Black powder 45 Colt load. I was going to use this gun at first, but I lack anything else in 45 Colt. When I get an 1873 in 45 Colt I might just get a conversion 1858 and use that setup as well, black powder only.
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Black powder 45 Colt load. I was going to use this gun at first, but I lack anything else in 45 Colt. When I get an 1873 in 45 Colt I might just get a conversion 1858 and use that setup as well, black powder only.
Hello. In no way, shape or form did I say anywhere that black power loads aren't powerful. I reload and shoot black powder cartridges, .38-40, .32-20 and .45 Colt, and I chronograph them, so I know BP has nothing to envy to smokeless.Originally Posted by Froogal
What I am saying is that there should be, IMHO, a minimum velocity (is there one at 400fps?) as well as a maximum. Some of the loads competitors shoot barely make it out of the barrel! The minimum doesn't have to be 900fps, but enough to make things believable, certainly not 400fps, that's plain ridiculous (to me). I would not be surprised if people blew barrels firing on a stuck bullet from the previous shot.. Sometimes it looks like they shoot .22 short! That's just my opinion... I'm just explaining why I'm not partaking, nothing more.
Gil.
No worries, I don't do IDPA anymore because of the extreme gamerism there, but that was over 20 years ago last match I shot, down in Tucson. And yes, there is extreme gamerism in SASS as well, the short stroke kits for 1873 Winchester rifle clones, the lowered hammers, slicked up internals on everything, (you HAVE to slick up a double barrel or the dadgum thing won't open!), holsters right in front of your thighs, etc. I don't mind, I'm here for fun and shooting with like-minded folks.
And yes 400 FPS is the minimum power speed, but I have never seen anyone put on a chronograph, though that is allowed if people think the FPS is too slow. Speaking of, about 25 years ago I was ROing a bowling pin match at the indoor range I was working at, and the shooter on the line with me had downloaded his 38s WAAAY low...so low that one bounced off the bowling pin and nailed me in the jewels, dropping me like a bad habit. Nowadays it's hilarious, then, not so much.
The other fun thing about SASS is the costuming and alias's, the stepping backwards into a moment in time before the world went mad. There is even a slightly more modern version that allows bolt action rifles and 1911s, called Wild Bunch, based on the 1960s movie with Ernest Borgnine. That's a subset of SASS with the same costuming requirements. Never been to a match.
The cool thing about SASS and AZ is, well, we WERE the Old West, and we have Tombstone. We have two of the biggest matches in the world, End of the Trail at Ben Avery in Phoenix, and Bordertown, held down in Tombstone.
Getting down to brass tacks is nobody has to shoot SASS or like SASS, we get side-eye from the Tactical Tommy's alla time when we are having a match and one of the other groups is as well. It's OK - I couldn't shoot a tactical match, as my beer gut makes the plate carrier stick out somewhat comically.
Oh, yeah, other rule of SASS - don't take yourself too seriously. The only thing we take seriously is safety.
What everyone else has said. You can start out with jeans, boots, long sleeve shirt and a period hat like a cowboy, bowler or derby hat. Like the person on the left in the above pic. Most of my outfits have been bought at goodwill and other flea markets. I’ve been shooting for about 18 years now. We were all new once. I started with my 1894 Marlin 44 mag., a couple of colt single actions and my Win. 24-12 gauge double. I think I am up to 18 colt single actions which include 3 colt bisleys and some New Frontiers ( which are allowed in certain categories) because I was and still am a colt collector. I now 32-20, 38/357, 38-40, 41 colt, 44-40, 44 spec./mag and of course 45 colt rifles and handguns.
1. We currently have a fun loving group. Safety first and then fun. That probably more than ever determines if someone stays in cowboy action. We have 4-5 state and nation level shooters that shoot with us for practice. Most of us just shoot to improve ourself. I go for clean shoots then speed but I like shooting original gun when I can. The last time I shot 2 colt buntline 45s just to do it, it was a crowd pleaser.
2. There is a minimum power level and the 400 fps goes with a 200 grain bullet. It’s true that most shooters are somewhere around a starting load but no one wants to stick a bullet in a barrel so most shooters strive for a load that make a solid bang.
3. It’s so true to just show up to a match and ask questions. Many will help you. If you decide you like it, you can finally get the guns you really want. Some will have guns and equipment for sale.
4. Out of our group of about 30 shooters, there are only 3 that don’t reload. This hobby is pretty costly if you don’t reload. Probably 1/2 of the shooters are bullet casters as well.
5. We now have 3-4 Ladies that like dressing up and competing as well.
6. Did I say the group make up and attitude is what makes it fun?
Been shooting cowboy for over 25 years. 45 colt 200 gr rnfb bullet over 4.6 gr promo. Not completely wimpy.
Finished #6 in senior B western at world championship End of Trail. Also #6 in Wild Bunch. 1911 in place of two revolvers. Came for the shooting, stay for most of the people. Contact your local club and try it.
I shoot two old ruger vaqueros, 45 Colt, Marlin 1894 in 45 colt, and a Winchester 1897 shotgun. Substitute a Kimber Raptor 1911 for the two Vaqueros in Wild bunch.
I should have mentioned that the non-cowboy dress in some of the above pics was from our August match, with relaxed dress code due to it being about 110 degrees. Come November, all costuming rules will be back in place - we want to have fun but falling out in extreme heat due to long sleeve short, vest and jacket...yah, no fun. So that's why shorts and non-boots.
I'd like to try it but I got a sour taste in my mouth after dealing with the local group. They always have a couple of guys at the Dixie Gun and Knife in Raleigh on the back wall. I noticed they didn't interact with anyone but sat talking with each other however I took a shot and stopped. I proceeded to get lectured on firearms and in particular my matched pair of case hardened Baby Vacs which I guess I knew nothing about as I was informed they didn't work like I thought they did and I was an idiot who didn't know anything about revolvers. When I tried to talk about reloading for Cowboy Action I found out I knew nothing about powders, bullets, primers etc and should, apparently, leave that to the adults. Imagine my surprise to be told Unique was "old powder" and not worth buying as it didn't work good in anything. No joke on that one. Darn it, now I have to dump the 50 lbs I have on the shelf in the garden. I was so put off I had a few choice words for them I won't post and walked off.
In the several shows I've been to since that I've seen the same two guys, all duded up and still ignoring everyone walking around to talk to each other. I've no idea why they rent a table.
I Am Descended From Men Who Would Not Be Ruled
Fiat Justitia, Ruat Caelum
Vox Populi, Vox Dei
Unless you are young and have incredible speed and reflexes Cowboy Action is more of a social event than a shooting event. Most of the fun happens after the match is over. Lots of great people in the sport. Accuracy requirements are minimal at best. That being said if you are going really fast like the national champions it becomes very challenging. I highly recommend it as a fun shooting event. If you are looking for serious competitions there are better options IMHO particularly if you are looking for accuracy type events. A couple of people I know shoot BP only and in the shotgun they load glitter and or colored feathers along with the shot. One of them laughs so hard every time he shoots a feather or glitter load he loses a considerable amount of time. He is having a blast and it’s a blast to be around him. What not fun is the amount of people that can’t hit a ½ sized Buffalo with a rifle at 50 yards offhand.
Last edited by M-Tecs; 08-22-2025 at 09:10 PM.
2nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. - "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."
"Before you argue with someone, ask yourself, is that person even mentally mature enough to grasp the concept of different perspectives? Because if not, there’s absolutely no point."
– Amber Veal
"The Highest form of ignorance is when you reject something you don't know anything about".
- Wayne Dyer
Not sure why this doesn't post like the YouTube video above. It does show the speed aspect of cowboy action.
https://youtube.com/shorts/3ITj_Yljp...KMhvdEkEROilQe
Last edited by M-Tecs; 08-22-2025 at 09:26 PM.
2nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. - "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."
"Before you argue with someone, ask yourself, is that person even mentally mature enough to grasp the concept of different perspectives? Because if not, there’s absolutely no point."
– Amber Veal
"The Highest form of ignorance is when you reject something you don't know anything about".
- Wayne Dyer
Man, I'm sorry, what horrible "ambassadors" to the sport. If you live in a bigger city or between cities, I'll bet you can find other clubs around with those two gents. Almost every single cowboy I've met has been very open and welcoming to the sport.
I've seen that before. None of our guys are that fast. We do have a few who compete all over, like the gent in the American flag shirt, Hoopsnake LaVache, and the nice elderly guy on the right, second to last pic from the bottom, that's Kid Rich, shoots "outlaw" style, which is literally hipshooting. He's helped me quite a bit in getting started, including selling me a MEC 600 Jr for a song.
Ah what costumes I dress like that all the time. Lol.
Long, Wide, Deep, and Without Hesitation!
Sometimes we have a "Colional Shoot" themed according to the early British Landings in Australia. That's when I wear my redcoat uniform and shoot black powder
Hold Still Varmint; while I plugs Yer!
Now THAT looks like fun, hip hip, hurrah for the Queen and all that rot! Martini-Henry's and .577 Trantors to the front, double quick!
You have the perfect look for that uniform sir, well done!
I have thoroughly enjoyed this thread!
Due to the price of primers, warning shots will no longer be given!
That looks like a blast. What was that old chap?Sometimes we have a "Colional Shoot" themed according to the early British Landings in Australia. That's when I wear my redcoat uniform and shoot black powder
I Am Descended From Men Who Would Not Be Ruled
Fiat Justitia, Ruat Caelum
Vox Populi, Vox Dei
Now I’m trying to plan a trip to Arizona to visit armoredman and enjoy a day of Cowboy Action shooting. This is looking to be a fun day and I want to say thanks for the great input.
The sooner I fall behind...the more time I have to catch up with
Yeah. Looks like he came off the screen from Zulu. Thanks B A W for the picture. I love the movie but my wife hates it because I have watched it so many times. james
Half Dog, come on down, but be forewarned...I'm an ex-Squid.
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