What guns are good for a Cowboy Action beginer

riflenoob · February 4, 2008, 07:59 PM

I want to get into Cowboy Action but need to get a few guns. I will need 2 pistols and a rifle will worry about the shot gun later. i want to do my own reloading so I figure I should get them in the same caliber. I dont want to spend a ton of money at the beginning to get started. I know i will end up buying more down the road and i can splurge then and upgrade one at a time. The only gun I own now is a Malin 336 .30-30. Do you have any suggestions and/or links to find some in expensive good guns for Cowboy Action.

Hawg · February 4, 2008, 09:23 PM

As much as I dislike them and the caliber for CAS I'd have to say Rugers and a Marlin in .38/357 would probably be the best for a beginner.

stinger · February 5, 2008, 08:05 PM

That is an excellent suggestion. Order a Stoeger shotgun to go with it.

Playboypenguin · February 5, 2008, 08:09 PM

Start off with a good pair of colt clone .45colts...like EMF.

Anyone that shoots less than .45colts for CAS should be hung up by their neckerchief.

Hawg · February 5, 2008, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Anyone that shoots less than .45colts for CAS should be hung up by their neckerchief.

I shoot 44-40's. Bring it on.

BillCA · February 6, 2008, 02:55 AM

PBP - you mean I can't bring my BP .36 Caliber 1862 Police revolvers?

Playboypenguin · February 6, 2008, 03:03 AM

Quote:

PBP - you mean I can't bring my BP .36 Caliber 1862 Police revolvers?

I guess that would be okay, as long as you were dressed as a showgirl or bar maid...but not as a cowboy.

Quote:

I shoot 44-40's. Bring it on.

I guess that is close enough...but you will definitely be a cowBOY and not a cowMAN.

Jbar4Ranch · February 6, 2008, 10:38 AM

Make mine .38-40's or .44-40's, although I've also been known to shoot the lesser .45 Colt on occasion.

A couple of Uberti SA's and a M92 in your choice of caliber, plus a Baikal/Remington Spartan SxS wouldn't be a bad start. Savage/Stevens/Fox M311 shotguns can usually be found quite reasonable too.

deanadell · February 6, 2008, 06:08 PM

I would take offense at that Playboy, but I'm not easily offended

I shoot a pair of Ruger Blackhawks in .357, a Stoeger Uplander 20 ga. SXS, and a Puma .357 lever action in CAS

WHy the .357s?

Because I picked them up used off Auction Arms and Gun Broker for under $250.00 each.

The Colt CLones in .45 are on the wish list, but further down the road when financed are better. You can pick up the .357s cheaper used if you want to get started and are limited on cash.....

tplumeri · February 6, 2008, 06:41 PM

Stainless vaquero in 32mag (limited edition)
stainless blackhawk 9mm/357 convertible
winchester 94 lever 30-30 (1963 series)
mossberg 20 inch 12 gauge

I dont shoot formal competion, just a bunch of us out behind the house competing amongst ourselves

Hawg · February 6, 2008, 06:50 PM

Quote:

I guess that is close enough...but you will definitely be a cowBOY and not a cowMAN.

At least I'm period correct which with your .45 rifle you aren't.

Playboypenguin · February 6, 2008, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Because I picked them up used off Auction Arms and Gun Broker for under $250.00 each.

That does make them more tempting.

If I ever had time to actually shoot CAS anymore, and actually cared about winning, I might get me a set off .357 Rugers.

That is if I could afford them.

Until then I will stick with these. I already went and "bubba'd" them up with my pic anyway so I am stuck with them.

Playboypenguin · February 6, 2008, 06:54 PM

Quote:

At least I'm period correct which with your .45 rifle you aren't.

That's a pretty low blow...slamming the size of a man's rifle. It's not the size anyway...it's how you use it.

Playboypenguin · February 6, 2008, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Stainless vaquero in 32mag (limited edition)

That is a pretty nice gun...do you keep it in your garter belt?

Seriously though, I have the stainless Vaquero in .357 and wish I had the .32mag one too.

tplumeri · February 6, 2008, 07:04 PM

Quote:

That is a pretty nice gun...do you keep it in your garter belt?

fanny pack.

It really is a nice gun, but expensive to shoot.

RJM · February 6, 2008, 08:39 PM

Don't mean to hijack, but just wondering if anybody shoot these CAS matches using cartridge conversion pistols like the 1858 Remington or the 1861/1851 Colts? These are the guns that really appeal to me because of the way they look and point, especially the Colts.

ZeSpectre · February 6, 2008, 08:52 PM

What I use for CAS...

Twin Ruger Blackhawks in .38 Special/.357 Magnum
(I've tuned them both just a touch and put lightened springs in 'em)

Older Rossi Puma 92 in in .38 Special/.357 Magnum
(I've tuned the daylights out of this gun and I think it runs as smoothly and reliably and as fast as you can get a 92 to go. )

Aramberri y Sons SxS shotgun
(Old Spanish SxS I bought cheap from a friend, it's a great gun)

Great alternatives
-Ruger Vaquero pistols
-Marlin leverguns
-Stoeger shotguns

Why .38 special? Because I'm on a tight budget and it's cheaper to shoot.

Hawg · February 6, 2008, 09:55 PM

Quote:

That's a pretty low blow...slamming the size of a man's rifle. It's not the size anyway...it's how you use it.

Not slamming the size of your rifle, it's just the .45 in a rifle was non-existant in the old west. Now the 44-40 or .44 WCF as it was called did exist in both pistols and rifles.

aaron8 · February 7, 2008, 01:34 PM

There are many low cost options to getting started in the sport. First of all consider good used guns. There are many nice Uberti made six shooters on the market as well as some low priced new guns by Beretta and Taurus. The rifles come mainly from Uberti if you are looking for a 66 or 73, new or used. Probably the best rifle to start with is a Marlin because it is in the lower spectrum of the price list and is a quality rifle that you can keep for a long time. If you are reloading you should consider getting the six shooters and rifle in the same caliber. The most popular caliber is 38 spec. All the components are available and will cost less than the 44-40 and 45's. To pick a shotgun you have to decide on a 97 pump or a side by side. When you determine which one then you have more choices. I deal with new and used cowboy guns and gear so the prices I am quoting are probably going to be close no matter where you shop, at least they are what I see going in and out of my shop.
HANDGUNS
Beretta Stampedes, cch/blue, pair $725-$750
Taurus Gaucho's, stainless, pair $725-$750
Old Model Ruger Vaqueros, pair, ss, $900-$975
Old Model Ruger Vaqueros, pair, cch/blue, $800-$875
Uberti, pair, cch/blue, $600-$725
RIFLES
92's, $400-$500
Marlins, $400-$550
66's, $600-$700
73's, $650-$900
97's
original, $325-$750
replicas, $325-$500
SIDE BY SIDE
Stoeger and Bounty Hunters, $325-$425
The varied prices are due to add ons to the guns. Such as action work, short stroke kits, spring kits, opened forcing cones, etc.
I hope this gives you some information to work off of. Remember, these are prices I see in my shop and may not be applicable elsewhere. But I do buy and sell many all over the country.

CraigC · February 7, 2008, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Don't mean to hijack, but just wondering if anybody shoot these CAS matches using cartridge conversion pistols like the 1858 Remington or the 1861/1851 Colts? These are the guns that really appeal to me because of the way they look and point, especially the Colts.

I don't but I would. I haven't shot CAS but I have enough guns to arm a possee. The "topless" Colt cartridge conversion replicas are what appeal to me most too. Guys over on SASSWire report great longevity from them. When I get my 1860 conversion back from Cimarron I'll have a good pair of .44Colt's with my 1871-72 Open Top. Maybe I'll get a .44Spl 1873 Sporting Rifle and start this year.

rocinante · February 20, 2008, 09:41 AM

I am a beginner and these are my choices. I am in it for the gun of hanging with guys and shooting guns. Not a serious competitor nor care too much about "authentic".

New Ruger Vaquero 357 5.5 Stainless. paid 440 + shipping & fees. Got one will get another next month.

Marlin 1894CB 357. Got used on gunbroker for 460 + shipping & fees. Proud of that guy because it has an action job, lever safety plugged, titanium firing pin, new rear blade sights.

Norinco JW2000 12 gauge double barrel 20 inch coach gun. 200 +. So I cheaped out here but it gets the job done and with the rabbit ears looks old west for sure. I think it is a killer value. My wife and kids have decided this is my scariest looking firearm yet.

long rider · February 20, 2008, 12:14 PM

Nice pair playboy.

Chris_B · February 20, 2008, 02:30 PM

I can pick up a cast iron engine block for a Buick 455 engine and put it in my trunk without an engine hoist

I also shoot a .36 pistol. I guess I missed the memo on what makes a "man". Times certainly have changed

sundance44s · February 20, 2008, 04:22 PM

Riflenoob ..you didn`t say if you wanted to start with Cap & Ball revolvers or Cartridge pistols ...If it`s cap & ball a pair of 1858 Remingtons would be hard to beat price wise and historically correct ...and could be converted to shoot cartridges latter as easy as a drop in cylinder ..also historically correct ...Starting with Cartridge pistols , I would say Uberti makes a 1873 Clone that isn`t bad looking and has a price tag of around 350.00 to 400.00 bucks each ..

mykeal · February 20, 2008, 09:31 PM

Quote:

I can pick up a cast iron engine block for a Buick 455 engine and put it in my trunk without an engine hoist

Uh, doesn't the engine go in the other end?

February 4, 2008, 07:59 PM	#1
riflenoob Junior Member Join Date: January 25, 2008 Posts: 6	What guns are good for a Cowboy Action beginer I want to get into Cowboy Action but need to get a few guns. I will need 2 pistols and a rifle will worry about the shot gun later. i want to do my own reloading so I figure I should get them in the same caliber. I dont want to spend a ton of money at the beginning to get started. I know i will end up buying more down the road and i can splurge then and upgrade one at a time. The only gun I own now is a Malin 336 .30-30. Do you have any suggestions and/or links to find some in expensive good guns for Cowboy Action.

February 6, 2008, 02:55 AM	#6
BillCA Senior Member Join Date: November 28, 2004 Location: Silicon Valley, Ca Posts: 7,117	PBP - you mean I can't bring my BP .36 Caliber 1862 Police revolvers? __________________ BillCA in CA (Unfortunately)

February 6, 2008, 10:38 AM	#8
Jbar4Ranch Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 1999 Location: Near Helena, Montana Posts: 1,719	Make mine .38-40's or .44-40's, although I've also been known to shoot the lesser .45 Colt on occasion. A couple of Uberti SA's and a M92 in your choice of caliber, plus a Baikal/Remington Spartan SxS wouldn't be a bad start. Savage/Stevens/Fox M311 shotguns can usually be found quite reasonable too. __________________ Sometimes the squeaky wheel gets replaced... SASS 47015

February 6, 2008, 08:39 PM	#16
RJM Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2007 Posts: 607	Don't mean to hijack, but just wondering if anybody shoot these CAS matches using cartridge conversion pistols like the 1858 Remington or the 1861/1851 Colts? These are the guns that really appeal to me because of the way they look and point, especially the Colts. __________________ .327 SP101 3", .327 Blackhawk, S&W 627 V-Comp, S&W 686+ 5", S&W 686+ 3", S&W 581 4", Ruger no.1 .243, TC Contender, Stoeger .410 SxS, some sort of SKS

February 7, 2008, 01:34 PM	#19
aaron8 Junior Member Join Date: February 7, 2008 Posts: 1	getting started in cas There are many low cost options to getting started in the sport. First of all consider good used guns. There are many nice Uberti made six shooters on the market as well as some low priced new guns by Beretta and Taurus. The rifles come mainly from Uberti if you are looking for a 66 or 73, new or used. Probably the best rifle to start with is a Marlin because it is in the lower spectrum of the price list and is a quality rifle that you can keep for a long time. If you are reloading you should consider getting the six shooters and rifle in the same caliber. The most popular caliber is 38 spec. All the components are available and will cost less than the 44-40 and 45's. To pick a shotgun you have to decide on a 97 pump or a side by side. When you determine which one then you have more choices. I deal with new and used cowboy guns and gear so the prices I am quoting are probably going to be close no matter where you shop, at least they are what I see going in and out of my shop. HANDGUNS Beretta Stampedes, cch/blue, pair $725-$750 Taurus Gaucho's, stainless, pair $725-$750 Old Model Ruger Vaqueros, pair, ss, $900-$975 Old Model Ruger Vaqueros, pair, cch/blue, $800-$875 Uberti, pair, cch/blue, $600-$725 RIFLES 92's, $400-$500 Marlins, $400-$550 66's, $600-$700 73's, $650-$900 97's original, $325-$750 replicas, $325-$500 SIDE BY SIDE Stoeger and Bounty Hunters, $325-$425 The varied prices are due to add ons to the guns. Such as action work, short stroke kits, spring kits, opened forcing cones, etc. I hope this gives you some information to work off of. Remember, these are prices I see in my shop and may not be applicable elsewhere. But I do buy and sell many all over the country.

February 4, 2008, 09:23 PM	#2
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,188	As much as I dislike them and the caliber for CAS I'd have to say Rugers and a Marlin in .38/357 would probably be the best for a beginner.

February 5, 2008, 08:05 PM	#3
stinger Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2001 Location: west texas Posts: 772	That is an excellent suggestion. Order a Stoeger shotgun to go with it.

February 5, 2008, 08:09 PM	#4
Playboypenguin Junior member Join Date: February 27, 2006 Location: Great Pacific Northwest Posts: 11,515	Start off with a good pair of colt clone .45colts...like EMF. Anyone that shoots less than .45colts for CAS should be hung up by their neckerchief.

February 6, 2008, 06:08 PM	#9
deanadell Senior Member Join Date: April 19, 2005 Location: Upstate, South Carolina Posts: 639	I would take offense at that Playboy, but I'm not easily offended I shoot a pair of Ruger Blackhawks in .357, a Stoeger Uplander 20 ga. SXS, and a Puma .357 lever action in CAS WHy the .357s? Because I picked them up used off Auction Arms and Gun Broker for under $250.00 each. The Colt CLones in .45 are on the wish list, but further down the road when financed are better. You can pick up the .357s cheaper used if you want to get started and are limited on cash.....

February 6, 2008, 06:41 PM	#10
tplumeri Junior member Join Date: September 26, 2007 Posts: 1,919	Stainless vaquero in 32mag (limited edition) stainless blackhawk 9mm/357 convertible winchester 94 lever 30-30 (1963 series) mossberg 20 inch 12 gauge I dont shoot formal competion, just a bunch of us out behind the house competing amongst ourselves

February 6, 2008, 08:52 PM	#17
ZeSpectre Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2007 Location: Shenandoah Valley Posts: 3,276	What I use for CAS... Twin Ruger Blackhawks in .38 Special/.357 Magnum (I've tuned them both just a touch and put lightened springs in 'em) Older Rossi Puma 92 in in .38 Special/.357 Magnum (I've tuned the daylights out of this gun and I think it runs as smoothly and reliably and as fast as you can get a 92 to go. ) Aramberri y Sons SxS shotgun (Old Spanish SxS I bought cheap from a friend, it's a great gun) Great alternatives -Ruger Vaquero pistols -Marlin leverguns -Stoeger shotguns Why .38 special? Because I'm on a tight budget and it's cheaper to shoot.

February 20, 2008, 09:41 AM	#21
rocinante Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2007 Posts: 158	I am a beginner and these are my choices. I am in it for the gun of hanging with guys and shooting guns. Not a serious competitor nor care too much about "authentic". New Ruger Vaquero 357 5.5 Stainless. paid 440 + shipping & fees. Got one will get another next month. Marlin 1894CB 357. Got used on gunbroker for 460 + shipping & fees. Proud of that guy because it has an action job, lever safety plugged, titanium firing pin, new rear blade sights. Norinco JW2000 12 gauge double barrel 20 inch coach gun. 200 +. So I cheaped out here but it gets the job done and with the rabbit ears looks old west for sure. I think it is a killer value. My wife and kids have decided this is my scariest looking firearm yet.

February 20, 2008, 12:14 PM	#22
long rider Senior Member Join Date: January 8, 2008 Posts: 669	Nice pair playboy. __________________ Sod Buster Tried To Pull On Willson.

February 20, 2008, 02:30 PM	#23
Chris_B Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2007 Posts: 3,101	I can pick up a cast iron engine block for a Buick 455 engine and put it in my trunk without an engine hoist I also shoot a .36 pistol. I guess I missed the memo on what makes a "man". Times certainly have changed

February 20, 2008, 04:22 PM	#24
sundance44s Senior Member Join Date: February 6, 2006 Location: Hernando , Ms. Posts: 579	Riflenoob ..you didn`t say if you wanted to start with Cap & Ball revolvers or Cartridge pistols ...If it`s cap & ball a pair of 1858 Remingtons would be hard to beat price wise and historically correct ...and could be converted to shoot cartridges latter as easy as a drop in cylinder ..also historically correct ...Starting with Cartridge pistols , I would say Uberti makes a 1873 Clone that isn`t bad looking and has a price tag of around 350.00 to 400.00 bucks each ..