone point me to where I can plug in and give CAS a try. I’m an experienced shooter and gun owner for 35 years. Thanks!

2 Comments
2024/11/15
00:48 UTC

7

Historical emporium holsters

I'd like some input on their western gunbelts and holsters, are they good for the money? where else should I look? I'm slinging 2 bp. 44's 5.5in, I'd like one crossdraw, but might want a longer strong side holster for an 8in '58.

5 Comments
2024/11/08
16:40 UTC

0

How much does a Ruger New Vaquero weigh?

With a 4.62" barrel, .45 Colt?

Ruger's website says 40 ounces:

https://ruger.com/products/vaqueroBlued/specSheets/5102.html

I got to wondering how much bigger my old Vaquero is, since I've never seen the 2005-present smaller version in real life, so I figured the weight would give me an idea.

It turns out that mine only weighs 40.8 ounces (I weighed it on two different digital scales, both of which read exactly 1 pound when weighing a 1-pound scale calibration weight). However, that's with a steel ejector rod housing that I ordered from Ruger's website several years ago to replace the stock aluminum one. It weighs about an ounce more than the stock one, so my gun's original stock weight would have been about 40 ounces.

How can the bigger Vaquero weigh the same as the smaller one? Ruger's website must have the weight wrong, so does anyone know how much it really weighs?

0 Comments
2024/11/08
13:07 UTC

4

Rig hanging

Hey all. I recently got my first western rig and would like to keep it hung with the pistol in the holster. I have some very stout hooks on the wall but am concerned that the hooks would deform the leather if I leave it hung with the pistol and rounds for too long. I have the security and safety handled, just need to get some ideas on best way to hang a rig on the wall or a stand. Whatever has worked for those doing it for a while. Thanks.

7 Comments
2024/11/08
02:22 UTC

6

SASS spotlight, by InRange

1 Comment
2024/11/06
14:32 UTC

2

Anybody have experience with single-shot shotguns with ejectors? What is out there and Cowboy Legal?

A single shot gun with an ejector is something I could be in the market for, but who even makes or has made such a thing?

I see a very small number of them but I also don't know what to look for.

(Obviously not looking to be competitive with it, but I've been introducing a lot of new shooters to trap and increasingly to cowboy action, so if I could have a cheap and easy-to-use backup good enough for both, I might take it.)

6 Comments
2024/11/05
17:25 UTC

7

1875 Uberti Outlaw - The Cylinder is spinning free, not locking into place for shots.

Had it a few years, took it out recently and it went bang like it was supposed to. Until I drew the hammer again, fired, and just got a click. It wasn't a dud, it was skipping or something, eventually you could fire all 6 if you kept cocking.

When I examined it in half cocked mode so I could load, the Cylinder would spin completely free - both ways(I mean no resistance at all), but if I wiggled it abit, it'd start clicking and locking into place like it should.

What should I be looking for to replace here? It was supposed to be almost new when I got it in 2015~, barely fired, and I've probably only put 150~ish rounds through it.

5 Comments
2024/10/30
13:55 UTC

8

Reloading a Schofield on the clock. Is there a way to balance it versus the typical two SAA's?

Anybody ever see a stage allowing top-breaks to be reloaded on the clock, or see anybody do such a thing? Allowing the use of "cartridge packs"/ olde timey speed loaders, or allowing whole cylinders to be changed out on any pistols where that'd be quicker.

Would it be against the official SASS rules to let a shooter use only one pistol?

I gather that reloading pistols in certain stages used to be more a thing back in the "early days" of the game... But also for Schofields to not necessarily be allowed on those stages for balance purposes.

Could a stage be written to be balanced between two SAA's versus one Schofield with a reload?

I imagine two pistols would be clearly faster on ten targets. But what if there were eleven targets, so you have a choice between a Schofield with one 6-round reload, or doing a single-round reload on a SAA? I reckon that'd favor the Schofield too much.

What if there were twelve targets? So now you're reloading a Schofield twice, versus frantically putting two extra rounds into a SAA?

Seems like there'd be room for it somewhere. I always feel a bit silly carrying two giant SA revolvers, would love to use one if possible.

20 Comments
2024/10/29
22:43 UTC

26

This Dirt Road Dude shooting Outlaw Josey Wales Style (Five Pistols). The targets are not larger or closer than what are typical for SASS/CAS.

4 Comments
2024/10/29
14:46 UTC

6

Shiner Bock Bob at Old York Shootists.

0 Comments
2024/10/28
18:11 UTC

6

1887 stock work options

I just got Cimarron's Winchester 87 clone and this is pretty much all I want out of cowboy shooting.

I've been practicing different techniques and I'm pretty sure keeping it shouldered with my off hand while reloading with my shooting hand is the way I'll be going. (Which seems like the most common approach I see in videos.)

I think I want to cut the stock down to make it easier to hold it on my shoulder with just my off hand. But it also seems like I'd want some curve cut into the stock to help it stay on the shoulder, like a trap pad.

Anybody have any insight?

Is there a curved trap-style pad that is SASS legal? What if I hid it under a laced-on leather cover?

8 Comments
2024/10/28
00:57 UTC

4

Ranger Round up!

0 Comments
2024/10/27
22:27 UTC

1

Load data?

Would anyone be willing to share 38 special 100 gr Rnfp load data? I am trying to get close to the bang and clang match ammo. I purchase the bullets and for big matches use the Ammo they make but want to load close on my Dillon 750. Thank you.

5 Comments
2024/10/27
12:31 UTC

2

Fiocchi cowboy action loads

Will these loads kill a whitetail? Forgive me if the question is not allowed, but I have a box. I know subsonic hardcasts have dropped deer for a hundred years, but I'm not certain it would be worth the chance of being less than lethal. 9" barrel and no more than 50 yards if that matters.

20 Comments
2024/10/25
04:18 UTC

16

For SASS, is it legal to glue a “gold bead” to the front sight of a revolver?

The rule says the sights must be period correct, including bead, blade or simple post.

My new vaqueros have blades but the elevation is wrong for the load and yes, I’m aware that in the old west cowboys would file down the front sight.

I don’t want to file down my sights to CAS distances, though realistically a taller sight basically would never work if it’s too tall as CAS distances!

I thought of a dot of gold nail Polish or gluing on a gold/brass bead. Is that SASS legal? I wonder if they meant for rifles or if the revolvers can also have gold beads.

I know painting the entire back of the front sight is also an option and would help with evening shooting especially against black painted steel.

Thoughts?

3 Comments
2024/10/22
06:33 UTC

6

Really wish there was a more correct replica of the Smith&Wesson New Model 3 out there.

https://preview.redd.it/r7ns5ge9fevd1.png?width=1319&format=png&auto=webp&s=94c255efcc767ee1832bb48599dd9dd08615bc09

The S&W New Model 3 is the best looking single action revolver in my opinion. I really wish there was a better replica out there, as the uberti uses the incorrect frame / extractor.

Top is the original vs bottom is the Uberti "replica" which seems like they just lazily used the Schofield / Russian parts instead of recreating the New Model 3.

6 Comments
2024/10/17
23:13 UTC

6

Montado

Considering buying a used Ruger Montado (.357, SASS version, stainless). I only see them usually in pairs. I saw a single one for $750. I like the hammer spur. I thought it might make a good addition to the collection. I have 4 SA guns (only one actual Colt, the rest are Cimmaron). Thank you for your comments.

8 Comments
2024/10/14
19:30 UTC

8

Moonshine Brutality, Dead Eye division.

1 Comment
2024/10/05
21:11 UTC

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