Cowboy Action shooting question

[Starslinger]

Can a person participate in Cowboy Action Shooting with only a lever-action rifle? Or must a participant also have a revolver and a double barrel shotgun?

[200Apples]

I don't yet! participate in any S.A.S.S. events, but I may one day. I certainly dig the firearms.

It's been said that you'll not meet a nicer group of people; that everyone is more than willing to loan you some spare arm and/or equipment in order for you to experience the fun of the event.

So if all you have a lever, head on out and introduce yourself and start asking questions. I don't have any links handy, but internet search Single Action Shooting Society for your region and see what pops up.

Any events near me seem to be over an hour east of here, and over increasingly-clogged freeways. I might start going to some steel silhouette events that are closer to me but they aren't necessarily Cowboy Action stuff.

Good luck.

[4DSJW]

Can a person participate in Cowboy Action Shooting with only a lever-action rifle? Or must a participant also have a revolver and a double barrel shotgun?

Typically you will need one rifle, one shotgun, and two single action revolvers in holsters. Most matches will go though a combined total of 100-200 rounds of rifle/pistol/shotgun ammo. That said, and as 200Apples mentioned, the CAS people are all about sharing, and are usually more than willing to loan out gear. Find the CAS group that you want to shoot with, then contact their local rep and explain your situation. You will probably be told to get yer arse down to the next shoot, where they will fix you up with what you need.

You may also want to go to the first match just to watch and see how it all works. Then talk to the people running things and explain your situation. Different clubs/groups have different rules on the clothes they allow, so ask about that as well. Good Luck!

[JacobR]

When I started in CAS I didn't have any gear. I attended three practice matches to get to know people, learn, and decide if it was for me before I invested in the gear. I was loaned all I needed at the last stage of each of those matches and was able to shoot a stage, black powder is a hoot, and by the end of it I was hooked. If you haven't already then get on the SASS wire because there is a wealth of information on that site regarding all things cowboy shooting related.

The SASS community is an amazing group of people that I'm honored to be apart of, and it's the most fun game I've ever played as an adult. Worth the investment.

[FF90]

Check out SASS "Wild Bunch" they get to carry 1911's as they are turn of century (1900) cowboys

[cannon]

Go to a cowboy shoot and just mention you might want to shoot the match.

People will be falling over each other to offer to loan you their guns.

I competed in four matches before I had a rifle, pistol or shotgun of my own. A very warm and giving group.

Fun shoots too.

[Darto]

The Uberti 1873 model short rifle (not the carbine) in 20" barrel length is popular. You need to shoot fast with no little hiccups, any time lost will sink chances of winning.These don't bulk used at high speed (one reason being they use the slick old Winchester toggle lock action).

[unusedusername]

Go to your local group first before you buy anything.

Typically, as long as you have eyes and ears, you should be able to watch what they do and determine if that is something you are interested in. You can ask the group running your local chapter questions like the above.

Asking folks on the internet will likely give you a different answer then the one from the person in charge of your local group.

If you were to post which specific group you are looking to participate with (including the range, city name, etc) then maybe someone from that group will see this and respond. I don't think that is extremely likely though...

[ESPONDA]

You have to wear boots, chaps, spurs, leather this and leather that just like The man with no name or Josey Wales, where and how much do the 1870’s style clothes cost?

[200Apples]

Boots, period clothing styles, and a leather holster rig, yes. Chaps, spurs, leather vests, etc would be embellishments, not requirements.

[Starslinger]

Thanks for the advice folks!

[200Apples]

That's correct, and one could dress as a late-19th Century professional gambler, in his dandy shoes and suit, with a derringer up each sleave...

It's all fun and games until someone loses the ranch...

[xSlapshotx]

Don’t forget a cool cowboy name!

[xSlapshotx]

[Fjold]

Button fly jeans, no zippers