New to SASS: Advice for Navigating the Gear Maze

[Rhett Butler]

Looking back, I think being strategic about your category and what you wish to gain from the hobby, could inform/ simplify a new shooters decisions well. If being competitive is the priority, an individual would choose from a relatively short list of weapons/ equipment... If a more traditional theme/ category were priority, then many choices come "off the table". Hope your choices thus far have been working well... If not, you are in good company; as many don't get it right the first time around. Years ago I switched to 357 for total time gains... which I did gain... Took alot of fun out of it, however. I like when the 45's hit steel, I like loading them in my weapons, and I like loading them on my press... Winning trinkets is less of a priority. So, I went back.

[Dapper Dave]

On 3/24/2025 at 5:21 AM, Griff said:

And why it takes hours for the smiles to fade!

Heck, I did that even from a practice match! This stuff is fun! Next match is this Saturday!

 

Adding in to the gear maze, I decided to order something from Mernickle, (fast becoming a favorite store), that I had seen, heard about, but nobody really talked about - the leather lever wrap. i had some extra shekels in the bank account, where better to spend them, right? But why would anyone need this?

Fast forward to yesterday when the box showed up, (also with my pistol ammo belt holder), and I installed it. Probably didn't do it right, but it fits. And MAN...what a difference! Working the lever felt like I was pushing down on a pillow! I brought Da Boy in and said, "Try this." He said basically the same thing, and just like last time he held it, I dang near had to pry it out of his hands. I know who's getting the 92 when I croak!

So, one little piece of gear nobody really talks about, seems to be an inexpensive way to make things just little more fun. 

[KatfishKid]

10 hours ago, Rhett Butler said:

Looking back, I think being strategic about your category and what you wish to gain from the hobby, could inform/ simplify a new shooters decisions well. If being competitive is the priority, an individual would choose from a relatively short list of weapons/ equipment... If a more traditional theme/ category were priority, then many choices come "off the table". Hope your choices thus far have been working well... If not, you are in good company; as many don't get it right the first time around. Years ago I switched to 357 for total time gains... which I did gain... Took alot of fun out of it, however. I like when the 45's hit steel, I like loading them in my weapons, and I like loading them on my press... Winning trinkets is less of a priority. So, I went back.

I've always liked "Odd ball" rounds and tend to gravitate to calibers that aren't the "norm" whether its hunting or target shooting. I went with 38 special to get into this strictly due to affordability. More than likely the guns I currently have will go to my wife and I will likely go to something along the lines of 44-40 if/when I switch to black powder. I'll likely end up owning a load out in 45 eventually as well...just because when I think Cowboy, I think 45 colt. But outside of that, I think my choices have been solid, I asked for a lot of advice, received a lot of advice and went with the best I could afford.  

[KatfishKid]

Been getting some more practice in. During my first match I was a little frustrated with how many procedurals and misses I had, so I've been working on slowing things down and making sure I'm putting the rounds on the correct target. One of my worst stages of my first match was 41.25 seconds. Each time I go out I shoot that stage and record my cold time to see if I'm progressing. The last 3 times out my stage times have been under 20 seconds clean. Still a lot i can do to shave time and become more fluid, but so far I'm happy with my progress. I still struggle understanding and executing sweeps/stage instructions, but I can start feeling it all "click".      

 

[watab kid]

i have been one of those that am contiually making changes in mine , a lot of them have been small ones a little change here a little adjustment there - my latest was bigger , i started building a new gun cart , its been evolving for a couple years now but i only used it this past one , i found it deficient in a coupkle areas so ive been working on fixes tthis winter it will work better this year , 

 

ive switched out leater from a cross draw rig that i still have to a double strong , then added another full rig when i started with 38s - i had run and still do 45 colt , but now i have a third choice to make every time i go to a shoot , im not saying that im doing anything right but im saying ive found a way to keep things interesting in more ways , not for everyone as the costs add up but im retired what i like to do seems like a good place to invest $ and time , it makes me happy , 

 

i seldom if ever suggest to anyone to take my approach , as a matter of fact i recommended to all my friends not to do so - i told them what works best from observation and experience , i hope that they found their own way and my input helped ,  

 

there are so many aspects of this game im constantly tweaking or trying to get started into , my reloading grew exponetionally when i started with the 38s , then when i added conversions to my C&Bs as well as finally making time for my 4570 sharps that one day id like to shoot long range with , 

 

i think thats why this tthread has gotten the legs it has to go this long here , its a fun thread and i hope it goes on a bit longer 

[KatfishKid]

9 hours ago, watab kid said:

i have been one of those that am contiually making changes in mine , a lot of them have been small ones a little change here a little adjustment there - my latest was bigger , i started building a new gun cart , its been evolving for a couple years now but i only used it this past one , i found it deficient in a coupkle areas so ive been working on fixes tthis winter it will work better this year , 

 

ive switched out leater from a cross draw rig that i still have to a double strong , then added another full rig when i started with 38s - i had run and still do 45 colt , but now i have a third choice to make every time i go to a shoot , im not saying that im doing anything right but im saying ive found a way to keep things interesting in more ways , not for everyone as the costs add up but im retired what i like to do seems like a good place to invest $ and time , it makes me happy , 

 

i seldom if ever suggest to anyone to take my approach , as a matter of fact i recommended to all my friends not to do so - i told them what works best from observation and experience , i hope that they found their own way and my input helped ,  

 

there are so many aspects of this game im constantly tweaking or trying to get started into , my reloading grew exponetionally when i started with the 38s , then when i added conversions to my C&Bs as well as finally making time for my 4570 sharps that one day id like to shoot long range with , 

 

i think thats why this tthread has gotten the legs it has to go this long here , its a fun thread and i hope it goes on a bit longer 

I can relate to that. I haven’t made any gear changes myself, but I’ve definitely made a lot of small adjustments here and there. 

I think I’ll probably end up changing some gear down the road, not necessarily because I need to, but just to break things up a little. Sometimes doing something a little different is enough to keep things fresh.

 

Like you said, everyone’s got their own approach, and I’ve found that what works for one person doesn’t always fit for someone else. But hearing how others go about it gives me ideas, even if I don’t act on them right away.

 

That cart you’re building sounds interesting, too, I’d like to see how it turns out. I like hearing about those kinds of projects because it gets me thinking about things I might try later on. I purchased a Marion River Woodcraft cart and have altered it a bit. Mostly aesthetics, but there were a few things I added like holsters, "upgraded" screws/bolts and expanded storage a bit. Great cart from the beginning, but I just wanted to add my own touches and address what I personally deemed to be potential weak points.

 

I get that this thread might not be for everyone, and that’s fine. but from the replies and messages I’ve gotten, I know at least a few folks are following along, and that means a lot. I like having a place where I can post updates and look back to see how far I’ve come. I always appreciate advice, too, it honestly helps more than people probably realize when someone points out something I could be doing differently.

[KatfishKid]

And for the nerds. I've created a spreadsheet that will help me track my progress. It makes me feel good to see data that confirms progress. 3/22/25 is the only actual match. 4/1 and 4/7 are practice matches shooting the same scenarios as the actual match. I've haven't created a spreadsheet for "normal" practice, and probably won't honestly. If I get to the point that it feels like work, it will be downhill from there. So I will avoid getting to that point. 

[Cowtown Scout, SASS #53540 L]

10 hours ago, KatfishKid said:

Been getting some more practice in. During my first match I was a little frustrated with how many procedurals and misses I had, so I've been working on slowing things down and making sure I'm putting the rounds on the correct target. One of my worst stages of my first match was 41.25 seconds. Each time I go out I shoot that stage and record my cold time to see if I'm progressing. The last 3 times out my stage times have been under 20 seconds clean. Still a lot i can do to shave time and become more fluid, but so far I'm happy with my progress. I still struggle understanding and executing sweeps/stage instructions, but I can start feeling it all "click".      

 

Observing your video I noticed that when you shot your right revolver that you leaned way over the table and you did not do that with your left revolver.  I sometime see people lean way over towards the targets almost like they are gong to fall over the table top or prop.  Yours is not that extreme.  Never understood why they do that as they just have to stand back up to move to the next shooting position.  Keep up the good work you are doing.

[watab kid]

16 hours ago, KatfishKid said:

I can relate to that. I haven’t made any gear changes myself, but I’ve definitely made a lot of small adjustments here and there. 

I think I’ll probably end up changing some gear down the road, not necessarily because I need to, but just to break things up a little. Sometimes doing something a little different is enough to keep things fresh.

 

Like you said, everyone’s got their own approach, and I’ve found that what works for one person doesn’t always fit for someone else. But hearing how others go about it gives me ideas, even if I don’t act on them right away.

 

That cart you’re building sounds interesting, too, I’d like to see how it turns out. I like hearing about those kinds of projects because it gets me thinking about things I might try later on. I purchased a Marion River Woodcraft cart and have altered it a bit. Mostly aesthetics, but there were a few things I added like holsters, "upgraded" screws/bolts and expanded storage a bit. Great cart from the beginning, but I just wanted to add my own touches and address what I personally deemed to be potential weak points.

 

I get that this thread might not be for everyone, and that’s fine. but from the replies and messages I’ve gotten, I know at least a few folks are following along, and that means a lot. I like having a place where I can post updates and look back to see how far I’ve come. I always appreciate advice, too, it honestly helps more than people probably realize when someone points out something I could be doing differently.

I AGREE , most of what we get in feedback reinforces that we are touching on things of interest to those here , i like to think i contribute , if not id hope someone might say so , 

 

as to tweaking my cart - ive always been a minimalist but ive also wanted to accomadate the needs of the day and a little more just in case , this philosophy has served me well as i got older in that at 75 i can still move my carts from stage to stage through the day even when always up hill - those that shoot at WOWS know what i mean , a great range to be sure and fantastic people but its all uphill everywhere there , been there for over 20 years now but i can still do it , 

 

my current adjustments are minor , a way to carry my chair - ive had a couple occasions to need a seat after my heart attack last fall , my wife found me a nifty folding stool at a garage sale thats really light and comfortable to perch on , mostly i work the possee but once in a while i need a rest these days 

 

my biggest problem with my approach is - if you -ut a nice golf umbrella on my light cart it acts like a sail - and if i throw a couple sandbags in the load i defeat the purpose of traveling light , 

 

but i do the same in my camping for these events , lots of the time i sleep in my truck [was a youkon , now a suburban ] on occasion i have my wifes motorhome and its a miniwinni without the water or power , but im always comfortable and im always looking at ways to be a little more comfortable - im not new to this as a boundary water canoeist im used to doing a lot with a little and finding those little things that make it easier , 

i usually have others with me that are more equipped but i always plan for me surviving alone , i only take advantage of my friends extra conveniences when needed 

 

now do i recommend this ? yes , if your on a budget and are starting out , i do it because its what ive always done and i enjoy it , i have my conveniences and ill add more as i feel the need , ive lived by frank lloyd wrights philosophy my whole life - "less is more" , i p[practiced that in business , i lived it with my family , and ive followed it in this game [also three gun when i shot that] the cart idea started there 

 

 

 

 

[KatfishKid]

Well, I shot in my second match this past Saturday and it went much better than my first match. I was much more comfortable this time around and I am proud of my performance. I was able to understand the stage scenarios easier and didn't get any Ps this go around. My goal was to shoot clean, but unfortunately I did have a few misses. I was comfortable with my speed and every now and then I tried to push my limits and it caused me a miss. I have a better understanding of what my limits are and found that I can slow my pistols down to ensure accuracy and make up my time with the rifle if need be. I had an absolute blast, made a few new friends and I am already looking forward to the next match. I did end up getting first in my category and that was a confidence booster, regardless of the size of the category.   

[DukeSoprano]

And how did your new Rugers run?

[KatfishKid]

1 hour ago, DukeSoprano said:

And how did your new Rugers run?

The rugers ran great. Still as slick as the day I got em...maybe even more slick after a couple thousand rounds so far. 

[watab kid]

14 hours ago, KatfishKid said:

The rugers ran great. Still as slick as the day I got em...maybe even more slick after a couple thousand rounds so far. 

ill dittos that - there came a point when id had issues with enough of my accumulated guns that i just threw up my hands oin surrender and bought a pair of rugers , they have served well for a decade - i think they will serve well till i wquit and long after in someone's else hands when im gone m, 

 

same with all my rifles and shotguns , these outlive us by generations , but its been fun while ive had possession 

[Shawnee Hills]

I had the honor of meeting Katfish and his lovely wife at last weekend's Spring Roundup in Indiana.  Clearly his gear and efforts at learning the game are working.  In the short time that he's been shooting Cowboy, he placed 60th out of 111 shooters and took 3rd in his category.  Darn good shooting, Katfish!  All you duelists might want to keep an eye on this one.

[KatfishKid]

On 5/12/2025 at 7:39 AM, Shawnee Hills said:

I had the honor of meeting Katfish and his lovely wife at last weekend's Spring Roundup in Indiana.  Clearly his gear and efforts at learning the game are working.  In the short time that he's been shooting Cowboy, he placed 60th out of 111 shooters and took 3rd in his category.  Darn good shooting, Katfish!  All you duelists might want to keep an eye on this one.

@Shawnee Hills Thank you for the kind words! It was great meeting you. I hope to get to shoot with you soon. And sorry for the late reply, I haven't had much time to check the wire lately. 

[KatfishKid]

I had a great time at the Spring Roundup. It was my first multi day match and I'm happy with my performance. I messed up my back a couple of days before the shoot and I struggled a little bit with that. I had a few rifle misses that I shouldn't have had, but once I focused more on accuracy and transitions over speed, I felt like I was able to smooth things out a bit. I had one bad stage that ruined my pace. I had a round that I must have missed the crimp on and the bullet got pushed into the casing jamming my rifle. had 5 or 6 live rounds in the rifle and took a huge hit on time. If it wasn't for that, I believe I would have moved up 20+ spots from 60th overall.  I was able to understand the stage instructions easier, which I struggled with on my first two matches. I believe most all my raw times were in the 20s with the exception of a couple of the more complicated stages that required more travel. those were in the low 30s. Hopefully by this time next season I'm consistently in the teens, which I'm starting to understand is a huge challenge for a duelist.   

[Edward R S Canby, SASS#59971]

KK, your stage times are respectable for a new shooter.  Regarding the jammed rifle, Palo Verde make an unjamming tool for '73s that makes the removal of a bad round quick and easy.  I used mine on a fellow shooter's jammed '73 Saturday.  Bad ammo happens though I only load in once fired or virgin brass for major matches.  This reduces the likelihood of bad ammo.  R-P stamped brass is prone to bullets pushing back into the case, so I reserve them for handguns along with nickel-plated brass that is prone to splitting.

Edited May 19, 2025 by Edward R S Canby, SASS#59971
more info

[El Muerto Negro]

10 hours ago, KatfishKid said:

I had a great time at the Spring Roundup. It was my first multi day match and I'm happy with my performance. I messed up my back a couple of days before the shoot and I struggled a little bit with that. I had a few rifle misses that I shouldn't have had, but once I focused more on accuracy and transitions over speed, I felt like I was able to smooth things out a bit. I had one bad stage that ruined my pace. I had a round that I must have missed the crimp on and the bullet got pushed into the casing jamming my rifle. had 5 or 6 live rounds in the rifle and took a huge hit on time. If it wasn't for that, I believe I would have moved up 20+ spots from 60th overall.  I was able to understand the stage instructions easier, which I struggled with on my first two matches. I believe most all my raw times were in the 20s with the exception of a couple of the more complicated stages that required more travel. those were in the low 30s. Hopefully by this time next season I'm consistently in the teens, which I'm starting to understand is a huge challenge for a duelist.   

 

 

Katfish Kid,

 

You are doing great. Don't let anyone tell you that obtaining teen stages consistently is out of reach. As a Duelist its definitely doable. Don't forget many a Duelist have won overall at many matches. 

 

EMN

 

[KatfishKid]

Figured I'd check-in since it's been a little over a month since my last post. I was out of town for work during our last local monthly shoot, so I missed that one. But my wife and I went over to Illinois and shot with the Lakewood Marshals for their monthly. She shot her first match and had a blast. I had a blast as well, despite not shooting very well. I tried some new things and found they didn't work for me. I haven't been able to get out and practice very much either. Made an attempt last Thursday and ended up breaking the firing pin on my 73. Got a couple on order, but more than likely we'll be using a borrowed rifle for this weekend's local match. We've begun saving for another loadout. Putting a lot of stress on our current guns with two people shooting. 

[Eyesa Horg]

The joys of mechanical objects and Mr. Murphy 😜

[Shawnee Hills]

That's frustrating.  The design of those pins makes breakage an eventuality in rifles that are shot a lot.  Sure, some never have the problem but the potential remains.  Having 'been there', all of my rifles have been converted to one-piece firing pins.  While some shooters have concerns about these setups being proprietary, I've had no problems with hundreds (if not thousands) of rounds fired.  The potential damage caused by dry-firing is eliminated as well.

[Griff]

2 hours ago, KatfishKid said:

...We've begun saving for another loadout...

And... undoubtedly a lot more as you attend bigger matches with more side events that catch your fancy.   Since starting cowboy action, I've acquired an 1886, a derringer (or 3), a Sharps, several pocket pistols, a couple other single shots, hammered & hammerless backup shotguns, 7 additional 1851s, at least 3 backup pistol caliber rifles among others.  It's either guns, gunsmithing, reloading equipment & supplies or clothing... each keeps the pocketbook in a constant state of disrepair!  

[KatfishKid]

Got the new firing pin in, no issues. My wife and I shot at the local monthly yesterday. She did well, still a bit timid, but she's enjoying it and that's all that matters. I would of had my best match yet if I wouldn't have fumbled my pistol at the unload table and dropped it on my foot resulting in a stage DQ. We had a great time as always, despite the heat. 

 

[KatfishKid]

Figured I'd update my progress. Which is a big fat zero. June was the last shoot I attended. I got sick in early July and was sick for nearly 3 weeks. Then I broke a wisdom tooth shortly after I started feeling better from having the flu. It got infected and that made me sick. Not to mention the pain. Still dealing with that. Scheduled to have surgery on the 22nd of this month. Next shoot is the 27th, so hopefully I'm healed up enough to shoot then. So if all goes well I should at least get 2 maybe 3 more shoots in before the end of the year. 

[KatfishKid]

I was able to attend the local shoot this past Saturday. Still a little sore from the surgery a few days prior, but not sore enough to need to miss it. Felt like I was starting over after not being able to shoot for several months. Had a miss on every stage and at least one P. Finished in the middle of the pack somewhere and first in my category. My shotgun was having issues. The trigger was not resetting on the second shot eating up a lot of time. But thankfully @The Revenuer loaned me his backup for the rest of the day. My wife shot as well. She did good. We still need to work on shouldering the long guns, but she stuck with it and had a lot of fun. 

 

[Eyesa Horg]

Fine job Katfish🤠