Third Cowboy Match - June 21,2009

Mattopani Sundowners

My third shooting match was a good opportunity to observe and talk with shooters. It was a nice Father's Day with a gentle breeze off the coast. This day was spent as a spotter, which was a chance to be an observer of gun behavior as well as techniques. I have now decided to purchase a double barrel shotgun. More authentic and I think faster for my shooting style.
Another purpose for this day was to hand off my brass for reloading. I was able to purchase only 500 counts from Starline. There seems to be a shortage and mid July is the next chance to purchase more.
Gun cart was something I have given very little thought about until this match. You want to protect your investment and the way to do that is get a gun cart. I looked at several and came to the quick conclusion I wanted something light and could be transported easy in and out of my vehicle. Short after this I read an article about protecting your firearms from sun, wind and rain during a match and to have a portable storage area for your firearms. Hence my search for a jogging stroller on craigslist.

Winchester Model 1897

Winchester manufactured the Model 1897 in response to the 1893 model poor design. It is a slide-action shotgun designed for smokeless powder. The 12 gauge had a 30-inch barrel until 1899, when the new 16 gauge with a shorter 28" barrel became popular.

The company offered the six-shot M1897 in a variety of styles: standard or field grade; special or standard trap, including the Black Diamond; and pigeon, brush, tournament, riot, and trench.

The Winchester Model 1897 became the most famous outside-hammer, slide-action in history. As with any Winchester, fancy wood and engraving was available at extra charge. Today, the Model 1897 field grade is valued between $250 and $500 (very good to excellent condition).

Most wannabe Old West gunfighters start with a 12 gauge, 18-½” double-barrel stagecoach gun complete with hammers, the slide-action is faster.

A gunfighter’s fantasy is that a western lawman carried your Winchester 97 down the streets of a desperado town in the Olde West.

Shotgun Ammo Information

I found a good source relating to shotgun ammo
http://www.firearmstactical.com/briefs10.htm