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bewildered by rules
flyingcollie
Member Posts: 197 ✭✭✭
Am I the only one who "doesn't get" the mare's nest of complicated rules and regulations put forth by SASS ? Here's the deal . . . I've been shooting this summer with a local "Cowboy Action" group, and they're a great bunch of guys, and I find the proposition a whole lot of fun - but - there are a few all caught up in going to sanctioned matches, and start splitting hairs over a whole lotta rules and regulations from the firearms themselves to garb, and it doesn't seem anyone (including whoever does the SASS website) even knows 'em, or can keep it straight. What gives here ?
Comments
It appears, IMHO, that they have created a 'rules bureaucracy' that would put the IRS, EPA, and TSA, to shame - collectively. Worse, the main matches are dominated by loads that generate less power than a factory-loaded .32 S&W short, and there goes any authentic cowboy shooting.
I think it's become a game for people who are geared more towards a carnival environment, than the way things really were. But, it's their game. Perhaps someone will develop a SASS-type organization which doesn't regulate the creases in hat crowns, and which requires full-house .44-40's (Yikes, LOL).
There are two things that make the SASS rulebook as thick as the owners manual for a 2013 Mercedes Benz; The rules grew like weeds once folks started getting sponsors (China Camp, Holy Terror, etc) and prize $$ became an issue. Folks were using rounds that were spitting out little turds like a .22, different sights, funky shotguns, etc. in order to gain an advantage.
Also, there are several disciplines in SASS, and each one has it's own set of rules. I got these from another site;
Aged based:
>> Buckaroos (13 & under)
>> Young Guns (14 to 16)
>> Wrangler (36 to 48)
>> Forty Niner (49 to 59)
>> Seniors (60-64)
>> Silver Seniors (65-69)
>> Elder Statesman/Grand Dames (70 & up)
These are the categories:
>> Duelist -- cocking & shooting the pistols one-handed (the way a cowboy should shoot)
>> Double Duelist -- again, one-handed, but right side with right hand and left side with left hand
>> Gunfighter -- pistol in each hand, generally alternating hands with each shot
>> Frontier Cartridge -- all loads must be blackpowder; revolvers may be shot with 1 or 2 hands
>> Frontiersman -- all loads must be black powder, but the revolvers must be percussion cap & ball type
>> Classic Cowboy/Cowgirl -- fixed sight revolvers, .40 caliber or larger, 1873 or ealier rifle, and csome costuming requirements
>> "B" Western -- fancy or 'Roy Rogers' type outfits, 1884 or later rifles, Buscadero or drop holster rigs.
There is also a mounted discipline, etc.
It is fun, but like any thing else you're occasionally going to find guys who are soooo competitive that they piss and whine aboiut everybody elses' equipment or technique in order to win. I steer clear of those dudes, I'm not there to listen to folks piss and moan, I'm there to shoot and have a good time!
. . . I've been shooting this summer with a local "Cowboy Action" group,
Well at least you get to shoot. Last year I bought a Colt SAA and thought I would introduce the wife to some competitive shooting. I contacted a local club and asked for some basic information. Guy told me a person needs TWO revolvers, a rifle and a shotgun to compete, and of course, the COSTUME.
Johnny
http://www.ncows.org/
One misconception is that there is money in this sport. That couldn't be further than the truth. While some top shooters have gone on to use their skills to further a career, the only "prize" for winning in most cases is a belt buckle, plaque and free entry into the next higher level match. There are numerous matches where some sort of plaque or certificate is all you get when you win a category.
But; Some people just don't 'get it', and that's their perogative. CAS isn't for everyone.
And, if you think SASS rules are complicated & picky, NCOWS is one step beyond.
JohnnyBgood, Don't know where you're from; but most clubs encourage new shooters to just show up without guns. Members will invariably offer a wide variety of guns for you to try, and if you bring your Colt; will probably give the opportunity to use it on a practice stage.
too expensive for me!
In 2003 I set out to join cowboy shooting as cheap as I could. Our nearest posse was NCOWS, so I had to stay within their rules, which mainly meant historical authenticity.
I go to civil war re-enactment camps, so I was able to get a shirt and pants that were clearance items from vendors for $25 each. I also bought a pair of civil war brogans (shoes) for $70. I used a plain black civil war belt and holster for an 1860 army which cost $35. No hat is required.
For guns, I obtained an 1882 Remington hammered double 12 Gauge, at an auction for $110. I already had an 1851 Navy and 1860 Army pistols. My only big expense was the rifle and I got a brand new 1866 Yellowboy 44-40 (Uberti) for $550. I can use the rifle for more than cowboy shooting, so that helped me justify the expense.
I make all my own ammo for all the weapons, and it's all real black powder. I bought a lot of Graf and Sons black, back when it was $9 a pound. Try to touch any of the subs for that these days.
So I was able to do a 4 gun shoot, with historically correct outfit, for less than $800. Plus, shooting cap and ball class, I usually win my category because I'm usually the only one shooting it.
In the last couple years a few more shooters are doing C&B, so I'm occasionally relegated to second.
If you are creative and shop around for guns you can do CAS on a budget. I often find holsters and belts at gunshows for $10. And my wife found a like new pair of mule ear boots in her size for $15.
I thought that Cowboy Action was going to be really fun.. Loved it when they started the Wild Bunch matches.. But again the RULES ruined it . Could not shoot my lever action .357/.38 rifle with my .45 ACP and Shot Gun. Had to shoot a .40cal rifle or better to shoot wild bunch matches.. Again the rules are driving the average shooter out of the sport due to the price of playing the game. Soon it will be a Rich Man's Sport.. I have sold all my cowboy guns and went back to IDPA. i say return the cowboy matches back to the day when a guy could put on a cowboy hat, boots jeans and shoot one revolver one rifle and a double barrel shotgun.
I say create a 'Poor Cowboy' category for guys that only have one gun. Even Lucas McCain couldn't join SASS.
I don't know the national outfits would go for the idea, but they oughta !
Had to give it up after loosing my last job because I ended up selling guns to keep eating. I would like to get back into it again someday. If I ever do I'll go with 45LC instead of C&B though.
Trying to picture how to eject brass at an angle that would toss it down your neck. Then I realized that some might shoot breaktops. [:I]
Allen
Never seen a top-break revolver that would throw brass . . . mine just kinda dribbles out. Any road, they don't re-load pistols on the firing-line.
Nite-Rider, I'm softening . . . didn't realize SASS was so huge, you're right about "rules" . . . it gets complicated when a lot of folks are involved, and more and more questions come up. And it's true, you sure can't please everyone. I do think the SASS folks could work on a "kinder, gentler" introduction to their maze of rules, for us iggorant folk ! Thanks for posting.