Cas City Forum Hall & CAS-L

CAS TOPICS => CAS FAQ => Topic started by: Marshal Halloway on September 28, 2005, 10:15:41 PM

Title: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Marshal Halloway on September 28, 2005, 10:15:41 PM
Let us help the newcomers with answers to a few of the questions they ask us who have been in this sport for some time.

What is your rifle of choice? Why did you pick the model you are using?

Was it price, looks, authenticity or other specific reasons?

(http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/forumimages/mainmatchrifles.jpg)
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Gus Hall on September 28, 2005, 10:37:34 PM
I use a Cimarron '66 "yellow boy" with a 24" barrel chambered for .44 Special. Use it 'cause I can shoot .44 Colts through it. (Same as my pair of Richard's conversions) Would kinda prefer a 20" barrel for easier handling around barricades and windows during a match, but this was the only one my dealer had. This loooong rifle looks realy cool though. ;D
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Jax Orebetter on September 28, 2005, 10:54:11 PM
Well, the first 5 years I shot a Winchester '94 in 45Colt. Now some folks will tell you that this rifle isn't a good choice for CAS. I have over 10,000 rounds through it without any problems. Is it the fastest? Nope. Is it the most stylish? Nope. But the price was right when I was getting into this, and I didn't know any better. If I had know then (how many times have we said that in our lives?  ;) ) For about the same money you can get a model '92 and is better suited for CAS use.

THat being said, I now shoot a Uberti Winchester '73 45 Colt with a 24" bbl. How many other guns have a movie named after them?  ;D
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Marshal Halloway on September 28, 2005, 11:13:24 PM
Now some folks will tell you that this rifle isn't a good choice for CAS. I have over 10,000 rounds through it without any problems. Is it the fastest? Nope. Is it the most stylish? Nope.

I bought a Winchester 94 Trails End from Har Trigger back in 1998 and I have no idea how many rounds I put through that rifle before I sold it to a police officer in Norway earlier this year. It never failed me the 6-7 years I used it. Solid and reliable.

What is my choice now? A Winchester 94, believe it or not.

As Jax said, it is not the fastest, but it is a solid rifle for a good price and I just like it. Yes, it needs some firm treatment when you cycle the action and I have to say that it is probably not the very best choice for a newcomer who wants to be fast shooter in a short time. But if money is one of the arguments to get started or not, this 500 dollar rifle is an option for CAS.

And since I am kind of stuck in the 1890's, I don't complain over authenticity either, even though the rifle is in .45 Colt.
 
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Doc Shapiro on September 28, 2005, 11:15:56 PM
Navy Arms '73.  20 inch barrel, straight stock.  It just fits.  That's all.

Doc
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Old Top on September 29, 2005, 02:55:33 AM
Evening All,

I sort of went about this exactly backwards, I bought a 73 winchester back in 62 for 25 dollars, problem was that no one had ammo for it so I put it in the gun rack and did not use it untill last year when Curly Cole drug me screeming and kicking into this sport (or madness) so I had the rifle and got the pistols to match the caliber 44-40, the rifle shoots better then I do and is all orignal except for the rear sight but I am working on that.

Old Top
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Russ T Chambers on September 29, 2005, 11:07:56 AM
Used to have a Rossi ’92 that I wasn’t the best shot with, and when it started having feeding problems, I acquired my Cimarron Arms ’73. 
I don’t know what it was, but my misses with the ‘73 dropped by about 30-40% (needless to say I usually miss a lot, but at least my rifle misses went to almost nil).
I doubt I'd ever get rid of this little puppy, (may even think about given it a name)!
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: tarheel mac on September 29, 2005, 05:12:02 PM
I use a Model 92, made by Rossi...strictly a price deal...I like it fine, but it only holds 9 cartridges, and most match stages are 10, so it always costs me some time there...Wouldn't mind having one of the new Taurus pumps, or a Win 66 replica...
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Four-Eyed Buck on September 29, 2005, 06:33:32 PM
I use the Marlin because of the ease of maintenence. One screw and it's apart for cleaning. There's not a lot of parts to deal with. My Marlins are accurate and reliable.
 Between the wife and I, we have 4 1894's, an 1889, and an 1893....Buck 8) ::) ;)
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Arcey on September 30, 2005, 08:21:20 AM
When we were kids plinkin' with .22s we had Marlins.

When I got back into shooting, I bought a camp carbine.  Good plinker and it used the same mags as my Smiths.

Started this game with a '92 Rossi.  Soon found a deal on a '94 CS.  Bought a Cowboy a couple years ago.  No complaints.  No desire to shoot anything else.
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Qball on September 30, 2005, 08:58:04 AM
Got a Rossi 92 in .45Lc and it was the cheapest .45 levergun i could find here in Sweden.
24" and octagon barrel works just fine so far.
And it looks so slender compares to my original Winchester 1886 .45-90 wcf
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Camille Eonich on October 04, 2005, 11:09:16 AM
I started out sharing a Marlin with Stump while I was deciding what I wanted.  The '92 was cheap, looked good was light and hey China Camp uses one.  I bought one with a full action job and it felt pretty good just working the action even so the action is sooooo long that I really had to work at to shoot it.  Then there was the stove piping thing.  Then we changed ammo and it started throwing them out of the top.  I sent it back to the smith and he worked on it some more.  It came back feeling even slicker and working a bit better.  Then one day I loaded ten in it and started in on a team shoot.  It wouldn't feed a single round.  I haven't shot it since that day.  BTW the calber is .45

Next I got a 20" '73, straight stock.  Cody did the action job and short stroked it for me.  Great gun and it never let me down.


Now I have a '73 deluxe in .38 put together for me Harland Wolfe.  I LOVE THIS GUN.  I don't see any other cowboy rifles in my future because this one is just too sweet.
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Scattered Thumbs on October 06, 2005, 10:39:44 AM
My rifle is...a carbine. ;D

An 1873 made by Uberti in 44-40

Why? you ask. Well, because I like it, and they made a Western called Winchester 73, and it's the most period correct covering a large span of the Old West years. there's the 66 of course, but it can't be had in the original caliber. And I just plain like the 73. ;D Also, the 73 action is quite fast to operate and is not prone to jamming.

On the other hand, I recently aquired (it's not in my hands yet, darn beurocratic Country) a Rossi 92 rifle with 24 inch octagon barrel in .44 Mag. It's a John Genius Browning design afterall.  ::)   Also, the action is really strong, much stronger than the 73 and dare I say it, stronger than the 94. That's why I chose it in the non period correct .44Mag, to use the action true potencial, since it's also intended as a hunting rifle.
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Missouri Marshal on October 06, 2005, 11:10:49 AM
I have 2 Marlin 94's and a Uberti 73.  Shoot the Marlins mostly cause they are slick, fast, reliable, easy to load one on the clock, easy to clean and it's a side eject.  For the money you can't beat a American Made Marlin!  You can git the 1894C starting at about $350 or so through Wal-mart.  Mostly I like it when I can beat my pard Tensleep with my "Fish" gun and I do that every now and then.(he don't like Marlins). :)
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Ozarks Ranger on October 18, 2005, 06:36:41 AM
I'm like Jax, I started with a Winchester  Legacy Never had a problem with it and it is still a good gun ( fire away)I an now shooting a 73 carbine 19 in. barrel, Do not have a short stroke kit in it nor have my Rugers been tricked out.
Snake Eyes
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Terry Lane on October 18, 2005, 04:08:22 PM
Howdy all,
Started out 12 years with a Navy Arms '60 Henry 1 of 1000 steel frame .44 WCF. Still my favorite. Backup is a Uberti '73 Deluxe Sporting rifle .44 WCF. All I've ever needed. Take care. 
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Marshal Will Wingam on October 18, 2005, 08:21:21 PM
I started with a Rossi Model 92 carbine in 38/357. It took a while to figure out how deep to set the bullets so it would feed smoothly. That worked fine until I got fast enough to cause it to hiccup when I racked it. I went to a '73 carbine in the same caliber and was able to go waaaaay faster with that. Not only can it take any speed I put it to, but I can feed .38 spl or .357 rounds with equal smoothness. Darn good design. Both guns had action jobs done to them and they were slick. My wife stayed with that '92 for a couple years until one time she borrowed my '73. LOL, I had to buy her one to get mine back. We sold the Rossi. Although the '66 looks great, I prefer the '73 because of the lever safety.
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Wymore Wrangler on October 19, 2005, 02:39:04 PM
I tried the Rossi 92, then went to a 66, love that gun, have a 73 for a backup gun... ;D
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Hell-Er High Water on October 19, 2005, 02:49:37 PM
I shoot an original '73 octogon barreled rifle that has had the barrel shortened to 17" (No, I didn't shorten it, it was that way when I bought it years and years ago, long before CAS).  I had it re-rifled to 45 Colt as the collector value was gone anyway and the original 44-40 barrel was shot out.  It has held up fine for an 1885 production gun and I will probably use it as a back up gun when I get around to getting a new main match rifle.  It just has a classic look to it with a short, heavy octogon barrel and wood that has obviously been around a while.

Hell-Er High Water
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: dangerranger on October 22, 2005, 03:58:55 PM
I started with a 94 marlin for two reasons, spare parts[I have one in 44mag] and price [I found one new on a clearence sale for $250 ]. My next will be a 73 win cause I just like the look.
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Irish Red O'Toole on October 24, 2005, 04:27:14 PM
I started with a Rossi 92 in .45 Colt.  Used it for a year and a half.  Finally decided to switch when I had three straight stages where I left 8 rounds in the rifle.  Stove pipe jams and having the cartridge slam into the chamber mouth.  Switched over to an 1873 rifle.  Got it's action worked on and short-stroked.  Since then, it's been a real joy to shoot.  Fast, reliable, and accurate.  Can't ask for more.
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Curley Cole on October 29, 2005, 06:26:58 PM
Ya like I had ta drag Old Top real hard to have that much fun...When he got that old '73, it took us 2 days of hunting to find a half box of 44/40 ammo...and he still has some of the cases left.....

But for me I started this with a Rossi 92 SRC in 357, it shoots better'n me, then I saw this EMF Hartford '92 Rifle with brass frame and SS barrell, and it was just calling to me, and I love em both. All the rounds I have put thru both of them only had one stovepipe and it was my on fault...so will continue to shoot the '92.

cc
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Tensleep on October 29, 2005, 06:43:27 PM
I started with an 1894 Winchester Trail's End in 45LC. Took a while to slick it up and break it in.
I moved to a 1873 Winchester in 45LC then to a '73 in .357.
The 357 is my main match gun now.

Have had 3 92s and 3 Fish guns that didn't want to function properly, they moved on.

As of now we have 2 '66s and a 73 and an original 92 in .25-20 that is slick as snot.

Oh yeah, Miz Annie has a Fish gun now for her "B Western" persona.
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Major E A Sterner on November 07, 2005, 08:38:30 PM
Lets see now, I started in 1997 with a Win 94 Trapper in .45colt, used that fer a year, bought a 92 from a pard, slicked it up, used that fer about 5 years, Got a 73 in .357 with 24 inch barrel, short stroked it/action job Shot that fer a while, Still love that rifle. Got a  20 inch 66 in .38 special this year, Short stroked/action job. I've been using the 66 a lot more than the 73. If I could find a 73 with a 20 inch barrel I would probably use that more than the 66. I like the shorter barrel. Who knows, maybe some day I pick up a 1860 Henry to complete the "Winchester family" I really do love the toggle link actions
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Stoney Pete on November 08, 2005, 06:34:41 AM
I alway found the '73 to be a gorgeous firearm.  I started with the carbine, but the but was too short for me and I traded for a short rifle.  It fits and function flawlessly. 
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: hawk167 on November 20, 2005, 07:13:50 AM
Howdy folks,
I am so new I ain't even bought a shootin' iron yet!
Have a Sringfield Armory M14A1 I was fixin' to trade for a Henry Big Boy in 45lc.
Was mighty disappointed when I got to scratchin' around yer diggins to find that this rifle is not being
shot or even mentioned.
Can someone tell me why?
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Stump Water on November 20, 2005, 11:34:54 AM
Howdy Hawk,

The Henry Big Boy was approved by SASS as a legal main match gun just a year ago at the SASS Territorial Governor Summit. So, it's not had much time "on the line"... so ta speak. 

There was a lot of heated debate leading up to the rifle being approved.  A very vocal contingent was against the rifle because it isn't a replica of a rifle from "the period".  The other side said it "looked cowboy" and that was good enough.

Enough history.  Get yourself to a match and yak it up with the folks there.  I'm certain you'll get the opportunity to test drive some equipment and that'll go a long way toward helping you make up your mind... any probably save ya some coin in the long run too.

Welcome to the most fun you can have with yer clothes on!  ;D
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Major E A Sterner on November 20, 2005, 06:31:21 PM
I finally saw a Henry Big Boy, I wasn't impressed with it, For the price, I can buy a 66 that will be a much better CAS rifle(IMHO) Than the Big Boy, the 66 is easier to load, and is a "REAL" Cowboy Rifle.
Just my opinion
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: DarkBlack on December 07, 2005, 03:56:43 PM
I just started out in CAS this year, and I traded a Browning Buckmark & a Grendel P-10 :-\ for a Rossi M92 with a 20" round SS barrel in .45LC.

I've only shot a few matches with it, but I've put hundreds of practice rounds through it, & so far so good.

I have yet to have an action job, but I spoke to Floyd Hansen from Rockford IL (gunsmith specializing in Victorial period arms) and he showed me the difference between the extractor on a Rossi '92 and a Winchester '92. The Rossi was only about half the length of the actual Winchester. He went on to explain how this subtle difference accounts for the actions difficulty wit ejecting the empties fully. He's developed a few "tricks" he says will help compensate for the shortcoming.

That having been said, I haven't had any trouble with my ammo feeding, shooting, or ejecting . . . yet. I load my own with 9 gr. of Hodgdon HS-6 & top it off with a 255 gr. Hornady Cowboy bullet (RNFP), it's all touched off by a Hornady Large Pistol Primer and I haven't had any trouble with Midway, Winchester, or W-W brass. I'm using a Lee classic press and hand priming the cases with the Lee easy-prime (got into the whole reloading set-up for right around $100US).

He also told me that many cowboy gunsmiths don't want to work on Rossi guns. Has anyone else experienced this trouble?

All things considered, I like my Rossi. It's not the fastest gun on the range, & it's not a race gun by any stretch of the imagination, but I'm not a "gamer", so for me it's more about enjoyment, relaxation, safety, and escape from the Democrats & Republicans!

I always wanted a Winchester '73, and what self respecting Jimmy Stewart fan wouldn't. But the '92 had one distinct advantage over any maker's '73 for this empty pocketed A-town white boy, & that was expense.

I think the '92 is a great place to start.
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Dakota Widowmaker on December 22, 2005, 04:14:01 PM
I use a Henry for my main match rifle these days. (well, for 2 of the last matches this fall...)

My firing pin in my Rossi 92 went and got broke. Now, I have to order a new one.

They are all cast, not machined. I am going to take the design to a good friend of mine and see if he can't machine one out of good quality steel instead. (he already owes me big...this should ALMOST make us even)

Warning to Rossi 92 owners...they all have the same problem, cast firing pins.
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Ed Clintwood on December 22, 2005, 04:26:45 PM
Being new I have looked at Marlin's, 1973's, yellowboys, 1892's and I really like the 1873.  That being said I just bought a Lightning in .45 LC.  Haven't had a chance to get to the range and shoot it yet, but it is slick. 
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: tarheel mac on December 22, 2005, 04:59:14 PM
Wait a minute, a Lightening?  You mean them things ain't jsut figurements of our imagination?
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Silver_Rings on December 22, 2005, 05:00:42 PM
Started with a Marlin, the a Win 94 and finally a Win 73.  The 73 looks great, handles great and the action is the smoothest of the 3 with no action work.  The 73 was the most expensive but worth it, its a keeper.  ;D ;D

SR
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Ed Clintwood on December 22, 2005, 08:54:12 PM
If err when I get another long gun I think it will have to be a '73.  I agree that the ones that I've handled are really nice, however there is one person who may have a differrent opinion of when :(
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Griff on December 28, 2005, 02:50:17 AM
My firing pin in my Rossi 92 went and got broke. Now, I have to order a new one.
They are all cast, not machined. I am going to take the design to a good friend of mine and see if he can't machine one out of good quality steel instead. (he already owes me big...this should ALMOST make us even)
Warning to Rossi 92 owners...they all have the same problem, cast firing pins.
When you get a new one, even if it's cast, polish it down on the polishing wheel.  That will take the roughness of the exterior of the metal, and provide much less surface for stress to develope.  I did that with the one I replaced in my wife's '92 and have yet to replace it again.
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: MississippiMarshal on December 29, 2005, 12:09:08 PM
I kinda partial to my 24" Cimmeron 73' or if'n I need a little lighter I pickup the SRC Cimmie 73'.
The long is great for them dead eye shota where the SRC is the dump gun.

I have a Marlin I shoot sometimes to keep the cob webs out and ifn my daughter or wife shoots I usually let em use it.

The Cimmies were a little expensive at first but you can find them fairly reasonable on line now. I like the heft of the 73's better than the Marlins.

My Cimmies ain't had but 1 hic-up n a main match in 4 years. Once I had a spent cartidge go straight up in the air and came down in the carrier.

Marshall
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Dirty Dan Dawkins on June 11, 2006, 05:19:10 PM
I am new to this sport and purchased a .45 Long Colt Rossi '92 replica. I bought it used for $210 plus tax at a gun store. For me it was economics. Personally, as far as actions go, I love Marlin. Very slick. The only problem I had with my Rossi was the action. It has had an action job on it and is quite nice now. Still a far cry from some other brands, but nice. The plus side to the '92 is handling in regard to weight, shouldering and aim. I'd just like to put some buckhorns on it.
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Drydock on June 14, 2006, 02:56:00 PM
I've shot a BP .44-40 Henry for years, still got it, but my new favorite is my Spencer .50.  Its big, its slow, its got STYLE!   ;D

Ya sure, no more wimpy little .44s and .45s fer me!
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Silent Joe on June 15, 2006, 11:56:33 AM
I've my Uberti "Yellow Boy" now for 10 years and it's a lovely gun. (Yes, it's the one on the picture.) I shoot .38 Sp. only, but that is good for me. I took it over from my hairdresser, becaus he had no time for shooting anymore.
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Major 2 on June 16, 2006, 10:50:03 PM
My very first Cas shooter was Henry Carbine from Navy Arms in 44-40 about 1980. Later that year or in 81, In a trade, I also aquired a 66 Yellowboy SRC in 38spc. also another Uberti from Navy Arms.
I preferred the Henry, and with a young'n' on the way in 1988, I sold the Yellowboy.
I bet, I put 10,000 rounds through the Henry, in 9 years and whole lot of BP Blanks made from 444 Marlin brass in CW reenacting.
I wore the blue off but the gun still functioned without issue except an accidental bent magazine follower spring .
 I browned the barrel, and it served me well, until I allowed a fellow to talk me in to selling it to him in 1988...
I acquired a Marlin Cowboy in 45 LC, and it was not bad, used it a few years.
I still regretted the Henry's selling ( The same fellow still has it, I offered to buy it back , no sale ) though.
So the wife surprised me in 1999 with a New Henry Military Rifle for Christmas.
Not quite as nimble as the 2" shorter carbine was, but still I was  ;D happy.
I've since sold the Marlin.
I was about to trade a Replica Muzzle loader Fowler for a Uberti 73, but a NIB Spencer carbine was available and it beckoned me.

The Henry suits me just fine & and the Spencer keeps me grinning in my post CW era persona.
As Sgt. Drydock said ...it's/they have "STYLE"

EDIT:   should anyone be interested

I had re enter the years as , Memory was flawed...

The 1st. Henry was bought in 1980 & sold in 88  ....I did succeed to finally buy it back in 2010 ( it was PO that said I sold it to him in 88  ... He had not shot it in 20 years ....
In the mean time, I got the one my wife bought, sold the Marlin & the Spencer (actually traded for an Steel Frame Henry )
Bought a 73 (2007 ) , and got a Henry HRA H011 in 2013 ( thats the 1860's Model )

And earlier this year a circa 1989 NOS JH Marlin in 32/20 ( not really my cowboy gun, only holds 7 ) but mighty sweet .

That's 4 Henry's , the 73 short Rifle , and the Marlin ....  

Had a guy want to buy , ol #1 1980 Henry , so I sold it , on the 1/2 down 1/2 in a month that became 3 months into 4 months
So , with his money returned ...ol #1 is home and as the saying goes, If you love something, let it go. If it comes back to you, its yours forever. If it doesn’t, then it was never meant to be  ;)
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Dr. Bob on November 22, 2006, 07:07:34 PM
I decided before I started in CAS [NOCWS] about 2 year ago that I wanted to arm myself with a Colt SAA and a 1873 Winchester!   A good friend let me shoot one of each of his 'till I could buy mine.  I am quite pleased with my 73.  Handles well and shoots better than I do. ;D  I am satisfied with my choice.  I'm never going to be fast enough to be really competitive,  that would take way too much practice! :o  I've become a lazy ole fart and am happy to make as much smoke and noise as the best of them!  Style points are much more important to me that fastest time anyway! ::) ::)
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Long Johns Wolf on January 11, 2007, 10:07:32 AM
I got this beautiful ASM Winchester 92 rifle in .45 Colt for X-mas a couple of years back from my wife. Had to pay a gunsmith deerly to get it into a reliable working condition (which it never was). Shot it during my first 2 CAS seasons until it broke down once too often. Next was a ASP Winchester 73 carbine converted from .44-40 to .44 Colt. Very reliable shooter and never let me down. After promising long-range experience 2004 with a brass framed Henry converted from .44-40 to .44 Colt (again) I am in the process of getting my new steel Henry in .44 Colt/Special battle ready.
Bootsie
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Mustang Gregg on February 06, 2007, 11:51:23 PM
Dad & I have always  Win M-1892 fans.  We have a Win, 2 Brownies, 1 Hartford, 1 Rossi.  All are slick & pretty competetive.
But Calamity likes the Marlin M-1894's.
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: boot strap jack on June 06, 2007, 11:57:18 PM
right now emf 92 short rifle in 45 colt. price was right due to a big dent in mag tube by fore end cap. a little massaging dent is gone and the gun shots good. Did handle a 73 and 66 today and I think I will probaly end up with one or both, in 45. It did surprize the little lady that I did not buy one on the spot. the problem is which one?
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Ransom Gaer on February 21, 2008, 08:37:18 PM
I started with an Improved Henry('66) in .45 Colt.  Great rifle and I still have it as a backup gun.  I now use an 1860 Henry.  Many more style points than the '66 or '73, but still has the same smooth toggle link action.  The Henry also fits the time I portray: 1863 perfectly.

Ransom Gaer
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: JL McGillicuddy on April 17, 2008, 07:46:43 PM
I opted for the 20" 1873 pistol grip rifle from Cimarron.  The pistol grip feels better to me than straight stock rifles do, though I have handled some nice straight stocks.  I like the 20" length as not being too long or too short for what we do around here.  Goes in and out of windows well and is just heavy enough to balance nicely for my hand.  I considered a round barreled carbine, but like the extra weight of the octagon barrel. 

I opted for the 1873 model based on reliability and style.  It looks better to my eye than most of the other rifles.  I like the 1866 models, also, but was hesitant to try the "more difficult" break down for cleaning.  Now that I have handled a '66 and gotten to see how little difference there is in the takedown, that will likely be my next rifle. 

For caliber I went with .45 Colt.  Number one reason was to match ammo with my pistols.  I got into this game to begin with because I wanted .45 Colt single action pistols.  It does require a bit more cleaning than some other calibers, but I don't mind.  I prefer to clean my guns following each match, anyway.  Keeps the house smelling nice. ;D

Jack Lee
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Dalton Masterson on July 28, 2008, 03:26:06 PM
Depending on if I am shooting Black powder or not, I shoot a Pedersoli Lightning, or a Win 73.

I used to shoot the lightning with black, but dont want to take it apart more than necessary anymore. I now shoot black in the 73 only, as its easier to clean up afterward.

Both of them have straight grips, as they just feel better to me.

The lightning feels better with a longer barrel as it doesnt bounce the sight picture around near as much as with a short barrel. I think its a 26". Maybe 24".  Cant remember now.  ???

My 73 also has a long barrel on it, but my wife has a 18" barrel on hers, and it feels fine.

Both of them are in 45 Colt, but work fine with my Schofield loads too.

A heavier bullet seems to make my Lightning run a little smoother.

DM
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Marshal J.D.Lightning on July 30, 2008, 09:36:38 AM
Started out about 5 years ago with a new S/S 24" Rossi 92 in 45 Colt. This rifle has served me well with no problems & will eat anything I feed it  ;D ;D ;D This is a standard rifle & is very smooooooth right out of the box  ;)

My darling wife just got me a new Uberti 66 19' carbine in 45 Colt to use for my B/P loads. Shot it last week & love it  ::)

Use the 92 with the Schofields or the 66 with the Dragoons, too many decisions to be made, just have to use them all  8) 8) 8)

Take care, shoot straight & have fun with them leverguns.

Lightning
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Fingers McGee on January 01, 2009, 12:47:25 PM
Main Match Rifle is a Uberti 1866 Carbine in 44-40.  For back-ups, I have a '73 short rifle, '60 Henry, and Colt Lightning - all in 44-40.

Reason for these is same as for my pistols.  They are correct for the period and the persona I portray - Ex Civil War Confederate Cavalry Sgt that is serving as Justice of the Peace in an East Texas town around 1880. 

Fingers (Show Me MO smoke) McGee
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Curly Red Ryder on January 02, 2009, 03:42:13 PM
Use two Chapparal 1873 replicas, one rifle and one short rifle, both magazine limited to 10 rounds according to French laws.
Thinking to play to in B western categ (Red Ryder is for sure a B western character) and so will use my older 1892 Rossi rifle. 1873 are both .44/40 to match woith my handguns caliber abd the Rossi is .44mag.
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Stillwater on July 11, 2009, 02:31:39 AM
I have more Cowboy style rifles, than the two Cimarron 1873's, I mentioned in the other thread.

I have Marlin 1894 CB rifles in .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum and .45 Colt. I have two of each. They are one of each, in the 20" Octagonal barrel, and one of each in the 24" barrel.

I have a new Marlin 1894 in .44-40 with a 24" barrel also. This one was a little pricy at the time.

I wish Marlin would put out the 1894 in .38-40.

I'm looking for a Marlin 336 CB in .30-30 also.

Bill
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Daniel Nighteyes on July 11, 2009, 10:44:03 AM
I shoot an Uberti 1866 Winchester carbine in 45 Colt, because (1) It fits my timeframe - the early 1870's; (2) It fits my persona's stomping grounds - northeastern New Mexico/Texas panhandle/Cimmaron Strip; and (3) It fits who I am.

It has had no tuning or smoothing out, other than the ongoing "Piru Action Job" with every match I shoot!  :D :D

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a124/danielnighteyes/CAS%20Guns%20etc/HPIM0655.jpg)
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Shotgun Franklin on July 11, 2009, 06:17:37 PM
I used to shoot a WW '94 in .45 Colt. It was super strong and, at least mine, was reliable. I walked into a gunshop I frequent and the clerk working that day told me that he just had to have a new motorcycle. He had a mint ' 73 rifle clone .45 Colt with a super slick action job. He paid $1300 for it but because he had to have that motorcycle he sold me the rifle for $600 total. It is a super shooter and it took me a year to get where I could shoot fast enough to keep up with the gun. I have a SS '92 also in .45 Colt I use as my 'truck gun'. It could be used as a match gun in a pinch.
Oh, BTW, that '73 came with a lifetime warranty against breakage.
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: King Medallion on July 23, 2009, 08:01:52 PM
I started with a Winchester 94 in 45 Colt, then got a Rossi 92 in 44-40 to match my pistols, now last month I bought a Uberti 66 in 44-40.
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: boot strap jack on September 04, 2009, 07:09:09 PM
I now have added a 73 to my cart, still like to shoot the 92.
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: cpt dan blodgett on October 08, 2010, 06:33:38 PM
bought a 1892 Rossi Puma 20 in rb carbine in 44 Mag prolly back in 96 or 7 to match my 44Mag Vaquero at the time was shooting 44 special 247 grain semi wad cutters (only needed 1 pistol back then.)  Gun shot fine at SASS ranges but would not shoot 50 yards without key holing.  Slugged bore was .434 or .435 depending on how measured.  In stead of drilling a .421 hole and rifling out to .429 rossi drilled a .427 of .429 hole and rifled out to .434 or 5.  

They have since fixed that.  I bought a second Hartford Model from Steve Kiowa Jones octo barrel 24 in blued and case hardened.  Nice gun really slick, but the stock is a little long for fast cycling with my short arms.

Why the 1892,
1.  The Duke used them from shortly after the Civil war until he Died in VA City or Carson City in the Shootist.
2.  The 44 Mag matched the Vaquero
3.   44 Mag would hunt pigs and deer (refused to use the over bored carbine for anything but SASS, could not shoot well enough to guarantee a quick killing shot at more than 25 yards.  I owed it to the animal to kill them quickly and humanely.  Update started using desparado soft flatbassed bullets get round holes and 6-8 inch groups at 100 yards now could hunt with it now.  )

If I were going strictly for speed would probably go with a 73 win.
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: ogreshooter on October 28, 2010, 07:39:37 PM
1866 Yellowboy

Main reason was price. I really like the 66 and the 73, but for $500 for a barely shot model, I could not pass it up.

I like most of the options in the poll, but the 66 and 73 are by far my favorite (I like the looks and feel of them).

73's are particular to ammo length, and I can shoot one load between my pistols and rifle now without finicky ammo.
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Griff on November 02, 2010, 08:29:13 PM
73's are particular to ammo length, and I can shoot one load between my pistols and rifle now without finicky ammo.
Actually, the '66 is just as finicky as the '73 as to ammo length.  As are the 1860 Henry, the 1894 Marlin and '92 Winchester (& its clones).  The '94 Winnie is less so than the others, but that's mainly because of the great length of the action.

The Henry, '66 & '73 are all toggle link actions, with an enclosed "box" (actual nomenclature is "mortise"), that the cartridge MUST fit inside to work thru the transistion from magazine to chamber.  All three have basically the same size mortise.  The only difference that bears on the ability to feed different lengths of ammo is the "leade" or ramp on the front of the lifter.  They seem (from my very unscientific study), that the earlier examples generally have a longer leade or shallower angle, making it easier for the lifter to PUSH rounds back inside the magazine.  Thus, one can feed much shorter cartridges into the magazine, and while more of the following cartridge is allowed on the lifter, it can be pushed back into the magazine and the cartridge fully on the lifter will feed into the chamber.  Later guns seem to have a steeper lead onto the carrier, making it more difficult to allow shorter rounds than those that "just fit" in the lifter mortise.  Too short a cartridge, and it'll feel more of the second cartridge on the lifter than the angle can push back into the magazine.  It may actually jam.

Hope I explained that well enough... couldn't find pics of the difference in the angles among my pic library.
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Sir Charles deMouton-Black on November 02, 2010, 09:09:23 PM
Here's the pics, in Pettifogger's article;

http://www.theopenrange.net/articles/togglelink.pdf
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: LoneRider on May 19, 2011, 01:37:13 AM
Started with a Puma '92 in 45, got another one, got tired of the stovepipes. Then a Marlin Cowboy, shot B-Western alot then. Now have a Uberti '73...love it, it's fast and the 24" barrel is perfect for me, no bouncing when going fast!
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Sleepy Floyd on February 25, 2014, 01:25:37 PM
While I have not done my first meet yet, I went with the 1860 Henry.  I have lusted after that rifle since I was a youngen.

Mike
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: jimbobborg on April 21, 2014, 08:15:32 PM
I went with the 1860 Henry.  I have lusted after that rifle since I was a youngen.

Mike

Funny thing about that, I did, too.  I wasn't sure about the 44-40 chambering but it's all good.  I picked up a Rossi 92 in .357, works well with my .38 Special reloads.  That's my backup rifle.
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Will Lynchem on June 11, 2014, 03:13:33 AM
I'm no long timer to the sport. In fact I just shot my second match ever in CAS memorial day weekend. So I enjoy the input from those of you who have been around for awhile and what you are using. It makes a big difference in how I will choose my next main match rifel. For my starter rifle,  I chose a Uberti 1873 short rifle with a 20 inch octagon barrel for two reasons. 1, I got a "offer I couldn't  refuse" and 2,  after resurching the different rifles, the 73 was thought of as the most accurate and reliable of all. The 66 was a close second. This will most likely be my next gun if the pre Remington Marlin owners dont come off there cloud and bring the price of there rifles back into the realm of reality. 
I have to admit,  after having Jim Bowie at the Cowboys and Indian store do an action job and 5h generation short stroke kit, I'm pretty much sold on the 73s. The smoothness and accuracy is amazing!  At 100 yards free standing, 4 out of 10 rounds in the 10 ring with the other 6 in the 9 ring with an overall grouping of about 1.5 inches.  I Love It! ! !. I also do my own reloading and I have run at least 1000 rounds down the pipe without one jam up, stuck case, misfire, loading or ejection problem. I just don't know if you can get any better or ask for anything more! I do love the looks of the 66 though.  Love the brass and you got to love the octagon barrels! W. L. ;D
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Octagonal Barrel on June 11, 2014, 11:08:43 PM
Marlin '94, standard model with 20" barrel.

Why?  Price.  Aesthetically, I want a Winchester '66.  But I don't have a lot of money.  Had a chance at buying a friend's Cowboy Marlin '94 in .44 mag with a 24" octagonal barrel.  (I love the look of octagonal barrels.)  But I ran across an absolutely pristiine pre-buyout '94 in .44 mag with a 20" round barrel for $500.00.  Aesthetics went out the window in favor of raw, affordable practicality.

The only risk was not knowing if the gun would shoot .44 specials.  Happy ending, it does!  I hope some day I can afford a '66 too, but I hope to have the wisdom never to get rid of this gun.  I'm real happy I have it.
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Mean Bob Mean on June 12, 2014, 01:50:05 PM
Uberti 1873 in .45 Colt.  Why?  It was beautiful and I thought I might hunt with it as well so I went .45.  I am now wishing I had gone .44-40 because I'd like to shoot black powder more.  I am looking at another 1873 in .44-40 but I would take a Henry in a heartbeat.  While I hear the Henry is slower, I don't care.  I shoot 8" barrelled revolvers and a 28 inch shotgun (with hammers, of course), my 1873 has a 24.25 inch barrel--I will never shoot "fast".  Where I am from, the west, carbines were not trusted to carry a round far enough.  In the real west, most pistols that were not pocket types had longer barrels.  Most shotguns were used to hunt game so were not coach guns.  I don't use a shotgun belt becuase they did not exist in the 1870s.   

If I ever decide to become a gamer, I will shorten it all up and get all the crap and doo-dads, but for now, I am fine with the long heavy pieces I have and hearing the groans from the others when I stop to fish a couple rounds outta my pockets.  . 
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: TheOtherLeft on June 12, 2014, 08:55:19 PM
I only started SASS late last year and only bought my guns then. After speaking to the other shooters in the club I was warned against the Winnie 92/94 as I was going to shoot 38's. I really wanted a marlin 1894 but due to the Remlin notoriety I stayed away from them. that left the Uberti 1873 and boy am a I glad I did. It's a beautiful short rifle. I've done a bit of DIY gunsmithing and it's super smooth.

I would still like a Marlin but only when their quality comes up to scratch.

Here in Australia there isn't a big market for lever actions unlike their bolt-action cousins so pickings are a little slim in the second hand market.
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Modoc on April 17, 2015, 01:26:26 AM
Started SASS using a Rossi 1892 in 44 mag, then after I wore it out I picked up a Browning B92 in 44 mag, then went to a Browning B92 in 357 Mag (notice a trend?).  These served me well for about 11 years until I got to the point that I was physically out running the action on the 1892s.  I am now using an almost box stock Taylor's 1873 in 357 that "may" get a stoke kit some day.  The only thing that I have done to it is to change the sights to a Beach Front and a Marble's Tang.  I love it and use it for both CAS and NRA Cowboy Pistol Cartridge Silhouette, but still use the 1892s for hunting and knocking about in the woods and desert because they are lighter and can handle a steady diet of heavy loads.

My whole family is now shooting 38/357 so we have an easier time with ammunition and it is cheaper to reload (not really, we just shoot more for the $).
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Gabriel Law on September 11, 2015, 06:20:37 PM
I'm new to this thread, but I'll answer the question.  Whenm I first got into CAS, I had the pleasure of handling a Pedersoli Colt Lightning.  I was instantly in love, so I bought a 20" bbl'd .45 Colt.  It is super fast and accurate, and has paved the way to two local CAS event wins for me.  So I'm ion the 'other' category, and am happy there.
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Grapeshot on November 17, 2015, 07:47:17 PM
I started out with a custom 1873 carbine in .45 Colt.  I then picked up a Marlin 1874 in .45 Colt.  After I began to play with Black Powder I got an Iron Framed 1860 Henry in .44-40.  Then I picked up a Yellow boy carbine in .44-40.  Then I thought I needed a .44-40 1873 short rifle.

Now I have my original custom 1873 Carbine in .45 Colt and the .44-40 short rifle.  I sold everything else.  Except for Wild Bunch, the .44 WCF short rifle is my main match rifle.
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Good Troy on November 18, 2015, 07:33:10 AM
I started CAS with a Henry Big Boy in 45 LC.  I got interested in BP, and being PC, so I traded a Highwall that I had for a Uberti '73 rifle in 44-40, plus ammo, nickle plated brass, and dies.  I got a deal on a Rossi 92 in 357 that I could pass up, so I purchased it.  I like my '73, and use it for my match rifle.  I'm a little to loose on cycling the 92, so I eject live rounds some times.  But, Miss Red likes the 92.  One day, I'll likely add a '66 or '73 carbine in 44-40 to my arsenal.  Until then, the '73 is my choice.
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Major 2 on November 18, 2015, 11:05:23 AM
Chiming in again, up-dating my Reply #39 on: June 16, 2006, 11:50:03 pm »

I habitually reach for the 73 short rifle, but the Henry's are still in my quiver ..

I do want to give honorarium to the JM Marlin 32/20  Classic 94 ....this thing is a tack driver, NOS from it's 1990 build date.
I'd use it if it were not button magazine  only holds 7 rounds
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Mean Bob Mean on November 24, 2015, 11:28:06 AM
Chiming in again, up-dating my Reply #39 on: June 16, 2006, 11:50:03 pm »

I habitually reach for the 73 short rifle, but the Henry's are still in my quiver ..

I do want to give honorarium to the JM Marlin 32/20  Classic 94 ....this thing is a tack driver, NOS from it's 1990 build date.
I'd use it if it were not button magazine  only holds 7 rounds

To me, that's as nice a little "walking around" gun as a fellow could have. 
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Gabriel Law on December 09, 2015, 04:36:44 PM
My main match rifle is a Pedersoli Colt Lightning in .45 Colt.  It is very fast and positive, is easy to stay on target while working the action, and since I figured out what loads it loves, it never has hick-ups.
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: LostVaquero on January 14, 2016, 10:40:23 AM
Well I do B-western mostly.  I have a Marlin 94 Cowboy Ltd but much prefer my Henry steel Big Boy.  The BB was out of the box slicker then the Marlin even after being through some slicking up and has just gotten better with use.  I have put Marlin springs and ejector in it which helps a bit.

I have a Miroku Winni 73 which I occasionally run when not doing BW but the wood is so nice that I don't want to scuff it up.  Nothing been done to it but run a match or two and it seems real smooth as well.

I have a Gold Rush lightning which I love in 357 (and run 357 brass trough) but seems to have a lot of issues.  It is being sent to Lassiter for hopefully some of his magic. 

Eyeballing a Navy Arms Pedersoli lightning.  Expensive more than likely but Val (III) said sending samples to Lead Dispenser to make sure they run.  If they can pass him, I would not have any problems, no where near that fast! (wish I was but like the billion Powerball wishes are just that).
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: rbertalotto on January 14, 2016, 11:12:37 AM
1866....Why? Looks.....Caliber? 38/40 Ease of cleaning, good chamber sealing

I have an 1873 in 38-40 (in fact I have three of them Uberti and two 1800s Winchesters)...But I like the brass frame simply for style points.
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Coffinmaker on January 14, 2016, 01:34:12 PM
A long long time ago ........ In a Galaxy far far away ........ I originally started playing this game with a Uberti 1866, 45 Colt.  As a
gunsmith, I made it run all by myself ;D
Then I got into "speed" and went thru a litany of 38/357, '66s, '73s and some Henrys (Henry STYLE).
After an extended stay in a Veterans Hotel (Hospital), speed went out the window as did gainful employment (Retired)
SO:
I built myself some special custom Henry Rifles.  16 inch barrel Trapper, set up for C45S cartridges, 18 1/2 inch Carbine, set up for C45S
cartridges, and a 24 inch "Martial" Henry, set up for C45S cartridges.  Then I rebuilt em all into side-load Transitionals.
My main match rifles are now, all Henry.  Cause there just so incredibly KOOL.  I'm also the only kid on my block with a pile of Transitional
Henry Rifles.

Coffinmaker 
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Daniel Dodge on January 14, 2016, 02:02:19 PM
I shoot an Uberti 73 Carbine in 44-40 because it fits perfect for Classic Cowboy.

Having said that I got my 1860 Henry cleaned up and slicked a little in expectation of shooting it with my 51 navies that are being set up for this coming season!

DD
Title: Re: Main Match rifles and why...
Post by: Blair on January 14, 2016, 02:42:36 PM
I have two customized '66's, one '73 with a 30 inch barrel and a, now sold off 1860 Henry (un altered)
One of the '66's, I altered into a late model type 4, from a carbine to a rifle, with lots of 1873 features.
The other '66 I altered into a type 2 transitional variation.

The other models listed within the poll, I have little use for in my historic impression.
My best,
 Blair