Rattlesnake Slim

Can't go wrong with either Squibber or Pleasant Valley Kid.

Here's my take after shooting all kinds of clay targets for many years. Winchester: AA's are good, but expensive. You used to be able to justify the extra by being able to reload them, but lately they seem very thin-hulled and not worth reloading. Winchester Universals are about the worst shells I have ever bought. Many failure-to-fires, odd sizes won't chamber, etc. Remington: STS are the gold standard in all gauges. Great quality and reload forever. Just not cheap. Gun Clubs are good too, just don't get as many reloads out of them. I like them for BP, reload once and toss. Estates: My favorite non-reloadable shell. Tons of different configurations, I just bought some new-to-me handicap-speed 1oz in 12ga that I'm looking forward to trying at handicap trap. They all seem to be the best value in an inexpensive, reliable shell. Federal, Rio, Herters, Fiocchi, etc: I'll buy them if Estates aren't available rather than Winchester Universals. I also always try to buy shells from my local gun range if they have what I want. They are usually only a buck or two more and it helps support the club.

I ordered 3k Federal small pistol from Bruno's Shooter's Supply in Phoenix on Monday for $39 per thousand (picked up-no shipping). At that time they showed 200k in stock, today nothing.

I just bought a Charles Daly from Lassiter. He has several in stock, all worked over and ready to go. Mine is spectacular, smooth as silk. Google "Tom's Single Action Shop" in New Lebanon OH. You will have to call him, he doesn't like email. I won't quote a price, but it's in your lower range.

They are out of stock right now, but I have had good luck with these guys: https://www.nereloading.com/index.php/38-special-fired-brass-500-count-free-tumble-cleaning.html

Yep, I've bought from him. Nothing to add but agreement with all the above.

They are also a valued Sponsor of Winter Range. An all around supporter of cowboy shooting.

I have, and shoot, both Stoegers. My 12 is a coach gun and my 20 is the Uplander. I shoot the 20 most because the 20ga frame fits me better. The longer barrels soak up any extra recoil. One other advantage of the longer barrels is that the bead is in about the same place as my rifle, so my eye finds it more naturally. I just stand one step farther back if I have to move positions with it. I agree with the masses, keep the 20ga, buy the 12ga, each of you shoot what feels the best to you, and go from there.

But the first 10 rounds out of my 38 WCF gives me time to change positions AND reload before anybody can see through the smoke.

Nope, still no interest. Wouldn't even want one for free. But then again, wouldn't trade my Jeep for a Maserati either. I like what I like.

We Pointed Them North by E.C. Abbott is a first-hand account of a real cowboy trailing cattle north to Montana. He wrote it in the 1930's as he approached 80 years old. A great insight to the cattle drives of the late 1800's. Six Years With the Texas Rangers by James B. Gillett is a similar first-hand story of the life of a Texas Ranger from 1875-1881. Again written in the 1920's in his sixties. Both have some very interesting insights to their professions and life in the old west.

Don't make any large purchases of bullets until you find a load for the Rossi 92 that will feed reliably at match speed. All of the 92's can be picky on bullet weight and cartridge OAL. Search these forums for some good reading on working up loads for the 92. My Browning 92 liked 158gn rnfp bullets at 1.545" OAL.

You're missing the "may" be offered. It is at the Match Director's discretion.

Once you have settled on a reloading setup, a good mentor who uses the same equipment will be able to diagnose and solve any problems you may encounter.

The best advise that I can give is to head to the Rio Salado Cowboy's match on June 6th. There are alot of fine Cowboys and Cowgirls there that are more than willing to help you get started. Not only shooting, but reloading too. There will probably be loads of people pitching different brands or models as "the best" . Many of them will invite you over to see how various different machines operate. Then you can decide what fits your needs and budget the best. Then start asking around if anyone has some surplus equipment for sale. Soon all you need will be powder, primers, casings, and lead. If you're not already acquainted, Colt Laredo is one of the best guys there and their Territorial Governor. Look on their website https://www.riosaladocowboys.com/rscass-staff-1 for his contact info. Welcome, best of luck, and come back to see us at Winter Range, this time as a SHOOTER!

My Browning 92 ran great with 1.54 oal, with 158gn RNFP. I tried lighter, including the TC bullets, but never had much luck. It seemed that the lifter threw lighter bullets too high and I got stovepipes.

If you are asking if non-club members are allowed into ranges to shoot SASS matches, I have been to several clubs where that is allowed. The only way to find out is to contact the representative of the particular SASS club and ask.

My experience with UPS is that not just anybody can ship hazmat by paying a "hazmat fee". You have to be a commercial shipper and be approved by them. The hazmat fee you pay as a customer goes to the seller to compensate for time and effort filling out the extra paperwork, not UPS. Loaded ammo is shipped as ORMD, not hazmat.

Great idea. I've got 50 of those cases and a bag of wax bullets stashed away from a failed attempt at fast draw. Anybody who wants some, I'll send 10 cases and a handful of bullets if you want to pay the postage. The bullets will last through repeated firings with the right combination of paper targets with a cardboard and newspaper backstop. It will free up some space on the bench for some other crap I don't need. Send me a PM if you want some. These are all gone now.

You might also want to visit your local trap/skeet club when they open back up. Most have youth programs sponsored by 4H or Scholastic Clay Target Program. Let them start in a local teaching program and they will have a great start when and if they want to shoot at school. Plus most youth programs provide guns and maybe even shells without cost. They will get to try a variety of different guns, most of them being semi-autos. Just like cowboy, try as many different guns as you can before buying. Then join the trap or skeet league yourself and hang on for a wild family ride. My kids live on the far ends of the country, but the first thing they want to do when they visit( after saying "Hi Mom") is to head over to the Ben Avery Shooting Facility to shoot some clays.

I agree with Doc above. A good semi-auto is your best bet. The Berettas are gas guns, and the newer ones have self-cleaning pistons that only need a shot of brake cleaner every couple thousand of rounds. The A400 he recommends is a great, though not inexpensive gun. The A300 Outlander is also a great choice, and the last one I bought (for my daughter) was around $700 with the black synthetic stock . It has been flawless for trap, skeet, and sporting clays with the proper choke choice. I even bought the slightly more expensive A300 Outlander Sporting model for myself, wood stock and 30" barrel.

I have used several of the Radians DIY plug kits from Midway ($11.99). I think they work every bit as well as the custom ones for $50+. I even took 1/2 a kit and made smaller, flush plugs that I use when I sleep in the RV in a truck stop or rest area.

If you edit your profile to show your location you will have no shortage of recommended "97 smiths. There are plenty of them in this game.

You guys are a tough crowd. First thing I thought was "How am I going to explain this to Grandma and your mom?"

A truly fantastic Texas State Park and memorial. A must-see when in the area.