shooting-sports/cowboy-action-shooting
Cowboy Action Shooting
Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS) is a shooting sport that combines Old West firearms with themed scenarios. Competitors use single-action revolvers, lever-action rifles, and side-by-side or pump shotguns in timed stages.
how to start cowboy action shooting
cowboy action shooting for beginners
SASS shooting
cowboy action guns
single action shooting society
—————
01 // LEARN
#01
What is Cowboy Action Shooting?
Understanding this shooting discipline
Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS) is a shooting sport that combines Old West firearms with themed scenarios. Competitors use single-action revolvers, lever-action rifles, and side-by-side or pump shotguns in timed stages. The sport is governed by SASS (Single Action Shooting Society).
A unique aspect of CAS is the required period costume - shooters adopt aliases and dress in Old West attire. The community emphasis on fun and camaraderie makes cowboy action one of the most welcoming shooting sports for newcomers.
Types & Variations
Traditional (standard SASS)
Gunfighter (two revolvers)
Wild Bunch (1911 pistols)
Mounted Shooting
02 // START
#02
Getting Started with Cowboy Action
Equipment, costs, and tips for beginners
Getting into cowboy action doesn't require starting with top-tier gear. Focus on safety fundamentals, basic equipment, and finding welcoming places to learn. The community is generally helpful to newcomers who show up prepared with the right attitude.
Essential Equipment
What you need to get started
1Two single-action revolvers (.357/.45 Colt)
2Lever-action rifle (.357/.45 Colt)
3Side-by-side or pump shotgun
4Leather holster rig and belt
5Period-appropriate costume
Safety & Rules
Know these before your first shot
1All firearms must be pre-1899 design or replicas
2Period costume required (1800s Old West)
3No black or camouflage clothing
4Adopt a unique alias
5Spirit of the game - sportsmanship first
Pro Tips for Beginners
Advice from experienced shooters
Borrow or rent equipment before buying
Join a club posse for mentorship
Start with basic costume - upgrade over time
Match your rifle and revolver calibers for simplicity
Attend a match as a spectator first
What Does Cowboy Action Cost?
Realistic budget expectations
Getting Started
$1,500-3,000
Basic equipment to begin
Competitive Setup
$4,000-8,000+
Quality gear for serious shooters
Per event/match:$15-30 per match
Ammo per session:$40-80 (200+ rounds typical)
Hidden costs to consider: Buy used guns - the cowboy community is generous with advice. Budget $200-500 for basic costume and leather.
Cowboy Action Caliber Selection
Compare your options
| Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| .38 Special / .357 Magnum Shoot .38 Special loads in .357 guns. Light recoil, affordable, works in rifle and pistol. | Most shooters - best balance of cost, recoil, and availability |
| .45 Colt Traditional caliber. More recoil, more expensive ammo. Authentic feel. | Traditionalists who prioritize authenticity over economy |
| .44-40 / .44 Magnum Classic calibers. .44-40 is period-correct. .44 Magnum allows lighter .44 Special loads. | Collectors seeking period authenticity or those with existing .44s |
03 // ASK
#03
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about cowboy action
New to cowboy action? These are the most common questions from shooters exploring this discipline. The shooting community is generally welcoming and happy to help newcomers.
Find answers to common questions about cowboy action shooting. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us and we'll help you out.
A basic firearms setup costs $1,500-3,000 for quality used guns. Add $200-500 for leather gear and costume. Many clubs have loaner guns and members willing to help new shooters get started.
Yes, period costume is required for all SASS matches. However, you can start simple with jeans, boots, a Western shirt, and a hat. More elaborate costumes develop over time as part of the fun.
.38 Special/.357 Magnum is the most popular choice - light recoil, affordable ammo, and matches rifle/pistol caliber. .45 Colt is traditional but more expensive. Most competitors shoot .38 Special loads.
Every SASS member adopts a unique alias (shooting name) that fits the Old West theme. Aliases are registered to prevent duplicates. Examples include historical figures, fictional characters, or creative Western names.
04 // FIND
#04
Upcoming Events
Find cowboy action events near you
View details
APR
10
Situational Clarity - Apr 10
Competition
Master the mindset. Recognize the threat. Act with purpose. This course is designed to build the most critical self-defense skill you have—situational clarity. Before you ever draw a weapon, you must know when to walk away, when to de-escalate, and when the use of deadly force becomes the only option. In this class, you’ll learn: How to develop and maintain situational awareness in everyday life The importance of a defensive mindset rooted in responsibility, not ego How to identify pre-attack indicators and avoid becoming a target The legal and moral considerations before, during, and after a use-of-force event Decision-making drills to help you respond with speed, clarity, and control Whether you carry a firearm daily or are just beginning your self-defense journey, Situational Clarity: Avoidance to Action gives you the tools to navigate violent encounters with confidence and purpose—before you’re forced to act.
Friday, April 10, 2026
South Carolina Gun SchoolSouth Carolina Gun School, Easley, GA
View details
APR
10
1pm to 2pm - Should I Shoot (FishHawK)
Competition
April 4, 2025, 10am to 11am - Home Defense (FishHawk) April 10, 2025, 10am to 11am - Aftermath of a Lethal Incident (FishHawk) April 11, 2025, 10am to 11am - Should I Shoot (FishHawk) April 12, 2025, 1pm to 2pm - Aftermath of a Lethal Incident (FishHawk) SCHEDULED FIREARMS TRAINING
Friday, April 10, 2026
Active Measures TrainingActive Measures Training, Tampa, FL
View details
APR
10
Tactical Performance Center
Competition
Tactical Performance Center Classes List Feedback Upcoming HANDGUN MASTERY - Texas Shooting Academy, TX $ 795 usd Register Fri, Apr 10, 2026, 8:00 AM CDT – Sun, Apr 12, 2026, 4:00 PM CDT Texas Shooting Academy, 300 US-183, Florence, TX, United States Map Add to calendar Share 3-Day HANDGUN MASTERY Course - Learn the Reactive Shooting System and build your way to Handgun mastery. Our Handgun Mastery course uses our proven Scientific Shooting System to combine the science of performance with the b
Friday, April 10, 2026
Tactical Performance CenterTactical Performance Center, Unknown, UT
View details
APR
10
Ladies Night
Competition
Ladies
Night Shoot
Ladies Night April 10, 2026 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm See more details
Friday, April 10, 2026
Ultimate Defense Firing Range & Training CenterUltimate Defense Firing Range & Training Center, Saint Peters, MO
View details
APR
10
Skill Builder: Handgun Aptitude Test
Competition
Defensive
The Handgun Aptitude Test (HAT) consists of 10 handgun skill drills to help you evaluate your progress as a shooter and your rank among other pistoleers. The HAT is a perfect way to enhance your defensive handgun skills and to evaluate your progress as a pistol practitioner. Our training program is designed to help you become a more confident and skilled gun owner. We offer a comprehensive range of courses that cater to the needs of all levels of handgun enthusiasts. At the end of each class you
Friday, April 10, 2026• 13:00:00
Personal Protection Academy — 3149 Rainbow Valley Blvd, Fallbrook, CA, 92028Personal Protection Academy — 3149 Rainbow Valley Blvd, Fallbrook, CA, 92028, Chula Vista, CA
View details
APR
10
NRA Pistol Instructor
Competition
CCW
Instructor
Apr 10 9:00 AM 09:00 NRA Pistol Instructor Friday, April 10, 2026 9:00 AM 5:00 PM 09:00 17:00 Firearm Training NW (map) Google Calendar ICS NRA Pistol Instructor certification classes at the Tri-County Gun Club. Prerequisite is the NRA pistol shooting being offered 2/13. This class allows instructors to certify individuals for an Oregon CHL It is the required certification to be able to take instructor certification class for the Utah multi-State concealed carry class. Prerequisites is the N
Friday, April 10, 2026
Firearm Training NorthwestFirearm Training Northwest, Sherwood, OR