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The Game
Cowboy Action Shooting is a sport. Just like any other sport there are rules, an arena, equipment and a uniform. The rules will vary from club to club. Most follow the rules determined by the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS for short) or the National Congress of Old West Shootists (NCOWS). It is a good idea to visit the web sites of both organizations and familiarize yourself with the rules of both. The area set up to shoot is called a stage. There is one person designated as the "Range Master" or some other appropriate title. It is up to him to make the rules and be sure that everyone follows them. The number one rule is SAFETY! Guns may be loaded and unloaded ONLY in the staging area. There are rules as to how guns may be worn or drawn. Remember, safety is most important.
There are indoor and outdoor shoots. I like both. I'll tell you more about the stages later. Now I help organize a twice monthly shoot at a local indoor range. There are limitations compared to shooting outdoors, but there are advantages too. When it's cold outside, you're out of the snow. When it's raining outside, you stay dry. When it's windy outside, there is no breeze. When the sun goes down, you can still see. And when it's hot outside, you're in the shade.
The entire event from beginning to end is referred to as a "shoot" or sometimes the event has an actual name like "End Of Trail." Each shoot begins with a saftey meeting followed by a predetermined number of stages. You can think of each stage as a round. Most shoots have several different stages going on in different locations at the same time. This is a way to keep organization and everybody shooting as much as possible. Farther down the page there is a link to a Schedule of Events for shoots in this general region.
There is usually more than one stage. This adds to the fun and excitement. Each stage has it's own requirements. One stage may require the use of two pistols, a shotgun and a rifle. Another stage may use a pocket pistol, one pistol and a rifle. Some stages may require the shooter to reload one or both or all guns during the stage. This adds variety and keeps the sport from getting "stale."
A side match is usually held before or after the main shoot and uses guns not normally found during the regular competition. There may be a side match using derringers or single shot big bore rifles like the Sharps "buffalo gun" chambered in 45-70. This would be a match for accuracy at long distances like 100, 200 and up to 1,000 yards. It will vary from shoot to shoot, depending on the ammenities the club has to offer.
Cowboy Action Shooting Schedule of Events
And don't we all love to relax after the shoot!
Copywright 1996-2000 Mike & Associates
Rev. 2/4/00