OK guys, I really don't know where to post this so don't go gettin all riled up. I am going to get into this cowboy action game and before I do, I want to know if anyone has ever been to a shoot or does it.
What I want to know is, How far are the targets and what sizes are they?
I have all the equipment I need except for the shotgun. Debating on getting a Norico model 97 or going with one of the hammerless coach guns.. Opinions appreciated.

No SASS/CAS shooter can really tell you how it is everywhere, cuz it ain't the same everywhere: some clubs can't afford more "high tech" targets, some like more precision shooting, some like more moving targets, etc...

Here's where you need to go:

Sass wire forum

It's a free registry talk forum like this one, but JUST for SASS, if you go to www.sassnet.com, you can download the handbook too, it'll help you with lots of these little questions-it has "advice" for target sizes and ranges for each of the three gun types...

If I recall correctly, it's recommended they be something like 16"x16" targets for all of them, placed at something like 12-30yrds for shotguns and pistols and 20-50yrds for rifles, but don't quote me on that, check it out in the handbook for certain.

As for the 97, it depends on what you want...I shoot two SxS hammerless's, one 28" selective trigger and one double trigger 20" coach gun (both are $250 new Baikals=EAA), I've had a 97, really liked it, but reloading is faster in the SxS's, for me at least, shooting is slower for me too-some guys are faster in both counts, but I'm faster with the SxS's. Only time I wish I had a 97 still is when I'm in a side match where 10shotgun shots are required and 97's can be loaded full, instead of just two at a time.

If you can find a good price on the Norinco, ($250-350 I'd say on a new/like new), then it might be worth getting, they sure look good, and it's a lot easier for most fellas to shoot a pump than a SxS.

If you don't mind my asking, what are your other arm choices? Like I said, I'm a Baikal SxS shooter, standing beside a Marlin 1894 .44mag and all Ruger wheelguns-two .44mag vaqueros, one Superblackhawk .44mag, and one (soon to be two? I hope) .32H&R "Vaquerito" single six. I've also got a Cobra Derringer .38spcl O/U two bbl and have a Marlin 1895 Cowboy .45-70 on the way for my side match fun...maybe by the end of summer I can run down a .45-70 H&R Buffalo Classic single shot too.

I'm pleased as punch with all of mine-I slicked up my SxS's, and the rest are factory, shoot great, the Derringer leaves a bit to be desired, but I'm not going to pay $300-500 for a derringer like the Bond's.

thanks no mercy; I have a marlin 1894 in 44 maga also. And I have on order a pair of 5 1/2" bbl. SS Blackhawks in 44. (I was going to go with the Vaqueros but I plan on using them for hunting too and wanted the adj. sights.) I really don't care if I have to shoot in the modern class, I'm just going to have some fun.
There are a few clubs not too far from me so I'm going to visit a few and watch the matches. Thanks for the site info. I'm in PA, where you from?

I'm a wild Kansan born and raised, worked as a cowhand/horse rancher, Firing range operator/owner, and bout a million other odd jobs...started up here at K-State almost 2yrs ago now, working towards becoming a chemical engineer, working my arse off at school and in the lab; rodeo, hunt, and shoot in my spare time-which isn't much between school, the lab, and the ranch.

If you head over to the SASS wire, my alias is Dakota Clay, I pop in from time to time with my opinions and experiences, but I read a LOT more than I write. If you've got any questions over there, don't hesitate to ask them, ain't no one gonna call you stupid less'n you leave a question unasked-BTW, yer likely gonna wanna adopt a more "western" drawl over there-