Question about rifles in Cowboy Action

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Arkansas Paul

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So, I'm thinking of delving into cowboy action shooting within the next couple of years.
My question is about lever guns.

I heard something from a guy on Youtube about this topic and when I read the SASS handbook, I'm not seeing what he was talking about.

I really like the Marlin '94 Cowboy but he says in the video that there is only one category in which that rifle is allowed.
Should I go with a Winchester '92 instead?

For the record I'm not going to have it short stroked. I realize that this is a quick way to gain an edge, but I'm not that concerned about winning matches. I just want to get together with good folks and have a good time shooting the guns that I love so much. The rifle will also see a lot of use in the woods as a deer hunting gun, so I want the option to shoot full throttle loads through it. That's why I'm not really considering the Winchester '66 or '73, which I love the looks of. I want it in .44 magnum (but would go with .45 Colt if the right rifle came along), and I want to be able to shoot some thumpers in it.

So, my question is, what matches will I not be able to shoot in with the Marlin? Is the guy wrong? I called myself reading the handbook, and am at a loss.

Thanks.
 
The 1894 Marlin can be used in every category except Classic Cowboy. Classic Cowboy requires an 1873 or earlier rifle chambered in .40 caliber or larger.
The Marlin is also a good choice for the black powder categories because they are easy to disassemble for cleaning the action. One screw removes both the finger lever and the bolt. With the bolt removed, it's also easy to clean the barrel from the breach end.
 
Lots of cowboy shooters use the Marlin 1894 and love it. I almost bought one for a backup this week, but went with a Rossi 92 instead. I use a 1873 as a main match rifle.

I agree with the others that you should attend a match or two before deciding. CAS shooters are great about letting you shoot their guns to see what you like.

Good luck and have fun!
 
I’ve been shooting cowboy action since 2010. Good on you for not taking the word of some guy on YouTube and checking the Handbook but it does seem to confuse some folks.

As others have said, the Marlin 1894 is legal in all categories with the exception of “Classic Cowboy” which is something of a niche category. Not to be confused with “Cowboy” which is the open category.

You picked up on the fact that the “toggle link” Winchesters (1866 and 1873) are the choice of many top shooters because their mechanically simple actions can be made to run really smooth and fast. If I were looking for a .44 Magnum rifle, though, a Marlin or Winchester 1892 has a stronger action.

The Marlin is no slouch and can be very competitive. It’s less expensive than an 1866/1873 and they need less action work.

The quality of the Marlin seems to have improved of late. That’s good news for all concerned.

If you are interested in cowboy shooting, come out to a match. Don’t wait until you have all of the gear, or any of the gear for that matter.
 
If you go with the Marlin, research the lifter problem that plagues this rifle. I'm pretty sure you can find information on this forum or the Marlin owners forum. There is a ten minute modification that will prevent any future problems.
 
When I was shooting CAS/SASS, I predominantly used a 44mag 1894, with a backup, another pair of Marlins in 45 and 357, then had a 38 1866 and for a short time, an 1894 32 H&R (on which the tube load feature rankled me to no end, but the rifle was dandy otherwise, and recoiled lighter than a mousephart).

Tuned up, without question, the lightly loaded 1866 was fastest. The light recoiling 32 behind it. The heavier recoiling 44mag 1894’s, as expected, the slowest. Immensely satisfying, but slow - as were the 44mag original Vaqueros which went with them. I did manage to choke my 1866 far more often than my Marlins - having access to a fast rifle didn’t necessarily impart the ability to manage it well.
 
I run a Marlin 1894 24" (JM) in 45 Colt, got it when they first came out. The gun has been 100% reliable and extremely accurate with my reloads in 250gr LFN. For me personally I run the Marlin better than the 1873 Winchester, But I do love the look of the Winny.
 
I emphatically agree that the firstest mostest importantest thing to do is NOT buy anything before visiting a couple of matches. The Mountain Valley Vigilantes are just north of Hot Springs, Outlaw Camp is just west of Heber Springs, The White River Gang is in Mountain Home, Arkansas Leadslingers are near Rogers, and Judge Parker's Marshals, if their heads are still above water, are in Van Buren. You will find some of the same folks going to each monthly shoot, so pretty quick you are going to see old friends. You are also welcome to visit the Southern Missouri Rangers in the Springfield/Marshfield, MO area any time. Link to more info on each club:

https://www.sassnet.com/clubs/Clubs_list.php?state=Arkansas

https://www.sassnet.com/clubs/Clubs_list.php?state=Missouri


There are two costume based categories in SASS; as already mentioned, Classic Cowboy requires (among other things) an 1873 or earlier model rifle. B-Western category, for those that like fancy shirts and boots and lots of bling on their gunbelts and holsters, require a rifle (reproduction)made after 1880. So the 1892 Winchester and 1894 Marlin can be used in any category except Classic Cowboy; the 1873 can be used in any category except B-Western.

Many shooters get into cowboy action for "fun", but competitiveness often becomes increasingly important. Most of us don't like to finish at the bottom of the rankings all the time. It has been noted that "I didn't care about winning until I actually won something!" It's hard to run a '92 as fast as a '73 or a '66. Many very good competitors use Marlins; although there is some preference for the Marlins made before Remington took them over. And most Lightning (pump action) reproductions are jam-o-matics.

So try a few shots with each type at a match before you buy anything. You don't know what kind of cowboy you are yet! Heavens, you might even be drawn to blackpowder!! :eek:

edit:

I see I am late to the party. I don't look at the Competition forum as often as I should. The OP probably has already gone to a match or two and made his choices. But if other questions arise please send me a head's up and I will help as best I can.
 
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