Which Rifle and Shotgun for SASS

EdInk · February 11, 2010, 06:44 PM

I posted a thread asking what stuff you needed for CAS.

I already know about the revolver(s).

I want to get advice on the pros and cons of the different rifles and shotguns. Please mention brands and (new) prices if possible. I know for fact the rifle will be in .357 and lever action to match my Vaquero. And I'm leaning toward a 12ga SxS but am open to other suggestions.

Thank You.

horseman308 · February 11, 2010, 10:14 PM

I've been looking, too. It seems to me that used is the way to go, assuming you find something well-cared-for.

Rossi and Marlin seem to get pretty good reviews for moderately inexpensive rifles (about $500 new). I know much less about shotguns, but Stoeger seems to also get good reviews. I've seen them for $250 in my local gun shop (at least I think they were Stoeger - at least they were 12 gauges with external hammers and 20" barrels).

bobn · February 11, 2010, 11:39 PM

i cant shoot a side by side worth a hoot. i use a 97 win.
... for a rifle a 73 is the fastest but to much money. i currently shoot a marlin in 45. watch out for the crossbolt safety, sometimes they get pushed on and you go the the routine but with no bang, lol.
....also start saving for a second pistol. just my observations, bobn

Fingers McGee · February 12, 2010, 01:03 AM

There are numerous rifles (Henry's, '66s, '73s, Lightnings, '92s, 94s, Marlins, Rossis, etc.) and shotguns ('97s, Rossi's Steogers, TTNs, Remingtons, 1887's, etc.) that could be used in CAS competition. Each one will have it's share of shooters that either love or hate them.

My rifle and shotgun of choice is a '66 carbine in 44-40 and a Liberty II 12 ga SxS. New '66s can be had for around $800; although they will pop up cheaper from time to time. Liberty IIs arent being made anymore; but you can get a TTN SxS for around $450.

Of course, once you get your battery put together; you'll need back-ups in case something breaks. I have a 44-40 Henry, '73 short rifle, and AWA lightning as back-ups for my '66. For my shotgun, I have as back-ups, an 1887 clone, '97 takedown, TTN, and 1889 Remington.

I recommend you try as many different rifles and shotguns as you can before you buy anything.

Hawg · February 12, 2010, 01:03 AM

Marlin 94 or Rossi or Chiappa 92. You can get a kit to remove the Marlin crossbolt safety. The 97 is a good gun but is hard to load two on the clock, most load one over the top.

Jbar4Ranch · February 12, 2010, 10:24 AM

I agree with Hawg; a Marlin '94 or a M92. Stevens 311's (12g SxS) are common in pawn shops, they are rock solid, and a decent one can be had for ~$250. I have five hammerless versions, and two hammered ones. (Riverside brand, actually, the predecessor to the Stevens 235, which is the hammered version of the 311)

February 11, 2010, 06:44 PM	#1
EdInk Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2009 Posts: 3,968	Which Rifle and Shotgun for SASS I posted a thread asking what stuff you needed for CAS. I already know about the revolver(s). I want to get advice on the pros and cons of the different rifles and shotguns. Please mention brands and (new) prices if possible. I know for fact the rifle will be in .357 and lever action to match my Vaquero. And I'm leaning toward a 12ga SxS but am open to other suggestions. Thank You.

February 11, 2010, 10:14 PM	#2
horseman308 Senior Member Join Date: November 3, 2009 Location: Maryland Posts: 526	I've been looking, too. It seems to me that used is the way to go, assuming you find something well-cared-for. Rossi and Marlin seem to get pretty good reviews for moderately inexpensive rifles (about $500 new). I know much less about shotguns, but Stoeger seems to also get good reviews. I've seen them for $250 in my local gun shop (at least I think they were Stoeger - at least they were 12 gauges with external hammers and 20" barrels). __________________ You only take one shot at a time - make it count.

February 12, 2010, 10:24 AM	#6
Jbar4Ranch Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 1999 Location: Near Helena, Montana Posts: 1,721	I agree with Hawg; a Marlin '94 or a M92. Stevens 311's (12g SxS) are common in pawn shops, they are rock solid, and a decent one can be had for ~$250. I have five hammerless versions, and two hammered ones. (Riverside brand, actually, the predecessor to the Stevens 235, which is the hammered version of the 311) __________________ Sometimes the squeaky wheel gets replaced... SASS 47015

February 11, 2010, 11:39 PM	#3
bobn Senior Member Join Date: December 30, 2006 Location: midwest Posts: 1,120	i cant shoot a side by side worth a hoot. i use a 97 win. ... for a rifle a 73 is the fastest but to much money. i currently shoot a marlin in 45. watch out for the crossbolt safety, sometimes they get pushed on and you go the the routine but with no bang, lol. ....also start saving for a second pistol. just my observations, bobn

February 12, 2010, 01:03 AM	#4
Fingers McGee Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2008 Location: High & Dry in Missouri Ozarks Posts: 2,113	There are numerous rifles (Henry's, '66s, '73s, Lightnings, '92s, 94s, Marlins, Rossis, etc.) and shotguns ('97s, Rossi's Steogers, TTNs, Remingtons, 1887's, etc.) that could be used in CAS competition. Each one will have it's share of shooters that either love or hate them. My rifle and shotgun of choice is a '66 carbine in 44-40 and a Liberty II 12 ga SxS. New '66s can be had for around $800; although they will pop up cheaper from time to time. Liberty IIs arent being made anymore; but you can get a TTN SxS for around $450. Of course, once you get your battery put together; you'll need back-ups in case something breaks. I have a 44-40 Henry, '73 short rifle, and AWA lightning as back-ups for my '66. For my shotgun, I have as back-ups, an 1887 clone, '97 takedown, TTN, and 1889 Remington. I recommend you try as many different rifles and shotguns as you can before you buy anything.

February 12, 2010, 01:03 AM	#5
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,378	Marlin 94 or Rossi or Chiappa 92. You can get a kit to remove the Marlin crossbolt safety. The 97 is a good gun but is hard to load two on the clock, most load one over the top.