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.
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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
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JUL
20
Hartford Rifle Club - range & classroom CLOSED
Competition
Hartford Rifle Club - range & classroom CLOSED at The Hartford Gun Club in East Granby, CT. Check with the host club for match details, start times, and registration.
Monday, July 20, 2026
The Hartford Gun ClubThe Hartford Gun Club, East Granby, CT
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JUL
20
PISTOL FUNDAMENTALS CLASS
Competition
Overview PISTOL SHOOTING FUNDAMENTALS FOR THE BEGINNER TO INTERMEDIATE SHOOTER. PISTOL FUNDAMENTALS CLASS 6:00pm to 9:00pm HUDSON VALLEY SHOOTING SPORTS 39 Seminary Hill Rd, Carmel Hamlet, NY 10512 $75.00 PLEASE NOTE There is a $25 DEPOSIT upon registration. Balance of $50 due on the day of the class – CASH ONLY! CLASS STARTS AT 6:00PM – PLEASE BE THERE NO LATER THAN 5:45PM FOR SET UP AND SAFETY BRIEFING. This class is designed for our beginner to intermediate shooters who may not be
Monday, July 20, 2026• 18:00:00
Hudson Valley Shooting SportsHudson Valley Shooting Sports, Carmel, CT
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JUL
20
MILITARY MONDAY
Competition
Jul 20 MILITARY MONDAY Monday, July 20, 2026 10:00 AM 5:00 PM Miami Valley Shooting Grounds (map) Google Calendar ICS SHOOT FOR HALF PRICE WITH ID View Event →
Monday, July 20, 2026
Miami Valley Shooting Grounds IncMiami Valley Shooting Grounds Inc, Vandalia, OH
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JUL
20
23, 2023: Total Archery Challenge Utah (Solitude / Brighton)
Competition
May 18-19, 2024: Bow Disciples Challenge II 3D shoot (Lake Henshaw, CA) July 29-30, 2023: Hike To Hunt 3D Archery Challenge (Nordic Village near Flagstaff, AZ) July 7-8, 2023: Total Archery Challenge Colorado (Sunlight Mountain, CO) June 30 - July 2, 2023: Sunrise Mountain 3D Shoot (Sunrise Ski Resort, AZ) June 16-18, 2023: Mormon Lake 3D Shoot (Mormon Lake, AZ)
Monday, July 20, 2026
News and Events - Archery EvolutionNews and Events - Archery Evolution, Unknown, CA
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JUL
20
Women Only Introductory Pistol
Competition
Ladies
Instructor
This class gives female students the opportunity to learn how to shoot in a comfortable environment. CLASS: Women Only Introductory Pistol The total price of this course is $100.00 This is a 4-hour guided experience which provides female students the opportunity to learn how to shoot in a comfortable environment, surrounded by peers. Our instructors understand that everyone operates at different comfort levels around firearms and will work with students to ensure comfort while developing
Monday, July 20, 2026• 18:00:00
Range 54Range 54, Wichita, KS
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JUL
20
13. Aurora Colorado Movie Theater Shooting
Competition
Columbine Highschool shooting, April 20th 1999- 14. Mother Emanuel AME Church Shooting, June 17th 2015-
Monday, July 20, 2026
Docs Precision Firearms TrainingDocs Precision Firearms Training, Sumter, SC