Thanks.
A bit about myself- bumbled into a match down by Yuma recently and it looks something I could really enjoy. Right now though I rarely have weekends off, but might be able to make a match once in a while. Mainly I thought it would be nice to have the equipment, even if only to plink with until I retire.
I'm mostly looking for fun, and have no delusions of being competitive at a high level, or of being overly authentic.
Anyhoo, the only lever gun I've ever owned is a 45-70 guide gun. A couple of super black hawks are the only single actions I've had.
I already reload and cast bullets, but mainly cast bullets back when lead was cheap, and I had extra time and very little extra money (mostly reversed today).
I've decided to run 38/357 for the reduced cost, and lower recoil (used to shoot hot 44 mag and 45-70 handgun loads all the time, but getting much more recoil sensitive).
I went ahead and ordered a Winchester 1973 in 24" Octagon barrel. I know, the short rifle would likely be faster, but I just like the octagon rifle... Hopefully that's a valid reason to get it? Not sure if I should do a spring kit, or stroke it (is there a kit for it?).
Shotgun wise, I was thinking of getting one of the 1887 Winchester clones, even though I know I'd probably be faster with a double.
Tonight I ran into a used Stoeger that I couldn't tell has ever been fired, so it followed me home...
That leaves handguns. I thought I'd decided on the SASS Vaqueros in 357, as I like my Black Hawks, but I got to handle one of the Taylors with their trigger job, which un-made up my mind.
Bottom line: Should I plan on modifying the Winchester, or would it likely be good enough out of the box. Any thoughts on PW87 or Cimarron 1887? (Stupid to get one now that I have a double?), and any thoughts on Vaquero vs Taylor?