Newbie questions

[Mad Dog]

In the last coupla months, I have been getting real interested in CAS.  I have been doing a lot of reading, both on the internet, and in magazines.  I have been looking at all the things you need[ 2 handguns, pistol cal. levergun, shotgun, clothing, cart, etc.].  Well, I'm not made of money, so I am trying to figure out where to start.  I have hunted all my life, and own several working guns, but, unfortunately none fit the scheme of things, so I would be starting from scratch.  Being more of a rifleman, than a pistolero, I figured I would start there first.  My question is, if I go to some local clubs to shoot, can I pay my entry fee, and only shoot the rifle matches?  I figured on adding as I go, but it looks like its gonna take a coupla grand to get decently outfitted.  Back to the rifles.....I'm torn between a .45 or .44 mag [using .44 specials in it for CAS shooting].  When it comes time for the handgun, I want the same caliber.  I used to handload, but don't anymore[but could take it up again].  I've read a lot about going the .38/.357 mag route, but that just seems "uncowboy like".   Also, the rifle is likely gonna get a workout on hogs, deer and varmints.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  The following are the guns on my wish list:

Marlin 1894
Ruger Vaquero
DBL BL 12 ga. with hammers

Mad Dog

[Cheyenne Ranger]

Glad to hear you are getting ready to join us.  More than likely there will be lend you the necessary revolvers and shotgun to shot all of the targets.
My Marlin 1894 is in .45LC; I only use it for CAS shooting so can't speak to hunting with that round.  Do know that it was not an orginial rifle caliber.
The .38's are usually cheaper to buy (I cast and reload all my own so costs are in the neighborhood of 3-4 cents per round whether .45 or .38)  There is the initial cost of brass are casting/reloading equipment to consider.
Try not to have .45 and 44-40 as your calibers.  Too likely to try to load the wrong one in the "heat" of battle.  I have a Marlin in .38 and there is enough difference between the .45 and.38 to keep me from this :grin:
You might want to shot a SxS over a pump to see about recoil.  I have had surgery on my shoulder so I'm working on down-loading some 12 ga loads for my Win 97 pump.  Norinco has some clones of this that are reasonable--SxS are still cheaper, though.
Keep the questions coming and we'll get you fixed up and shooting with the rest of us.
Welcome to the posse
CR

[Jax Orebetter]

Howdy Mad Dog,

You have a good wish list.

First off, go to a match in your area. When you go you will probably have people asking if you are going to shoot. When you tell them "No, I am just going to watch, I don't have the guns yet."  You will most likely be offered the use of somebodys guns. :grin:  That's just the way it is!!! :grin:

The caliber you choose is purely personal. If you want to shoot 44's or 45's go for it. I shoot 45's and have a ball.  

If you decide to start playing this game, you will want to get back into reloading.  A box of Ultramax Cowboy loads runs about $17 around here. I can reload them for about $5 a box. I go through about 125-150 rounds at a monthly match between pistol & rifle.

You might want to sheck out the SASS Home page.

www.sassnet.com/index.html

You will find a lot of good information there.

Here is a list of clubs in IN. I don't know where you are, so I couldn't be more specific.

Cutter's Raiders IN 1st Sat Midnite Desperado 574-893-7214 Warsaw

Daleville Desperados IN 2nd Sat Bethel Pike Bob 765-759-8613 Muncie

Big Rock SASS IN 2nd Sat Southpaw Too 812-866-2406 Hanover

Big Rock SASS IN 4th Sat Southpaw Too 812-866-2406 Hanover

Indian Trail Ambush 3rd Sat Dorvin Emery 765-853-1266 Modoc

Schuster's Rangers IN 2nd Sun Coal Car Kid 219-759-3498 Chesterton

10 O'clock Line Shootist Club IN 3rd Sun Harold Barnes 765-832-6620 Rockville

Deer Creek Conservation Club IN 4th Sun Dave Lamb 765-948-4487 Jonesboro

Wildwood Wranglers IN 4th Sun Sassie Sue 219-872-7957 Michigan City

Circle C Cowboys IN As Sched Marshal J.J. Montana 317-842-7316 Indianapolis


Hope this helps some.

[Flint]

A friend was testing stuff, and I believe in a Marlin Cowboy was shooting a mixed magazine of 44 Mag, 44 Special and 44 Russian brass, all fed and fired.  The 44 Mag to be SASS legal either needs to be a Cowboy load off the shelf, or a handload you make under 1000fps.  As others remarked, someone or more will offer you weapons to shoot with, and that's a good way to find out what you think of some of the brands and actions available.  Cowboy matches use all the guns in a stage, Rifle, Revolver and shotgun (sometimes two, but usually all three) and the only rifle only stage would be a side match of long range rifle, where you want a 45-70 or 30-30 or similar, rather than the usual pistol caliber rifle.  I've been loading 12ga AA hulls with 1oz shot, pink wads and 13gr of Clays. it's pretty mild,  Going to try 12gr of Clays.

[Cheyenne Ranger]

Got side-tracked, the elves came in for class (I be a school teacher during the week)
One other thought:  you might want to shoot a few different guns and calibers before dropping your $$ down.  My pard's wife is getting into CAS and she can't cock a RV but has some luck with the other makes.  Not saying you have this problem, just one may be more to your liking than another.
Your attire can be a pair of jeans, a long sleeved work shirt, cowboy hat and boots.  Most of us have pretty much all of that in the closet.  The hat can be a "cheapy" of the straw type.
Got to agree with Flint, reloading will cut costs markedly.  If you don't start out reloading keep your brass for when you do.  I cast bullets for 3 of my friends as well as reload for another and myself.  I find much enjoyment in the casting and reloading part of the sport (tells you what kind of shot I am :grin: )

[Old Cane]

Make that 2 Rugers.....when you can. Jax and all the ret are right. Just go. Try all you can. You most likely won't even have to ask. Nobody shows up with show pieces. They are all guns to be shot. Be nice, take ammo if you can. People appreciate it. You may even partner with a another new guy and you can buy the Rugers, he can buy the Marlin and shotgun. Get your own leather and just swap pistols. Or, 3 other new guys and each get one. As you ad to your own stuff you can continue until everybody gets all their stuff.

[Mad Dog]

The hats, clothes, and boots are NO PROBLEM, cause I wear that stuff all the time[even got a 4x beaver stetson that is about 25+ years old that still looks good ].  Thanks for the input on the guns.  I am gonna take in a shoot here in Indiana within the next month or so.