The Wheels on the Cart

[Stampede Steve]

I've noticed that pretty much all of the two-wheeled Cowboy Action carts have the wheels on the back end of the cart, like a two-wheeled moving dolly, and also have the long gun rack integrated with the handles, so that you have to tilt the cart back and point all the guns at your face when you move it. 

Is there a reason not to put the two wheels on the front of the cart, leave the rack where it is, and put horizontal handles a bit lower on the sides of the rack - more like a wheelbarrow, so when you move the cart, the guns essentially point straight up? 

I know, they're unloaded while they're in the cart, and everybody is careful, but all the gun safety I've ever learned says never point a gun at something you don't intend to shoot.  

[Shooting Bull]

None of us are getting any younger. Moving a wheelbarrow, approximately half the weight will be supported by your arms. With the wheels in the back, the vast majority of the weight is supported by the wheels. 

[Blackwater 53393]

It seems that if you did it that way, you’d have to, in effect, lift the handles to move the cart, as opposed to simply tilting it back and pulling it along. Not only that, but you’d have to push the cart or try to drag it behind you like a dray. Like the Bull said, the way most of us do it is physically much easier!!

 

I tilt my cart and pull it behind me with one hand. It rolls much better when pulled than when I’ve tried pushing it, particularly over uneven surfaces and even with ammunition in a bag hanging from high on the frame, the weight is mostly negligible.

 

My own preference would be to stand the long guns on their muzzles if I could be absolutely sure that they wouldn’t get clogged or damaged somehow, but when you stop and think about it, this way just further encourages you to make sure that the guns are unloaded!!

[Stampede Steve]

2 minutes ago, Blackwater 53393 said:

My own preference would be to stand the long guns on their muzzles if I could be absolutely sure that they wouldn’t get clogged or damaged somehow, but when you stop and think about it, this way just further encourages you to make sure that the guns are unloaded!!

 

I've seen carts made for other types of shooting sports that use a muzzle-down orientation, like Range Tactical Gear's Range Runner and Range Runner Air. They use kind of a U-shaped mount on the side at the top, and have the muzzle sit on a pad on the fender (see photo). But I notice that their "Cowboy Action" cart uses a vertical long gun rack that holds up to 5 guns. 

[Colorado Coffinmaker]

 

Personally, I don't see where there is an issue.  At the very least, the rear wheel karts have worked very well for over 30 years. 🤩🤠

[Blackwater 53393]

17 minutes ago, Stampede Steve said:

 

I've seen carts made for other types of shooting sports that use a muzzle-down orientation, like Range Tactical Gear's Range Runner and Range Runner Air. They use kind of a U-shaped mount on the side at the top, and have the muzzle sit on a pad on the fender (see photo). But I notice that their "Cowboy Action" cart uses a vertical long gun rack that holds up to 5 guns. 

Now you’re looking at four wheels and most likely having to push the cart. It’s harder to steer and has to be rocked or lifted to navigate uneven terrain.

 

I have one of the old “speed carts” that’s made of lightweight steel tubing and collapses and folds away for transport and storage. It weighs about twenty pounds and holds four long guns. It has a wire tray that’ll hold an ammo box or military ammo can and a canvas bag for your possibles and or spent shells. There’s separate shelves that’ll hold your shotgun shells in the boxes and a small cooler too.

 

It’s small and simple and extremely durable. I don’t know why in the world the manufacturer discontinued them!!!

 

When I get out to the shop tomorrow, I’ll take a picture.

[Stampede Steve]

Thanks, Blackwater, I'd like to see it!

 

I know it's 4 wheels, but I was thinking it would be possible to make a two-wheeled cart with a similar muzzle-down arrangement for the long guns. I suppose you need room for another rifle and shotgun if you're shooting in different classes, or feel the need for a back-up.

[Blackwater 53393]

10 minutes ago, Stampede Steve said:

Thanks, Blackwater, I'd like to see it!

 

I know it's 4 wheels, but I was thinking it would be possible to make a two-wheeled cart with a similar muzzle-down arrangement for the long guns. I suppose you need room for another rifle and shotgun if you're shooting in different classes, or feel the need for a back-up.

Or if your spouse or a buddy are sharing the cart with you.

[Shooting Bull]

Here’s another option I recently completed. The wagon can be purchased most anywhere. I cut a piece of 3/4” plywood to fit the floor. The rack is from Ruged Gear. The base is bolted to the plywood and the rack attaches to the base with four wing nuts. It goes together and comes apart very easily for transportation. 

[Sheriff Dill]

Our cart used to be two wheeled. However for easier moving around we put a swivel wheel on the front that’s taller and it tilts our cart backwards just enough to keep guns in slots. They are also secured by a strap type thing on the front of them 

[Jimmy Reb, SASS #54804]

When muzzle down, there is a good chance of sweeping someone when going to the loading table or coming from the unloading table. Muzzle up in the cart puts them in the right position for carrying. 

[Sedalia Dave]

While it’s not a SASS rule some clubs require all long guns to be muzzle up when in a gun cart. 

[Horace Patootie, SASS #35798]

I can fit 5 long guns on my cart. Plus, lever guns actions are open and shotguns are open and all visibly so. No problem at all.

Horace

[watab kid]

i started with a muzzle down setup , it became a little problematic as stated above - not enough to give it up but enough to make me rethink , my current two catrts are all muzzle up , but i still have the gear to put them the opposite way if i deem it reasonable to do so , 

big thing is im always looking minimalistic - less weight and less drag - im running old golf bag carts , they both will hold four long guns , my newer one will cartry both handguns in a convenient position as well , so i carry less weight on this old body , im all about taking it easy on my body these days its seen enough abuse over the last 76 years 

[Chantry]

I couldn't help myself

 

The wheels on the cart go round and round
Round and round, round and round
The wheels on the cart go round and round
All through the match

 

The guns on the cart go up and down
Up and down, up and down
The guns on the cart go up and down
All through the match

[Sheriff Dill]

These are the wheels we have on the rear of our cart. They bolt to the rear storage area with bolts and wing nuts for easy removal 

 

 

and we have one of these bolted underneath the front storage area that doesn’t come off. 
 

 

our cart is on the heavier side as it’s made out of 3/4” plywood but these wheels move it nicely and goes over rough terrain we have here in New England. 

[High Spade Mikey Wilson]

If you're only going to have two wheels on the cart, mounted on the front, good luck pushing it across stones or up a hill. I have enough issues with that on my cart with the wheels at the back.

[Badlands Bob #61228]

The larger wheels navigate rough, rocky terrain better.  The gun carts built like hand trucks are very efficient and if balanced properly, all of the weight is on the two wheels and not on the operator, who only has to push the cart along.

 

 

[Blackwater 53393]

I don’t push my cart at all unless it’s to move it a couple of feet. It’s much easier to pull it behind me with one hand, particularly when I am using my cane or walking staff.  It’s easier to pull it over uneven surfaces, or say, up a step or two than it is to push it and much easier to control going up and down hills.

 

I got in the habit of pulling carts and dollies from moving heavy appliances, machinery, and large boxes.

 

Any of ya’s ever tried PUSHING  a refrigerator up a flight of stairs?? 😜

[The Original Lumpy Gritz]

3 hours ago, High Spade Mikey Wilson said:

If you're only going to have two wheels on the cart, mounted on the front, good luck pushing it across stones or up a hill. I have enough issues with that on my cart with the wheels at the back.

Or going up steps! 🙃

[Griff]

19 hours ago, Colorado Coffinmaker said:

 

Personally, I don't see where there is an issue.  At the very least, the rear wheel karts have worked very well for over 30 years. 🤩🤠

Newbie!  Guncarts have been used in Cowboy action since the mid '80s, pretty much unchanged!  

[Badlands Bob #61228]

5 hours ago, Blackwater 53393 said:

Any of ya’s ever tried PUSHING  a refrigerator up a flight of stairs?? 😜

Naw but I've been pushing a boulder up a mountain all my life.

Edited August 2 by Badlands Bob #61228

[Randy Saint Eagle, SASS # 64903]

19 hours ago, Stampede Steve said:

Thanks, Blackwater, I'd like to see it!

 

I know it's 4 wheels, but I was thinking it would be possible to make a two-wheeled cart with a similar muzzle-down arrangement for the long guns. I suppose you need room for another rifle and shotgun if you're shooting in different classes, or feel the need for a back-up.

 

18 hours ago, Sedalia Dave said:

While it’s not a SASS rule some clubs require all long guns to be muzzle up when in a gun cart. 

I was going to reply but Sedalia Dave beat me to it, thanks Dave.

 

Wartrace Regulators, for one, is a muzzle up, action open range. That is of course for long guns.

 

Thanks

Randy

[I. M. Crossdraw, SASS# 8321]

19 hours ago, Jimmy Reb, SASS #54804 said:

When muzzle down, there is a good chance of sweeping someone when going to the loading table or coming from the unloading table. Muzzle up in the cart puts them in the right position for carrying. 

++++1  

It may be frowned upon by some shooters if swept by the muzzle while placing long gun back in the cart muzzle down. 

[Blackwater 53393]

42 minutes ago, Badlands Bob #61228 said:

Naw but I've been pushing a boulder up a mountain all my life.

Sisyphus Complex!! 🤔

[Colorado Coffinmaker]

Griff 🙄

 

Ewell, did I.  Or did I not say "well over 30 years???" 🧐

 

Newbie Indeed!!🤪💣

[Griff]

1 hour ago, Colorado Coffinmaker said:

Griff 🙄

 

Ewell, did I.  Or did I not say "well over 30 years???" 🧐

 

Newbie Indeed!!🤪💣

Well.... technically, 40 years is "well over 30 years"... but still...  yep... Newbie!  Said respectfully, kinda tongue in cheek, as neither am I an OG.

[Colorado Coffinmaker]

 

🤣 Griff,

 

Well.  OK.  Considering the relative difference in our SASS Numbers, I'll quietly accept "Newbie."  Sort of.  Almost.  Maybe 🤪 🤠