Cowboy action shooting: a starter's guide

Cowboy action shooting is a timed shooting sport in which competitors use firearms of the kind common in the Old West, dress in period clothing and adopt an alias. It began in California in the 1980s and grew into a national sport run by the Single Action Shooting Society, with local clubs in nearly every state. Stages mix pistol, rifle and shotgun at steel targets, often with a short story or scenario. It is friendly, safety-focused and one of the best ways to enjoy lever guns and single-action revolvers.

The four guns

A standard cowboy action shooter uses four firearms: two single-action revolvers, one lever-action rifle in a pistol caliber, and one shotgun of a period style.

Revolvers

Most shooters use two identical single-action revolvers in .38 Special or .45 Colt, such as the Ruger Vaquero, the Uberti and Pietta reproductions of the Colt Single Action Army, or the Cimarron and Taylor's variants. Fixed sights are traditional; some categories allow adjustable sights. Barrel lengths of 4.75 to 5.5 inches are the most common.

Rifle

The rifle is a lever action chambered for the same pistol cartridge as your revolvers. Reproductions of the 1873 Winchester are the most popular for their smooth action, followed by the 1866, the 1892 and the Marlin 1894. Many shooters have a gunsmith lighten the lever spring and smooth the action.

Shotgun

The shotgun is typically a side-by-side double barrel or a pump such as a reproduction Winchester 1897. Double barrels with external hammers or modern internal-hammer coach guns are common. Twelve and 20 gauge are both used.

Calibers and loads

Nearly all competitors shoot light, lead-bullet loads for safety on steel at short range and for fast, controllable shooting. A .38 Special with a 125- or 158-grain lead bullet at modest velocity is the most common. Matches set minimum and maximum velocities, and jacketed bullets and magnum loads are not allowed. Shotguns use light target loads.

Safety rules

The Single Action Shooting Society is strict about safety. Revolvers are loaded with five rounds and the hammer down on an empty chamber. Muzzles stay pointed downrange, and each gun is staged and handled in defined ways. New shooters get a safety briefing and experienced shooters help them through their first matches.

Clothing and aliases

Every shooter picks a unique alias registered with SASS and wears period-inspired clothing. You do not need an expensive outfit to start: a long-sleeved shirt, jeans or trousers without modern logos, boots and a hat are enough at most clubs.

Leather

You need a gun belt, two holsters and a shotgun shell carrier. Leather is an important part of the sport's look and function, and a good rig makes staging and re-holstering smooth and safe.

Getting started

Find a local club through the SASS directory and go watch a match. Most clubs let newcomers shoot with borrowed guns, and members are generous with advice. Once you know what you like, buy your own guns.

Choosing your first set

A practical starter set is two Ruger Vaqueros or quality reproduction single actions in .38 Special or .357, a .357 lever rifle like a Marlin 1894 or a reproduction 1873, and a side-by-side coach gun. Matching the pistol and rifle cartridge keeps ammunition simple.

Buying the guns

Revolvers and rifles ship to the licensed dealer you choose; see our online buying guide. Read the revolver guide and the lever-action rifle guide for more on each gun, and browse the catalog for single actions, lever guns and coach guns.

General information, not legal advice. Current as of September 2026. Laws change; check the official source before you act.