Cowboy Action Shooting

Getting Started in SASS: The Three Guns You Need

SASS stages require three firearms: two single-action revolvers, one lever-action rifle, and one shotgun (side-by-side, single-shot, lever-action, or pump depending on category). The most practical entry-level setup uses revolvers and rifle chambered in the same caliber — most commonly .357 Magnum/.38 Special or .45 Colt — so a single ammunition purchase covers all three firearms. The Heritage Rough Rider in .22 LR is popular for practice at lower cost, with match revolvers in .357 or .45 Colt for competition. A Henry Big Boy or Marlin 1894 in matching caliber covers the rifle requirement.

Single-Action Revolvers for SASS: Ruger, Colt & Cimarron

The Ruger Vaquero is the most popular competition single-action revolver in SASS — built on a stronger frame than period Colts, with a transfer-bar safety that allows safe carry of six rounds, and priced accessibly for new competitors. The Ruger New Vaquero is a slightly smaller-framed variant closer to the dimensions of the original Colt SAA, preferred by shooters who want a more historically accurate feel. Colt's Single Action Army is the authentic choice — the original cowboy revolver with unmatched historical lineage and collector value, but at a significant price premium. Cimarron and Uberti reproductions split the difference: Italian-made SAA clones at mid-range pricing with good quality and authentic dimensions. For new competitors, the Ruger Vaquero is the most practical starting point.

Lever-Action Rifles for Cowboy Action: Henry, Marlin & Winchester

The lever-action rifle must be chambered in the same caliber as your revolvers for ammunition simplicity. Henry Big Boy models in .357 Magnum and .45 Colt are the most popular current-production options — reliable, well-made, and priced accessibly. The Marlin 1894 in .357 or .45 Colt is the classic competition choice with deep roots in SASS, now produced by Ruger with significantly improved quality over late Remington-era production. Winchester 1873 reproductions made by Miroku offer the most historically authentic lever-action experience. Match-legal rifles must have a loading gate and tubular magazine — no detachable box magazines are allowed in traditional SASS categories.

SASS Shotgun Options: Side-by-Side, Single-Shot & Pump

SASS shotgun rules vary by category but most allow side-by-side doubles, single-shot break-actions, lever-action shotguns, and period-appropriate pump guns. The side-by-side double is the most authentic and most popular in traditional categories — two fast shots, then a reload. Stoeger Coach Gun and CZ Bobwhite are affordable side-by-side options popular in SASS. Single-shot break-actions are the simplest entry — reliable, inexpensive, and legal in most categories. For shooters in the "Classic Cowboy" or "B-Western" categories, the 97-style exposed hammer pump or lever-action shotgun adds another period-correct option. See our side-by-side shotguns page for current selection.

SASS Calibers: .357 Magnum, .45 Colt & .44-40

Primary SASS calibers are .357 Magnum/.38 Special (most common — widest ammunition availability and lowest recoil), .45 Colt (most historically authentic — the original SAA cartridge), and .44-40 Winchester (the true "cowboy caliber" chambered in both the Colt SAA and Winchester 1873 historically). SASS requires pistol-caliber cartridges — no rifle cartridges in revolvers. For a new competitor, .357 Magnum is the practical starting point: the widest ammunition selection, the most revolvers available, and the option to shoot .38 Special loads for even lower recoil during practice. .45 Colt is the choice if period authenticity matters most to you. See: .357 Magnum ammo and .38 Special ammo.

SASS Categories and Costumes: What to Know Before You Compete

SASS requires competitors to adopt a shooting alias and dress in period-appropriate costume for their chosen category. Categories range from "Traditional" (standard CAS attire) to "B-Western" (Hollywood cowboy) to "Frontier Cartridge" (black powder only) and "Gunfighter" (drawing and shooting both revolvers simultaneously). Category choice affects which firearms are legal, so pick your category before finalizing your gun selection. Most new competitors start in Traditional, which has the broadest equipment rules and the most competitors to learn from. SASS membership ($60/year) is required to compete in sanctioned matches and provides access to the national club finder to locate your nearest match.

Building Your SASS Battery: Recommended Starting Packages

The most practical entry-level SASS battery: two Ruger Vaqueros in .357 Magnum, a Marlin 1894 in .357 Magnum, and a Stoeger Coach Gun side-by-side 12 gauge. This setup uses .357 Magnum/.38 Special across all three firearms (the shotgun is 12 gauge), gives you proven reliability across all four guns, and keeps total cost reasonable for a new competitor. If budget allows an upgrade, swapping the Stoeger for a Cimarron or Uberti side-by-side or adding a Ruger New Vaquero for the more authentic SAA dimensions are popular next steps.

Cowboy Action Guns & Related Pages

For the Heritage Rough Rider popular for practice, see our Heritage Firearms page. For Henry lever-action rifles, see our Henry page. For Marlin lever guns, see Marlin 1894 and Marlin 1895. For single-action revolver ammunition, see our .357 Magnum and .38 Special ammo pages. For the broader Old West firearms category, see our old west guns page.