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. Heritage Rough Rider revolvers in .22 LR are 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 a two-gun purchase. The Colt Single Action Army is the authentic choice and most historically significant, though at a significant price premium. Cimarron Firearms imports excellent Italian-made SAA reproductions that balance historical accuracy with competitive pricing. For entry-level, the Ruger Vaquero is the right call; for a serious competitor or collector, Colt or Cimarron.

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

The lever-action rifle for CAS should 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 available at accessible prices. Marlin 1894 in .357 or .45 Colt is the classic competition choice with a deep history in SASS. Winchester 1873 reproductions (made by Miroku) offer the most historically authentic lever-action experience for the period. Match-legal rifles must have a loading gate and tubular magazine — no detachable box magazines in traditional 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 shots fast, then a reload. Stoeger produces affordable side-by-side doubles popular in SASS. Single-shot break-actions are simpler and allow any gauge. Pump-action shotguns (Winchester 1897 replicas and similar) are permitted in most categories and allow more shots before reloading. Choose based on your category and comfort with each action type.

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

The three most popular 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.

Cowboy Action Guns & Related Pages

For the Heritage Rough Rider revolver popular for practice, see our Heritage page. For Henry lever-action rifles, see our Henry page. 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.