COWBOY ACTION

* * 3rd Saturday @ 8:30 AM * * Pistol Range * *

​Cowboy Action Shooting is a shooting sport created in 1982 by a few gentlemen now known as the Wild Bunch. In 1987 they officially formed the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS). Based in California, SASS is the largest and most widely accepted organization for western style shooting. The Providence Springs Rangers are SASS affiliated and we use SASS rules. We are sponsored by the Camp Sumter Sport Shooting Association.

​The sport recreates life in the “Old West” through shooting Courses of Fire (called Stages) designed to depict a movie scene, an old west historical shootout, or just someone’s idea of how it may have been in the late 1800’s. For obvious safety reasons, shooters are required to have previous shooting experience and be familiar with the safe operation of pistols, rifles, and shotguns. A Cowboy Action Shooting competition is not the venue to receive your initial firearms training.

To add to the “fantasy” experience, all shooters are required to wear some form of period dress. Typically, long pants (or dresses for the ladies), boots, cowboy hat and shirts with long sleeves. No shorts, ball caps or advertising is permitted on any clothing. For firearms, you will need two single action pistols, a lever action rifle (in a pistol caliber) and a side by side shotgun (without ejectors) or a Winchester model 1897 pump shotgun (or reproduction) with an exposed hammer. Guns generally must be designed prior to 1900 but modern versions like the Ruger Blackhawk & Vaquero or Colt clones are acceptable. You will need holsters and a carrier for shotshells. All bullets are lead only and have feet per second requirements.

​But, most importantly, you will need an Alias! Pick a name that fits your personality, job, chosen western character, or one that just sounds good. If you join SASS (we highly recommend that you do), they will issue you a badge (with your personal SASS member number) and register your alias. Your alias is unique to you and is never duplicated. Be prepared to change your original choice for an alias, as it may have already been taken. Joining SASS or the Providence Springs Rangers is not a requirement to shoot in our monthly matches. However, SASS membership is required for SASS-sanctioned – state level and above – matches.

As you participate in the sport, you will learn there is a rule referred to as “The Spirit of the Game.” This rule is the foundation of Cowboy Action Shooting. “The Spirit of the Game” signifies that we are participating for FUN. Because there are no prizes for winning a match, the incentive to play is FUN. If you are willing to sacrifice FUN for a victory, then this is not the game for you. The only prize is to have bragging rights over your pardners until the next match.

Complete SASS Rules are available in one of the various SASS Handbooks. If you are interested in participating, the best way to learn more is by visiting the SASS web site and going to watch a Cowboy Action Shooting monthly match or two. All clubs welcome visitors and are eager to explain what is involved. You will find that Cowboy Action Shooters are the friendliest folks on the planet. Because we all share a fondness for the old west and the firearms of the time, we have an immediate bond that expands into long term friendships. Just remember to bring eye and ear protection.