Please contact us with any questions, or comments, at:
GreatLakesFMC@insightbb.comApproved
Cartridge Firearms
Revolvers, Reproductions
Pocket Pistol
Rifles, Reproductions
Shotguns, Reproduction
Not allowed are the following:
Revolvers
Rifles
Shotguns
Gun Modifications
Holsters
Clothing and Accouterments
Range Rules and Regulations
Safety and Procedure Rules
NCOWS Rules for Air Horns and Flags
No matt-finished or brushed-finish stainless steel firearms are allowed except as specifically exempted in these Rules and Regulations, e.g. only those stainless steel firearms whose finish resembles an original nickel-plated finish.
No modern commemorative firearms shall be allowed
Projectiles shall be cast lead or lead alloy. No metal-jacketed projectiles shall be permitted. Muzzleloaders shall use round ball or elongated projectiles if such were original to the firearm.
Muzzleloading percussion firearms shall be original to the period or authentic reproductions.
Cartridge firearms shall be original to the period or authentic reproductions of original makes and models. “Short-stroke” modifications to lever-action firearms are not allowed.
Sights for all firearms shall be of original design or configuration.
Approved calibers and loads include any that were introduced prior to or during the period of 1865-1899 and that were originally introduced as a black powder load. Common examples include but are not limited to: .22 rimfire, .32-20 WCF, .32 S&W Short, .32 S&W Long, .38-40 WCF, .44-40 WCF, .44 S&W American, .44 S&W Russian, .45 Long Colt, .45 S&W, .45-70 Government. Any cartridge designation that was not originally introduced as a black powder load will not be allowed except for appropriate firearms in the smokeless cartridge division only, or for specifically-designated shooting events. .38 Special/.357 Magnum and .44 Special/.44 Magnum cartridges will be allowed if loaded with black powder or with smokeless powder to black powder velocities.
.22 caliber hand guns for main stages are to be pocket pistol/derringers only. .22 revolvers and rifles are restricted in use for specialty shoots only.
Single-Shot cartridge rifles shall weigh no more than twenty (20) pounds for official NCOWS competition.
SAA 1873 Colt clones by EMF, Navy Arms, Cimarron, Uberti, Armi San Marco, EAA ,and Beretta.
Colt Bisley models distributed by EMF, Navy Arms, and Cimarron.
Colt 1873 Target models distributed by Navy Arms.
Colt 1872 Open Top Models distributed by EMF, Cimarron, and Navy Arms.
Conversion Models distributed by Cimarron, Navy Arms, & others.
Ruger Full-size Vaquero and new Ruger Vaquero.
Remington 1875 and 1890 SA manufactured by Armi San Marco, Beretta, & Uberti.
Smith & Wessons distributed by Navy Arms, Cimarron and others.
Conversion cylinders by Kirst and R&D.
Taurus Gaucho, and Colt Cowboy.
Colt models 1889, 1892,1894,1895,1896,1901,1903, and Colt New Police.
Webley revolvers with Birds-head or Banana grips eg. (MK1, MK2, MK4, MK5)
Any approved hand gun with 4 inch barrel or shorter; any approved pistol caliber.
Winchester Models 1860, 1866, 1873, 1886, and 1892 manufactured by Armi San Marco, Uberti, and others.
Winchester ’94s if they retain the physical characteristics and appearance of 1894 models manufactured prior to 1899, in approved cartridges.
Marlin ’94 and ’95s if they retain the same appearance as the originals prior to 1899, and as long as they are chambered in approved calibers/cartridges and safe in operation.
Colt Lighting models by Tri-Star and the
Taurus Thunderbolt and US Firearms Lightning clone and Beretta Gold Rush
Carbine.
Spencer, all models.
Sharps by Pedersoli, Armscor, and others.
Remington Rolling Blocks.
Winchester 1885 High and Low Wall.
Ballard, all models.
Springfield 1873 Trapdoor, all models.
Remington Hepburn models.
Marlin 1894CB in32H&R Magnum.
Taylor & Companies “73” in 32H&R.
Taylor & Companies “66” in 32H&R.
Winchester 1897 pumps by Norinco and Tri-Star.
Side-by-Side/Double Barrels: approved models are too numerous to list here.
Winchester 1887 lever-action 12 ga.
IAC 1887 replica lever-action shotgun.
IAC 1893 replica pump shotgun.
Single trigger/ double-barreled shotguns.
Ruger Vaquero Bisley (as of the first Territorial Congress of 2006).
Ruger .32 H&R.
Cimarron Lightening.
Cimarron Thunderer.
Cimarron Model P Jr.
“P” frames with Birds-head grip.
“Pinkerton”-grip firearms.
Uberti ’73 SAA with cap and ball cylinders.
Ruger Old Army cap and ball.
Navy Arms Scout and similar small framed revolvers.
Non-birds head or non-banana gripped Webleys’.
Colt Police Positive.
Winchester ’94 with angle eject.
Henry Big Boy and all other models.
Modern lever-action rifles in current production equipped with angle eject, ramped front sight.
H&R Buffalo Classic.
Modern shotguns with vent ribs.
Modern recoil pads ( no white line spacers).
Not allowed are the following: Short-stroke kits for toggle link rifles, short stroke kits for revolvers, Lightning rods or similar devises, aluminum carriers for toggle link rifles.
No belt holster shall be lined with metal, plastic, or any non-leather material to make it easier to extract or re-holster revolver. Cloth Lining shall be acceptable. No holster shall be lower than the leading, forward edge of the trigger guard in the trigger area and no lower than the midpoint of the trigger guard over the cylinder or at the leading edge of the holster. Holster shall be attached to belt by a loop over the entire belt, i.e., no slotted belt (buscadero rigs). No holster may be tied to the leg.
A very diverse range of apparel and
accouterments existed within the time period of 1865-1899. Much has been written
detailing the items worn and used during this time. The individual must research
all items to ensure authenticity. Period photographs used to authenticate dress
should be dated in order to eliminate confusion as to whether the item is
correct.
Not allowed are the following: any
modern Western-style boot with stitching on the toe; modern-style vests;
snap-button shirts or modern-style Western shirts; modern jeans that have not
been altered to conform to historic styling; Buscadero (slotted belt) gun rigs;
modern “fast-draw” holsters; slide-on shotgun shell holders (effective as of the
first Territorial Congress of 2006); modern-style cowboy hats, unless altered to
an authentic style; modern Western trophy-style belt buckles. Loading strips are
not allowed on the firing line but may be used at the loading area. Shotgun
cartridge belts must have individual loops.
Firing ranges shall be "cold;" i.e., there shall be no loaded firearms allowed anywhere but the firing line.
No fast draw competition.
Eye and ear protection are mandatory in "hot" areas--the firing line and immediate surroundings.
Ear muff-style hearing protectors are allowed, as are modern-designed shooting glasses.
No alcohol allowed on the range during shooting hours, either for use or possession. No illegal controlled substances at any time. No smoking in the shooting area.
No fingers in the trigger guards unless the shooter is on the firing line and preparing to fire at the command of the range officer, or in the act of shooting. Shooters failing to observe this rule may be disqualified from competition.
All participants, hearing the command "cease fire," or being made aware of other danger signals, will immediately cease firing and keep their firearms pointed down range with the muzzle in a downward position.
Shooters are responsible for the safe condition of their firearms.
Individuals making a formal protest to the Judge or Deputy Judge of questionable acts or violation of the rules by an individual shall accompany such protest by a $10.00 protest fee. If the protest is upheld the fee will be returned. If the protest is denied, the fee is forfeited to the individual against whom the protest was made. The Judge or Deputy Judge's decision shall be final.
1. Treat and respect every firearm as if
it were loaded.
2. Eye and ear protection is required for all competitors and
spectators. Safety glasses with side shields recommended.
3. No loaded firearms except at the firing line or loading table.
4. No quick-draw at any time.
5. Revolvers are to always have the hammer down on an empty chamber or between
chambers when loaded.
6. No breaking a 170-degree plane with any firearm at any time during the stage.
Draws from a cross draw must be done with the body turned to the firing line so
the muzzle of the revolver is not breaking the 170-degree rule. Stage
disqualification for first offense, match disqualification for
second offense in same day. Penalties for having the finger in the trigger guard
or the revolver cocked before it is pointed down-range: 1st infraction -
disqualification from the stage; 2nd infraction - disqualification from the
match.
7. All long guns will have actions open at all times except on the firing line
or when they are in cases.
8. When carrying firearms to loading or unloading tables, muzzles must be in
vertical position, pointed straight up.
9. A dropped unloaded firearm ends the stage for a shooter. A dropped loaded
firearm will result in a match disqualification. The firearm will be retrieved
and cleared by Posse Leader or Timer.
10. A dropped round is a dead round and must be picked up at the end of the
stage. (Judges option: shooter may acquire another round from person.)
11. Everyone will load, stage, and unload his/her own firearms, except for those
physically challenged or inexperienced, needing assistance.
12. No running under time with a charged firearm in hand.
13. No fanning or twirling a firearm at any time.
14. Shotguns are staged with magazines and chambers open and empty and are
loaded under the clock. (Pistoleer class, arms charged but not capped.) All
empty shells must be ejected before grounding or moving throughout a stage when
carrying the firearm.
14a. No more than two rounds may be loaded into shotguns at a time.
15. Initially load rifles and revolvers at loading table only and only when the
loading table is manned.
16. Shooter is to retrieve his/her own firearms and go directly to manned unload
table after stage is completed.
17. No squib or magnum velocity loads. No jacketed bullets, only cast lead alloy
only bullets. Shot is to be lead only, and no larger than #7 1/2's. Only
cartridges and velocities approved in The Tally Book are allowed. Shooters may
be held responsible for damage caused to a target by too "hot" a load.
18. All participants must attend a safety meeting before shooting in any event.
19. Posses should have no fewer than eight persons: one timer, one shooter, one
watching the loading area, one watching the unloading, three watching hits and
picking up brass, one loading
20. Refusal to follow the Stage Marshal or Judge's direction regarding safety or
procedural rules will be grounds for match disqualification. Remember to think
safety first and always! Don't be afraid to speak up if you see anyone handling
a firearm improperly, but also remember to be courteous. If someone points out
that you're handling a firearm carelessly, be grateful, not upset It's better to
be corrected than have someone get hurt.
21. It is permissible if Posses allow for mule-eared shotguns to be cocked at
the beginning of a scenario whether staged or in the shooter’s hands.
22. No cocked firearm with a live round under the hammer may ever leave the
shooters hand except for a malfunction. This also means from one hand to the
other.
If something should occur down range that
will need someone to cross over the firing line to fix it is the responsibility
of the Timekeeper to use the air horn to notify his/her posse and all other
posses that there is a problem. If the problem is not a matter that would
endanger anyone -- two short blasts on the air horn after the shooter has
finished the stage lets the posse leader on that posse know that a yellow flag
is required. When two short blasts are heard and a yellow flag is raised on
another posse, the Timekeeper should allow his/her shooter to finish his/her
stage, proceed to the unloading table, lay all guns on the table and step back
from the unloading table. Once the Timekeeper has determined that all firearms
are either lying on the loading or unloading tables, then he/she will tell
his/her Posse Leader to raise the yellow flag for that posse. When all posses'
yellow flags are raised, it is then safe for someone to cross the firing line to
set targets, retrieve hats, etc. Once the problem has been rectified, the
initiating posse's Timekeeper will tell his Posse Leader to raise the green
flag. Only when all green flags have been raised, can any firearm be picked up
or moved and shooting resume. If something should occur down range that presents
eminent danger to person or persons, a long blast on the air horn by a
timekeeper signifies an immediate cease fire. The long blast should be relayed
by all Timekeepers to ensure everyone up and down the line hears it. The person
on that and all stages are to stop firing immediate, lay
down his/her firearm on the ground in front of him/her with the barrel facing
down range, stand, step back from the firearm, and raise open and empty hands to
signify he/she is clear. At that time the Timekeeper tells the Posse Leader to
raise the red flag. Once the danger has been remedied, the initiating Timekeeper
will let his/her Posse Leader know to raise the green flag. Shooters in the
middle of stages on a red flag will be allowed to reshoot that stage. Firearms
will be picked up and carried to the unloading table where they will be unloaded
and cleared. The shooter will then need to proceed to loading table, reload and
get ready to shoot through the stage again. While the interrupted shooter is
unloading and reloading, the next shooters in line may proceed through the
stage. Once the interrupted shooter is ready, he/she will shoot where ever in
the shooting order that occurs.
FAQs Links:
NCOWS.org,
FAQs, Rules & Regulations,
Firearms, Ammo
Online Tally Book:
Index, Articles
of Incorporation, By-Laws, Reference Section
Great Lakes Freight
& Mining Co. Links:
Home,
News, Schedule,
Posse
Members,
Photos,
Links,
Shoot
Results,
Western Action
Shooting,
NCOWS
FAQs,
NCOWS
Tally Book, Johnson County Rangers
Join Great Lakes Freight & Mining Co.
The Great Lakes Freight
& Mining Co. would be happy to hear from you.
Please contact us with any questions, or comments, at:
GreatLakesFMC@insightbb.com
Created April 18, 2003.
Updated September 8, 2007.