About Cowboy Action Shooting

Cowboy Action Shooting™ is a multi-faceted shooting sport in which contestants compete with firearms typical of those used in the taming of the Old West: single action revolvers, pistol caliber lever action rifles, and old time shotguns.

The shooting competition is staged in a unique, characterized, “Old West” style. It is a timed sport in which shooters compete for prestige on a course of different shooting stages and scenarios. Each scenario features an array of situations, many based on famous incidents or Western movie scenes- in which the shooters test their mettle utilizing all four firearms in a designated order and challenge, against steel targets.

Cowboy Action Shooting™ offers shooting competition in a safe, fun, family friendly environment that is unrivaled in any other shooting sport in the world. Men, women, and children have all shared the benefits of the unique shooting design and the environment that makes up the SASS family- with a focus on our American history, respect for one another, camaraderie, and the safe recreational use of firearms- all while maintaining a true, competitive environment in a thrilling, skill-driven shooting sport!

Cowboy Action Shooting™ was first created in 1981 by Harper Creigh, aka Judge Roy Bean, SASS #1. After watching a couple of old westerns on TV on a rainy Saturday afternoon, he had a brainstorm. An avid shooter in Soldier of Fortune and IPSC type action shooting matches, he called up his shooting buddies and presented an idea to shoot their next match using western type guns. The rest, as they say, is history. 

Cowboy Action Shooting™ began in Coto de Caza, California, and, in the beginning, very loose rules were adhered to. Before long, with an explosion of interest and attendance, an assemblage of rules began to take shape and the new shooting sport was born. The first END of TRAIL Cowboy Action Shooting™ competition was introduced in April 1982, and hosted 65 registered shooters. By 1987, SASS, the Single Action Shooting Society® was formed.

The Single Action Shooting Society™ has since issued over 115,000 memberships in all 50 states and over 20 foreign countries. SASS sanctions State and Regional matches conducted by some of its more than 400 affiliated clubs; promulgating the rules and procedures to ensure safety and consistency in Cowboy Action Shooting™ matches worldwide.

If you're looking for a unique and exciting way to experience the flavor of the Old West, SASS is the place for you. You'll meet some of the friendliest folks around and make memories that'll last a lifetime. Whether you are a seasoned shooter or a newcomer, SASS has a place for everyone. Find a local club near you and come on out and join the fun!