I did Cowboy Action Shooting for several years but have not been for MORE than several years. Don't consider myself "out of CAS", but certainly not active. I started by spending money I didn't have to get a Uberti 1873 Short Rifle in .45 Colt and a Cimarron/Uberti SAA clone. Had to add a second cheap Italian SAA after my first match.
I am a collector, shooter and accumulator. Have all the guns I "need" and have the means to buy guns I want. And I'm trying to decide what lever rifle I want next because I have an itch.
I recently bought a used Uberti SAA in 38-40, so I'm leaning toward another rifle in that caliber. What I have is an antique Marlin 1889 in fairly rough shape. It is a full-length 24" rifle.
Prepare for stream of consciousness...
I was thinking I'd like one of the "Deluxe" Model 1873s from either Winchester/Miroku or Uberti, with at full 24" barrel (more ammo capacity). Or maybe even a "Long Range" rifle with a 30" barrel, but they only come in 44-40. In 38-40, the Deluxe 24" is apparently no longer available, but the 20" version is. And 38-40 would be only from Uberti as Winchester makes 38/357, 45 Colt and 44-40.
Maybe I'd like a .357 Mag 24" Deluxe rifle. Can get that from either maker. But that 30" Long Range is tempting. Or maybe a 24" Deluxe 44-40 from Winchester as they come ready to take a tang sight. Arrrrrrrrggggggghhhhh! Too many choices!!!!!!!!!
Currently I have pistol caliber lever actions in a pretty wide range of configurations:
327 Federal
Henry Big Boy Steel 20" rifle
32-20
Marlin 1894 22" rifle (antique)
357 Mag
Rossi Win '92 clone 19" saddle ring carbine
38-40
Marlin 1889 24" rifle (antique)
44-40
"El Tigre" Win '92 clone 22" rifle
Uberti Win 1866 clone 19" carbine
44 Spl/Mag
Marlin (Ruger) 1894 Classic 20" rifle
45 Colt
Uberti Win 1873 clone 20" short rifle
Uberti Henry 1860 clone 24" rifle
454 Casull
Rossi '92 Clone 19" carbine
So I have a lot of bases covered. Looks like maybe the size/caliber opportunity is the 24" 357 Mag.
Any thoughts to help me out?
Rob