Jump to content
SASS Wire Forum

Equipment questions


Dapper Dave

Recommended Posts

As of right now, I have only two revolvers that would be suitable for use, an Uberti 1873 Birdshead in 357 Mag and a an Uberti 1858 with Howell conversion cylinder in 45 Colt. Perusing the SASS rule book I see that the basic Cowboy costuming class requires all revolvers be at least 40 caliber or higher. Is that required to participate? I know the advice is don't buy anything yet, until I get into it and see what I like about it, (watching that first match was fun!), but I already have an Uberti 1875 Remington clone in 45 Colt under my watchful eye...but not until my car gets fixed and my loving wife completes her last surgery and goes back to work. Her choice - she is already retired, and she doesn't HAVE to, but she's bored. 

So, having said all THAT is it required to be in a costuming class to shoot, or just go Open Age - Cowboy with the basic clothing and work up from there? I want to stay in the Spirit of the Game, obviously. So far I have hat and boots, (actually using the boots at work too, get them GOOD and broke in!), waiting for a new holster for the 1858, have a Simply Rugged rig for the 1873. That triple K rig I have for the 1858 is going to be replaced - it's cheap and the belt is too short for my fat belly. 

It doesn't hurt that Wild West Mercantile is reasonably close...gonna need a shirt soon. :)

Again, thank you to all for putting up with a fat old newbie, much appreciated.
 

1858 with Triple K junk.jpg

1873 with Simply Rugged rig.jpg

Edited by Dapper Dave
Spelling
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Welcome Dapper Dave!

 

The shooter's handbook can be a bit confusing when it comes to categories. Fortunately, there's a category matrix made by Ripsaw that provides a very helpful overview (I don't know if V2.5 is the latest version). There, you find the requirements regarding shooting style, caliber, gun models, propellant, footwear, and costuming:

SASS Category Matrix v2.5.pdf

 

As you see, Classic Cowboy (CC) is the only category requiring big bore (min .40) caliber and CC and BW (B-Western) are the only two categories that require certain costuming. So, add any long sleeve shirt to your hat and boots, wear a pair of jeans and you're good to go.

 

I shoot CC with an external hammer shotgun and .45 Colt rifle and pistols because I like to dress full cowboy. But a lot who don't shoot CC choose .38s 'cause it's faster to shoot and cheaper to reload. You may want to reconsider what category you'd like to participate in the future before buying another .45 Remington.

 

So long, Equanimous Phil

  • Like 1
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Posted (edited)

Thank you very much sir - I was actually eyeing that 1875 before I found this outfit, 'cause some days, you just need a single action revolver. :) That matrix is very clear and handy, thank you for sharing that. 

Edit to add, maybe I should find a different color of powder coat - I forgot I powder coated those .45 Colt bullets pink...

Edited by Dapper Dave
  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

As a fairly new shooter myself, my advice to you is to show up at the next match with whatever you have and start shooting.  We want you to come and shoot, not worry about being turned out perfectly for your first shoot.  I pieced together what I had and started shooting.  My first shotgun belt was illegal, but I used it for about 6 months.  No one said anything about it.  Come start having fun.  The equipment and costuming will accumulate fast enough, don't worry about it.  If you don't have enough stuff to start, let the club know and I'll bet you they will find some loner equipment to use.  We had two guys show up at our last match without any notice or guns and we found enough gear for them to shoot.  The people in this sport are extremely friendly and helpful.

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Posted (edited)

Thank you very much and that was what I was told. My gunsmith buddy reiterated to me today that I am welcome to borrow his Rossi 357 lever action rifle, don't know the model number, since I already cast and reload 38 Special and .357 Mag. Only thing I would have to borrow is a shotgun. Now I would hazard a guess if I am borrowing a firearm, it would behoove me to show up with some SASS approved factory ammo for it - what would be the suggestion there? 

My wife is being very supportive of this endeavor as well. 🙂

Edit to add, I will need a shotgun ammo carrier, any suggestions for something inexpensive to start?

Edited by Dapper Dave
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I know, I know, "don't buy anything", but I can look, right? 😄

I found this rig at Mernickle Holsters, called the SASS starter kit. I was perusing the internet for Western rigs to pass the time and found this. 

https://www.mernickleholsters.com/shop/Official-SASS™-Starter-Kit-p210404047

Is this something many use? I notice it is setup to buckle in the back? I did see a lot of people with shotgun belts buckled in the back, which makes sense, but I didn't remember seeing gunbelts like that. Thoughts? Just looking right now, of course. 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 hours ago, Dapper Dave said:

... I did see a lot of people with shotgun belts buckled in the back, which makes sense, but I didn't remember seeing gunbelts like that. Thoughts? Just looking right now, of course. 

 

 

You'll want the buckle in the back when you start winning those fancy buckles at shoots!  Most people will see your backside when shooting.

  • Haha 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 hours ago, Dapper Dave said:

I know, I know, "don't buy anything", but I can look, right? 😄

I found this rig at Mernickle Holsters, called the SASS starter kit. I was perusing the internet for Western rigs to pass the time and found this. 

https://www.mernickleholsters.com/shop/Official-SASS™-Starter-Kit-p210404047

Is this something many use? I notice it is setup to buckle in the back? I did see a lot of people with shotgun belts buckled in the back, which makes sense, but I didn't remember seeing gunbelts like that. Thoughts? Just looking right now, of course. 

 

Mernickle has been and is a great supporter of this game. Their leather is top notch. 
being rather small waisted, I wanted my buckles in the back for more room up front. I also prefer a separate shotgun belt with a cartridge slide for rifle rounds on the shotgun belt.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

7 hours ago, Dapper Dave said:

I know, I know, "don't buy anything", but I can look, right? 😄

I found this rig at Mernickle Holsters, called the SASS starter kit. I was perusing the internet for Western rigs to pass the time and found this. 

https://www.mernickleholsters.com/shop/Official-SASS™-Starter-Kit-p210404047

Is this something many use? I notice it is setup to buckle in the back? I did see a lot of people with shotgun belts buckled in the back, which makes sense, but I didn't remember seeing gunbelts like that. Thoughts? Just looking right now, of course. 

 

I bought a Mernicle Starter Kit earlier this year, and I'm very pleased with it. It has most of the features of the higher priced HP series (the holsters don't have the metal inserts that can be formed ), but the leather is very stiff so they won't  collapse while empty.

With everything that comes in the kit it makes for a good value.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

9 hours ago, Dapper Dave said:

I know, I know, "don't buy anything", but I can look, right? 😄

I found this rig at Mernickle Holsters, called the SASS starter kit. I was perusing the internet for Western rigs to pass the time and found this. 

https://www.mernickleholsters.com/shop/Official-SASS™-Starter-Kit-p210404047

Is this something many use? I notice it is setup to buckle in the back? I did see a lot of people with shotgun belts buckled in the back, which makes sense, but I didn't remember seeing gunbelts like that. Thoughts? Just looking right now, of course. 

 

I wear both pistol and shotgun belts buckled in the back. I put them on buckle up front then slide them around buckle in back. This keeps my holsters level with each other and keeps all 8-12 sg shells in front. If either is a little loose then most of the time one of our lady shooters will take mercy and tighten them up for me. :)

Regards

:FlagAm:  :FlagAm:  :FlagAm:

Gateway Kid

BTW Mernickle leather is very good. I use their HP sg belt I got about 2-3 years ago and a Kirkpatrick Longhunter pistol set up that is at least nine years old. 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On shotgun ammo, just find some Low Noise, Low Recoil shells. Those should be good in any modern gun.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Amazon.com : SPIKA Shotgun Shell 12 Gauge Bandolier for Hunting 25 Rounds Ammo Holder Shoulder Belt : Sports & Outdoors

 

This is the shotgun belt I started with, it's really meant to be worn over the shoulder as a bandoleer, but I just buckled it around my waist.  Not really legal, but gets you started for about $12.  

 

For factory shotgun shells, try to find Winchester Low Noise Low Recoil.  If you can't find them look for either Winchester Extra Light or Light Target Loads.

 

I started with some cheap holsters so that I could decide what style I wanted to shoot, double strong side or cross draw.  Yo, u'll also want to see how much drop you want on the holsters.  Some like them to ride high, others the lower the better.

 

You won't go wrong with Mernickle leather, but you may find that there is someone that shoots at your club that is a leather smith too.  That makes it easier to customize your leather exactly how you want it.

 

It took me over a year to really decide how I wanted my holsters.  

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Posted (edited)

I figure you all had your starter rig when you first got in, so I thought I'd memorialize it. Dear Almighty, this is cheap. Speaking of cheap, all the Triple K leather sold at MidwayUSA is this cheap junk, but on the Triple K home page, they have some very nice stuff...I wonder if they make this junk just for MidwayUSA. When I bought this, I was still paying off a bunch of debt from the ex wife, so this was what I could afford - immortalized here in all its "glory". In a year I will hopefully look at that setup and giggle. 

Triple K/Midway K100 Heavy Saddle Leather Pistol Cartridge Belt - my pants belt is heavier duty than this thing. 😁 It better be - it's a Crossbreed gun belt. 

I DID figure out how to set the thing around the hips in what LOOKED like a more normal position. 

Yes, the bullets are powder coated pink - for some time I did powder coated pink bullets as Breast Cancer Awareness rounds, meaning as much as we would like to, this is a disease we just can't shoot. My wife is a recent survivor. If you see me at the range and want one, ask. They ARE loaded cartridges, not dummies. 

Again, thank you to everyone here, looking forward to coming out again as soon as I can.

 

First rig.jpg

Edited by Dapper Dave
spelling and content
  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

This may just be me, but be prepared for the possibility that what feels "right" at home may not feel the same way a couple stages in  :unsure:

 

Belts shift around, pants sag a bit, arms and shoulders get tired and you may not be able to reach quite as far around as you could first thing in the morning.  Embrace the journey :D 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

You’re not the first new guy/gal to be confused by the category descriptions in the Handbook.

 

Less than ten percent of the shooters in my area choose the “costume based categories”.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Posted (edited)
5 hours ago, SGT. ELI 35882 GUNFIGHTER said:

If you choose costume/weapon category the holster/leather also has specifics to follow.

Right, that's why IF I was to do that it would be well down the road. I just wasn't quite sure if I HAD to fit in a category to shoot, which after watching that fun match at Rio, that certainly doesn't seem to be the case. 

In the case of the belt/holster, yep, absolutely, been carrying a defensive sidearm now for about 41 years, and I know that feeling - hey, this felt great at home, why does my back/side/etc., now hurt? I'll try this hybrid rig first chance I get and see if it works or not. I very much appreciate everyone's replies to my newbie questions. 

Edited by Dapper Dave
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.