Cowboy Action Shooting™, an exhilarating amateur shooting sport, offers a captivating journey back in time to the days of the American Old West. Contestants in this thrilling competition wield firearms that echo the ones used during that historic era, including single action revolvers, lever and pump-action rifles and side-by-side double-barrel or lever-action shotguns. The shooting matches are conducted in a distinct and character-filled Old West style, as participants engage in several firearm stages, each designed with a unique scenario and shooting sequence featuring steel targets.

Enthusiasts of American history and shooting alike find Cowboy Action Shooting to be one of the most intriguing and engaging sports, attracting both participants and spectators. The allure lies in the use of vintage firearms, authentic costuming, distinct targets and the sheer speed and excitement exhibited by the competitors.

The various disciplines within Cowboy Action Shooting offer competitors a range of categories to choose from, including age-based, style-based and costume-based divisions. Age-based categories cater to participants of all generations, starting with the Buckaroos and Buckarettes (13 years and under) and reaching up to the El Rays and La Reinas (over 85). Remarkably, even the older cowboys and cowgirls showcase their agility and quickness when the starting buzzer sounds.

While most shooters use a two-handed grip for their pistols, Cowboy Action Shooting offers specialised shooting style categories such as Duelist and Gunfighter, challenging participants to shoot their pistols single-handedly. B-Western shooters display the most ornate and fancy attire inspired by iconic figures like Roy Rogers and the Lone Ranger, wielding rifles of 1880 or later designs such as the 1892 or 1894 Winchester or Marlin models. Classic cowboy and cowgirl competitors, on the other hand, must use pistols and rifles larger than .40 calibre, commonly favouring .45 Long Colts and the more original 44-40 calibres. Dressed as quintessential cowboys and cowgirls, complete with chaps, spurs, scarves, cuffs and knives they evoke the imagery of driving herds of longhorns up the Chisholm Trail.

For those who embrace the traditional black powder experience, Cowboy Action Shooting offers Frontier Cartridge and Frontiersman categories. Frontier Cartridge accommodates black powder cartridge shooters, while Frontiersman caters to those who prefer cap and ball revolvers.

In each course of fire, competitors undertake a challenging sequence involving two single-action pistols, a lever or pump-action rifle and a side-by-side double-barrel shotgun. The most commonly used pistol is a replica of the historic 1873 Colt Single Action Army pistol. Similarly, the popular rifle choice is a copy of the Winchester Model 1873 lever action, while the side-by-side double-barrel ‘Coach Gun’ reigns as the shotgun of choice. Participants showcase an array of calibres or cartridges, ranging from the modern .38 Special (circa 1898) to some of the earliest cowboy cartridges like the 44 Winchester Centre Fire (44WCF or 44-40).

To add to the excitement, Cowboy Action Shooting employs steel targets of various shapes and sizes. Contestants are evaluated based on their raw time to complete the course, with penalties applied for misses or procedural errors. For each missed target, five seconds are added to the raw time and 10 seconds are added for shooting them in the wrong sequence. The reactive shotgun targets further amplify the action as they are knocked down upon impact, rewarding accuracy and adding an additional layer of challenge to the sport.

Major Cowboy Action events in the US draw enthusiasts from all corners of the globe, showcasing their shooting prowess and embracing the spirit of the Wild West. Among these prestigious gatherings is the renowned End of Trail, known as the SASS (Single Action Shooting Society) World Championships. Typically held in the USA, this event suffered setbacks due to the COVID pandemic. In 2023, it attracted a staggering 688 shooters to the firing line.

Costumes play a vital role in Cowboy Action Shooting, setting it apart from other shooting sports. Immersing themselves fully in the Old West ambiance, all competitors are required to don period-appropriate outfits, adding a delightful touch of nostalgia to the events. While some participants opt for a classic ensemble, consisting of jeans, a western shirt, a hat and sturdy boots, many take their costumes to the next level, embracing the opportunity for extravagance and creativity. Interestingly, even spectators at the range are encouraged to join in the fun by donning period attire, fostering a truly immersive experience.

Within Cowboy Action Shooting, there are distinct costume-based categories, each with its own unique flair. The B-Western category places particular emphasis on the costumes, allowing participants to revel in the attire reminiscent of iconic cowboy movie stars like Roy Rogers. On the other hand, the classic cowboy and cowgirl category not only involves costuming but also adheres to specific rules regarding firearm and calibre usage, adding an extra layer of challenge and authenticity to the competition.

Cowboy Action Shooting became an exciting endeavour for both Marlboro and I, Lucky Strike Lass. From the outset, the unique blend of using multiple firearms, dressing in character and adopting aliases for shooting appealed to me like no other shooting discipline.

With Marlboro already entrenched in the sport, he introduced me to the cowboy community, and we swiftly embraced the world of Cowboy Action Shooting together.

Selecting our aliases was a fun and creative process. Marlboro Man was inspired by the 1991 movie “Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man”, and as a couple, it was fitting for us to have matching aliases, and thus, I became “Lucky Strike Lass”.

When the Marlboro Man wants to ‘start smoking’ he shoots a Winchester Model 1873 manufactured in 1884, loaded with 44-40 black powder cartridges, and wielding an old, hammered shotgun with damascus barrels. For my part, I prefer to keep things straightforward, relying on a pair of Ruger SASS Vaquero pistols, a Boito side-by-side shotgun and a Uberti 1873 rifle.

Improving performance in Cowboy Action Shooting requires a focus on training exercises and drills that enhance firearm handling skills and smooth transitions between stations. As a beginner, practicing these movements and transitions can significantly reduce course times. Dry fire practice is a valuable tool for honing accuracy and refining the muscle memory required for fluid movements during the competition. Seasoned shooters often incorporate dry fire practice into their routine to maintain their competitive edge.

For newcomers interested in getting started with Cowboy Action Shooting, it’s essential to first familiarise yourself with your firearms and prioritise safety above all else. Building comfort and confidence with your chosen firearms will be the foundation for improvement. Seeking guidance from experienced cowgirls or cowboys at the shooting club can provide valuable insights and tips to enhance your skills.

In Australia, there are numerous Cowboy Action Shooting clubs, providing excellent opportunities for enthusiasts to get involved. Interested individuals can check out the relevant website (see QR code opposite) and reach out to the local club contacts to attend matches, observe the events and get a feel for the sport before diving in.

Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a newcomer to the world of Cowboy Action Shooting, continuous practice, a thirst for improvement and a supportive shooting community are keys to success and enjoyment in this exhilarating shooting sport.

We hope you have enjoyed a little bit of insight into the world of Cowboy Action Shooting. Make sure you watch the video of us at a recent shoot in Tiaro Queensland.

Hope to see you on the range.