THSS FAQs (or New Member/Visitor Information)
What is Cowboy Action Shooting?
Cowboy Action Shooting is a shooting sport in which contestants compete with firearms typical of those used in the taming of the Old West: single action revolvers, lever action rifles, and side by side double barreled, pre-1899 pump, or lever action shotguns. The shooting competition is staged in a unique, characterized, Old West style. THSS uses Cowboy Action rules governed by the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS).
Who can compete?
We use live ammo in real firearms, so proficiency and safety with firearms is a requirement. Competitors must be at least age 9 and may be required to demonstrate the ability to safely handle firearms in order to participate.
Can I just come watch?
Yes! Spectators can watch for free. Bring some glasses and hearing protection. We’ll let you get up close and see the action. And, even if you don’t have glasses and ear protection, we have some for you to borrow.
What do I need to bring if I want to shoot my first cowboy action shooting match?
If you are new to the sport, it is highly recommended to come out and observe a few matches so you can ask questions and get a sense of what type of firearms you want to use. This is not an inexpensive sport to get into, so observing a few matches can save you a lot of money later on. There were a lot of unique firearms during the Old West time period, so there’s quite a few options for styles of guns you can use. For specific rules, see the SASS rulebook here.
Firearm examples:
- Two Single Action Revolvers (example: Ruger Vaqueros)
- A pistol-caliber lever rifle (example: Marlin 1894)
- A side-by-side coach shotgun (example: Rossi Coach Gun)
How does a match work?
Monthly matches involve five unique stages where all the firearms are used on each stage. There will be a series of targets for each type of firearm, and you will engage the targets in a particular sequence. Targets are steel and are >16″ in size. Cowboy Action Shooting is about speed and quick thinking under pressure, but don’t be fooled, you can still miss! And if you’re interested in shooting a little bit further, we have Sharpshooter and Cody-Dixon categories which allow you to shoot out to nearly 100 yards.
What kind of ammunition do I need?
Pistol and rifle ammunition all must be lead. It cannot be jacketed, semi-jacketed, gas checked or copper washed. Molybdenum disulfide coated bullets or an equivalent is allowed. Most shooters use either .38SP/.357 or .45 LC ammo. More details can be found in the SASS rulebook here.
What about a Holster?
Holsters, belts, bandoleers: Any leather holster that can safely retain the revolvers through a normal range of motion is acceptable. Nylon or plastic holsters can be used in a pinch but aren’t technically acceptable for big matches. Holsters may not depart more than 30 degrees from vertical when worn.
We have holsters for borrowing at THSS, if you let us know ahead of time. It’s a good idea to try both double strong side and crossdraw styles to see which style you are more comfortable with before ordering your own.
What do I wear?
Part of the fun of Cowboy Action Shooting is getting dressed up like it is the 1800’s (or the 1950’s take on the 1800s if you’re into B-Westerns), and members of the club can point you in the right direction for shopping for new or second-hand cowboy clothing. And if dressing up is not your thing, basic western wear will suffice but don’t forget your eye and ear protection!
If I can’t shoot a 1911, I’m not interested!
Well, we’ve got you covered, at THSS we have a special category called THSS Wild Bunch, based on the 1969 Western film. For this category you shoot a single action revolver, 1911, lever action rifle and Winchester model 1897 or model 12 pump shotguns. You can even bring your 1903 Springfield if you want (lead bullets only, please!)
Social Media
To see some videos of our club in action, check out the links below:
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