Must-Have Cowboy Action Accessories for Speed, Style & Performance
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Ammo Management Essentials
Cowboy Action Bullet Staging Strip
If there's one item that makes a difference at the loading table, it’s the Bullet Staging Strip. This strip uses military-grade elastic to keep your cartridges securely aligned so you always know your round count. No fumbling, no dropped rounds, and faster transitions. It’s slim, durable, and built for shooters who want efficiency.
6-Round Leather Loop Belt Ammo Slide
For belt-carried ammo that's always within reach, the 6-Round Leather Loop slide is classic and reliable. Leather helps protect ammo, loops stay tight, and the layout keeps reloads predictable. When seconds count, knowing exactly where your rounds are on the belt can shave off precious time.
Snap-On Shotgun Slide — Single Pocket 8 Loop
Shotgun loops are often overlooked, but in stages where you’re using that scattergun, having an organized shell holder makes a major difference. The Snap-On 8-Loop slide lets you carry eight shells on your belt in a tidy, secure way that’s easy to access under time pressure. No more digging for shotgun ammo.
Comfort & Weapon Protection
Suede Rifle Butt Stock Cover
Long days of competition, repeated shouldering of rifles demand comfort. A suede cover provides a softer contact surface, reducing wear, preventing slipping, and helping preserve the wood or finish of your stock. Simple, but underestimated in its impact.
Suede Shotgun Stock Cover
Similarly, your shotgun shoulder will thank you. Whether you're running stages with a coach gun, pump-action, or lever-action shotgun, the suede cover helps reduce soreness and keeps sweat or moisture from damaging your gear.
Shotgun Heat Shield
After firing multiple rounds in quick succession, barrel and sidewall heat becomes real. A heat shield protects your shoulder from that hot metal, making transitions more comfortable and helping you keep form when fatigue and heat try to throw you off.
Suede Lever Wrap & Suede Lever Wrap with Snaps
Old lever-action rifles look awesome but can be hard on your hand—cold metal, sharp edges, etc. The suede lever wrap smooths things out. The version with snaps gives you flexibility: you can remove or re-wrap as needed without tools.
Match Identification & Tradition
SASS Badge Holder
Part of the tradition in SASS and Cowboy Action matches is showing your badge: your alias, membership, etc. But you also need something that secures it safely without interfering with your gear or costume. A well-made badge holder keeps the look period-correct and meets practical needs.
Classic Utility with Custom Style
New Screw Knife Custom Designs
This isn’t just an accessory, it’s a piece of utility and style. Carrying a screw knife in a well-designed case that matches your rig adds convenience without compromising appearance. Mernickle’s custom-design screw knife offerings let you blend craftsmanship with function, giving your rig a personal touch.
How to Use These Items in Competition
Organize your belt and loops for fast reloads
Place items like the staging strip and ammo slides where you can grab them without looking. Train drawing from your belt as much as drawing from your holster.
Position covers and wraps smartly
A rifle or shotgun cover should sit where your shoulder or cheek meets the weapon. Lever wraps close to where your hand grips; badge holders where they are visible but don’t snag with other gear.
Maintain authenticity while meeting rules
Ensure badge holders, knife sheaths, slides, etc., comply with SASS or match rules (visibility, safety, and size). Don’t let decorative items hinder your performance.
Each of these accessories may seem small on its own, but combined, they elevate your performance, comfort, and style on match day.
Whether you’re just getting started in Cowboy Action Shooting or you’ve shot hundreds of stages, investing in quality gear shows in your reload speed, comfort, and confidence.
Ready to build your perfect rig? Check out all of these items in Mernickle’s Cowboy Accessories collection, try a few that suit your style and shooting pattern, and see how much smoother your next match feels.