Jefferson Outlaws

The Jefferson Outlaws operate the Leadville range at 5209 Snyder Mill Rd., Spring Grove, PA 17362—a purpose-built cowboy action shooting facility with permanent stage fronts, a livery stable, train depot, and the Midnight Star Saloon. This is a SASS (Single Action Shooting Society) affiliated club that hosts competitive cowboy action matches for shooters of all experience levels.

Cowboy Action Shooting combines competitive timed firearms courses with Old West costuming and character aliases. Shooters engage steel targets across multiple stages, moving between different positions rather than shooting from a bench. The sport originated in California during the 1980s and is now governed internationally by SASS, with an emphasis on safety, fun, and participation over winning.

Key features: - Timed competition on reactive steel targets - Mandatory period-correct costuming (late 1800s era) - Scenarios often include props and creative movement - Emphasis on fellowship and humor - No prize money—competition is for prestige only

All matches require competitors to shoot: - Two single-action revolvers (.45 Long Colt, .44, .44-40, .38, or .32 caliber) - One pistol-caliber lever action rifle (typically same caliber as revolvers) - One Old West-style shotgun (side-by-side or Winchester Model 97 pump-action)

All firearms must be pre-1900 originals or modern reproductions. Ammunition must be unjacketed lead without gas-checks, with velocity limits. The Jefferson Outlaws recommend observing a match or two before purchasing firearms—most shooters are happy to let newcomers handle and shoot their guns to help you figure out what works for your budget.

Prerequisites: - Basic proficiency with firearms (not a beginner sport) - Safe and responsible handling ability - No prior cowboy action experience needed

"A cowboy match is not the place to learn how to shoot. If you are new to firearms entirely, please enroll for basic shooting classes or individual lessons with an NRA certified instructor."

The Jefferson Outlaws can connect you with NRA-certified instructors for basic classes or one-on-one instruction using cowboy action firearms. Classes are typically held at Continental Arms in Cockeysville, MD, or arranged as private instruction.

Your first match checklist: 1. Attend a new-shooter clinic (note: Jefferson no longer hosts clinics; see Chuckaroo's Wildlife Rangers for options) 2. Observe a match to understand the flow and posse structure 3. Develop a costume and choose a shooting alias 4. Acquire four firearms (or borrow to start) 5. Get gun cart for ammo and long guns 6. Register between 8-9 AM on match day

Each posse requires at least six people working different roles: - Timer operator (watches clock and safety) - Three spotters (track hits and misses on targets) - Loading/unloading table staff (safe gun handling) - Brass retrieval and prop setup crew

You'll move through multiple stages with your assigned posse, taking turns on the firing line. Scenarios are read before each stage, and experienced shooters help newcomers remember target sequences. The emphasis is on safety first, then fun—accuracy matters less than hitting targets on time.

• •Period-correct costume (late 1800s style, or B-Western categories available)
• •Gun leather/holster rig (typically double-holster, varies by costume)
• •Gun cart (can be basic and cheap, or fancy and expensive)
• •Shooting alias (SASS approves all aliases from their official registry)

Beyond traditional SASS cowboy action, the Jefferson Outlaws are aware of these complementary competitions: - Western 3-Gun - National Congress of Old West Shootists (NCOWS) - Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association - SASS Mounted Shooting (shooting from horseback or buckboard)

• •Email: [email protected]
• •Contact Person: Red Eyed Kid ([email protected])

The facility hosts multiple shooting formats beyond standard cowboy action, including hunter safety courses, kids shoots, ladies handgun matches, block shoots, and special events. Club rentals are available for qualified groups.