Hi, Mike!
Welcome to a super enjoyable shooting game. I hope you like it.
My initial piece of advice is to come out to a shooting match and look around. Ask tons of questions. If someone offers to let you try their stuff, go for it. Don't spend money on firearms or leather until you get an idea of what works well and what may not be so great.
Second, read the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS) Shooter's Handbook. You can find it at:
https://sassnet.com/the-shooting/cowboy-action-shooting/handbooks-rulesIt's almost certain that you will have more questions after you read the handbook. Feel free to ask on this forum or on the SASS forum:
https://forums.sassnet.com/We'll most likely be setting up for the July match on Sunday, the 7th of July at 1:30. If you would like to meet a few of the folks and get quick orientation of what happens at a match, feel free to come on out!.
Looking forward to meeting you.
Jackalope