Getting Started

Cowboy Action Shooting™ & Wild Bunch Action Shooting™ both attract competitors of all ages and skill levels from around the world. They are both multi-gun competitive shooting action sports that test the shooters speed and accuracy, served up in a family friendly environment that brings back the days of the Old West in a veritable celebration of the Cowboy lifestyle.

Find a Local Club

With close to 500 SASS Affiliated Clubs around the world, there is sure to be a SASS Club near you. Our website offers an excellent Club look-up tool that can be utilized to find one close by that hosts organized monthly shooting matches in your area. Do a little research, reach out to the club contact listed, and go watch a match! You can speak with the shooters between stages; and you’ll never find a more welcoming group of folks in any shooting sport. Most folks will loan their firearms and leather gear to help you get started.

Required Firearms

Like most shooting sports, Cowboy Action Shooting™ and Wild Bunch Action Shooting™ both have specific firearm requirements. Tip: Don’t buy any guns until you know what you want to shoot! SASS offers numerous categories for shooting competition, and some have specific firearm requirements. What you choose to spend  is completely up to you- and it really doesn’t have to break the bank. Most shooters start with the basics, and/or borrow to get started. The individual SASS Shooters Handbooks for both CAS and WBAS list all of the firearm requirements and restrictions for both sports individually. (Cowboy Action Shooting™ - Basic- 2 single action revolvers, 1 lever action (pistol caliber) rifle, and 1 shotgun; side by side or pump), (Wild Bunch Action Shooting™ - Basic - 1 1911 Handgun, 1 lever action (pistol caliber) rifle, and 1 shotgun).

Additional Accoutrements

It can seem like a flood of information and required tools to start playing the game- don’t get discouraged! You don’t need everything at once to get started; and those basics are nearly always lent out by existing shooters who want to share their passion for this sport. Talk to SASS folks you meet and tell them you are interested. You’ll never find a more friendly and helpful bunch of folks that at a Cowboy match.

Getting started summary:

1.     Find a local club and go watch a match or two. Ask questions, meet friendly folks!

2.     Join SASS and choose your alias

3.     Join your local club

4.     Ask your new friends at your SASS club to give you resources (local or national) for guns, gear, ammo and everything else you need to play

5.     Reference The Cowboy Chronicle™ and this SASS website for resources and information

6.     Register on the SASS Wire Forum (on this website) and make your first post and introduce yourself. The Wire Forum is an excellent way to connect with fellow SASS shooters across the world; sharing ideas, information, camaraderie, and support. If your interest includes Wild Bunch Action Shooting™, there is a Wild Bunch Wire Forum on this website as well!

HAVE FUN. BE SAFE. HAVE FUN!

Spirit of the Game

As the game of Cowboy Action Shooting™ has evolved, our members have developed and adopted an attitude towards their participation called "The Spirit of the Game." It is a code by which we live. Competing in "The Spirit of the Game" means you fully participate in what the competition asks. You try your best to dress the part, use the appropriate competition tools, and respect the traditions of the Old West. Some folks would call it nothing more than good sportsmanship. We call it "Spirit of the Game."

Sportsmen’s Prayer

In the battle that goes on through life,

I ask but a field that is fair,

A chance that is equal with all in the strife,

A courage to strive and to dare.

And if I should win- let it be by the code,

With my faith and my honor held high,

And if I should lose, let me stand by the road,

And cheer as the winners go by.

-Author Unknown