Cowboy Action Shooting Basics

Everything you need to know to get started

Welcome to the Sport!

So you want to be a cowboy (or cowgirl)? Great! Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS) is one of the most fun and welcoming shooting sports you'll ever find. Here's what you need to know to get started at the Willow Hole Cowboys.

Step 1: Come Watch a Match

The best way to learn about CAS is to come watch a match. We shoot every 3rd Saturday at the WHC Range. Show up around 8:30 AM and introduce yourself. Our members are friendly and love to talk about the sport. You'll get to see the stages, meet the cowboys, and decide if this is for you.

Step 2: Choose Your Alias

Every CAS shooter picks a cowboy alias — a name from the Old West era (pre-1900). This is your shooting identity! Examples: "Sidewinder Sam," "Belle Starr," "Texas Jack." Your alias gets registered with SASS and becomes part of the fun.

Step 3: Get Your Gear

You'll need three guns and appropriate leather (holsters and belt). Here's what to look for:

Two Revolvers

Single-action, .32 caliber or larger. e.g. Ruger Vaqueros, Uberti Cattleman, or Colt SAA clones.

Most shooters use two of the same model for consistency.

Pistol Caliber Rifle

Pistol caliber rifle, .32 Caliber or larger. e.g. Winchester 1873 or 1892, Henry, Colt Lightening.

Matching your rifle and revolver calibers simplifies ammo.

Shotgun

Side-by-side or pump (1897), 12 or 20 gauge. No auto-loaders allowed.

Most start with a double barrel — simple and reliable.
Don't have gear yet? Come to a match anyway — our members are happy to let you try their guns, and we can point you toward affordable starter setups.

Step 4: Costume & Attire

Part of the fun is dressing the part! You'll need:

  • Long pants — jeans or trousers
  • Long-sleeved shirt — button-up, period style
  • Boots — cowboy boots or period footwear
  • Hat — wide brim cowboy hat
  • Leather — gun belt, holsters, cartridge belt

Don't worry about being perfect — we all started somewhere. Just come out and have fun!

Step 5: Safety First

Safety is our top priority. Key rules:

  • Always keep firearms pointed downrange
  • Eyes and ears required at all times
  • Load only at the loading table
  • Never handle firearms behind the firing line
  • Follow Range Officer commands
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