Getting Started with Cowboy Action Shooting™
Cowboy Action Shooting™ is a multi-gun competitive shooting action sport that attracts competitors of all ages and skill levels from around the world. It’s a thrilling test of speed and accuracy, all wrapped up in a family-friendly environment that celebrates the cowboy lifestyle of the old west. If you’re interested in joining the fun, here’s how to get started.
Finding a Local Club
With over 500 CAS clubs around the world, there’s bound to be a club near you. Our website offers links to many of the local clubs in and around the greater Pacific NW. Another excellent resource is the SASS club look-up tool on the SASS website. Take some time to do a little research, reach out to a club’s match director, and go watch a match! Just remember to bring your safety glasses and some ear protection. At the match, you’ll have the opportunity to speak with most of the shooters between stages. Trust me, you’ll never find a more welcoming group of folks in any shooting sport. Most shooters are more than happy to loan their firearms and leather gear to help you get started.
Required Firearms
Like most shooting sports, Cowboy Action Shooting™ has specific firearm requirements. However, my tip for you is this: don’t buy any guns until you know what you want to shoot! SASS offers numerous categories for shooting competition, and some have specific firearm requirements. The good news is that what you choose to spend is completely up to you, and it really doesn’t have to break the bank. Most shooters start with the basics and/or borrow firearms to get started. The individual SASS Shooter’s Handbooks for CAS have a list of all the firearm requirements and restrictions for the sport. In general, you’ll need 2 single-action revolvers, 1 lever-action (pistol caliber) rifle, and 1 shotgun (side by side or pump).
Additional Accoutrements
It can feel overwhelming when you first dive into the world of Cowboy Action Shooting™ and see all the required tools and gear. But don’t get discouraged! You don’t need to have everything at once to get started, and the basics are nearly always lent out by existing shooters who want to share their passion for this sport. Talk to the SASS folks you meet at matches and let them know you’re interested. You’ll never find a more friendly and helpful bunch of folks than at a cowboy match. They’ll be happy to give you resources, both local and national, for guns, gear, ammo, and everything else you need to play.
Here’s a summary of how to get started:
- Find a local club and go watch a match or two. Ask questions and meet friendly folks!
- Join your local club or clubs.
- Join SASS and choose your alias.
- Ask your new friends at your SASS club to give you resources for guns, gear, ammo, and everything else you need to play.
- Reference the Cowboy Chronicle™ and the SASS website for additional resources and information.
- Register on the SASS Wire forum (on the SASS website) and make your first post to introduce yourself. The Wire forum is an excellent way to connect with fellow SASS shooters from around the world, sharing ideas, information, camaraderie, and support.
Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and be safe. Cowboy Action Shooting™ is not just a sport; it’s a way of life. As the game has evolved, our members have developed and adopted an attitude called “the spirit of the game.” It’s a code by which we live, and it means fully participating in what the competition asks. Dress the part, use the appropriate competition tools, and respect the traditions of the old west. Some folks might call it good sportsmanship, but we call it “the spirit of the game.”