Cowboy action shooting advice

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statixstorm

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Hello everyone,

A friend of mine that I am going to be visiting has invited me to a cowboy action shoot, I have never been to one of these but I am pretty excited to go.

Any advice you guys have and are willing to share would be greatly appreciated, etiquette and tips especially.

Thanks!
 
Well, when the RO is speaking to the group, ears open, mouth closed. Don't be afraid to help with the various jobs - setting targets, spotting, brass picking, score keeping, etc...

Are you shooting? Painting with a broad brush here, but the CAS crowd is a really decent bunch, if you need help at the shoot, there will not be a shortage of it.
 
Shooting is a yes, I'll be using my buddies guns as I don't own anything that could be considered "cowboy" lol.

Listening to RO (given at any range really) - Check
Helping with things - Check
Avoid old saggy bags - Double Check

Anything other tips or suggestions? (cowboy shoot specific, I shoot my toys at my range all the time, but nothing serious)
 
As has been said, CAS is usually full of people that are laid back and are there for a good time so you should be fine.
The only thing I've seen is RO's getting a little up tight about turning to the side for drawing and holstering on a crossdraw, so watch for that if you use a crossdraw.
Cheers.
 
Cowboy is the most fun you can have with your pants on. By far the best way to get in is to go along to a match and watch (gives you a clear idea of procedure and equipment), or better still, do as you are and borrow some gear and actually shoot the match. Us cowboys are always happy to have a "newbie" in the crowd and will go out of our way to offer help/advice where needed. Although there is a good element of competition, the social side of the sport is just as important to us - you can't take yourself too seriously when you are dressed up like John Wayne. As far as the "saggy balls" are concerned, I have referred to CAS as "IPSC for old fat guys" but the real truth is that it's a sport for all ages. The last match I shot had shooters ranging from 16 to 75. The good thing is that you shoot in a class that is primarily age based, so if you don't move quite as quickly as you once did - everyone is in the same boat.

Give it a try, prepare to get hooked, start saving for the equipment (can be costly to start).
 
Enjoy the experience, if you are interested in getting into it on a regular basis BEFORE you buy anything go to the Single Action Society website, download the shooters manual AND READ IT. This will give you an idea which category that you want to shoot in and the specific equipment and clothing you require without having to buy items twice.
 
Cowboy shooters are only concerned about one form of etiquette. And that is the one about safety and safe handling. For new shooters to the sport it's pretty common for one of the old hands to mentor you along for the first couple of days. That role will most likely taken by your buddy since it's likely you'll also be sharing his guns with him. He'll inform you of the loading and unloading areas and the primary handling rules as regards safety for all.

Given the size of the targets CAS isn't so much about accuracy as it is about speed and memory. CAS shooting uses a number of different sweeps which involved shooting the targets in various order of engagement. So it can start to feel like a memory test at times. The RO's know that this can be confusing for newbies and even some regulars so when the shooter pauses and stands like a deer in the headlights they are ready with a quick hint to get you back on track.

So don't get all competitive. Just go and have fun. Your buddy and the rest will be happy to guide you along and answer all your questions as they come up.

You'll also find that they are a really personable bunch.
 
SoBored said:
I suggest you go, have fun, take all direction given to you and don't even look at your score. :)
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Lol... Yup lots of good advise here. The wife came with me to the second match I attended, before we were even out the gate on the way home she said to me in no uncertain terms that "She wanted here own guns before the next one".

Funny you should reference the "score card" as a week ago I was rummaging through some old papers in a box and lo and behold I found the card from her first match...1,245 seconds for 10 stages, 33 misses, now she does 10 stages in 350 seconds or so with 4 or 5 misses.
 
Try to shoot a clean match with no misses and forget about speed. That'll come later.
As for looking at times, I've been playing since 2003 and I still don't look at mine!
(I'm too embarrassed! But, I have a lot of fun!)
 
The Cold Lake Kid said:
Try to shoot a clean match with no misses and forget about speed. That'll come later.
As for looking at times, I've been playing since 2003 and I still don't look at mine!
(I'm too embarrassed! But, I have a lot of fun!)
Click to expand...

Having competed at Winter Range, I know where I am in the pecking order, but still I've had fun and met a lot of great people. The only time I really watch the scores is when I attend a match where a particular friend is shooting. After all, after the match there is a possibility of a free beer and bragging rights!
 
Garand said:
....The only time I really watch the scores is when I attend a match where a particular friend is shooting. After all, after the match there is a possibility of a free beer and bragging rights!
Click to expand...

And let's not forget about the good natured smack talk during the match.... :D
 
Garand said:
Having competed at Winter Range, I know where I am in the pecking order, but still I've had fun and met a lot of great people. The only time I really watch the scores is when I attend a match where a particular friend is shooting. After all, after the match there is a possibility of a free beer and bragging rights!
Click to expand...

Believe me, my quality of life between matches is greatly influenced by those score sheets, especialy when "she who wins once in a while" does beat me...It can be a very looonnng ride home.
 
fingers284 said:
Believe me, my quality of life between matches is greatly influenced by those score sheets, especialy when "she who wins once in a while" does beat me...It can be a very looonnng ride home.
Click to expand...

There's simply only one recourse. A continuous "headache" and thus no funsies until proper order is restored.

Yeah, like any of us would ever do THAT.... :D
 
fingers284 said:
Believe me, my quality of life between matches is greatly influenced by those score sheets, especialy when "she who wins once in a while" does beat me...It can be a very looonnng ride home.
Click to expand...

"she who must be obeyed" is currently very happy trying to get as good as a couple of her female friends that shoot. This makes me very happy as I had to buy her 8 guns to find the 4 she liked!
 
All kidding aside, it is very gratifying to watch someone go from never firing a gun to being very competent with a little coaching. And yes, while she is a little competitive with the other ladies, her main drive is to beat me...couldn't think of a better way to spend a Saturday than watching her do it.
 
Having one's wife shoot as well is a big plus! My wife got involved this year, and she loves it! We'll be at the SASS Western Canadian Nationals in Kamloops.
Best people you will ever meet are CAS shooters. The socializing is a big part. At out of town shoots we circle the campers...

Swede Olsson
 
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