Cowboy Action Shooting Information
Cowboy Action Shooting Information
Cowboy Action Shooting is an amateur shooting sport where competitor compete with firearms typical of those used in the Old West. Two single action revolvers, a lever action rifle, and shotgun that is a side-by-side double barrel, a pre-1899 pump, or a lever action.
A typical match will consist of competitors shooting multiple stages (courses of fire) in which they engage steel and/or cardboard targets. The scoring is time based on accuracy and speed.
One of the most treasured aspects of Cowboy Action Shooting, is the people. It has been said you initially come for the shooting or the love of the old west, but you will stay for the people! You will never find a better group of people to be around and become friends with, even if you only know them by their Alias. Every competitor has an Alias that they have selected and registered your SASS Alias with your membership. An alias can be appropriate to a character or profession of the Old West era, a Hollywood western, a character from western fiction- even a combination or an avenue to pay homage to your region, individual roots and family history.
Another unique aspect of Cowboy Action Shooting™ is the requirement placed on authentic period or western screen dress. Each competitor in addition to adopting a shooting alias dresses in a costume appropriate for a character or profession of the late 19th century, or a Hollywood western star.
Firearms Requirements
Firearms must operate as intended by the original pre-1900 designs they depict. Firearms must function in a safe manner.
Rifle Requirements
Rifles or carbines used in the main and team matches must be original or replicas of lever or slide action rifles manufactured during the period from approximately 1860 until 1899, incorporating a tubular magazine and exposed hammer. Rifles with box magazines may not be used. Certain shooting categories require a specific type of rifle and ammunition to be used. Please see the shooting categories for further information
Rifle Calibers
Must be centerfire of at least .32 caliber and not larger than .45 caliber.
Must be in a caliber commonly available in revolvers. Examples include, but are not limited to, .32-20, .32 Magnum, .357 Magnum, .38 Special, .38-40, .44-40, .44 Special, .44
Magnum, and .45 Colt. The only allowed exceptions are the .25-20 and .56-50. No rifle calibers such as .30-30 or .38-55 are allowed.
Buckaroo/Buckarette Category competitors choosing to utilize .22 caliber firearms must use standard velocity .22 caliber rimfire ammunition only.
Revolver Requirements
Original single action revolvers manufactured prior to 1899, their approved replicas, and the
SASS approved single action adjustable sight revolvers are the only revolvers approved for use in SASS main match competition. The rules relative to SASS approved revolvers depend upon the competition category in which one participates. Sights are a major factor for determining in which category a revolver may be used. Certain shooting categories require a specific type of revolver and ammunition be used. Please see the shooting categories for further information.
No more than two main match revolvers may be carried to the firing line.
Revolver Calibers
Must be centerfire calibers of at least .32 caliber and no larger than .45 caliber or percussion calibers of at least .36 caliber and no larger than .45 caliber.
Must be in a caliber commonly available in revolvers. Examples include, but are not limited to, .32-20, .32 Magnum, .357 Magnum, .38 Special, .44 Magnum, .44-40, and .45 Colt.
Standard velocity .22 caliber rimfire ammunition is allowed within the Buckaroo Category only.
Although the .32 caliber revolvers and .36 caliber cap and ball revolvers are legal, they may not be powerful enough to handle all reactive targets.
Shotgun Requirements
Any side-by-side or single shot shotgun typical of the period from approximately 1860 until
1899 with or without external hammers, having single or double triggers is allowed. Automatic ejectors are allowed on single shot break action, lever, and pump action shotguns ONLY. Sideby- side shotguns may not use automatic ejectors. Lever action, tubular feed, exposed hammer shotguns of the period are allowed, whether original or replicas. The only slide action shotgun allowed is the Model 1897 Winchester shotgun, whether original or replica. Certain shooting categories require a specific type of shotgun and ammunition to be used. Military configurations are not allowed (i.e., trench guns). Please see the shooting categories for further information.
Shotgun Gauges
Side-by-side, single shot, and lever action shotguns must be centerfire of at least 20 gauge and no larger the 10 gauge.
Slide action shotguns must be centerfire of at least 16 gauge and no larger than 12 gauge.
Side-by-side, single shot, and lever action centerfire shotguns in .410 are allowed within the Buckaroo Category only.
Ammunition
The minimum standard for center-fire ammunition used in all smokeless categories in all SASS matches State, Regional, National, International, and World Championship Competitions is not less than a minimum power factor of 60 and no velocity may be less than 400 fps. The maximum velocity standard for revolvers is 1000 fps. The maximum velocity standard for rifles is 1400 fps. Pocket pistols, derringers, and long-range rifles are exempt from the power factor and velocity requirements.
Power factors are simply calculated by multiplying the bullet weight times the velocity and then the resulting number is divided by 1000. Some examples are as follows:
100 gr bullet traveling at 600 fps has a power factor of 60: (100x600)/1000=60.00
77 gr bullet traveling at 800 fps has a power factor of 61.6 (77x800)/1000=61.60
200 gr bullet traveling at 400 fps has a power factor of 80 (200x400)/1000=80.00
Revolver and rifle ammunition may not be jacketed, semi-jacketed, plated, gas checked, or copper washed. It must be all lead. Molydisulfide coated bullets or equivalent are acceptable.
Shotgun shot size must be number six lead birdshot or smaller for all events.
FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT:
OR GO DIRECTLY TO THE HANDBOOK AT:
https://sassnet.com/the-shooting/cowboy-action-shooting/handbooks-rules