Cowboy action shooting: the starter guns and SASS categories

Cowboy action shooting is a timed sport in which each competitor shoots a stage with two single-action revolvers, a lever or pump rifle and a shotgun of the frontier pattern, in costume, under a registered alias. Most matches in the United States are run by clubs affiliated with the Single Action Shooting Society, known as SASS, and its Shooter's Handbook sets the rules. This guide summarizes the January 2026 edition of that handbook for a new shooter. Clubs may add their own range rules, so read the current handbook and talk to your local club before you buy.

The four guns of a main match

Two revolvers

SASS main match revolvers must be original single-action revolvers made before 1899, approved replicas, or the SASS-approved single-action adjustable-sight revolvers. They must be centerfire, from .32 to .45 caliber, in a cartridge commonly found in revolvers; the handbook names .32-20, .32 Magnum, .357 Magnum, .38 Special, .44 Magnum, .44-40 and .45 Colt among the examples. No more than two main match revolvers may go to the line.

Popular choices are the Ruger Vaquero, whose fixed sights and transfer bar suit most categories, and the Uberti, Cimarron and Pietta copies of the Colt Single Action Army. A matched pair in .38 Special or .45 Colt is the usual start.

A rifle

The rifle must be an original or replica lever or slide-action rifle of the 1860 to 1899 pattern with a tubular magazine and an exposed hammer, chambered for a revolver cartridge from .32 to .45 caliber. Box-magazine rifles are not allowed, and rifle cartridges such as the .30-30 and .38-55 are not allowed. The handbook also approves the Henry Big Boy, except in the Classic Cowboy categories, and the Marlin 1894 in .32 H&R Magnum.

The 1873 replicas from Uberti, Cimarron and Taylor's are the most common match rifles because of their smooth toggle-link action. Marlin 1894s, Rossi R92s and Winchester 1873 and 1892 rifles are also widely used. Buy the rifle in the same cartridge as your revolvers.

A shotgun

Allowed shotguns are side-by-side or single-shot guns typical of about 1860 to 1899, with or without external hammers; lever-action tubular-feed shotguns with exposed hammers; and the Winchester Model 1897 pump, original or replica. Side-by-sides may not have automatic ejectors. Side-by-side, single-shot and lever shotguns must be 20 to 10 gauge, and the 1897 must be 16 or 12 gauge. Pump and lever shotguns may load only two rounds at a time in main match stages unless the stage says otherwise. A hammerless or hammered double in 12 or 20 gauge is the usual first choice.

Ammunition rules

Revolver and rifle bullets must be all lead, with no jackets, plating, gas checks or hollow points; coated lead bullets are accepted.
Centerfire loads must reach a power factor of at least 60 and no velocity under 400 feet per second.
Revolver loads may not exceed 1,000 feet per second and rifle loads 1,400.

Light lead .38 Special and .45 Colt loads marketed for cowboy action meet these rules. Do not bring hunting ammunition to a match.

Loading and safety conventions

A six-shot revolver is loaded at the loading table with five rounds and the hammer down on the empty chamber, whatever its design. A cocked revolver may never leave your hand, you may not move with a live round under the hammer, and every firearm is checked at the unloading table after the stage. Eye protection is mandatory in and around the shooting areas and hearing protection is strongly recommended. Our single-action safety guide explains why the empty chamber rule exists.

Shooting categories

SASS sorts competitors into categories by age, shooting style, costume and propellant, and you may shoot in any category you qualify for. Age is your age on the first day of the match.

Open and age-based categories

Cowboy and Cowgirl: any age.
Buckaroo and Buckarette: 13 and under; may use .22 LR revolvers and rifles and .410, 28 or 32 gauge shotguns with standard velocity ammunition.
Junior Boy and Junior Girl: 16 and under.
Wrangler: 36 and up. Forty-Niner: 49 and up. Senior: 60 and up. Silver Senior: 65 and up.
Elder Statesman and Grand Dame: 70 and up, followed by Cattle Baron at 75, El Patron at 80, El Rey at 85 and Shootist at 90.

Each of these has a Lady version for women. Competitors under 18 need parental consent and supervision.

Style and costume categories

Duelist: each revolver cocked and fired with one hand, unsupported, with fixed-sight revolvers.
Gunfighter: a fixed-sight revolver in each hand, five rounds from each.
Classic Cowboy and B-Western: categories with stricter costume and equipment rules.
Frontier Cartridge and Frontiersman: black powder categories, with Frontiersman using percussion revolvers.

Costume, leather and alias

Every shooter wears clothing typical of the late 19th century, a B-Western film or a Western television series, and stays in costume at match events. Ball caps, athletic shoes, short-sleeve shirts for men and nylon or Velcro gear are outlawed. Holsters must hold the revolver through normal movement, sit one on each side of the belt buckle and stay within 30 degrees of vertical. Cartridge belts and loops must be of traditional design. Every SASS member registers a unique alias, approved by SASS headquarters, and SASS membership is required for sanctioned matches.

A sensible first kit

A pair of fixed-sight single actions in .38/.357 or .45 Colt, such as two Vaqueros or two Colt-pattern replicas. See Vaquero listings and Cattleman-pattern revolvers.
An 1873 or 1892-pattern rifle, or a Marlin 1894 or Henry Big Boy, in the same cartridge. See 1873 rifles.
A side-by-side double or a lever or 1897-pattern shotgun.
Cowboy-load lead ammunition, safety glasses and hearing protection.

Most clubs let a visitor watch a match and handle loaner guns before buying. Our rifle and revolver pairing guide helps choose the cartridge, and every firearm ships to your FFL dealer.

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