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.

Firearms; In general, are those reminiscent of the old west, including 2 single-action revolvers, a lever-action or pump-action rifle, and a pump-action, lever-action, or side-by-side shotgun without ejectors. BRC Vaqueros does not mandate that a pump action shotgun must be an 1897 Winchester or clone. Any wooden-stocked tubular-magazine pump-action shotgun that is safe to fire is allowed at BRC Vaqueros. Rifles and shotguns must have shoulder-mountable wooden stocks. All firearm sights must be metallic. Ivory or polymer sight beads and blades are allowed. Optics incorporating lenses and/or electronics are not allowed. Some firearm brands, models and calibers are FAR better suited for Cowboy shooting than their counterparts. If you have any questions about equipment, please reach out via the Contact page. I’d be happy to discuss the subject at length with you. - Maker

Rifle and revolver ammo; BRC Vaqueros allows 22LR to be used by all participants as well as centerfire pistol-caliber and cap and ball ammo. Accepted calibers include, but may not be limited to, 22LR, 25-20, 32-20, 38/357, 38-40, 44-40, 44 mag/special, 45LC. Rifle calibers such as 30-30, 38-55 and 45-70 are not allowed. Centerfire 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* No jacketed, semi jacketed, hollow point, plated, or gas checked centerfire ammo is allowed (22LR ammo may have copper or brass plated lead bullets). For a 6 stage shoot, 60+ rounds are required for the rifle, and another 60+ rounds for revolvers = 120+ rounds total. *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.

Shotgun ammo; Must use lead shot, # 4 or smaller. No plated or steel shot is allowed. 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.

Eye protection is mandatory for everyone at all times and ear protection is mandatory while on the firing line.