Don’t buy anything yet!…

Due to the various brands, calibers and types of firearms and gun leather used, it’s a good idea to come check out a match and do some research before buying anything.

In general, firearms used are those reminiscent of the old west, including 2 single-action revolvers, either cap and ball or pistol caliber (BRC Vaqueros also allow 22LR single-action revolvers), a pistol-caliber lever-action rifle (BRC Vaqueros also allow 22LR lever-action rifles), and a shotgun (either a side-by-side without ejectors, lever-action, or an 1897 pump).

Rifle and revolver ammo; Bullets must be all-lead round nose or flat nose, with velocities at or below 1000 fps for revolvers, and 1400 fps maximum for rifles (while velocities towards the upper allowed thresholds are deemed acceptable, most Cowboy Shooters tend to use reduced-load ammo with actual velocities typically around 800 fps or less for revolvers, and 1000 fps or less for rifles). For a 6 stage shoot, 60+ rounds are required for the rifle, and another 60+ rounds for revolvers = 120+ rounds total. No jacketed, semi jacketed, hollow point, plated, or gas checked ammo is allowed. 

Shotgun ammo; Must use lead shot, # 4 or smaller (no plated or steel shot). 12 gauge ammo loaded with 3/4 to 1-1/8 oz of #7 or #8 shot is most common. 16 gauge and 20 gauge are also allowed. While shotgun ammo with 1200 fps velocity is deemed acceptable and may be easy to find in stores, shells with around 1000 fps or less, such as those marketed as “Featherlite” or “Low Recoil” are far more enjoyable to shoot. A box of 25 shells will typically be plenty for 6 stages… bringing an extra box ensures you won’t be scrounging your shell loops on the 6th stage.

You’ll also need gun leather. But, once again, don’t rush out and buy just yet. Quality and utility of gun leather varies drastically. And it’s a good idea to spend some time figuring out what appeals to you, and what will work best for you and your chosen shooting style. Come out to a shoot and see what folks are using.

With all that said, the most common firearms/calibers you’ll likely see at a Cowboy shoot are…

Revolvers; Ruger Vaqueros/New Vaqueros in 38/357 caliber (45LC is an authentic old west revolver caliber, but tends to be dirtier to shoot)

Rifle; 1873 Winchester clones in 38/357 caliber, most often made by Uberti, and branded by Uberti, Taylors, and Cimarron. Marlin 1894’s are also a solid choice.

Shotgun; You’ll likely find side by sides are represented by many brands, types, and levels of quality at a Cowboy shoot. Yet another good reason to come check out a shoot before buying. Many have found a Stoeger coach gun to be a good place to start. Pump enthusiasts are limited to original Winchester 1897’s and ’97 clones made by Norinco/IAC (Never buy a Cimarron-branded ‘97 clone. It’ll likely cost far more to correct the factory mistakes than what you initially pay for the gun itself).

Maker-Wright SASS #62117L