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
View details
APR
10
HANDGUN LEVEL I 4/10
Competition
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Friday, April 10, 2026• 16:00:00
Diamondback Shooting SportDiamondback Shooting Sport, Tucson, AZ
View details
APR
10
Senior Games Shooting Events
Competition
Senior Games Shooting Events- special purpose ranges
Friday, April 10, 2026• 08:00:00
Tri-State Shooting Park, Inc.Tri-State Shooting Park, Inc., Mohave Valley, AZ
View details
APR
10
Hall Of Fame Skeet Shoot
Competition
Skeet
Hall Of Fame Skeet Shoot at Minneapolis Gun Club in Prior Lake, MN. Check with the host club for match details, start times, and registration.
Friday, April 10, 2026• 00:00:00
Minneapolis Gun ClubMinneapolis Gun Club, Prior Lake, MN
View details
APR
10
ADA County Sheriff (Oh behalf of ADA)
Competition
Long Range
Swat training (snipers) long range rifle bays
Friday, April 10, 2026• 00:00:00
Main Rifle LineMain Rifle Line, Parma, NJ
View details
APR
10
Take Control - Simple Situational Awareness Now!
Competition
@ A proactive mindset is the best foundation for self-defense. This comprehensive class develops situational awareness, so you can stay safe by understanding your surroundings and making informed decisions. Begin with how to actively engage with the world, learn alertness, color coding, risk assessment and observational techniques. Discuss phases of defense, warning signs and testing behaviors, boundary establishment and defense and applied environmental concern
Friday, April 10, 2026• 13:00:00
Vixen DefenseVixen Defense, Isanti, MN
View details
APR
10
PIRU - Intro to Long Range and PRS Skills Clinic
Competition
PRS
Clinic
REGISTRATION LINK California Tactical Academy – 6700 Holser Canyon Road Piru California 93040 LR Skills Clinic – Small group clinic with 1-on-1 coaching on key long range skills. The clinic will be broken out into groups working on skills specific to their level. Group 1: New Shooters – Intro to Long Range >Rifle Set-Up >Rifle zeroing and prone shooting fundamentals >Ballistics app set-up and data verification at range >Brief intro to positional and multi-target sho
Friday, April 10, 2026• 07:30:00
CTA – California Tactical Academy (Piru)CTA – California Tactical Academy (Piru), Piru, CA
05 // LOCATE
#05
Where to Shoot
Ranges, clubs, and shops for this discipline