Anyone here doing SASS - Single Action Shooting Society - you know the cowboy shooting competitions?

I've been to their website as well as the only local groups site we have. I've been interested in this type of shooting for years.

When we lived in Ca. there was a 2 year waiting list to join the club where we lived and just as our number came up - we moved to FL - go figure.

Anyway, I read you have to have 2 handguns, a rifle and a shotgun.

Question: Do they have to be "old"? I have one Ruger Vaguero 45 Colt we bought 20+ years ago - can I use that and buy a 2nd of any mfg?

Can the hand guns and rifles be any caliber?

I have 45 colt dies which I load but don't have a 45 colt rifle (I have a 30/30 Win 96) which I've been searching for for ever. I prefer to use the same caliber for the 3 guns if possible.

Can the rifle or one of the handguns be a Mares Leg? I'm about to buy a Chiappa arms or Henry in 45 Colt and I just love how they look.

Thanks in advance

pcgunner,

I am Bloody Footprints. And I shoot SASS here in Ca. With the Cowboys and Cajon Cowboys.

You do need a min of 2 Revolvers-- 1 Rifle-- 1 shotgun. The revolvers can be any caliber, and so can the rifle. The shotgun should be 12 ga,,,to knock down the steel targets.

Rules can vary, but all firearms HAS to be period, in order to keep with the tradition of representing the Western gun slingers.

Many get their firearms short stroked, tuned etc. The fastest caliber will be the 32. No recoil, and plenty of time on the targets. I shoot 250 LC--Black powder, so I never win, but stay in the middle of the pack.

Hope this gives you something to go with.

Thank you,

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Henry

pcgunner,

Just wanted to add. It's very wise to have the revolvers and rifle the same caliber. You wont have to worry about having the correct ammo, but also in sync with the recoil, no matter the caliber. The Ruger Vaquero is a solid revolver, and many use them. That is my choice also.

Shotgun: either double barrel or semi will work just fine.

Thank you,

Henry

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Henry

Thanks LC - for the info - much appreciated!

What about the mares leg? Can that be used for either one handgun or the rifle? I really want one of these LOL

pcgunner,

Not sure about that one. I have never seen any carry like that. Besides, most stages require you to have the rifle staged,,and how would you carry the 2 revolvers. It would not work to well.

Thank you,

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Henry

Been shooting Cowboy since 2000. Check the SASS web site and
find the nearest club. Go out and watch a match. Talk to some
shooter. Very friendly bunch and will give you all the help you
need. My advice is get 38/357 rifle and pistols. Less recoil & less
money to shoot.

Tenderfoot Tom (SASS 16703) here.

The previous Cowboys have given you good advice: Get revolvers and rifle in the same caliber (many folks use .38 special because brass and lead bullets are plentiful and its cheap to reload for). A lot of people will end-up with a pair of Ruger revolvers since they last forever and a Marlin 1894 rifle (unless they have the money to spring for one of the 1873 Winchester copies). Shotgun – a double barrel is good for starters but many folks gravitate to a 1897 Winchester or replica in the quest for speed. Don’t forget you will need some sort of holster “rig”; see what the other folks use before committing to some sort of custom (costly) rig.

I don’t think the Mare’s Leg is allowed and it would handicap you for use as a rifle since I don’t think they hold 10 rounds. Using it as a ‘pistol’ would necessitate some sort of custom holster.

Above all, go out and watch a match – it's about the friendliest bunch of shooters you’ll find. And most of them will loan equipment to new shooters to get them started. When I started out I shot what I had – two mis-matched revolvers and a rifle in a different caliber; I borrowed a double barrel shotgun. Folks were all helpful and would take the time to help you thru the stages since I was new to the game.

They got some STRANGE rules in California.

Double - hammered or hammerless.

Lever action - Winchester or Chinese copy of the 1885 or 1901.

Pump - Winchester or Chinese copy of the 1897, and only the 97 Winchester. The 1893 is not legal, nor is a Marlin or other manufacturer's pump.

Ain't no semis allowed.

Mares Laig - not legal. Pistol must be a "single action revolver", which that ain't, and must also be "32 caliber or larger".

Rifle must be "handgun caliber", and also must be 32 caliber or larger, except that the 25/20 is legal for rifle.

If you were to get a Mare's Laig, paper it as a SBR, and put a rifle stock on it, to use as your rifle, it would still not be legal, because rifles have to have a barrel of at least 16 inches.

There are clubs that will let you bend the rules. Your local club might let you compete with a Mare's Laig, in monthly matches, but it still won't be SASS-legal.

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I always take precautions

There are also some restrictions on clothing. the easiest way is think of what did people wear in the late 1800's. No tennis shoes, no baseball caps, no nylon holsters, no Tee or short sleeve shirts. Common sense stuff. Often a local club will give you a grace period to get you clothing and equipment in line, but they are allowed to forbid any non complying items. (Synthetic leather is allowed)

An important fact/rule about your ammo; IT MUST BE SOLID LEAD ONLY!!! No jackets or gas checks. This is for safety from shrapnel. Eye and ear protection are required anywhere near the firing line. Most ranges for SASS are "Cold", so keep all firearms unloaded until you know when and where. (many do not all loaded CCW!)

Some of the rules may seem a little strange at first, but safety is the foremost thing. Fun is a close second, and winning is a major thing only to a few closed minded souls.

Most of the clubs I have been to are very friendly, and the people are usually willing to help you get started. I always had a back-up set of firearms and often loaned them to people with a breakdown. (when you shoot 100's or 1000's of rounds a year, guns wear out. So don't buy worn out or junk!!!) Ruger Vaquero pistols with proper cleaning and quality ammo, will run for several hundred thousand rounds. Marlin and Winchester (and Rossi 92 copies) are in the same category. Shotguns are a tougher situation. I like '97 pump shotguns. The Chinese copies are usually not bad, but I use an original made in 1904 and do have a few problems, (so my back-ups are a 1954 '97 and a few side by sides. Shotgun ammo can be one ounce or less and target velocity (1200 fps) or less you don't need "express". Size 6 shot or smaller. 1 ounce trap loads are about perfect. Shotguns need to 20,16,12, or 10 gauge. No 410, 28, or 4 bore! No slugs or buckshot. No hammerless pumps or semi-auto shotguns!

The size of you ammo puts you into two categories; 40 caliber and above for authentic experience. 38 special and below for those that feel they must win. you can win with either, but it is easier with no recoil. I mostly use 45 Colt loaded at a low end 45 acp level (much lower recoil that full bore stuff, much higher recoil than "Bunny Farts")

It is a sport, so a "Score" is kept! It is in time, so fastest time wins. there 5 second penalties for each miss and bigger penalties for other mistakes up to safety violations that can cause a disqualification. Those don't make you a bad person, they mean you are done for the day. If someone is truly unsafe and won't correct it or dangerous or really rude, they will not be allowed to return. I watched a real nice guy who was winning his class, drop a loaded revolver. That is a "MAJOR" safety violation. He was DQed for the day. He put his equipment away and helped keep score for the rest of us, the only person that was angry was him, at himself for a stupid mistake. But safety rules are there for everybody's protection. SASS posts the standard rules on their website... learn them. There are persons of questionable parentage, who will try to cheat or accuse you of cheating. To defeat this, Know the rules. Don't get overbearing, or you'll become a rule Nazi (and they are no fun!)

Classes are based on: AGE, AMMO, CLOTHING, SEX, GUN TYPE and/or CALIBER; or a combination of these factors. I once shot in a match with a "One Legged Texan Men over 60" class, it had one competitor, he came in last in his class, but got a blue ribbon! It really is about having fun!

Ivan the Butcher SASS#40349

I haven't shot SASS for 15 years, as I got too old to put up with the logistics and hassle of getting everything together and driving 50 miles one way. For awhile, I used a pair of replica 1858 Remington .36 C&B revolvers. They worked OK. I eventually went to a pair of Ruger Super Blackhawks and a Winchester 94 Trapper, all in .44 Mag. But I always used light .44 Special loads in them. My shotgun was a ca. 1919 Winchester 97. Many shooters prefer double guns, and those are probably a little more period correct.

I shot my first Cowboy Action match today. Lots of fun - the people, atmosphere and the shooting itself.

Used borrowed Ruger Vaqueros while still waiting for my own Ubertis to be delivered.

The first attempt at 19th century wear.



Alaskan Rattler

You have a nice looking outfit. It is better than some of one I see at my CAS club. You will really like shooting CAS.


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RudyN
NRA Patron Life Member

Forgot my picture




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RudyN
NRA Patron Life Member

I should have done that when I was much younger. I love all the cowboy weapons...a LOT, and now I hate that I have missed the opportunity to get involved with that. But the arthritis in my hands has me permanently on the bench. Sigh.....

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Real men love cats!

Here's my rig: rifle (not shown) is an Uberti 1873 in 45 Colt and shotgun is an original 97 pump marked "Adams Express". Note Masonic Shooters badge.



Me in my Sass outfit (sans holster):


Another picture (I'm the one in the hat!)



Unfortunately, the "gamers" have largely ruined it and it is not nearly as much fun. Fortunately, there will be a new fad and they will move along and it will be fun again.........

BearBio aka Rufus Brady

My SASS alias is Slopalong Casually. I shoot Uberti/Cimarrons in .38/.357, a Henry in the same caliber (chokes on .38s, though), an original 1897, and a Baikal Double. I also have a Marlin in .45-70 for long range side matches. It's quite an investment; try it out before you start acquiring gear. Costumes vary from jeans, boots, a denim work shirt and a cheap hat to thousand-dollar B-Western shooters. Check out all the SASS rule books on line at SASS.Com, they are very specific. Also, there are gamers just like IPSC, IDPA, PPC, but far and away, there's less pressure and more fun in SASS. There's even a mounted division!!

When I was shooting SASS, I remember there was one shooter who wore a Confederate army uniform. I suppose that could be considered period-correct. One could drop a lot of money on period haberdashery, and some did, but mine was very basic - blue jeans, cowboy boots, a long-sleeve shirt and denim vest (sort of Western style), and a straw cowboy hat. Some of the female shooters (there weren't too many of them back then) got dressed up pretty fancy. I got bored with the monthly SASS scene after a few years. I knew I had zero chance of ever winning anything against a bunch of the very experienced and highly competitive shooters (I think some of them shot in different venues around the state every weekend and probably practiced every day - no way I could do that), so I just did my best for personal fun with no concern about my scores, or anyone else's. I didn't even bother to look at the final scores - I just shot and went home. Also, every month it was pretty much the same routine eight stages repeated over and over, and the novelty wore off. At least in the group I shot with, I never felt that there was that much helpfulness, friendliness, and camaraderie among the members, sort of the opposite with more than a little snobbishness and superiority existing between those who seriously dressed the part and had fancier equipment and those who did not. That, plus the associated logistics problems, spelled the end of my SASS interest and involvement. I don't miss it.

I would have loved it when I was 8. Pretty sure I would have outgrown it by age 14.

Oh well, so long as folks have fun.

My shooting irons are: A Rossi 1892 and a pair of Ruger New Vaquero Bisleys in 45LC. My Shotgun is a Winchester 1897. One was made in late 1918 and the other early 1919.

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RudyN
NRA Patron Life Member

I joined SASS about 20 years ago and was quite active shooting matches for about 15 years. What made me hang up my Spurs was when the tons of fun I had in the past turned into "gamer" matches and some of the competitors were more interested in gaming their way to the top rather than having fun. NOTHING at all wrong with winning (I came in 1st or 2nd in many of the matches in the traditional category) but was turned off by the wimpy light loads, professionally slicked up actions and short stroke kits that were becoming so so important to the cut-throats.

Not saying someone should not smith their guns a little, but it became a high tech passion of too many to do anything they could just to game the match. I liked the thick smoke of the Black Powder loads some used to shoot, the really cool garb many would wear, the hand crafted carts many would build, and the old attitude that we were there for some friendly competition with old traditional firearms. Once they abandoned many of those aspects I knew it was time to hang up the spurs.

A few years ago I had a friend who'd been very active for a number of years in SASS. Made all his own leather goods and his wife sewed all the clothes they wore at matches. I got curious and thought about starting up. He discouraged me for the exact reasons you mention and in fact, quit shortly thereafter.

Been invited a few times but I've never shot a CAS match. I've only been to one match as an observer and that was more for the g-kids to watch.
The oldest g-kid (13) showed an interest in shooting a match so kinda kickin that around in getting her started.
There's nothing wrong with a little competition but I'd do it strictly for the fun regardless win or lose.
ETA:
Back in the early days of IDPA (late 1990's), I shot matches regularly with the idea of trying to become a better shot, not win matches.
Some were there just to compete and win, which there's nothing wrong with that.

I belong to a small CAS group here in El Paso. No gamers in our minor league group, just a bunch of old decrepit dudes playing cowboys. Its all fun and sometimes a real challenge.

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I see a very nice shooting challenge in CAS to be conquered. To learn to shoot two revolvers at the same time, the so called Gunfighter style. To learn to shoot a lever action rifle very fast.

I have no competitive drive so gamers do not affect me. I want to have a place and environment where I can try out what I have learned.

The historical theme is also nice as it makes participants think outside the modern box. It is not 100% historically accurate but different to Open class IPSC certainly.

Sounds like my kinda group and would probably fit right in. (ETA: fitting in as being old and decrepit)

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned Mounted Cowboy Action Shooting, as much or more horsemanship than marksmanship.

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The only horses I've shot SASS matches from were the 55 gallon barrel horses on stilts with a saddle on them. Not the same, but here to have enough land to own a horse is more than most can "pony up" and most of us do not have horses available.

Trying on new apparel. National championships in a couple of weeks, will be my second competition.

I saw a picture this week of some girl/woman shooting (They were timing her) in a BASEBALL CAP!

Well, I hope the OP (pcgunner) finally got to a SASS match and is enjoying our sport.

I started SASS in 2000 and still enjoy shooting with friendly competitors, I have found that most of the "gamers" move on when they don't win regularly.


WR SASS # 42157

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God, Country, Family

Coulda been a practice session. Coulda been someone that showed up at a match and wanted to give it a try, and they had the timer so she'd get a real real.

Hope they're not letting people compete in illegal outfits.

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I always take precautions

One of my close friends, as well as a Fraternity brother, from my college days{46 years ago} is one of the founders of this sport/game. He was into western guns then as he had quite a few family guns that actually saw use in the west. Some of you may know him as "Hipshot" one of the Wild Bunch founders. All my best, Joe.

My interest has just peaked towards CAS. I already own several of the required firearms as well as most of the required period clothing from my CW living history days.

I attended, as a observer, a match at a local range and have decided to give it a try. A good excuse to obtain a few more guns and period equipment. Folks were friendly & helpful, safety rules were followed as well as dress & equipment rules. All levels of authenticity & skill were viewed. A few ladies joined in the fun as well. They did not take a back seat to any of the male shooters either.

My living history background will have me attempting a authentic persona that will fit my 70 year old person who would have been born in about 1813, served the Union during the unpleasantness of 1861 - 1865, survived and ended up going west in search of new opportunities. This means my clothing, leather goods and equipment in general will look authentic for about 1880 or so. I am not going for speed. I have spent hours viewing period cowboy and or western images on line. There are hundreds to look at. None of them look like the 1950's Tv or movie images I grew up with.

My firearms will include two 1873 Colt clones, one in 7.5" and another in 5.5", both in .45 Colt. A 1873 winchester clone in .45 Colt & a 1878 Colt clone SxS in 12 Ga.

I ordered my chosen holster rig a couple weeks ago and have about a 6 -7 week wait for them to arrive. Now I have to design and fabricate a gun cart to transport and hold the guns, ammunition and various bits & pieces at the CAS shoots. I hope to be a shooting participant for the 3rd Sunday in August match.

I do reload .45 Colt presently so I will have to work up a cowboy load I guess. I'm looking forward to enjoying a new aspect of my firearms hobby.

Wish me luck.

LTC

The correct term is "work down a cowboy load". Hehee...

Welcome to the sport, it is huge fun. And you are correct in that it gives lots of excuses to obtain all kinds of equipment.

No-one laughs at your ridiculous outfit at the events because they all look as silly, too!

Longtime SASS member and still shoot regularly and still have fun with it. (SASS actually stands for Single Action Spending Society)

I have heard the "gamers" complaint from many over the years and choose to ignore it as I am shooting for "MY" entertainment not theirs.

Don't much care if the targets are up close and high speed or out where you really need the front sight....it is the same for everyone.

When it ceases to be fun then it is all for sale........nothing is for sale yet.

I enjoy shooting my 1860 Army replicas and a Uberti copy of an 1866 and 1873 in 44-40 with a Stoeger Coach 12g.

Sometimes I will shoot that new fangled smokeless powder in the guns, but I LIKE the fog of Black Powder!

Bugler
SASS 62960

PS.
It's not how good you shoot, but how good you look while yer shootin!

my problem with sass is the costumes.
if you want authentic cowboy, it's what we call on the plains ''working clothes''.
yup. hat, jeans, boots long sleeves, chaps if you're working in mesquite.
we use zippers on our jeans but otherwize, 1800s correct.

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susie

Had some fun when neighbor set up a photo session and asked for my cowboy equipment. I managed to get photoed, too.

Alaskan Rattler

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Down this end of the world the "gamers" all shoot Ruger Vaquero's in 38/357. The guns are short stroked and the ammo is loaded with 100 grain projectiles loaded to a power factor of 60 (600fps). Our National Junior Champion is fast but can't hit a handgun target beyond 15 yards.

I'm an enthusiastic but "only in it for the fun" Cowboy shooter. I have a pair of Uburti Cattleman revolvers in 44/40. For a few years I shot a Rossi Puma '92 replica also in 44/40 but was often told that it would not be competitive, I needed a '73 or '66 replica. I ended up going for a Henry Big Boy in .357. I shoot the same 100 gn LFP as I shoot in one of my 9mm pistols but loaded in .357 cases As pointed out above the Henry does not feed reliably with .38 spec cases unless loaded with 158 gn bulllets, preferably to a .357 length. I have no issues with the different ammo. My gun belt has 44/40 loops and I use a seperate ammo belt with 6 12 ga loops each side of 12 38/357 loops. I have been using plated .357 brass to easily distinguish from the brass 44/40's, it I am running out so will have to go for standard brass cases.

All of my leather is made locally by a gentleman named John Lett. Amazingly not only is he the most well known lfal holster maker but he is not a pistol shooter. John also made my Classic Division IPSC rig which is his "Wild Bunch" rig with additional mag carriers. He also made the Bowie sheath.

I have a well worn '97. The gamers like to load 1, shoot 1, load 1 etc. in their repro's but the last few years I've used a generic SxS with the barrels reduced to 20". It is still fitted with the auto engage safety but I live with it.

I will never win a medal in Cowboy Shooting but I so have a lot of fun.

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Ah, a shooting sophisticate.

Not a competitor myself, but since we moved to AZ have very much enjoyed going as a spectator to the Ben Avery Winter Range Event Winter Range SASS National Championship of Cowboy Action Shooting

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DAV Life Member

Funny this would come up on my board feed today: Gina and I just took a drive out to Founders Ranch today. They're allowing the public to use the range these days, so I thought it would make a nice excuse for a drive into the mountains. And we had a nice brunch, so . . . well, it was great. People at Founders Ranch couldn't have been nicer, by the way.

Home

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Now go make God proud...

I shot a cowboy match today as usual! Hot fun.