How to Become Involved in Cowboy Action Shooting

Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS) is one of the fastest growing shooting sports in the country. CAS is a family friendly game focused on safety and good sportsmanship. In addition to the shooting competition of the sport, there is much more to do! You can participate in Cowboy Action Shooting at whatever level you choose, whether it is as a movie cowpoke wearing a simple costume of blue jeans and a snap-front shirt or as a feisty show-girl with an itchy trigger finger or as an 1870s era cavalry officer with a collection of perfect uniforms and regimental honor to defend. CAS is a sport that truly offers something to everyone.

Instructions

1. Choose the organization that you would like to become involved in. There are several sanctioning bodies behind CAS clubs, the first and largest of which is the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS). Others include the Western Action Shootists Association (WASA) and the National Congress of Old West Shooters (NCOWS) as well as other smaller organizations such as Western Three Gun. The different organizations have different focuses and rules. For example, SASS is focused on the sport aspect, but there is no true "reenactment" aspect - you may dress as an historical character or as a movie cowboy. NCOWS, on the other hand, is very focused on historical accuracy for those who are more interested in that aspect of the game.

2. Join the sanctioning body. Each organization has an application and annual dues paid to them. Not all clubs require membership in the sanctioning body, but most do. In any case, the sanctioning body offers a great deal of support to the local clubs, and it is a good practice to be a member of the supporting group. Additionally, in order to protect your rights as a gun owner, the sanctioning body will encourage you to join the National Rifle Association (NRA). Membership in the NRA, however, is optional.

3. Determine what aspect of CAS you would like to participate in. Cowboy action shooting, in the mainstream, is done with two revolvers, a rifle and a shotgun, and it is organized in a series of shooting stages that simulate an old west shoot-out. Another alternative for accomplished equestrians is Mounted Cowboy Action Shooting. This event is similar to a barrel race with targets. The shooter uses one revolver, firing blank loads at balloons. The blanks are sufficient to pop the balloons. Either type of event is quite challenging and requires different skills and disciplines. Mounted shooting, however, should not be attempted by novice riders--the potential for catastrophic failure is large when you include a horse in the mix!

4. Find the clubs in your area. This may be done through the sanctioning bodies' websites. You will find a list of websites listed in our Resources section. There may be a single club, and there may be multiple clubs. Cowboy Action Shooters are a very approachable and friendly bunch of ladies and gentlemen, and they are always very welcoming to potential new members. Visit various clubs to see which appeals to you the most.

5. Volunteer to do the little jobs around a monthly shoot. There is always something to do, whether it is assisting in score-keeping, picking up spent brass or setting up and picking up the targets before and after the shoot. There is no better way to get a feel for a club than helping out.

6. Choose the club that you want to join. Joining the club may involve an initiation phase where you will meet the membership and be voted in. Some clubs are restrictive and difficult to gain entry into, such as a local club in my area that has a strict policy of 100 members. In order to get a seat in that club, one of the current members must, literally, pass on. Most clubs, however, do not have any such limitations, and the initiation phase is just so the current members can meet you before you become a full member. There is also an annual membership fee paid to most clubs, to cover facility, publications and insurance. There will also be entry fees to each match your shoot.

7. Choose your equipment. This is best done after you have chosen your club because you will get all kinds of great advice from club members, and you will be able to handle a variety of firearms and see a variety of costumes in the club environment. You will also find resources for lower cost equipment and supplies through your club. Many communities of CAS shooters offer swap meets and local club websites will often have trading pages where you will find great bargains, all of which can significantly reduce the cost of getting into Cowboy Action Shooting.

8. Have fun! CAS is all about having lots of fun. Whether your focus is on having great costumes or being the fastest draw in the west, there is fun to be had by all in this family friendly game.

Tips & Warnings

• Volunteer. It's a great way to be introduced to the scene before deciding if it is right for you.

• Never leave guns around the house or where children might be able to find them.

• Use extreme caution when handling any firearm.

Resources

• Single Action Shooting Society Home Page
• National Congress of Old West Shooters Home Page
• Western Three Gun Home Page