What is Cowboy Shooting?

• Cowboy Action Shooting™ is a multifaceted amateur shooting sport in which contestants compete with firearms typical of those used in the taming of the Old West: single action revolvers, lever action rifles, and side by side double barreled, pre-1899 pump, or lever action shotguns. The shooting competition is staged in a unique, characterized, Old West style. Contestants shoot in several four firearm stages (courses of fire) in which they engage steel targets in a specifically designed scenario and shooting sequence. American history buffs and serious shooters alike agree the use of vintage firearms, authentic costuming, unique targets, and fast action make Cowboy Action Shooting™ one of the most interesting of all shooting sports for both spectator and contestant.

• Clothing

  • Cowboy Action Shooting™ is a combination of historical reenactment and Saturday morning at the matinee. Participants may choose the style of costume they wish to wear, but all clothing must be typical of the late 19th century, a B-Western movie, or Western television series. SASS puts a great deal of emphasis on costuming because it adds so much to the uniqueness of the game and helps to create a festive, informal atmosphere that supports the friendly, fraternal feeling we encourage in our competitors. All shooters must be in costume, and we encourage invited guests and family also to be costumed. Shooters must remain in costume at all match events, including dinners, award ceremonies, dances, and other SASS related activities. All clothing and equipment must be worn appropriately and how it was intended, or how it would have been in the Old West or as seen on B-Western movies and television. Specific requirements for costuming lie within the costuming shooting categories; please refer to the shooting category section for a list of requirements.

• Eye & Ear Protection

  • Hearing protection is highly recommended and eye protection is mandatory in and around the shooting areas. While small, period glasses may look great, full protection/high impact glasses are strongly recommended. Such protection is recommended for everyone when in the range area, however eye protection is mandatory for spectators when within direct line of sight of steel targets.

• HOLSTERS, CARTRIDGE BELTS, & BANDOLEERS

  • Holsters

    • All handguns must be carried in a safe holster capable of retaining the firearm throughout a normal range of motion.

    • Main match holsters must be located one on each side of the belly button and separated by at least the width of two fists at the belt. (Note: Pocket pistol and derringer holsters are not “main match” holsters)

    • Holsters may not depart from the vertical by more than 30º when worn.

    • Although cross draw and shoulder holsters are legal, extreme care must be exercised when drawing a firearm from a cross draw or shoulder holster or returning the firearm to leather. The user must “twist” their body, if necessary, to ensure the muzzle never breaks the 170° safety rule during the process.

    • When drawing a revolver, the muzzle may be oriented into the straight down (180°) as it clears leather; but must then go immediately into the downrange 170°. When re-holstering a revolver, the muzzle may be oriented into the straight down (180º). These restrictions against breaking the downrange 180° angle apply to all holsters and methods of draw/re-holster. This allowance applies to all types/styles of holsters, from canted double strong side to cross draw, to shoulder/Huckleberry rigs.

    • During the course of fire, the shooter must be given the ability to draw and holster revolvers from approved/legal holsters and the ability to retrieve and return vertically staged double-barreled shotguns without penalty.

    • Any firearm that breaks the 170° safety rule will result in a Stage Disqualification.

  • Cartridge Belts, Bandoleers, and Pouches

    • Bandoleers, cartridge belts, and pouches must be of traditional design (e.g., bandoleers must be loose and not secured in any way to prevent movement). Modern drop pouches, combat style shotgun loops, wrist or forearm bandoleers, and such are not allowed.

    • Pouches shall have a flap and must carry their contents loose, with no special provisions to organize the contents for rapid retrieval.

    • Cartridge loops must not have a metal or plastic liner. However, the entire loop may be made of metal.

  • Ammunition Belts and Loops

    • Ammunition required for loading/reloading during the course of any stage must be carried on the shooter’s person, in a bandoleer, cartridge/shot shell belt loop, holster cartridge loop, pouch, pocket, or be safely staged as required by stage instructions.

    • Use of ammo from cartridge loops mounted on a firearm’s stock or forearm is not allowed.

    • No ammunition may be carried in the mouth, ears, nose, cleavage, or any other bodily orifice.

    • Leather belt slide ammo loops are acceptable; however, shotgun shell slides may not be worn over shotgun loops on an ammo belt.

    • Ammunition belts must be worn so all ammo is positioned at or below the belly button.

    • Shotgun ammo loops may not accommodate more than two rounds per loop, and rifle/revolver ammo loops shall accommodate only one round per loop.

    • Shotgun Ammo loops must conform to the shooter’s contour (i.e., not tilt out from the belt).

    • Shotgun loops must be in a single row.- Rifle/Revolver loops cannot be affixed to shotgun loops.

    • Rifle/Revolver ammunition may not be carried in a shotgun/shotshell loop.

    • Laterally angled cartridge loops on belts and ammo slides are allowed.

  • Note: Any ammo carried to the stage in an illegal/unapproved manner that is actually used for stage reloads falls under the “Use of illegally acquired ammunition” penalties.

• Outlawed items

  • Modern shooting gloves

  • Short sleeve shirts (male competitors only)

  • Short sleeve tee shirts, long sleeve tee shirts, and tank tops for all competitors. (Long sleeve Henley type shirts with buttons are acceptable.)

  • Modern feathered cowboy hats (Shady Bradys) Straw hats of traditional design are acceptable (e.g., Stetson, Baily, Sombreros, etc.)

  • Designer jeans are not allowed. Designer jeans include modern jeans that have slogans or logos embroidered, silk screened, and such, saying things like “PINK” or “BABY.” Jeans with fancy or flashy adornments are acceptable.

  • Ball caps.

  • All types of athletic shoes or combat boots, no matter the material from which they are constructed.

  • Nylon, plastic, or Velcro accoutrements.

  • The displaying of any manufacturer’s, sponsor’s, or team logos on apparel. (Manufacturer’s labels on such apparel or equipment are acceptable)

• What is Wild Bunch Shooting?

  • Wild Bunch Action Shooting™ is a multifaceted amateur shooting sport in which contestants compete with firearms typical of those used in the taming of the Old West just after the turn of the century; 1911 semi-automatic pistols, lever action rifles, and shotguns. The shooting competition is staged in a unique, characterized, Old West style.

  • Contestants shoot in several firearm stages (courses of fire) utilizing one to three firearms in which they engage steel and/or cardboard targets in a specifically designed scenario and shooting sequence. Scoring is based on accuracy and speed.

• Clothing

  • Wild Bunch Action Shooting™ is a combination of historical reenactment and Saturday morning at the matinee. Participants may choose the style of costume they wish to wear, but all clothing must be typical of the late 19th century and early 20th century. Emphasis is put on period US military from 1900 to 1916 and Edwardian period fashion. Western dress such as Pike, Dutch, Lyle, or Tector in the closing scene of the Wild Bunch movie (e.g., Western style pants with or without suspenders and long sleeve western shirt) is appropriate. Vests are optional. Boots must be SASS legal. Mexican dress is also appropriate.

  • SASS puts a great deal of emphasis on costuming because it adds so much to the uniqueness of the game and helps to create a festive, informal atmosphere that supports the friendly, fraternal feeling we encourage in our competitors.

  • All shooters must be in costume, and we encourage invited guests and family also to be costumed. Shooters must remain in costume at all match events, including dinners, award ceremonies, dances, and other SASS related activities.

  • All clothing and equipment must be worn appropriately and how it was intended, or how it would have been in the Old West or as seen on B-Western movies and television.

• Eye&Ear Protection

  • Hearing protection is highly recommended, and eye protection is mandatory in and around the shooting areas. While small, period glasses may look great, full protection/high impact glasses are strongly recommended. Such protection is recommended for everyone when in the range area, however eye protection is mandatory for spectators when within direct line of sight of steel targets.

• Shooting Categories

  • Modern Category is an open main match category, carries no age or gender restrictions and carries the following parameters:

    • Modern and Traditional style pistols are allowed.

    • May be shot in any shooting style.

    • May use any SASS legal main match shotgun and any legal main match rifle, .38 caliber or greater.

    • May use any SASS legal ammunition.

  • Traditional Category is an open main match category, carries no age or gender restrictions and carries the following parameters:

    • Only traditional style pistols are allowed.

    • Must be shot one handed unsupported (duelist style). Support hand may be used for loading, racking the slide, and in case of malfunctions.

    • May use any SASS legal main match shotgun and any legal main match rifle, .38 caliber or greater.

    • May use any SASS legal ammunition.

  • Teddy Roosevelt Category is an open main match category, carries no age or gender restrictions and carries the following parameters:

    • Teddy Roosevelt substitutes a rifle caliber lever action rifle for the SASS main match rifle with the rifle targets for Teddy Roosevelt contestants set further out.

    • Rifle caliber lever action or pump action as manufactured before WW 1 ended. Rifle caliber is defined as having a minimum 1.8” cartridge case length. The 1895 Winchester and the Savage 99 originals or reproductions along with period correct receiver mounted peep sights are legal for Teddy Roosevelt.

    • It is recommended that the rifle targets for Teddy Roosevelt be set at a distance between 25 to 75 yards using AR 500 steel for targets. Rifles will be loaded at the loading table with no more than the number or rounds specified in the stage description- up to a maximum of 7 rounds and will be staged in accordance with the stage description. With an empty chamber, 7 the bolt will be fully forward, or lever or pump action closed with the hammer down. Unless otherwise stated by the Match Director, lead bullets will be used. Gas checked bullets are allowed- no jacketed bullets

• Doughboy Category is an open main match category and carries no age or gender restrictions and carries the following parameters:

  • Doughboy substitutes a bolt action military rifle for a SASS main match rifle with the rifle targets for Doughboy contestants set further out.

  • The rifle must be an original caliber bolt action rifle issued by any country to its military forces through the end of WWII. It must be as issued with original period battle sights and no external modifications. Original scoped rifles are not allowed.

  • Internal modifications are allowed.

  • Faithful reproductions are allowed.

  • Unless stated by the Match Director, lead bullets will be used. Gas checked bullets are allowed - no jacketed bullets.

  • Doughboy rifles will be loaded with no more than 5 rounds and will be staged in accordance with the stage description. The bolt will be fully open. Reloads can be individually or with stripper clips. The Garand is not allowed.

What do I need to get started?

• Equipment

  • The Guns:

    • Most categories of Cowboy Action Shooting include the use of four firearms - two single action centerfire caliber revolvers, a pistol caliber lever action rifle, and a double barrel shotgun (single barrel or a pre-1899 pump, or lever action shotguns), but recognizing the expense of acquiring these firearms, there are a couple of shooting categories which do not require all four guns:

      • Working Cowboy - Just the rifle and one revolver.

      • Range Detective - Just the rifle and two revolvers.

      • Also, for young shooters, there is a Buckaroo/Buckarette age category (13 and under). Buckaroo/Buckarette competitors must use revolvers, rifles, and shotguns meeting the external standards but may be chambered in .22 LR for revolvers and rifles and .410 caliber, 28, or 32 gauge shotguns.

        Note: If you are a real single-action revolver enthusiast, there is a Josey Wales category which substitutes two additional revolvers for the rifle.

      • If you haven't bought the firearm yet, please, please do your research before buying, read the SASS Cowboy handbook and ask several cowboy action shooters about your intended purchases (Side-by-side shotguns may not use automatic ejectors, firearm calibers allowed) to avoid any "gotcha's". (for example, Smith & Wesson has come out with a line of 1854 series lever action rifles, but the .44 magnum and .45 colt calibers have a capacity of 9 instead of 10 rounds). You probably do not want to start a collection of cowboy style firearms that cannot be used in competition.
        
        Observers are welcome at our shooting matches (safety glasses with side shields and hearing protection are required) and you can chat with the shooters before and after the match.

• Clothing