Colt Longmire Posted September 3 Share Posted September 3 Howdy all! I just joined up with SASS a couple days ago and a complete newbie. I've been going down a rabbit hole researching everything and am super excited to get started. I reached out to someone from a local club here in Ohio and will hopefully get to meet some fine folks real soon. This seems like a welcoming community and I'm looking forward to making a lot of new friends. Any advice or lessons learned you would be willing to share would be welcomed along the way! Cheers, Geoff 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eyesa Horg Posted September 3 Share Posted September 3 Welcome aboard Colt Longmire! Welcome to the best game and folks goin! Just can't have any more fun with your pants on! Hang on for the addiction. My first advice as others will say is get to some matches and try out some guns to see what YOU like. You'll learn a lot at a match and folks will be more than willing to help ya out. Much, much different than any other shooting sport. Above all.... Be safe and have fun! Start thinking about reloading and what caliber you think you want to go with. EH 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Horace Patootie, SASS #35798 Posted September 3 Share Posted September 3 Geoff, Go watch some shoots and get lots of info from participants. You will learn about preferred guns and the way shoots are run. I went to several before I bought guns and gear. Lots of good info out there ! Horace 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nickel City Dude Posted September 3 Share Posted September 3 CL You should seriously consider reloading for which ever caliber you decide on. It will save you money and it tends to become a fun hobby all of its own. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrangler Bob Posted September 3 Share Posted September 3 Good info right there. Ask questions [ I've NEVER been refused a reply.]; watch movements [ some will be obvious, some not]; take your time, it doesn't come overnight; go to as many local shoots as you can, as an observer, brass picker and if you feel comfortable with it, a flagger. Welcome to a great group of folks; their knowledge is most helpful and immense. Welcome, Pilgrim.... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tyrel Cody Posted September 3 Share Posted September 3 Like has been mentioned, go to matches before buying and then Start out with 38s in an age based category. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Original Lumpy Gritz Posted September 3 Share Posted September 3 Kiss your savings account bye-bye 1 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay Vendetta Posted September 3 Share Posted September 3 If you are free next Saturday 09/09/2023 we shoot down in middletown, at the Middletown Sportsmans Club safety meeting at 945am and rounds down range 10am. We'd love to have you there. 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Widder, SASS #59054 Posted September 3 Share Posted September 3 2 minutes ago, Jay Vendetta said: If you are free next Saturday 09/09/2023 we shoot down in middletown, at the Middletown Sportsmans Club safety meeting at 945am and rounds down range 10am. We'd love to have you there. Welcome to SASS and CAS from all of us TN Pards. And I might say that you being from Ohio, you won't find a better bunch of Pards to shoot with and learn from. As Jay Vendetta stated, ya gotta shoot at Middletown. Great place and even greater folks. Stay safe and have fun. ..........Widder 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shepherd Book Posted September 3 Share Posted September 3 3 hours ago, Eyesa Horg said: Welcome aboard Colt Longmire! Welcome to the best game and folks goin! Just can't have any more fun with your pants on! Hang on for the addiction. My first advice as others will say is get to some matches and try out some guns to see what YOU like. You'll learn a lot at a match and folks will be more than willing to help ya out. Much, much different than any other shooting sport. Above all.... Be safe and have fun! Start thinking about reloading and what caliber you think you want to go with. EH I found, as Eyesa says, CAS is much different than any other shooting sport. New to CAS last year, so only second season. The challenge I found was, having shot for over 60 years, I figured...learn the rules, piece of cake...I had to unlearn some things and relearn...in other words, I was my own worst enemy because I have been shooting so long. Great sport, a ton of patient and kind, welcoming people! I had to be open to learning and am now headed to the NYS State CAS match, Heluva Rukus in less than two weeks. It is really a "Heluva" good time!! Welcome to the sport! SB 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tex Jones, SASS 2263 Posted September 3 Share Posted September 3 Welcome aboard. Go to some shoots, ask questions. It's said the people come for the shooting and stay for the people. Good luck. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cowtown Scout, SASS #53540 L Posted September 3 Share Posted September 3 Welcome to a great family who you are yet to meet. Before you start trying to purchase all the gear you think you need, PLEASE go to multiple matches to see what folks are shooting and maybe try some different firearms. Would be good if you update us on were in Ohio you are so that other pards can suggest places near you to go watch and shoot this great game. Also give us some idea of your shooting experience and things like, do you already reload, etc. I started back in 2002 and so far have shot matches in 18 different states and now have cowboy/cowgirl friends all over the US, and some from other countries. You will not find a more friendly and welcoming bunch of people in a shooting disipline than in Cowboy Action. Scout 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheyenne Ranger, 48747L Posted September 3 Share Posted September 3 ▲ what he said know it's hard but DON'T BUY ANYTHING YET!!! we're all good about offering to loan you guns 'n gear so as mentioned, go see what's going on in person and you just may be shooting the match with borrowed gear by the end--happens down here in The Republic all the time welcome! 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Bill Burt Posted September 4 Share Posted September 4 Welcome! Others have said it. Don’t buy anything right away. Go to a match or two look at what folks are shooting. Check out the rigs. When you do buy don’t skimp on leather, boots and hat unless you have to. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rafe Conager SASS #56958 Posted September 4 Share Posted September 4 Welcome! Great advice has been given. Take your time, buy quality gear, costs upfront but saves in the long run. Go to some cowboy swap meets, most shoots have some folks getting rid of old gear. The sass classified is a great place to shop. Cowboy shooting is an addition. Most folks will give you the shirt off their back. I've seen folks stand in line to offer a shooter guns when theirs broke. I've given away boxes of shotgun shells when I see someone getting beat to death with shells they got at Walmart. Rafe 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Howlin Mad Murdock SASS #4037 Posted September 4 Share Posted September 4 Most everything has been covered so far, but I will add something. If anyone says you HAVE to get something (gun, belt, holster, caliber, etc.), ignore them, they know not of what they speak. Figure out what works for you. SASS folks are greater group of people than you will meet anywhere else. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Kloehr Posted September 4 Share Posted September 4 13 minutes ago, Howlin Mad Murdock SASS #4037 said: If anyone says you HAVE to get something (gun, belt, holster, caliber, etc.), ignore them, they know not of what they speak. Except maybe a hat. It is something to respectfully remove if someone offers up a prayer. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Presidio Posted September 4 Share Posted September 4 Welcome, Pard! Like others have said already, hold off buying your gear and until you decide what's your preference is going to be. Should be able to download the SASS Rules around this site. Maybe somebody smarter than me can point you in that direction. Get yourself and do some reading. Most any question you come up with that need clarification usually has an answer here. The only dumb question is the one not asked. There is no limit to the wealth of info from your pards at the clubs you visit or from here. But, a few items you are going to have to buy right off. A quality set of shooting glasses and a good set of hearing protection. Be they plugs or over the ear. The rest can come a bit at a time. Including reloading. For now, visit, make friends for life, and enjoy! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoss Posted September 4 Share Posted September 4 When you go to a match, most clubs will offer the chance to shoot a stage or two. Do it! If someone offers to loan you guns/gear, take them up on it! as for buying guns, yes, go slow, but….. you won’t go wrong buying Ruger Vaqueros, a Uberti 73 and a cowboy ready shotgun. I prefer SKB but they are high. Stoegers, Bakails, Sharptail, BSS SKB in about that order. don’t buy a Henry Big Boy just because they are available and cheaper! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Imis Twohofon,SASS # 46646 Posted September 4 Share Posted September 4 While not required in the Shooters Handbook, get yourself a good hat. Imis 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scarlett Posted September 4 Share Posted September 4 Welcome to the MOST FUN EVER!!!! Buy this book. It is truly a complete guide to SASS - gear, costuming, reloading, gun carts, traveling to matches, history. it’ll save you some Money and aggravation. Great big hugs! Scarlett Darlin’ Captain Baylor's Big, Bad Book on Cowboy Action Shooting https://a.co/d/bcqqJpo 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barry Sloe Posted September 4 Share Posted September 4 Read the area of the Shooters Handbook about the various categories. Go to matches, watch, ask questions, absorb. As many have said - don't buy anything until you know what category you want to shoot in. If you need a good excuse to buy guns and gun safes, this is it. Welcome to a great sport. Barry Sloe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackrabbit Joe #414 Posted September 4 Share Posted September 4 Welcome aboard with a great bunch of folks 7 have some fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sixgun Seamus Posted September 4 Share Posted September 4 1 hour ago, Scarlett said: Welcome to the MOST FUN EVER!!!! Buy this book. It is truly a complete guide to SASS - gear, costuming, reloading, gun carts, traveling to matches, history. it’ll save you some Money and aggravation. Great big hugs! Scarlett Darlin’ Captain Baylor's Big, Bad Book on Cowboy Action Shooting https://a.co/d/bcqqJpo THIS X 10 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rye Miles #13621 Posted September 4 Share Posted September 4 20 hours ago, Colt Longmire said: Howdy all! I just joined up with SASS a couple days ago and a complete newbie. I've been going down a rabbit hole researching everything and am super excited to get started. I reached out to someone from a local club here in Ohio and will hopefully get to meet some fine folks real soon. This seems like a welcoming community and I'm looking forward to making a lot of new friends. Any advice or lessons learned you would be willing to share would be welcomed along the way! Cheers, Geoff What part of Ohio? There’s lots of clubs here. I’m in NE Ohio! Welcome aboard ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Go West Posted September 4 Share Posted September 4 Be safe, have fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mister Badly Posted September 4 Share Posted September 4 5 hours ago, Imis Twohofon,SASS # 46646 said: While not required in the Shooters Handbook, get yourself a good hat. Imis Preferably one with a very wide brim. Lol 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarge Posted September 4 Share Posted September 4 Welcome to a great, fun sport. Lots of great people in Ohio that will point you in the right direction. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slow Mo Dern Posted September 4 Share Posted September 4 Howdy Geoff! One of the best things to do if you're new to this sport is to read the SASS Shooter's Handbook located on this website. I was shooting 2 years before I ever knew there was a Shooter's Handbook. Reading the Shooter's Handbooks will clear up most questions you have and tell you what you can't do. Learning to reload your own ammunition is a must. Again, don't buy anything until you know and understand what you need. All the best, Slow Mo Dern Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yul Lose Posted September 5 Share Posted September 5 Welcome to the game, C.L. Your checkbook will get a bit lighter but your list of friends will grow immensely. Don’t do what I did when I started out, bought a number of guns based on beauty and emotions and after attending a bunch of matches I found that about 90% of them weren’t really what I needed to play the game, I could play the game but not competitively. Listen to the other shooters at the matches, very seldom will they intentionally mislead you. When you do get into reloading see if there is a mentor that can help you set up and load safely, very important. With ammunition costs now days reloading is a must unless you want the bank account to suffer. I’m not real sure if you’re in the neighborhood of Prairie Dawg, Rye Myles and Colorado Coffinmaker but those three have a wealth of knowledge about the firearms and other needs for our game, there are many others for sure. There aren’t any dumb questions, so ask away. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shawnee Hills Posted September 5 Share Posted September 5 Welcome Colt! I hope you like friendly folks because SASS is jam packed full of them. It'd be near impossible to find another shooting discipline that fields a more friendly and helpful bunch. I cannot offer much more than what's already been mentioned but would ask what your goals are for getting involved with CAS? Knowing that will help direct what gear you will likely want. For example, if placing high on the score sheet is not an important goal for you then you'll be able to save some dollars. Conversely, if placing high is a goal then you're going to have to dig a bit deeper into that wallet. Goals do tend to change along the way so ask a bunch of 'what and why' questions of shooters when you visit a match. The advice to try different firearms is good but be aware that it's pretty difficult to determine if something will work for you simply by putting a few rounds through it. It may take a few matches to determine that a particular firearm really isn't what you need. It took me a while to realize that I needed a rifle with a longer stock . . . but my skull is pretty thick. Yes, it is not a cheap game to get into but it's definitely worth it. Don't be afraid to ask questions at matches and here. I've received a ton of helpful tips and advice from fellow shooters just by asking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Griff Posted September 5 Share Posted September 5 I could quote darned near each of the posts above, because for the majority of the time I've been in this game, I've said much the same thing. As far as being expensive? Far from it. Compare it to taking up bass fishing... and you don't already have a bass boat. My neighbor owns a boat dealership... and at even the friends & family discount... I could've outfitted myself, late wife, & kid with all new stuff and have a huge chunk of change left over! This sport can be started and have fun on a budget. Yes, like most things, bigger is better... but you can take any cowboy out there and if truthful, they'd like a bigger budget also! Now I'll mention a couple of things other have only touched on. About hats & boots... get the best you can't afford. Like other goods, you generally get what you pay for. Buy a cheap hat, and all you have is a cheap hat. Same with boots... And unless you really know about a specific maker, don't do the online thing. Your best bet is to buy at a boot store where you can try 'em on and walk a little in them... There's NOTHING in the rule book that sez boots have to hurt! Remember, you might be wearing them for 6 or 7 hours, standing around, spotting, watching, & shooting. Nothing sez exhaustion like sore dogs. For myself... I love my riding boots... but, I don't wear them for cowboy action... surfaces are often uneven, between concrete, wood, gravel, grass and just plain dirt, nothing beats a walking heel. There's a world of difference in shooting stock, factory fresh and tuned guns. I shoot Colts, both for my percussion guns and those gay, suppository types. Other folks love their Rugers. Doesn't matter, both need a bit of 'smithin' to make them run well, maybe the Colts need a bit more... but... to me, they're worth it. If you have a little bit of mechanical aptitude you can probably do most of the necessary stuff yourself. If not, remember this adage, a gunsmith's best customers are those that own Dremels! Most "go fast" parts are available to purchase & install yourself. I have. Other things I leave to a gunsmith. Shotguns, etc. I have both, one's I've worked on and one's I bought slicked up from a cowboy 'smith. I use both, depending on my mood or whether I'm shooting smokeless or the original gunpowder. Get the book Scarlett mentioned. While I haven't read it, I've read his articles in the Cowboy Chronicle for years and his advice is solid. Remember always, that this is a game and supposed to be fun. If you begin stressing out over not having this, or that, the fun can be sucked right out. So, my final piece of advice is: Don't stress over the little things. Every single person here was new at some point... and a lot of them survived. Those that didn't, let the stress suck the joy out of them. After 38+ years, I still find the fun in this game... I haven't won or even placed in my chosen categories in years, I go slow, walk when I could run, try my darndest to go faster, (except when I don't), laugh at myself and fellow competitor, and lust after a new Sharp's! If anyone ever asks you... remember these 3 words... LEAVE Frontiersman ALONE! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Horace Patootie, SASS #35798 Posted September 6 Share Posted September 6 I've been around a while, but I just ordered Capt. Baylors book. I know he is legendary. Horace 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619 Posted September 6 Share Posted September 6 (edited) Question: Do you have anything at all yet? Before I ever started this game, I had a Rossi 92 in .44 Magnum, my Dad's 3rd Generation Colt in .45, and a 20" barreled 97. I also had a 5 shot Merwin & Hulbert in .38 S&W. That's what I took to my first shoot, only to learn than the M&H was a "pocket pistol" and it was not legal. But, a pard there loaned me a Ruger in .38 Special to use at my first match. Soon after that, since it was so inexpensive at the time, I got a Uberti made 58 Remington and a conversion cylinder for .38's. That's what I used for a good while. In other words, if you have anything, start with that. Now, I have enough guns that I could probably provide guns for a dozen pards or so, all at the same time. This game very well could cause your gun collection to grow exponentially! On the other hand, if you don't have anything, don't worry about it. As has been said, people will offer to let you try all kinds of things. That's as good a way as any to try different things and find what you really like. There is a reason why the Winchester 73 is the most popular rifle in the game. Other people swear by the 66, which really isn't all that different. The Henry has the same action, but has some quirks that make it not for a novice. The 92 once dominated that game, partly because it was really the only option for a modern made replica. The Marlin has a passionate following as well. The Colt Lightning has its advocates, (like me) and there are other options if you look for them. About the only guns that seem to have a consensus as "not good for our game" are the 94 and the Henry Big Boy. Not that they are not good guns, they are just not good for our game. Then there is the Spencer. If there was ever a niche gun in a market that is a niche to begin with, that'd be the one. Not practical for our game at all, but fun as anything to shoot. That's a lot to choose from to be sure, and you'll probably see most of them at a typical shoot. For pistols, well, again, there is a reason why the Colt SAA (and copies thereof) are the most common thing you'll see. That, and the Ruger. I'd be hard pressed to say which I see more of. Everything else is an "also ran" and have people that strongly enjoy them, but they are, as said, also rans. For shotguns, you have 4 choices, the 97 pump, the 87 lever and a Side by Side, with or without hammers. In MY opinion, the best SxS ever made is the Parker, and you can't go wrong with one, but a Parker WILL run you a pretty penny, there are other very nice doubles that will cost a lot less money. Notice how I didn't really say what to go with? That's cuz everyone's preferences are different. You gotta shoot what YOU like. To say nothing like if you wanna shoot smokeless or black powder, what barrel length you like on your guns, what caliber you want, originals or replicas, new or used, and so on and so forth. There are just a lot of variables to deal with. On the one hand, you can't go wrong with a 73 and a pair of Colts, but on the other, they might not appeal to you, or be too expensive. So, take people up on their offers to let you try things. Ask questions about specific things, either at shoots or here on the Wire. And above all, have fun. See you on the range. Edited September 6 by H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
One Gun Jimmy Posted September 7 Share Posted September 7 (edited) Welcome, I am in Ohio aswell, great bunch of shooters around and some great places to shoot. Best advice I can give ... Be safe, Have fun, the rest will come. You will find multiple shooters willing to help and give advice Several world champions lurking around the Ohio area and the ones have met have been more than helpful. I've been at this since January, so I can't tell you all there is but if you have any questions my messages are always open. We always welcome new shooters at Tusco in Midvale. Good luck, you will not regret joining up, I wish I would have 20years ago. Edited September 7 by One Gun Jimmy Spelling Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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