I do have to ask the OP. You stated:
So are you jumping in feet first to Cowboy Action Shooting?
Or are you just looking to get a sidearm and long gun that won't raise any red flags in (presumably) Connecticut ?
BTW, Welcome to APS and do stick around. There's probably a couple centuries of knowledge (and not just about guns) that roam these wilds.
I've never tried, but I might enjoy Cowboy Action Shooting, and will give it a try. Don't know nothing about red flags...
Honestly, and you guys will get a laugh out of this, I want to be a cowboy when I grow up. I always have. I have a cowboy hat, and just ordered a new pair of Lucchese boots- they should arrive today.
I've been thinking about buying a gun for some time. I have no need to spray bullets all over the place. I just might like to shoot some targets from time to time.
When I first started looking I was looking at antiques of the only guns I would ever consider, guns from cowboy movies, but the cost just puts me out of the game. Then I saw that the Winchester 1892 was still in production... I like old things, but I have some very nice reproductions of furniture that are every bit as nice as my antiques, and are some of favorite pieces.
As far as the .45 colt (or .45 long colt) ...well it just sounds better to me than the 357 mag or 44. I'm willing to pay extra for that I think.
I have a lot of time, and a little money, but few hobbies so this is something I can try, and if I don't like it, I'll display the firearms in a nice case or cabinet and enjoy looking at them.
Thanks for the Welcome!