Cowboy Action Shooting

Cowboy action shooting is the fastest growing shooting sport in the world. Besides the requisite western firearms reminiscent of the Old West, traditional costuming of the period is also a requirement. The Single Action Shooting Society (SASS) was formed in the early 1980’s from a group of friend’s desire to support the sport of shooting while recognizing and preserving the history of the Old West.

Cowboy action shooting celebrates the life of cowboys in the Old West as well as tests participants for shooting accuracy. There are a basic set of rules that must be adhered to and member of SASS as well as any competitor in this western action shooting must wear costumes and have a nickname. As there are thousands of members of SASS as well as competitors, choosing a nickname that is reminiscent of the Old West can be quite a challenge.

As far as the cowboy action shooting clothes are concerned, you will need to try and find some traditional cowboy garb that looks like it dates back to the Old West. Look for period 19th century cowboy and worker wear. These were usually special britches with long-sleeved bibbed shirts with large buttons on them, suspenders, knee lengths period boots and the accompanying leather for holstering your gun and ammo. And of course, a cowboy hat completes the picture.

Advertisements

Cowboy action shooters should have one pistol caliber action lever rifle, two single action revolvers and either an external pump hammer shotgun, lever action shotgun or a side by side shotgun with no ejectors. Of course, many people would not be able to get an actual period piece but there are replica shotguns for cowboy action shooting. Rutgers, Winchester and Colt all make replica revolvers and shotguns for cowboy action shooting.

Of course, part of what makes this growing sport so authentic is the cowboy action shooting accessories that you will need to complete your ensemble and shooting profile. For instance, you will need holsters and belts for cowboy action shooting. You can find them in saddlery shops and they too come in a variety of styles. The cowboy action shooting holsters especially were made slightly different for men and women for obvious reasons.

If you want to find out about getting started in single action shooting and cowboy action shooting, look to the SASS website for more information. In addition, because the sport is growing, you will want to read up on some cowboy action articles as well.