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.
01 // LEARN
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
02 // START
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
Safety & Rules
Know these before your first shot
Pro Tips for Beginners
Advice from experienced shooters
What Does Cowboy Action Cost?
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.
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
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
Upcoming Events
Find cowboy action events near you
Open PRS practice range for members. Text or call so we can get head count
Open PRS practice range for members. Text or call so we can get head count at The Highlands Sportsmen's Club in Cascade, WI. Check with the host club for match details, start times, and registration.
Wednesday Night Steel, Cowboy Range
Wednesday Night Steel is cowboy-action shooting at Unified Sportsmens Club in Rexburg—you run timed stages with single-action revolvers, lever rifles, and shotguns while dressed in Old West gear and shooting under an alias. It's practical pistol work mixed with the authenticity of period equipment and scenarios. Each stage is a self-contained Old West problem: maybe you're defending a position or clearing targets in a specific order. You shoot against the clock, and results matter. Shows up every Wednesday at 5 p.m. for shooters ready to work on accuracy and speed with classic firearms.
Ladies Shooting Club Powder Springs
Join us for our inaugural night at Governors Gun Club Powder Springs and keep coming every Wednesday! Start the evening off with some refreshments in the Freedom Lounge, where you will get a chance to meet and mingle with other ladies and Chelsea, your RSO/Trainer, followed by an entire Range Bay dedicated to the Ladies Club! New to shooting? Casual Shooter? Experienced marksman? Tired of your significant other telling you how to do it? All ladies are welcome! This is for you! &nbs
Corporate Medical Training
Corporate Medical Training at Independence Training in CA. Check with the host club for match details, start times, and registration.
Online LTC Shooting Qualification 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Must have online written portion completed and We will provide the state mandated 1-2 hours of training and shooting qualification for the online LTC courses. NOTICE: THIS CLASS DOES NOT PROVIDE SHOOTING INSTRUCTION. YOU MUST BE PROFICIENT WITH A FIREARM PRIOR TO TAKING THIS CLASS.
5th District Monthly Meeting
05 // LOCATE
Where to Shoot
Ranges, clubs, and shops for this discipline