
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.
01 // LEARN
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.
02 // START
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.
What you need to get started
Know these before your first shot
Advice from experienced shooters
Realistic budget expectations
$1,500-3,000
Basic equipment to begin
$4,000-8,000+
Quality gear for serious shooters
Hidden costs to consider: Buy used guns - the cowboy community is generous with advice. Budget $200-500 for basic costume and leather.
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
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
Find cowboy action events near you
Thecourse of fire is a standard NRA modified match. We are using 25 yard targets. Therewill be one slow fire target which consists of 10 rounds in 10 minutes. Therewill be a combined target for timed and rapid. The timed fire will consist of 5rounds shot in 20 seconds repeated once for a total of 10 rounds. Rapid firewill consist of 5 rounds shot in 10 seconds repeated once for a total of 10rounds. The total score on the combined target will be divided in two to give atimed and rapid fire score. We shoot one relay with rimfire and a second onewith centerfire. Bullseye shooting is offhand (One handed). If you are a newshooter or have any physical issues, you may use two hand hold. Any rimfire orcenterfire pistol or revolver that is allowed to be used on our range issuitable for the league. Because it is a handicap league equipment differencesare leveled out. Thisis a handicapped scoring system league. You will be basically scored againstyourself. Improvement over the previous week or average will result in a higherscore. Since most beginning shooters improve fairly rapidly, they are often thehighest scoring and most valuable team members. If you think as a beginner, youwill not be welcomed that is incorrect, for many reasons we and the teams wouldlike to have you join us. As far as learning how to participate in the matchesand obtaining help we have many experienced participants who will take the timeto help you so again do not feel like you cannot participate because of yourskill level. Thisis a no pressure, social league. Competition is friendly and the main emphasisis to get together with other shooters and have some fun participating in aregular organized event. At the end of the season, after all the scores aretallied we have our traditional Pizza Awards dinner where we can all gettogether one last time, have fun and hand out the awards for the season. Youcan participate with your own equipment, or we do have several 22LR rimfirepistols available for use. All you need to bring is hearing and eye protectionand 50 rounds of 22LR ammunition. Targets, the awards dinner and the awardsthemselves are provided by the league. The fees for the league are $30 if youshoot just rimfire or just centerfire. $40 if you shoot both. As stated, thefee includes the targets, awards and the awards dinner. We encourage you tocome out a couple of times to try the league out, there will be no cost to youuntil you decide that you would like to participate in the season. For thosewho only want to shoot a half season there are reductions in fees. Ifyou have any questions, please contact John Majane III, [email protected], orSusan Cassell, [email protected]. Email is usually best for us and we aremore than willing to answer any questions you may have. We look forward tohearing from you and seeing you at the range.
Tuesday Night Trap PUBLIC WELCOME.
MCSC to host Registered ATA Event - July 28 & 29 2013 Bob O''Brien Memorial ATA Shoot Results Memorial Day Weekend ATA Event Results MCSC to host Memorial Day ATA Shoot - May 26-27 April 28 ATA Event Results
An open practice session at Brooklyn Sportsman's Club. This is dedicated time for shooters to work on fundamentals, sight in firearms, test loads, or prepare for upcoming competitions. Your firearm(s) and ammunition Targets (or purchase at the range) Eye and ear protection (required) Any accessories you want to test or zero Contact Brooklyn Sportsman's Club for range hours, bay availability, and any guest policies.
Our Ladies Basic Handgun Class is designed to teach you everything you need to safely use a handgun. 4 rules of firearm safety How to properly grip, and stand with your firearm Acquiring the proper sight picture How to safely load & unload your firearm Complimentary handgun fitting This class is ideal for first time shooters, and shooters who are preparing for the Texas License to Carry course. Handgun rentals and ammunition are available to purchase at the range.
05 // LOCATE
Ranges, clubs, and shops for this discipline