So what is Cowboy Action Shooting?
Cowboy Action Shooting is an international Shooting Sport created to preserve and promote the sport of Cowboy Action Shooting. The Single Action Shooting Society is an international organization that has developed rules and standards for the conduct of these matches. SASS endorses regional matches conducted by affiliated clubs, stages END of TRAIL The World Championship of Cowboy Action Shooting, promulgates rules and procedures to ensure safety and consistency in Cowboy Action Shooting matches. SASS members share a common interest in preserving the history of the Old West and competitive shooting.
Old West Aliases and Costumes
One of the unique aspects of Cowboy Action Shooting is the requirement placed on costuming. Each participant is required to adopt a shooting alias appropriate to a character or profession of the late 19th century, a Hollywood western star, or an appropriate character from fiction. Their costume is then developed accordingly. Many event participants gain more enjoyment from the costuming aspect of our sport than from the shooting competition, itself. Regardless of a Cowboy Action Shooter's individual area of interest, CAS events provide regular opportunities for fellowship and fun with like-minded folks and families.
Old West Firearms
Cowboy Action Shooting is a multi-faceted shooting sport in which contestants compete with firearms typical of those used in the taming of the Old West: single action revolvers, pistol calibre lever action rifles, and old time shotguns. The shooting competition is staged in a unique, characterized, "Old West" style. It is a timed sport in which shooters compete for prestige on a course of different shooting stages. Each scenario, as they are called, features an array of situations, many based on famous incidents or movies scenes, in which the shooters must test their mettle against steel targets.
The Spirit of the Game
As the game of Cowboy Action Shooting has evolved, members have developed and adopted an attitude towards their participation called "The Spirit of the Game." It is a code by which we live. Competing in "The Spirit of the Game" means you fully participate in what the competition asks. You try your best to dress the part, use the appropriate competition tools, and respect the traditions of the Old West. Some folks would call it nothing more than good sportsmanship. We call it "Spirit of the Game."
