Howdy Dalion, there is a simular thread on "why only 97" on the SASS wire. I'll copy and paste a couple of key responses since the SASS thread will eventually be deleted. Another thing to remember is SASS has never claimed to be hsitorically accurate, it's a fantasy sport/game. Judge Roy Bean once said;
'Everybody seems to think we’re a period shoot, but we’re not. We’re a fantasy cowboy acting shoot. Judge Roy Bean.'Here's a couple of key quotes from the thread.
Happy Jack- "As one who was involved in writing the SASS WB Handbook I will answer your question. #1 SASS has always been about early design firearms. The Wild Bunch side match is patterned after the firearms supposedly used by Pike, Tector, Dutch and Lyle in the FINAL scene of the movie. The 1897 shotgun was actually in use by the US military at the time the movie is supposed to depict. All things SASS are fantasy and not a true re-enactment of the period. SASS has always allowed the 1897 SG at their matches . We broadened the 1897 rule to allow the "military style" 1897 in WB matches. One VERY important thing to remember in ALL SASS matches is that the SG is staged open and empty. The rifle is staged HAMMER DOWN on an empty chamber. One reason SASS only allows external hammer firearms is that you can verify that the hammer is down. With an internal hammer SG such as a model 12 you cannot see the hammer and therefore cannot verify that it is down on an empty chamber. In Wild Bunch we have an exception to the normal SASS rules in that the SG may be preloaded at the loading table with the rounds needed for the first (usually only) SG engagement. The SG is then staged with the hammer down on an empty chamber. Without an external hammer you cannot be sure of its condition. Therefore SASS will NEVER approve internal hammer SG, rifles, etc. As a new shooter to SASS, WELCOME and enjoy yourself. I am sure if you want to shoot a WB match someone will loan you a '97 for the match. Be aware though, that they are a bit difficult to keep running smooth. If you have some '97 problems you are not alone"Evil Roy-"I attended Wild Bunch side matches for years. There were no universal rules. No one could ever tell me until I got there if my 1911, leather, loads, shotgun ar anything else was legal. One of the reasons for the SASS rules is that it gives uniformity to the WB matches. I know that if I buy and practice with what the rules specify I can shoot any match which uses the rules. I also know how to plan a match because I know what firearms, ammo and leather will be used. Try to plan a stage with broomhandle mausers, bolt action 5 shot rifles, semi auto shotguns and who knows what and you will find it very dificult. No ten shot rifle stages, no 20 round pistol stages requiring 3 reloads, and no knockdowns if lighter calibers are used. What is the manual of arms on some of these guns so I will know how to plan a SAFE stage. The only way WB can grow is to have common rules so everyone can buy gear and know they can shoot coast to coast with it. Clubs which allow different gear are actually keeping the sport from growing. Going to allow 38 Super or 9mm? Get ready to to see the fast guys go to the lighter calibers and everyone else bitching about the unfair advantage. Take your 9mm to another big match and you may not be allowed to shoot it.
You should know that SASS is already signing up WB only clubs and having a seperate WB World Championship. Regional and state WB only matches are already approved. You are not helping the WB movement grow by having different gun classes and allowing all kinds of offbeat gear and guns. Your members will be buying and using gear in your match they will not be able to use elsehere. My understanding is that state and above matches by 2011 will have to use the SASS rules.
We all owe Happy Jack a big thank you. He wrote the WB rules with input from SASS, CAS shooters, industry 1911 legends and shooters, leather manufacturers, and many more folks who had input to the finale version. The rules are very well thought out and based on a great deal of information and many years experience from many people. He is now working on an RO manual with input from many people.
WB is intended to be a big bore class with a power factor. This makes knockdown targets a part of a match if desired. This also means you can now start or end a stage with any firearm as the timer will pick up the shots. A few smaller targets may be included which means you need to sight your gun in and learn how to shoot it but it is still a speed sport so larger targets used at most SASS matches can and should be used for most targets.
Wild Bunch matches are huge fun and many of us expect it to grow into a very big sport within SASS. If you have not tried it you should."At the local level we can continue to be creative with the firearms permited, one club may have a cutoff date of 1913, while another may be 1921. We plan to start having a few WB matches at our local club, we will have three categories, Modern, Traditional and Open. Open is gonna be run whatcha brung,
we plan on allowing any pump shotgun, SXS, or lever. Pistols up to 1913, subject approval from the MD and ROs. However at scantioned matches the growing trend is to follow SASS rules, and there appears to be some merlt to that decision. If you plan on shooting one of those matches I'm sure plenty of folks will be more than wiling to loan a 97. Good Luck.
Jefro, Relax-Enjoy
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Topic: Why are 1887 Shotguns Excluded from Wild Bunch Matches? (Read 26410 times)