Cowboy Action Shooting

Developed in 1981 by Southern Californian Harper Creigh with the help of two friends, Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS) uses the myths and legends of the American West as a catalyst for a sport that combines the skill of tactical shooting with the thrill of fantasy role-playing, but with live firearms. Competitors are required to pick an alias and don an outfit suggestive of a famous 19th-century western individual or profession, or a character from a western film or television show. Equipped with two single-action revolvers, a rifle, and a shotgun, the designs of which predate 1899, shooters compete in a demanding sport that requires strong eye/hand coordination and mental focus. From its inception, CAS was promoted as a family activity, with women and girls competing equally with men and boys.

In 1987, the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS) was formed as the governing body for all CAS events. Today, there are over 500 clubs in the United States, and interest has spread to 18 other countries, including Canada, Italy, Germany, France, New Zealand, and Australia. The overarching themes of SASS are the celebration of manifest destiny, reverence for the iconic cowboy of myth and legend, and active support of the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Cowboy aliases tend to be humorous; female names may be gendered (Sage Chick, Honey B. Graceful, Bama Belle) or sexually suggestive (Mist Chance, Leggs Balou). They may imply toughness (Kitty Carbine, Lady Justice) or badness (Holy Terror, Dew R. Dye). Costume contests are a big part of the festivities, and categories for women include Best Shooting Costume, as well as the sexually charged awards for best Soiled Doves and Parlor House Madams. Participants range from urban professionals to blue-collar workers, many of them not raised in the so-called gun culture. They are united by their appreciation for what SASS calls “The Code of the West.”

The sport offers weekend, regional, and national events, culminating in the End of Trail Wild West Jubilee and Cowboy Action Shooting World Championships (EOT), hosted at SASS's Founders Ranch in New Mexico. Seventeen shooting bays are temporarily outfitted to resemble western movies sets, each with a different tactical challenge-be it to shoot evildoers or hunt down food for the family. [Page 356]The 480-acre spread also includes permanent buildings reminiscent of a Hollywood western town. With dozens of competitions offered, including a few on horseback using blank ammunition, there is a challenge for every level of shooter, including Overall Ladies World Champion, Ladies Senior, Junior Girl, and Cowgirls First Time. According to SASS, women typically make up 20 percent of EOT shooters, and top female competitors consistently place high in mixed events. For example, at the 2009 Main Match, Holy Terror came in second of 419 participants; and in Cowboy Mounted Shooting, Star of July-Dakota was second in a group of 45 shooters.

There are no monetary awards in SASS-run events; instead, winners receive a trophy or buckle. In addition, although four firearms alone can cost over $2,000, most members treat their sport like an expensive hobby-they simply enjoy being in an environment with like-minded individuals. SASS does offer educational scholarships to members; however, shooting skill is not a factor. Rather, applicants are judged on their essay, grade point average, and involvement in community service. In 2009, girls and women received more than half of the 26 awards.

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