Costume-Based Categories in SASS: What They Are & What Holsters They Require

Cowboy Action Shooting isn’t just a shooting sport—it’s a full immersion into the Old West. One of the things that makes the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS) truly unique is the variety of costume-based categories, each with its own flavor, character, and equipment requirements. Whether you're new to the sport or fine-tuning your gear for your next match, understanding these categories—and their holster requirements—is essential.

As a custom holster maker and long-time supporter of the SASS community, we’ve put together this guide to help you choose the holster setup that keeps you safe, compliant, and in character.

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Why Costume Categories Matter

Costume-based categories are designed to celebrate the rich variety of Western attire and personas. They add style, personality, and fun to the sport while keeping the competitive playing field fair. Some categories emphasize historical accuracy, while others allow for a bit more creativity and flair.

Regardless of category, safety is the top priority—and that’s where holster rules come in.

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Major Costume-Based Categories & Their Holster Requirements

Below is a breakdown of the most common costume categories recognized by SASS and the holster setups required for each.

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1. Classic Cowboy / Classic Cowgirl

Look: 19th-century working cowboy. Suspenders, boots, long sleeves, and a hat are mandatory.
Firearms: Two traditional single-action revolvers, a lever-action rifle, and a side-by-side or pump shotgun.

Holster Requirements

• Holsters must be leather (no plastic/Kydex).

• Holsters must be worn on a belt, strong-side or cross draw.

• No Buscadero or drop holster rigs allowed—part of the revolver’s grip must sit above the belt on which the holster hangs.

• No metal or modern-looking reinforcements visible.

• Holsters must cover at least half of the revolver’s cylinder.

• Holsters must maintain a traditional 19th-century appearance.

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2. B-Western

Look: Hollywood flash! Think Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, and the bright silver-studded era of 1930s–50s Western films.
Clothing: Elaborate shirt patterns, fancy boots, fringe, embroidery, and color.

Holster Requirements

• Buscadero holster rigs or drop holster rigs are required.

• All revolvers must be carried below the top of the gun belt.

• Holsters must be of the B-Western style—wide belts, ornate designs, and Hollywood flair.

• Visible tooling, spots, conchos, and silver trim are encouraged.

• Holsters must still follow core SASS safety rules,

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3. Duelist & Gunfighter Categories

(Note: Technically shooting-style categories, but often paired with costume expectations)

Holster Requirements

• Holsters must allow a safe, clean draw whether using one-handed (Duelist) or double-draw (Gunfighter) shooting technique.

• Cross-draw holsters must be set at a maximum 30° angle.

• Holsters cannot be “jumping out” loose; retention must be safe and secure.

• Leather only—no Kydex or modern materials.

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4. Frontier Cartridge & Frontiersman

Look: Black powder smoke and classic 1800s authenticity.

Holster Requirements

• Holsters must be a traditional Western style—no modern drop rigs or unusual cant angles.

• Cap-and-ball revolvers (Frontiersman) require holsters that safely protect and secure the exposed hammer and nipples.

• Leather must be sturdy enough to handle residue and moisture from black powder shooting.

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5. Cowboy / Cowgirl (Open Category)

This is the main, broadest category—and the most welcoming for new shooters.

Holster Requirements

• Holsters must be safe, traditional, and leather.

• Any “Old West” style is acceptable as long as it maintains SASS tradition.

• The holster must be carried on the belt and cover half the cylinder.

• No extreme forward cant, racer-rig setups, or modern sport holsters.

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General SASS Holster Rules (Apply to All Categories)

Regardless of category, SASS outlines universal holster safety and style requirements:

• Holsters must be made of leather or natural materials.

• They must fully retain the firearm when the shooter is walking, bending, or moving.
  

• Cross-draw holsters must be worn so the shooter turns their body during the draw to avoid sweeping others.

• No “competition race holsters” like those used in USPSA, IDPA, or modern fast-draw circuits.

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Choosing the Right Holster for Your Category

Your holster setup should balance:

• Category compliance

• Safety

• Historical authenticity

• Personal comfort & draw smoothness

• The overall look of your costume

Whether you're looking for a historically accurate Classic Cowboy rig, a silver-studded B-Western belt, or a rugged Frontier setup, the right holster not only keeps you in compliance but enhances your entire cowboy persona.

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Final Thoughts

Costume categories are part of what makes the SASS community so special. They celebrate the history, culture, and creativity of the Old West while keeping competition fun and fair. Understanding the holster requirements for each category ensures you’re not only safe and compliant but also fully immersed in the spirit of the sport.

If you need help choosing or designing the perfect holster for your category, we’d be honored to help. We’ve been building custom rigs for SASS shooters for years—and every piece is built with authenticity, performance, and craftsmanship at its core.