Introduction to SASS & Cowboy Action Shooting: Step Into the Old West

If you’ve ever wished you could step back in time to the days of spurs, six-shooters, and frontier grit, then Cowboy Action Shooting might be exactly what you’ve been looking for. This fast-growing shooting sport combines marksmanship, costuming, Old West character-building, and pure fun into one of the most unique competitions in the world.

At the heart of it all is SASS — The Single Action Shooting Society — the organization that keeps the sport alive, organized, and true to its Western roots. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or just curious about the lifestyle, this introduction will give you the perfect starting point.

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What Is SASS?

Founded in 1987, the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS) is the international governing body for Cowboy Action Shooting. SASS created the rulebook, the costume guidelines, categories, age divisions, shooting standards, and the safety framework that allow thousands of shooters worldwide to enjoy this sport in a consistent, competitive, and safe way.

But SASS is more than rules—
It’s a community, a culture, and a shared love for Old West history and marksmanship.

SASS members don’t just join a shooting organization…
They become part of a family with its own traditions, humor, events, and friendships that last a lifetime.

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What Is Cowboy Action Shooting?

Cowboy Action Shooting is a multi-gun shooting competition where participants use:

• Single-action revolvers

• Lever-action rifles in pistol calibers

• Side-by-side or pump shotguns (period-correct models)

Competitors move through timed stages that mimic Old West scenes — saloons, stagecoaches, jail breaks, gambling halls, and more. Targets are steel, the stages are creative, and the action is fast.

Each stage challenges:

• Speed

• Accuracy

• Gun handling

• Transitions

• Stage planning

• And of course… style

It’s not just about shooting fast — it’s about shooting well, shooting safely, and shooting with personality.

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The Importance of the Cowboy Persona

One of the most unique aspects of Cowboy Action Shooting is building your SASS Alias — your permanent Old West nickname. From that moment on, you’re known on the range by your character.

Think:

• Gambler

• Frontier sheriff

• Outlaw

• Saloon keeper

• Gunfighter

• Mountain scout

Your alias becomes part of you, and it’s not unusual for shooters to be known by their SASS name for the rest of their lives.

Along with the alias comes costuming. Every shooter dresses in clothing inspired by the late 1800s. It may be as simple as boots, jeans, and a cowboy hat, or as elaborate as custom Western suits, Victorian dresses, or full outlaw getups.

The goal?
Make it look and feel like the Old West every time you step on a stage.

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Gear & Equipment: What You Need to Get Started

A major part of Cowboy Action Shooting is the gear — and that’s where quality craftsmanship matters.

Most shooters use:

Firearms

• Two single-action revolvers

• One lever-action rifle (pistol caliber)

• One shotgun (side-by-side, 1887 lever, or 1897 pump depending on category)

Leather & Holsters

High-quality leather gear is essential for:

• Fast draws

• Smooth transitions

• Safety

• Comfort during all-day matches

Custom holsters, gunbelts, shotgun belts, and accessories help shooters perform confidently and look the part.

(A great place to get started is with a well-built cowboy rig—crafted to your shooting style and your cowboy persona.)

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Why People Love Cowboy Action Shooting

Ask any SASS shooter and they’ll tell you:
This sport is unlike anything else.

People join for different reasons:

🔥 The adrenaline of timed shooting stages

It’s fast. It’s challenging. And it’s addictive.

🤝 The community

Cowboy Action Shooting is one of the most welcoming shooting communities in the world. Everyone helps each other, from loaning gear to coaching new shooters.

🧵 The creativity

Costumes, aliases, leather gear, competitions, travel — there’s no limit to how deep into the lifestyle you want to go.

🎯 The skill development

From safe gun handling to mastering transitions, speed, and accuracy, Cowboy Action Shooting makes you a better shooter — in a fun, low-pressure environment.

🏆 The events

Local monthly matches, regional championships, state titles, Winter Range, and End of Trail — the World Championship of Cowboy Action Shooting.

There’s always another adventure waiting.

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A Sport Built on Tradition & Respect

Cowboy Action Shooting is rooted in:

• Safety

• Sportsmanship

• Respect for firearms

• Appreciation for history

• And above all, having fun

It brings together families, friends, newcomers, and seasoned shooters in a way that very few sports can.

If you’ve ever dreamed of riding into the Old West…
This is your chance to live it.

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Ready to Join the SASS Community?

Whether you’re brand new or already dipping your boots into the cowboy lifestyle, Cowboy Action Shooting offers a welcoming path into a world of adventure, marksmanship, and Western spirit.

If you’re looking for gear to get started — especially custom cowboy holsters, rigs, shotgun belts, or accessories — we’re here to help you gear up with Artistry in Leather, built for performance, comfort, and Old West authenticity.