Q: WHAT IN THE HECK IS COWBOY ACTION SHOOTING (CAS)?

A: It is the fastest growing shooting sport in the world! Maybe you have seen it featured on "American Shooter" on TNN, saw it in a magazine or heard about it from a friend or neighbor? It is as much a social event and celebration of American history as it is a competitive shooting sport.

Q: WHAT ABOUT GUNS & LEATHER? A: For those shooting in "traditional" class at Cowboy Action matches, you will need two "fixed sight" single-action revolvers, most any exposed hammer, manually activated rifle (such as a Marlin or Winchester lever-action rifle) in a pistol caliber and a 12, 16 or 20 gauge double barrelled shotgun or a Model '97 (1897) style exposed hammer pump shotgun (vintage or reproduction). Local club rules may be more lenient but, SASS has clear guidelines that should be followed to ensure your guns can be used in a SASS sanctioned event. It is best that you do some research and ensure your firearms will be acceptable (and correct for the class you wish to compete in) at all SASS sanctioned events. Additionally, some modern modifications are prohibited. Ensure your gunsmith is up-to-date on SASS policies before undertaking any permanent modification to your gun(s).

Two types of handguns are generally used in Cowboy Action Shooting; single action Colt revolvers (and their replicas) and single action Ruger revolvers. True Colts are more historically correct, but Rugers are more durable, heavier and considerably less expensive. A heavier gun may be preferable as it results in less "felt recoil". Some foreign-made Colt replicas can be had at (or near) the price of a new Ruger, but they still have many of the same idiosyncrasies as the originals. The best way to decide is to handle and shoot both and decide which feels best in your hand. The standard Ruger Vaquero has a larger frame and a larger grip, but they are now available with a "birds head grip" that is great for those with smaller hands (as well as a new .32 cal "Mini-Vaquero" model).

In CAS, we actually do a lot more shooting, a lot more often, than the most real cowboys and old-west gunfighters did. You may shoot more in one afternoon than some infamous "gunslingers" did in their entire lifetime! These guns take a lot of abuse. A real Colt SA (single-action) revolver is a big investment and will need regular gunsmithing/tuning if it is used frequently but, some shooters wouldn't use anything else!

FOR CLARIFICATION: To shoot in regular CAS matches, you need two (2) single-action revolvers in .32 caliber or larger (see list of calibers in the AMMO section, below) with fixed sites (for "traditional" and most other classes. Some adjustable site single-action revolvers are allowed for the "modern" class only). The allowed rifles and carbines are lever and pump action, .25 caliber or larger with an exposed hammer. You may use a side-by-side/double barrel shotgun without auto ejectors (may be disabled) or Winchester '97 style exposed hammer shotgun 10, 12, 16 or 20 gauge.

Most any western gunbelt and holsters that fit will work fine.. please ensure the holsters will hold the guns securely and that the draw angle will not result in a muzzle pointing back toward bystanders (particularly with crossdraw or shoulder holsters).

If you don't know what the "170° rule" is, please have it explained to you at the next shoot you attend.. and before you purchase your leather. One of the best SASS Affiliated gun shops in Northern California is Tabor's Shooter's Supply in San Bruno (located on El Camino Real, near SFO). They stock a variety of "SASS legal" single action guns in all calibers as well as a full line of Cowboy rifles, shotguns, leathergoods, a few instructional books, videos and lots of special -lead only - cowboy action ammunition. They also tune and repair guns as well as adding features to increase accuracy and comfort such as a "period correct" tang site, performance springs or a "mercury break" (also known as a "dead mule") in the butt of a rifle or shotgun to absorb recoil (and take it from Madame Wicked.. they really do work!).

Q: IS THIS A FORM OF COWBOY STYLE QUICKDRAW SHOOTING?

A: No, we don't do quickdraw, hammer-fanning, flashy gun acrobatics or any of that dangerous stuff. Unlike the lightning draw "pistoleros" and hot dog gunslingers that you may have seen on TV or movies, we shoot REAL bullets, not blanks, not wax loads.. real lead at 800 to 1000 feet per second (up to 1400 fps for rifles). We take our shooting seriously, because firearm safety is a very serious matter. Every shooter is considered a "range officer" and if they see any safety violation, they are obligated to point it out immediately. There is no need to belittle or berate anyone, we are all partners and we are all friendly, but "sweeping" a crowd with a closed shotgun (or any gun for that matter, loaded or unloaded) will not go unnoticed or uncorrected. As a general rule, you should always treat your weapons as if they were loaded (even if you KNOW otherwise) and pay special attention to muzzle direction at all times.

Q: WHAT ABOUT AMMUNITION?

A: All of your CAS ammo must be lead or standard lead alloy and shoot at a maximum of 1000 fps (pistol) or 1400 fps (rifle) or less.. no jacketed ammo is allowed. Most shoot with flat-nosed, cast, lead-alloy bullets, but wad-cutters and semi wad-cutters are okay too. The caliber is up to you.. .32, 38/40, .38, .357, .41, .44 (Russian, special or magnum), 44/40, .45 (Long Colt or Schofield), .45/70 (rifle).. whatever caliber your single action pistols/lever action rifle(s) are in. For the shotgun, we recommend low recoil (aka: "super handicap" or "featherweight") shells in #7 to #8 lead shot (although #6, #7, #7 1/2 or #8 shot are all acceptable) in 12, 16 or 20 gauge. Steel shot, slugs and shot larger than #6 are not allowed (and #6 shot is not recommended). Most large gun shops carry lead "Cowboy Loads" or "AA featherweight shells" that are specially designed for this sport.

Many shooters take up the hobby of ammunition reloading to save money. For an average stage you will need 20 rounds of rifle/pistol ammo and 4 to 10 shotgun shells (this is for each stage). Most monthly or local matches consist of 5 to 12 stages, so buy accordingly and bring extra for plinking or sighting-in guns. It is always better to bring way more than you will need and just leave it in your guncart or car..er.. "metal stagecoach" ..just in case.

On guncarts.. Many shooters use a homemade or pre-made gun cart. This makes it a lot easier to move your long guns, ammo and accessories from stage to stage. It is something you may not need as a beginner. You can always share space in a cart with a shootin' partner in your posse. Most every solo shooter has some extra room for a couple of long guns and a box or bag of cartridges anyhow, so just ask any "loner" on your posse if they have room for a Pard'!

Q: WHEN AND WHERE DO YOU GUYS SHOOT IN THE SAN FRANCISCO AREA?

A: On the 2nd Sunday of "even" months, there is a local single action practice match hosted by the Richmond Roughriders [ROUGHRIDERS' WEBPAGE] at the Richmond Rod and Gun Club. Call the range at 510-620-9519 for directions and basic range information. The Roughriders generally run 5 stages at their matches and the fee is $15 per shooter (Juniors, 12-17 years old, are FREE and must be accompanied by a parent, grandparent or guardian). Bring at least 60 rounds of rifle ammo, 60 rounds of pistol ammo and 32+ shotgun shells. Call I.M. Nobody at 650-589-0505 if you have any questions about the Richmond Roughriders or their regular matches. The Richmond Roughriders are the only SASS affiliated Club in the San Francisco Bay Area.

On the 3rd Sunday of "odd" months, there is a local single action shooting match hosted by the Old West Shooting Society [OWSS WEBPAGE] at Chabot Gun Club in Castro Valley. Call 510-569-0213 for directions or go to their website at: www.chabotgunclub.com for more information. They generally run 6 stages at the Chabot Shoots.. bring at least 72 rounds of rifle ammo, 80 rounds of pistol ammo and 40+ shotgun shells.. although ol' Rowdy has been known to put 20+ shotgun targets in a single stage! The match fee for the regular Chabot matches is $12 per shooter.

At both of these local shoots, registration starts around 8:30 am. Please try to arrive before 9 am to register, if you plan to shoot. There is a safety meeting at about 9:30 am (between 9:15 and 9:45) and then the shoot'n generally starts thereafter (between 9:30 and 10 am). Both of these matches are open to new shooters.

A new shooter orientation is provided if you let the coordinators know who you are before the safety meeting. First time shooters are assigned to a posse with an experienced local shooter as a mentor, to assist at the stages. If you need to share a guncart or need a loaner gun, please let someone in charge know when you arrive, so arrangements can be made. It is generally not a problem.. this is a very "neighborly" sport and most everyone treats newcomers like old friends.. it's part of "the Spirit of the Game."

There are many other monthly CAS clubs hosting monthly and annual matches throughout Northern California. [CLICK HERE] for more information!

If you feel you aren't ready for a competitive match (even though these regular "monthly" matches are fine for beginners) or, if you just want to get some CAS practice or coaching, there is a regular cowboy action practice shoot held from 9:30 am to 1 pm on the 2nd Saturday of "odd" months at the Richmond Rod and Gun Club.

That shoot is practice only (i.e. blue jeans, ballcaps and sneakers are fine) and is organized by El Paso Gaso (E-mail: elpasogaso@aol.com). For additional details, contact Frank at 650-589-0505, Tues-Sat from 10-6. It is suggested you call or e-mail in advance to confirm this shoot as it is somewhat informal and may be canceled without notice if there is a big regional match or bad weather forecast that weekend.

Q: WHAT DO I WEAR IF I COME TO A LOCAL MATCH?

A: If you want to participate (or even just watch) it is asked, at a minimum, that you (guys) wear jeans (not designer jeans with big flashy tags or labels either), a long sleeve button up shirt (cowboys didn't wear short sleeve shirts, sweats or tank tops) and leather shoes or boots. A cowboy hat is optional, but besides keeping the sun out of your eyes and keeping the hot rifle brass from going down your shirt, hats were worn outdoors by all men up until the 1940's [HAT ETIQUETTE], so they are pretty essential to any cowboy outfit.. ball caps and tennis shoes are generally frowned upon. Gals should wear jeans and a cowboy hat or other "period" clothing such as a riding skirt and western blouse, a western style or basic prairie dress or even a fancy dancehall girl outfit!

It is always more fun when everyone is participating and getting into the "Spirit of the Game." Some participants look like they stepped out of a time machine and wear extremely intricate "period-correct" outfits and hairdos, while some just make a small effort. Either way, it is appreciated by everyone. No one expects you to show up on day-one looking like a damned Wyatt Earp clone.. Take your time, shop around, ask questions of other shooters and be patient. Buy quality stuff that will last, like they did back then. Don't try to save time and money by cutting corners. You'll spend more time and money in the long run and regret it in the end. This includes cowboy leather gear, hats, clothes, carts, guns, ammo.. everything! A little experience goes a long way. Give yourself time to learn.. this cowboy "stuff" is not a passing fad, it is a 150 year old tradition and it can be a way of life.

EYES & EARS: More important than any costume, you'll also need to bring adequate ear and eye protection.. this is an area where modern equipment is perfectly acceptable. You should wear whatever you feel most comfortable with. Most shooters wear custom molded prescription ear-plugs or the foam "marshmallow" plugs. Standard ear muff hearing protection is acceptable, but not seen very often on a CAS range. Some shooters wear "period" shooting glasses which are generally antique-style frames fitted with modern polycarbonate safety lenses (prescription or non-prescription). Some feel the coverage of the old spectacle frames is not adequate, in which case, modern wrap-around shooting glasses are your best bet!

Q: DO I HAVE TO BE A MEMBER OF A CLUB TO JOIN IN ON THE ACTION?

A: No. You don't have to join any clubs or organizations to participate in cowboy action shooting. Most cowboy shooters join SASS so they can "lock in" their unique shooting alias (nickname) and get their SASS badge and number earlier in their shooting "career". Some have been shooting for years and still haven't joined SASS yet. A few have let their membership dues lapse, which allows their SASS alias to be recycled and taken by someone else. If you sign up with SASS and get your name and badge now.. then decide you really like the sport, you can opt for the SASS Life Membership within 90 days of your application processing and get your initial $40 registration fee credited toward the $400 SASS Life Membership. Otherwise, it is $35 for annual renewal ($15 for Juniors, 12-16 years old). There are many regional matches that require SASS membership to participate.. including the CA Championships, Western Regional Championships and "End of Trail" (also called "EoT" ..the International Cowboy Action Shooting Championship, held annually, at the end of April, in Norco, CA, near Corona in SoCal).

The Richmond Roughriders are the only SASS affiliated Club in the Central San Francisco Bay Area. The Old West Shooting Society is an independent group of active CAS shooters that are affiliated with the Chabot Gun Club's Old West Shooting Program.. both welcome spectators and new shooters alike.

The Barbary Coast Vigilance Committee (BCVC) is not a club per se, but more of a committee (hence the name) or "network" of active cowboy shooters that may or may not be members of the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS), the Richmond Roughriders, the Old West Shooting Society, the National Congress of Old West Shooters (NCOWS), the Western Action Shootists Association (WASA) or other CAS related groups, clubs and organizations.



Q: WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ON GETTING STARTED IN COWBOY ACTION SHOOTING?

A: There are three places.. (1) at a match or practice, (2) at a SASS affiliated gun shop and (3) on-line.

(1) You can come out to any local match and check out the fun; see the outfits, equipment, weapons and watch the competition and ask questions of the competitors. It is free to watch and you're sure to learn something! There are local matches in the area pretty much every weekend [CLICK HERE FOR A FULL LIST OF LOCAL MATCHES]. If you have your equipment together (or at least some of it), hook up with some other shooters and see if you can borrow what you need to shoot on the same posse with someone willing to share their guns with you. Another option is to get a buddy into the sport. You each buy one pistol and one long gun (an appropriate shotgun and a pistol-caliber lever-action rifle), then you each get a pistol rig (holsters and belt) and you just share guns until you can each afford to round out your CAS arsenal.

(2) You can call around and find a gun shop in your area that stocks cowboy action guns and leather.. you're sure to find someone there that can tell you all about their favorite shooting sport. The only SASS affiliated gun shop in the San Francisco Bay Area is Tabor's Shooters Supply in San Bruno [TABOR'S SHOOTERS SUPPLY WEBSITE]. There you can ask questions as well as see a wide variety of cowboy action guns and leather.

(3) Here are a few links to some great on-line CAS references:

· Captain Baylor's Introduction to Cowboy Action Shooting [WEBSITE]

· Three Eyed Willy's Introduction to Cowboy Action Shooting [WEBSITE]

· Frontiersman (Shooting Category) For Dummies [WEBSITE]

· Mike Venturino's article on CAS (past issue of "Shooter's Times") [WEBSITE]

If you have any other questions, please e-mail them to EvilSwede@BCVC.net and we'll get back to you and add them here!