SASS Holster Rules Explained: What Every Cowboy Action Shooter Needs to Know

Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS), under the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS), is a unique blend of practical shooting and Old West flavor. To keep competition safe, fair, and in line with the spirit of the game, SASS imposes fairly strict rules on holsters, belts, and related gear. In this post we’ll break down those rules, explain where shooters commonly make mistakes, and offer advice on how to stay within the bounds (both letter and spirit) of the rules.

 

1. Foundations: The Rulebook & Enforcement

1.1 The SASS Shooters Handbook as the Authority

The SASS Shooters Handbook contains the definitive rules for CAS, including holster and gear standards.
Illowa Irregulars Cowboy Action Shooting

Range Officers (ROs) and match officials are expected to enforce these rules impartially, referencing the handbook when in doubt. 

1.2 The “Spirit of the Game”

Beyond rigid letter-rules, SASS expects shooters to act in good faith and not exploit ambiguities for advantage. If you push a borderline interpretation to gain an edge, you risk a “Spirit of the Game / Failure to Engage” penalty (30 seconds) or worse. 

 

2. Core Holster Requirements

These are the basic constraints every competitor must meet.

2.1 Safe Retention & Motion

Every handgun must be carried in a safe holster capable of retaining the firearm throughout a normal range of motion. That means when you move, lean, turn, your gun should not fall out.

2.2 Placement: Main Holsters & Spacing

• Main match holsters must be located one on each side of the belly button. 
• The two holsters must be separated by at least the width of two fists on the belt. 
• Holsters should not deviate from vertical by more than 30° when worn. 

2.3 Holster Style, Materials & Prohibitions

• No modern fasteners (e.g. Velcro, plastic snaps) are allowed on the shooter’s person (holsters or gear). 
• Holsters should be of a period-appropriate style and look (or at least not blatantly modern). 
• Some categories impose additional style constraints (e.g. B-Western) about how the holster positions the revolver relative to the beltline. 

3. Variants & Special Situations

Holster rules have extra caveats when you use cross-draw, shoulder rigs, or in particular categories.

3.1 Cross-Draw & Shoulder Holsters

These are allowed if they comply with other constraints (vertical angle, safe draw path). In particular:

• Even for cross-draw or shoulder rigs, the holster should not depart from vertical by more than 30°. 
• When drawing, the muzzle must not break the 170° rule (i.e. you must twist your body as needed to keep the muzzle from going outside the “safe” arc). 

3.2 Flapped Holsters, Straps, Closures

Holsters may have flaps, straps, buckles, etc., but the closure does not necessarily have to be fastened during competition (i.e. you are not forced to snap it closed mid-stage) unless the stage description requires it. 

3.3 Category-Specific Constraints

• B-Western: in this category, the revolvers cannot protrude above the top of the gunbelt when holstered—meaning no part of the revolver may ride above the belt. 
• Classic Cowboy / Gunfighter: they require “double strong side” holsters (left-hand and right-hand holsters) — cross-draw or butt-forward rigs are disallowed in those categories. 
• In many other categories, more flexibility is allowed as long as general rules are followed. 

4. Belts, Ammo Loops & Gear Integration

Your holsters don’t exist alone — they work within your belt, loops, and how your overall rig is arranged.

4.1 Belt & Ammo Loop Placement

• Ammunition belts should not allow ammo to ride above the belly button line. 
• Every shotgun shell loop on a belt is limited to two rounds per loop in main match stages (unless the stage stipulates otherwise). 
• Rifle/revolver ammo loops are limited to one round per loop. 

4.2 Holster-Belt Compatibility & Prohibitions

• Holsters must be stable on the belt and not shift or interfere with ammo loops.
• Modern materials or logos on belts/loops that look out of period are disallowed. 
• You cannot have both revolvers mounted on the same side of the body. 

5. Common Mistakes & Rule Violations

Even experienced shooters sometimes tangle with these rules. Here are traps to watch out for.

If a Range Officer flags your rig, politely ask which rule is being cited (which section in the handbook). Then adjust or reholster accordingly.

6. Penalties & Enforcement

Understanding what you risk helps keep you honest on match day.

• Stage Disqualification (SDQ): Many holster or gear violations can result in a stage DQ. 
• Match Disqualification (MDQ): Repeated serious or uncorrected violations across stages may lead to full disqualification. 
• Failure to Engage / Spirit of the Game (30 seconds): If a shooter intentionally bends the rules to gain advantage (not just making a mistake), this penalty may apply. 
• The RO / Match Director (and sometimes protest juries) are the authority in ambiguous rulings. 

In many cases, if a rig violation is observed between stages, the RO may give the shooter a chance to adjust rather than immediate penalty, especially if it’s clearly inadvertent and fixable.

7. Tips & Best Practices

Here are pragmatic strategies to stay inside the rules (and avoid surprise penalties).

1. Dry-run your rig — wear it, twist, lean, simulate movement. Make sure your gun doesn’t shift or rub loops as you move.
2. Use a rule-check checklist before match day — check tilt, spacing, loop counts, fasteners, materials.
3. Consult your club’s RO or veteran shooters — they may catch things your eye misses.
4. Carry tools / spare parts — e.g. extra leather screws, washers, spare loops — to fix issues on-site.
5. Stay updated — rules sometimes change between versions of the handbook; always read the newest SASS SHB.
6. Err on the conservative side — if you think something might be borderline, move it safer.
7. Mind the “spirit” — don’t push the edges of the rule to get an advantage; fairness and good sportsmanship are core to CAS.

Holster and gear rules in SASS are not just arbitrary constraints — they exist to preserve safety, fairness, and the heritage aesthetic of Cowboy Action Shooting. By understanding the details — from vertical angles to ammo loop counts to category-specific constraints — you'll reduce the risk of penalties and enjoy the competition more confidently.