Multi-Gun — Single Action Shooting Society (SASS)

Cowboy Action Shooting combines the precision of target shooting with the theatrics of the Old West, requiring competitors to engage multiple targets with period-correct firearms while dressed in authentic 1800s attire. It's part shooting competition, part historical reenactment, and entirely addictive once you catch the bug.

Overview

Cowboy Action Shooting emerged in the 1980s from a group of enthusiasts who wanted to shoot the guns their grandfathers carried, but in a competitive format that honored the history and spirit of the American frontier. The Single Action Shooting Society (SASS), founded in 1987, formalized the rules and grew the sport from a handful of California shooters to over 100,000 members worldwide.

A typical match consists of six stages, each presenting a unique scenario with targets placed at various distances. Shooters engage targets with two single-action revolvers, a lever-action rifle, and a period-appropriate shotgun—all while moving through courses of fire that might simulate everything from a bank robbery to defending a homestead. The clock starts when you draw your first pistol and stops when your last target falls, with penalties added for misses or procedural errors.

What sets Cowboy Action apart from other shooting sports is the complete immersion experience. Your shooting alias becomes your identity—whether you're "Deadwood Dick" or "Calamity Jane"—and your costume must be authentic to the 1800s or western movie period. This isn't just about fast shooting; it's about stepping into character and living a piece of American history.

The sport has grown steadily, with the annual SASS National Championships drawing over 700 competitors from around the world. Regional matches happen year-round, and most clubs welcome newcomers with loaner gear and patient instruction. The community prides itself on being family-friendly, with categories for shooters as young as 13 and special divisions for seniors who want to keep competing well into their golden years.

Disciplines & Variations

Most newcomers start with standard SASS Cowboy Action, which offers the most flexibility in equipment and the largest pool of competitors. Wild Bunch appeals to those who prefer the 1911 pistol and want a more tactical feel, while NCOWS attracts hardcore history buffs who want maximum authenticity. Mounted shooting requires horse ownership or access, making it a specialized subset of the sport.

Equipment

Required Gear

Optional Gear

• Reloading Equipment: Essential for serious competitors. Initial setup runs $500-1,000 but cuts ammunition costs in half.
• Gun Cleaning Kit: Period-appropriate cleaning supplies and patches. Many competitors enjoy the ritual of cleaning their guns after each match.
• Shooting Bag: Leather possibles bag for carrying extra ammunition, tools, and personal items during matches.
• Pocket Watch: Functional timepiece that completes the period look while serving a practical purpose.
• Additional Costumes: Different outfits for different weather or personas. Many shooters have multiple character identities.

The smart approach is starting with reliable, basic equipment and upgrading as your skills and interest grow. Italian reproductions from Pietta and Uberti offer excellent value, while Stoeger shotguns dominate the budget-conscious market. Avoid the temptation to buy the cheapest possible gear—reliability matters more than saving $100 when you're standing on a stage with a timer running.

Rules & Scoring

Cowboy Action Shooting uses elapsed time as the primary scoring method, with penalties added for misses and procedural errors. A clean run might take 25 seconds, while the same stage shot with three misses becomes a 40-second time (15 seconds in penalties). The competitor with the lowest total time across all stages wins their category.

Target engagement follows specific sequences outlined in each stage description. Pistol targets are typically 16" x 16" at 7-10 yards, rifle targets range from 8-16 yards, and shotgun targets (usually steel plates or clay birds) sit within 16 yards. Misses cost five seconds each, while procedural penalties (shooting out of sequence, using the wrong firearm, etc.) add ten seconds.

Movement between shooting positions follows the "traveling" rule borrowed from basketball—you can move your feet, but the gun must stay generally pointed downrange. Safety violations result in match disqualification, and the community takes this seriously. Stage scenarios often include specific requirements like "start with hands on hat brim" or "shotgun staged on the bar," adding tactical challenges beyond pure marksmanship.

Key Rules Newcomers Need to Know:

• All firearms must remain unloaded except when under the direct observation of a Range Officer on the firing line
• Ammunition limits are strictly enforced: 10 rounds per pistol, 10 rounds in rifle, appropriate shotgun shells for each stage
• Modern shooting stances and grips are discouraged; traditional techniques are preferred and sometimes required
• Safety violations (breaking the 180-degree rule, dropping a loaded firearm, etc.) result in immediate disqualification

Classifications range from B-Western (slowest) through Cowboy, Duelist, Gunfighter, to Frontiersman (fastest). Age-based categories include Buckaroo (under 14), Junior (under 17), Cowboy (all ages), Wrangler (36+), 49er (49+), Senior (60+), Elder Statesman (65+), and Grand Dame/Patron (70+). Ladies compete in parallel categories with slightly different age brackets.

Getting Started

Before Your First Match

Find your local club through the SASS website's club finder—most areas within driving distance of major cities have active groups. Contact the match director before showing up; they'll often arrange loaner guns and basic instruction for newcomers. Many clubs hold "new shooter" days specifically designed for introducing people to the sport.

You don't need a full costume for your first visit—clean jeans, boots, and a collared shirt will suffice while you observe and learn. Bring eye and ear protection, and expect to spend 4-6 hours at a typical monthly match. Most clubs encourage first-time visitors to walk through stages and watch experienced shooters before attempting to compete.

At the Range

Cowboy Action operates on a "posse" system where groups of 8-12 shooters rotate through stages together. You'll help set up targets, score for other shooters, and pick up brass between stages. The camaraderie is genuine—experienced shooters freely share advice and often loan equipment to newcomers.

Range commands are standardized: "Load and make ready," "Standby," and the timer beep signals the start. After completing the string of fire, "Unload and show clear" ensures all firearms are empty before moving to brass pickup. The process becomes second nature quickly, but new shooters should focus on safety over speed.

Your First Competition

Registration typically opens early morning, with shooting starting around 9:30 AM after a safety briefing. Entry fees range from $10-25 for local matches, with lunch often included. Bring cash—many clubs operate old-school and don't accept cards.

Expect to finish near the bottom of your category time-wise, and that's perfectly normal. Focus on safe gun handling and following stage procedures rather than speed. Most new shooters are surprised by how physically demanding the sport can be—you'll cover significant ground during a six-stage match while handling heavy firearms.

Common first-timer mistakes include rushing between positions (leading to safety violations), loading more ammunition than allowed, and shooting targets out of sequence. The 10-second procedural penalties add up quickly, but everyone makes these errors initially.

Costs

Hidden Costs to Consider:

• Gun Modifications: Action jobs on revolvers ($200-500 each) and rifle trigger work ($150-300) significantly improve performance
• Multiple Costumes: Weather-appropriate outfits for different seasons and scenarios add up quickly
• Travel Expenses: Serious competitors attend regional and national matches, requiring hotel stays and long-distance travel
• Reloading Components: While reloading saves money long-term, the initial equipment investment and ongoing component costs are significant
• Gun Maintenance: Period firearms require more frequent cleaning and occasional repairs compared to modern guns

The sport rewards consistent participation over expensive equipment, but costs can escalate quickly if you catch the competitive bug. Many successful shooters started with basic gear and upgraded gradually as their skills improved. The key is finding reliable equipment that functions well rather than chasing the latest innovations.

Where to Shoot

SASS maintains a comprehensive club directory on their website (sassnet.com) with contact information and match schedules. Most clubs hold monthly matches, with larger regional events throughout the year. The annual SASS National Championships rotate between different states, typically drawing 600-700 competitors.

Local clubs often share facilities with other shooting sports, but many have dedicated cowboy action bays with permanent structures like saloon facades and jail cells. Some clubs own entire Old West towns complete with boardwalks and period buildings.

Online communities on Facebook and the SASS Wire forums provide match announcements, equipment discussions, and general camaraderie. The Cowboy Action Shooting Facebook group has over 15,000 members sharing everything from costume tips to gun modifications.

Major regional matches include Hell on Wheels (Arizona), Winter Range (Arizona), and End of Trail (New Mexico), each attracting 300-500 competitors and featuring vendor rows with specialized equipment and clothing.

Governing Bodies

SASS membership ($55 annually) includes the monthly Cowboy Chronicle magazine, access to member forums, and the ability to earn official classifications. Most local clubs require SASS membership for regular competition, though they'll often waive this requirement for first-time visitors. SASS also provides Range Officer training courses that teach safety protocols and match management.

The BGC Take

Cowboy Action Shooting attracts people who love history, enjoy craftsmanship, and appreciate the social aspects of competition over pure athleticism. If you're the type who gets excited about authentic leather holsters and the mechanics of 1873 Colt reproductions, you'll fit right in. If you just want to ring steel as fast as possible, there are better options.

The learning curve is moderate—you can safely complete stages after a day of instruction, but mastering the smooth transitions and period techniques takes years. The community is genuinely welcoming, but it's definitely an older crowd. Don't expect to find many competitors under 40, and the average age skews toward retirement.

The biggest barrier is cost. Getting properly equipped runs $3,000-4,000 minimum, and that's before you develop expensive tastes for custom leather and tuned firearms. The ammunition consumption is significant—figure 70+ rounds per match plus practice. Reloading becomes almost mandatory for regular competitors.

Is it worth it? If you enjoy the complete package—history, costumes, camaraderie, and the challenge of managing multiple firearms under time pressure—absolutely. The sport rewards consistency and smooth technique over raw speed, making it accessible well into your golden years. Just don't expect to get rich winning matches, and be prepared to embrace the cowboy persona along with the shooting skills.

See Also

• Three-Gun Competition - Modern multi-gun alternative with tactical emphasis
• Action Pistol Shooting - Fast-paced handgun competition
• Find Events

Last Updated: January 28, 2026

Read the original article in The Handbook | By Boise Gun Club Editorial Team

Join the Discussion

Have you tried Cowboy Action Shooting yet, and if so, what's been your biggest learning curve—the shooting itself, getting the right gear dialed in, or just remembering all the weird stage rules?