Please contact us with any questions, or comments, at:
GreatLakesFMC@insightbb.comThe Organization, Firearms, Clothes, Odds and Ends
Q. What is NCOWS?
A. NCOWS is a organization whose goal is to promote Western
Action Shooting and the heritage of the "Old West" from
1865 to 1899. This is done with not only shoots, but reenactments
and social events as well. For more on NCOWS visit the NCOWS web site.
Q. What is the difference between NCOWS and SASS?
A. There are many similarities in the two organizations, but
there are also a few differences. SASS requires a shooter to use
an alias while NCOWS does not. SASS has a class for modern
revolvers with adjustable sights, such as the Ruger Blackhawk,
and allows shooters to portray Western TV & movie stars,
while NCOWS encourages a high level of historical authenticity to
the period of 1865-1899 in weapons, clothing, and accouterments.
(see NCOWS Rules & Regulations)
Q. I know very little about NCOWS. Can someone describe a
typical NCOWS stage and how it differs from a SASS stage? For
instance, do you start with all guns loaded, empty, or what? Do
you normally shoot all guns in a stage? Is there any form of
events for those who shoot strictly rifle. Or pistol?
A. There isn't any real difference in the stages, except that
misses are 10 seconds instead of 5. There will be some
differences between individual clubs but no more so than with
SASS. The main differences you'll notice is in the firearms &
catagories. There is no modern class in NCOWS, only fixed sight
revolvers are allowed. However you can shoot any double action
pistol mfg before 1899, I shoot a pair of original 1877 Colts (1)
Lightning & (1) Thunderer. You tend to see more old original
guns at NCOWS matches than at SASS shoots & a higher
percentage shooting real gunpowder instead of that new fangled
smokeless stuff, but that may partially be because you don't
really want to load smokeless in a 125 year old gun. (Lone Gunman)
(see NCOWS Rules & Regulations)
Q. Is there a posse near me?
A. Click here to see where the NCOWS
posses are located. If there isn't a posse near you one can be
started with only 3 members.
Q. How to start a posse?
A. An NCOWS posse can be started with only 3 people. For the
particulars visit How
To Form A Posse on the NCOWS web site.
Q. So, are pump shotguns legal for NCOWS?
A. Yes pump shotguns that were made prior to 1899 and their
clones are NCOWS legal. You can even use doubles with ejectors
since they were common prior to 1899. (I. Will Ketchum)
Q. I was reading the by-laws and found the ceiling for loads.
Is there a floor?
A. About 4 years ago they published some minimum loads that were
based on the lightest loads recommended in various loading books.
I have never heard of them being enforced. (I. Will Ketchum)
Q. Are the R&D and Kirst cylinders approved for NCOWS
matches?
A. Yes they are except for the Kirst cylinder in .45 ACP which is
not an approved cartridge. (see Ammo)
Q. Do you have to shoot black powder at NCOWS Shoots?
A. No, you don't. NCOWS offers divisions for both black powder
and smokeless shooters.
Q. Do you have to use ORIGINAL firearms at NCOWS
Shoots?
A. No, you don't have to shoot origianl firearms. There are a
wide variety of current manufactured reproductions that are
available. (see Firearms)
Q. Who are the "Clothes Police"?
A. The "Clothes Police" are a myth. Somewhere along the
line a story got started that participants were examined by the
infamous "Clothes Police" before they were allowed to
enter NCOWS events. Nothing could be further from the truth.
While we do strive for Historical authenticity we allow plenty of
leeway to new and interested members. The high degree of
authenticity that is seen at NCOWS events is due to the
individual members desire to be more authentic.
Q. Do you have to dress like a "cowboy" at NCOWS
events?
A. No, a lot of guys do dress like cowboys, but any type of
occupation or lifestyle representative of the 1865-1899 period is
perfectly acceptable. (see Clothing
and Accoutrements)
Q. Does NCOWS allow gun carts?
A. Yes, the rules allows carts that are "historically
appropriate small conveyances for competitors' weapons and
shooting supplies". However, at the current time there is
some difference of interpretation on what is "historically
appropriate". You might want to check with a posse you're
interested in to see what they view as "historically
appropriate".
Q. Re: The Lone Gunamn Action Figure (TM)- Lone
Gunman are there more dolls going to come out in the series of
repilca dolls(other members perhaps.)?
A. &%$#@*% IT'S NOT A DOLL....it's an action figure. At the
current efficency of production the cost of additional ACTION
FIGURES is estimated at apporx $1800 each so our present market
is pretty much limited to government contracts. (Lone Gunman)
FAQs Links:
NCOWS.org,
FAQs, Rules &
Regulations, Firearms, Ammo, Posses
Online Tally Book:
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of Incorporation, By-Laws, Reference Section
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Please contact us with any questions, or comments, at:
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Created April 18, 2003. Updated May 3, 2003. This site was designed by Greg Limbach for the Great Lakes Freight & Mining Co. to promote Western Action Shooting in general, and the National Congress of Old West Shootists in particular.