Roanoke Rifle and Revolver Club
Cowboy Action Shooting
Bend of Trail is RRRC’s version of Cowboy Action Shooting and follows the rules and guidelines set up by the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS). The general idea is to dress up in clothing that represents the attire of the “Old West” or “Western Movies” and shoot single action revolvers, lever action rifles and pre-1900 style shotguns, and have fun.
While having
fun is very important, the most important thing is safety. Procedures and rules
have been established by RRRC and
SASS to ensure the safety of the participants and spectators. Each shooter is
supervised all the way through, from the loading table to the shooting line and
then to the unloading table. This ensures that the firearms are only loaded at
the appropriate time and with the appropriate number of shells. It also makes
sure that the firearms are unloaded and clear after the shooter is finished with
each stage. Click on the following link to get more information on
SASS safety and
equipment rules.
Bend of Trail monthly matches usually consist of 6 stages or shooting scenarios. A typical stage will tell a story from the old west that the shooter will then act out. The shooter may be required to say a line from a western movie such as “The Outlaw Jose Wales” like “Are you going to draw them pistols or whistle Dixie?” The shooter will then engage the targets in the order specified. Each stage is explained to the entire posse (group of shooters) before the first shooter starts and then each shooter has the opportunity to review it again with the Range Officer just prior to shooting the stage.
The targets used are generally large and in close. The suggested standard size is 16” x 16” and pistol/shotgun targets are place from 10 to 15 yards with rifle targets usually set at 25 to 35 yards. Sometimes there are exceptions but not often. The targets are steel plates and any hit is a hit. Time is added to your score for targets missed (usually 5 seconds).
Most stages
require the use of all the standard
SASS match firearms (two revolvers, a rifle and a shotgun). The most popular
single action pistol used is the Ruger Vaquero/Blackhawk, followed closely by
various Colt “clones”. Some shooters even use original Colt SAA. The rifles
that are used include, Marlin 1894’s, Winchester 1894’s and replicas of
Winchester 1892’s, 1873’s and 1866’s. Shotguns are 10 to 20 ga. side-by-side
double barrels or pre-1900 style pump or lever actions with exposed hammers.
The most popular caliber used is the .45 Long Colt, followed by .38 spl., .44
spl./mag, and 44/40. For details regarding equipment and ammunition, consult
the
SASS Shooters
Handbook.
Some people put as much time and money into their cowboy
attire as they do into their cowboy guns. The basic requirements are simple:
long pants (denim jeans OK), long-sleeved shirt, boots and a cowboy type hat.
Most people start out simple and then add and build on their outfit as they go.
Try second hand clothing stores for some old wool pants and a long sleeve
shirt. Any type of boot will do to get started. No one will criticize your
attire as long as you are trying. 
It takes a
lot to get started in Cowboy Action Shooting, but the neat thing is that the
people are very helpful. When I started, I borrowed guns for the first 3
years! That’s right, borrowed guns. Most shooters are more than willing to
loan you the guns you need to use in a match. Just provide your own ammo or
offer to pay them to use theirs. This is also a good way to try out different
guns/calibers before you invest in your own. Cowboy shooters are also very
willing to help with other clothing/equipment ideas. One of the best aspects of
Cowboy Action Shooting is that all shooters are welcome, regardless of their
equipment or abilities.
If you have
any questions regarding Bend of Trail matches at RRRC please contact Beer
Slinger at
BeerSlinger@rrrccowboy.com.