Author Topic: gettin started (Read 1498 times)

DB Leath · « **on:** January 07, 2003, 09:50:29 AM »

Well my deal on a 94 in 45 colt fell through. Thats a let down. So now I going to hafta buy 2 guns to get a started. So I am a thinkin on findin another bh in 41 magnum since I already have one in that caliber. I am a thinkin on one with a longer barrel. Is it better to have em both the same? I know Marlin is supposed to come out with a lever gun in 41 soon. Has anyone made one in that caliber already? Whats the best value in a lever gun I have 2 small kids and I dont like spendin too much money on my hobbies.
Ok second I have a model 97 winchester shot gun. It was a give to me when my grand pa died. It was his and I always thought he bought it new. He was a traveling hardware salesman in the Rio Grand Valley for 40 plus years. In those days he was a dealer for Winchester and supplied hardware stores withem. Well today I got to looking at a website for 97's and looked up the sn. It was made in 1907 so I am sure he didnt buy it new. Maybe my great grandfather gave it to him. No one in my family knows for sure.. anyway to make a long story short. I dont really want to cut the barrel down to use it. Is it necessary for it to be short or can I use it with a 30" barrel.
Thanks again

Jax Orebetter · « **Reply #1 on:** January 07, 2003, 10:13:09 AM »

Howdy Caleath,

Always good to hear about someone interested in Cowboy Action. I am not an expert by any stretch of the imagination, so I can't comment on a lever gun in .41. I don't remember hearing of one, bit I could be wrong.

Do you reload? I haven't priced 41 ammo, but I bet it is not cheap. I know factory loads for my .45 run about $17 a box. I usually use about 125-150 rounds for a match. That's $54 just for the ammo then match fee is usually another $10-$15. There are some exceptions, but most everyone I know reloads. It is just cheaper in the long run.

Don't worry about not having all your gear. If you show up to a match, most pards will be more than willing to loan you what you need. So, don't let that stop you.

As for the '97. Those 30" barrels are sweet. If you feel you need to go to a shorter barrel somewhere down the road, you can get a replacement from a couple of places. I would keep it just the way it is.

Sorry for rambling so much. I hope this helps!!

Biggun Stump · « **Reply #2 on:** January 07, 2003, 10:27:28 AM »

Jax is right in all respects, and DO NOT cut down that '97! Shoot it as is or look for another but you dasn't touch a hair on the head of granpa's scattergun. Don't make me get the belt now!

I'd urge you to get hooked up with a CAS club in your area. Dallas/Fort Worth should have plenty of them. Go to a shoot and tell somebody you're new and need a little guidance regarding iron and gear. I promise you, you'll be on your way from there! Cowboy shooters are good people and they'll be more than willing to let you shoot their guns till you settle on something that suits you. I'm new too, and a fella I met always makes sure I'm able to use his long gun whenever I need it. It's 'The Cowboy Way."

5 months ago I couldn't spell cowboy, now I are one!

Jax Orebetter · « **Reply #3 on:** January 07, 2003, 10:59:04 AM »

Howdy again,
I didn't read your profile before I posted. Since you reload, if you like the 41 then pick up another. Though, just my personal opinion, it is less hassle to have your handguns and rifle in the same caliber. BUT since you already have one, and I don't think anyone is making a .41 lever gun, just get out there with what you have and start having a good time!! :grin:

DB Leath · « **Reply #4 on:** January 07, 2003, 11:11:09 AM »

Yesir I do reload. I have been looking around and found info on 41 special. It is the 41 magnum shortened so that you can get veloicty down where you need it to be for this sport.
Oh I would never cut the barrel down. I think in his memory Ill shoot it just as it is.

I know marlin is making their gun in 41 I just didnt want to have to wait around for one. I think I will look for one in 357. That way I could find a couple of 357 bhs which are more common than 41. Who knows.\

I had a question about names. I was a thinkin on using maybe a family name. But I should probably be more creative than that.

Thanks again for all the help.
Cliff

Old Cane · « **Reply #5 on:** January 07, 2003, 02:47:03 PM »

Hey, Cliff. Somebody has in the past made a 41 rifle. I think it was Marlin but won't swear to it. They have a more modern look so it's up to you if you want to look old west or hollywood. Room for either.

Tell you what, I love 41s, 44s and 45s but if you are looking at 38/357 it will save you a pile of money. If you go ahead and get BHs, you will have to shoot in Modern. Nothing wrong with that. Shoot what you want. But at CAS ranges you really won't need the adjustable sights. You can find Rossi 92s in 357 really cheap. Add a pair of used Vaqueros and a shorter barrel for that 97 and you won't be out a whole lot. You'll save enough shooting 38s to justify the third pistol in no time. Or, get one in 357 now and keep shooting your 41 too, then decide later what to go with. The great thing about CAS and guns are, especially buying used, you can change you mind and lose little to nothing. I'm on my 3rd caliber in less than a year and I think I'm about even. I may have lost a little on shipping.

Jax Orebetter · « **Reply #6 on:** January 08, 2003, 04:08:42 AM »

Cliff,
As far as an alias, go ahead and use a family name. In my opinion, it is a tribute to their memory. And if there is a little history behind the name, so much the better.

DB Leath · « **Reply #7 on:** January 08, 2003, 09:15:11 AM »

Ok so here is the deal. My great grandfather on my dads side...honest as I can be . His name was Daniel Boone Leath. I am not kidding dont know what his parents were thinking......Cliff

B_Koes · « **Reply #8 on:** January 08, 2003, 09:30:38 AM »

So how is a fella supposed to get into this sport? I live around Kansas City and have in interest in participating although I don't have appropriate guns (or clothes).

Old Cane · « **Reply #9 on:** January 08, 2003, 09:48:46 AM »

Well, B, the first thing to do is find a club close to you and go to a match. You can read about it at http://www.sassnet.com but probably the best place to answer your questions is http://www.curtrich.com/cowboyphotos.html

At the match, most folks will let you shoot their guns to see what you like the best and most clubs have a for sale area. You could possibley show up with money and go home with all you need, guns, clothes, cart, etc.

Jax Orebetter · « **Reply #10 on:** January 08, 2003, 10:39:23 AM »

Howdy B,
I live over in Missouri and am heading up around K.C. to a match the weekend of the 18th.

If you are interested, just post a message like: Lookin for Biggun Stump.
Then you can chat with him.

I hope this helps, Pard.

DB Leath · « **Reply #11 on:** January 08, 2003, 10:58:21 AM »

Ok now remember I am new so take it easy on me....I have been looking at a few people web pages that shoot cowboy action. I have noticed that I might be a little young compared to most of the people I see in the pictures. I am 33 years old. I understand that most people my age have kids etc and that keeps them from participating. I have kids and a wife and I would like to be able to include them. It would be easier if there were other families around . Just wondering if you what you guys thought.
Cliff

Jax Orebetter · « **Reply #12 on:** January 08, 2003, 11:06:18 AM »

Howdy again,

I am 35 with a wife and 2 kids. I have been doing this for about 5 years and my wife is just getting started. I have been to matches where the whole fam damilly is shooting. Father, mother, and kids. It is deffinately a family oriented sport. My kids are a little young yet to bo to the matches(5 & 2) but when they are older, if they are interested, I am sure going to get them involved.

I know what you meen though, I am usually one of the youngest people at the match.

DB Leath · « **Reply #13 on:** January 08, 2003, 11:15:49 AM »

Yeppers, looks like I would be one of the youngest at a match. I have found a group here that shoots almost every weekend. I am going to go and watch this Saturday.
It brings up another question. If I go and people are trying to get me to shoot with thier stuff and I turn them down will I be cutting off my hand to spite my face. I would just like the chance to watch and take it all in without the added pressure worring about tearing up someone elses stuff.
I have shot in competitions before, long range high power rifle matches. I enjoyed it but those guys just kept spending more money on scopes , and stuff and just made it where I couldnt stay competitive. Thats where I think this is a better deal.... you realy cant do that. Oh I think the people who practice more will do better but I dont mind gettin beat because someone is a better shot , I hate it when its because he could afford to buy some $3000.00 gun and $2000.00 scope. Although I did have the chance a couple of years ago to school some of these guys . Its a long story but the jest of it was I shot a factory rifle no modifications in a unlimited class shoot. I won first place and beat second by a ton.. man I was so high I still smile when I think about it.
Cliff

Jax Orebetter · « **Reply #14 on:** January 08, 2003, 11:43:41 AM »

If you just want to watch, that's fine. One thing you could do if you have people offering you the use of their guns is , tell them you would just like to watch this time, but if it would be ok to try their guns after the match, if you are unsure what you want to get. (How is that for a run on sentence)

That way you can concentrate on what is going on, but still get to try different guns after the "competition" is over.

DB Leath · « **Reply #15 on:** January 08, 2003, 12:03:06 PM »

Thanks for the info. I think thats a good idea I just didnt want to hurt someones feelings.
Cliff

Mason Stillwell · « **Reply #16 on:** January 09, 2003, 03:21:41 AM »

Caleath
As far as the Alias goes I used my great grandparents family names on both sides (Mason,Stillwell). When I first started I was Pole Cat Pete right up until someone made fun of the name and I changed to Mason Stillwell. With the Arizona Cowboy Shooters I was pistol pete and between the two names it was to confusin so I lost the Pistol Pete and now everywhere I shoot I use my SASS Alias. Mason Stillwell.
OH OH I got carried away again and got a little windy. Sorry bout that.

Pete.
That's my story and I'm sticking with it. :oops:

Old Cane · « **Reply #17 on:** January 09, 2003, 04:10:10 AM »

Yeah, do what Jax said. Never pass up a chance to shoot! That way you can try out different models and not have to worry about shooting a stage. Take you time and see how they feel. Personally I love the looks of the Remington clones but they fit my hand so that I shoot very high with them. I found that out before I bought so I was happy.

B_Koes · « **Reply #18 on:** January 09, 2003, 07:17:38 AM »

Quote from: Jax Orebetter

Howdy B,
I live over in Missouri and am heading up around K.C. to a match the weekend of the 18th.

If you are interested, just post a message like: Lookin for Biggun Stump.
Then you can chat with him.

I hope this helps, Pard.

Wheres the match on the 18th? I wouldn't mind stopping by to find out what goes on at these shoots.

Jax Orebetter · « **Reply #19 on:** January 09, 2003, 07:21:30 AM »

I'll get the information from Biggun. This is the first time I have shot with him. Right now they are shooting at an indoor range. They are in the process of building their permement range right now. I'll post back here when I find out.

Jax Orebetter · « **Reply #20 on:** January 09, 2003, 04:37:15 PM »

Howdy again B,

The match is at
The Bullet Hole:

6201 Robinson Street
Shawnee Mission, KS
(913) 432-0050

I am not sure of the time. For more info contact Biggun Stump at:

MBates@kc.rr.com

B_Koes · « **Reply #21 on:** January 10, 2003, 06:53:10 AM »

The Bullet Hole eh? I reckon that shootin inside ain't near as much fun as punchin holes in the sky, but I figger that I'll ride on by and gets me a flavor of that cowboy shootin! :wink:

My wife is even interested in gettin involved. She fancies herself another Annie Oakley and looks forward to "dressin up". As for me, I'm just lookin' for a 'nother excuse to buy more guns! :grin:

Jax Orebetter · « **Reply #22 on:** January 10, 2003, 08:07:46 AM »

B,
The indoor shooting is just temporary. I think they are planning to be able to shoot at the outdoor range this summer. Come on out. You can at least meet some of the Pards.

My wife is just starting to shoot, also. She hasn't shot a match yet, but we have been going to the range and getting all her gear together. She isn't going to be there, she's staying home to watch the kids.

I look forward to seeing you there.

Biggun Stump · « **Reply #23 on:** January 10, 2003, 09:15:26 AM »

B_Koes

Jax has got it right! He's coming up the night before the shoot to stay at my place and then shoot the next day. Be the first time we've met and I'm REALLY looking forward to it. Come on out to the Bullet Hole the 18th at about 09:30. I'm a tall, fat guy with a white goatee, be happy to introduce you around!

In the meantime, Powder Creek Cowboys will be hosting a booth at the Missouri Valley Collectors Gun Show (don't miss this show!) up at the airport convention center this weekend. I'll be at the table from 9-11 AM. Stop by and say howdy and we'll jaw a while.

B_Koes · « **Reply #24 on:** January 22, 2003, 06:08:24 AM »

Quote from: Biggun Stump

B_Koes

Jax has got it right! He's coming up the night before the shoot to stay at my place and then shoot the next day. Be the first time we've met and I'm REALLY looking forward to it. Come on out to the Bullet Hole the 18th at about 09:30. I'm a tall, fat guy with a white goatee, be happy to introduce you around!

In the meantime, Powder Creek Cowboys will be hosting a booth at the Missouri Valley Collectors Gun Show (don't miss this show!) up at the airport convention center this weekend. I'll be at the table from 9-11 AM. Stop by and say howdy and we'll jaw a while.

Well I made it to the Bullet Hole, but no cowboy shooters were there! Oh well, at least I had an opportunity to do some shooting so all was not lost. So what was the deal??

Jax Orebetter · « **Reply #25 on:** January 22, 2003, 07:56:28 AM »

Howdy B,

I sent you a Private Message (at least I thought I did it right) But evidently, I must have screwed up. Not an uncommon occurence(just ask my wife, she'll be happt to tell ya about it) They had a scheduling conflict and had to cancel the Cowboy shoot. Sorry if it was an inconvience to you. I apologize! I am going to try to make it up for the Feb. match. I'll try to keep you posted. They usually shoot the 3rd Sat of the month.