What is Authentic? What is Reproduction? What is Allowed?

[New Feller]

I have shot two NCOWS matches as a green horn.  Now I am thinking of joining.  I want to get some issues clarified before I do.  I see a lot of discussion on what is and what is not Authentic gear of the 1800's.
A  Are plastic shotgun hulls Authentic?  Or Okay?
B  Are shotgun slides Authentic?  Or Okay?
C  Is smokeless powder Authenic?  Or Okay?
D  Are side by sides with one trigger Authentic?  Or Okay?
E  Are Marlin and Winchester rifles with safeties Authentic?  Or Okay?
F  Are gun carts Authentic?  Or Okay?

Thank you,
The New Feller

[Irish Dave]

Howdy New Feller:

I'll do my best here:

A) Not really authentic but generally accepted at matches.
B) Definitely not authentic and prohibited at NCOWS matches after Feb. 2006.
C) It is authentic to the latter part of our period and is OK at matches provided you sign up for the right classes.
D) I believe so, but would have to check.
E) Authentic? No. But Acceptible at NCOWS matches as of a Congress runilg a year or so ago. There are nonetheless other features that may make a specific Marlin or Winchester unacceptible, including ramp sights and angle eject features.
F) Authentic, no. But they are permissible at NCOWS matches provided they are historically appropriate conveyances. It's kind of a difficult rule and it get misinterpreted regularly. Usually it's easier to spot and incorrect one (or a correct one) than to try to describe it.

Hope this helps.
Thanks for asking and for considering NCOWS membership.

[Steel Horse Bailey]

I'll second what Irish Dave and River City John have said.  Join the fun!  You'll like it!!

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[Lone Gunman]

D  Are side by sides with one trigger Authentic?  Or Okay?

For domestic shotguns just barely:
Allen Lard of St Joseph, MO patented (#630,061 ) the single trigger mechanism used in LC Smith shotguns in 1899.  Purdys and a few other European doubles were available with single triggers quite a bit earlier.

[Dakota Widowmaker]

So, shotgun slide (that hold 6 rounds) are not allowed?

I guess the question is, how else do you carry your shotshells?

I have been shooting SASS and and use INDIVIDUALLY shelled slide. (But, I guess if its legal this coming season, I am not that worried)

The goal for me with slides is not having to add nother peice of leather around my waist during a match.

Is there a partial/complete list of firearms and accruments which are allowed?
I believe my 44-40 Henry is allowed. So is my Rossi model 92. My ruger blackhawks are not, but, my 1851 colts (*C&B) and 1858 rems (*C&B) are. Can I use cartridge converters (ala Kirst 5 shot models) for NCOWS?

Lastly, as far as guncarts, I am working on mine. Its not "pretty", but, its all wood and no sign of modern materials. (other than the varnish)

Comments? Suggestions? Recommendations?

[Dakota Widowmaker]

To answer my own post...

Approved list of items
http://www.ncows.org/Approved.htm

Things you shouldn't plan on bringing to an event (or not-approved)
http://www.ncows.org/Not_approved.htm

I have quickly learned that SASS events are becoming more and more void of any "spirit of the game".
The local club I go to is pretty good about it, but once in a while, you see folks with no effort put into either style or character.

[Dr. Bob]

Howdy Dakota Widowmaker,

Some of us are more concerned with style and presona points than shooting points.   The NCOWS members that I have met all do a good or better job of wearing PC clothing and gear.  Some paractice a lot more than others, but we all have a lot of fun doing it the NCOWS way.  I haven't met anyone not willing to offer help and encouragement.

[Dakota Widowmaker]

Again, I am not knocking those that make the effort to show up and shoot.

there are some characters who put in some work on their outfit and how they shoot.
(I have always had more respect for cap-n-ball shooters than those with tricked out hot-rods from Colt and Ruger)

But, when all they go there for is to speed through the stages as fast as possible and are only wearing Levi's, a button down shirt, $2 plastic suspenders and shaddy-braddy hat, I gotta wonder what their motivation is. (and they didn't even shoot the stage clean!!!)

Last question, are "big loops" allowed? Its the reverse of a short stroke...my hands like the bigger lever since there is more room.

[Lone Gunman]

I'm not sure who had the first big loop but I'm pretty sure it was either John Wayne, Steve McQueen or Chuck Conners. 
I'm sure someone with conflicting evidence will hop in if I'm wrong, but I believe the first 'production' big loop lever action rifles were manufactured by Winchester in 1992...so they'd be about a hundred years too new.

[Black River Smith]

LG,

You where correct it was John Wayne in 'Stagecoach' 1938 or 1939.  His first real starring role.  After all his B movies.

Black River Smith

[Dakota Widowmaker]

Then I will stick with either my Henry (44-40) or Spencer (56-50). Which ever is more appropriate.

IMHO, Henrys and Spencers have LOTS of style points built in.

[Major 2]

I have followed this thread with interest...

You see I was a SASS  member with an early badge # .
I began lose interest when...
as Dakoda said...

"... when all they go there for is to speed through the stages as fast as possible and are only wearing Levi's, a button down shirt, $2 plastic suspenders and shaddy-braddy hat."
 
If you did not have a raced Ruger with gunfighter Grips and slicked 97 Pump or elongated Cyl. grooved on your colt ... well you were outside looking in.

They were more interested in speed , and little spirit for style .

I just sorta tapered off .....

Sounds like NCOWS is more what I wanted in the first place... And there in lies "The fly in the buttermilk , there is no NCOWS here in Florida.
It's sad too, Because Fla. has as rich a frontier history as the OLD WEST.
Indian Wars , Cracker Cowboying ,Rustling, Range Wars, Gun Fights , John Wesley Harden to name a few points.

So I'll go shoot my Opentops & C&B's , hammerd SXS and Henry.... and enjoy
 
 

[Vance Beckett]

Yup, that large-looped '94 I bought in Ogden, KS back in 1992 was a valuable lesson in the value of researching books not Hollywood movies when it comes to CAS...  At least I know better now.  Such is youth.