Cowboy Action Shooting Drills
- Thread starter MikeD81
- Start date
MikeD81: As already mentioned, Jim "Longhunter" Finch, has a good series of you tube videos on basic cowboy action drills. SASS multiple world champion "Deuce Stevens", also has you tube videos of interest. You can learn some useful things by watching his tutorials on shotgun drills, especially. The shotgun likely being the hardest firearm to master, for many cowboy action shooters.
"Grizzly Dave"...also has a series of videos that are worth watching.
Likely one of the best sources for information on cowboy action, is on the "Jed I tv" you tube site. Hosted by champion cowboy action shooter: "Jed I Knight". This one is excellent, in my view.
This site features plenty of good advice on equipment selection, period costuming, reloading, etc. As well as highly informative and detailed videos of actual competition. The videos are even broken down to highlight stage instructions and shooting scenarios. With detailed instruction on how each stage should be shot. Plus, feature slow motion and close up action video from both the shooter's and spectator's perspective. Its about the closest thing to actually being there. There is plenty to see and learn, for beginner and experienced competitor, alike.
Definitely worth checking out.
My advice: Watch Jed's videos. See how Jed and other competitors shoot the targets as they run through each stage. Then, by referring to the stage instructions and target chart at the start of each video, use these samples to develop your own skills, through dry firing practice drills. Easily done in your basement, using a few simple props and cardboard "plates". These same drills can be further developed by incorporating live fire practice on your local range. Using multiple target stands, etc.
You may already have experience in other shooting disciplines. If so, this advice also holds true with cowboy action: The biggest trap many new cowboy action shooters fall into, is trying to go too fast, too soon. As in martial arts: Speed and proficiency develops with time, experience....and above all...practice. Start slow. Allow good technique to develop with each firearm. Practice as many drills in as many ways you can think of. Learn the sport. Speed will follow.
Also: Be sure to attend as many local cowboy action matches you can. Before making any hard choices on guns or other gear. Watch and learn. Spectators are always welcome. Talk to the competitors. See what they use and why. Ask plenty of questions. You can count on plenty of solid advice.
Above all....always remember: "Smooth is fast. Fast is smooth". Best advice I ever got, from one of the best in the game.
Hope this helps:
Al
ps: Be sure to go to the Single Action Shooting Society's site. Download the latest edition of the "Shooters Handbook". This details all the rules, shooting classifications, guns and equipment requirements, etc., for every aspect of the sport.
"Grizzly Dave"...also has a series of videos that are worth watching.
Likely one of the best sources for information on cowboy action, is on the "Jed I tv" you tube site. Hosted by champion cowboy action shooter: "Jed I Knight". This one is excellent, in my view.
This site features plenty of good advice on equipment selection, period costuming, reloading, etc. As well as highly informative and detailed videos of actual competition. The videos are even broken down to highlight stage instructions and shooting scenarios. With detailed instruction on how each stage should be shot. Plus, feature slow motion and close up action video from both the shooter's and spectator's perspective. Its about the closest thing to actually being there. There is plenty to see and learn, for beginner and experienced competitor, alike.
Definitely worth checking out.
My advice: Watch Jed's videos. See how Jed and other competitors shoot the targets as they run through each stage. Then, by referring to the stage instructions and target chart at the start of each video, use these samples to develop your own skills, through dry firing practice drills. Easily done in your basement, using a few simple props and cardboard "plates". These same drills can be further developed by incorporating live fire practice on your local range. Using multiple target stands, etc.
You may already have experience in other shooting disciplines. If so, this advice also holds true with cowboy action: The biggest trap many new cowboy action shooters fall into, is trying to go too fast, too soon. As in martial arts: Speed and proficiency develops with time, experience....and above all...practice. Start slow. Allow good technique to develop with each firearm. Practice as many drills in as many ways you can think of. Learn the sport. Speed will follow.
Also: Be sure to attend as many local cowboy action matches you can. Before making any hard choices on guns or other gear. Watch and learn. Spectators are always welcome. Talk to the competitors. See what they use and why. Ask plenty of questions. You can count on plenty of solid advice.
Above all....always remember: "Smooth is fast. Fast is smooth". Best advice I ever got, from one of the best in the game.
Hope this helps:
Al
ps: Be sure to go to the Single Action Shooting Society's site. Download the latest edition of the "Shooters Handbook". This details all the rules, shooting classifications, guns and equipment requirements, etc., for every aspect of the sport.
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MikeD81: You may already be an experienced competitive shooter. So, the following advice may seem redundant. But...even the best among us can forget, at times. So always bears repeating.
One aspect of every shooting sport that seems so obvious....but needs to be constantly reinforced...is: SAFETY FIRST. Cowboy action competition, being no different.
The most important safety protocol of all: MUZZLE CONTROL. Also the easiest to forget, under the stress of competition.
Here's a tip: During practice drills at home, follow every safety protocol as you would in actual competition. Once this becomes part of your routine, that same safety "common sense", will follow. It works.
Might seem a bit silly if practicing alone at home, in your basement. Or... preaching to the choir. But, better than getting disqualified over some silly, self-inflicted lapse in judgement. Or worse: seeing yourself or a fellow competitor hurt.
Food for thought.
Al
ps: In the years I've been competing, I have yet to see anyone hurt by "stray" gunfire. A testament to the strict safety rules enforced at every match. But, have seen large holes blown in props, tables, etc.... on rare occasions. Will really wake a person up.
One aspect of every shooting sport that seems so obvious....but needs to be constantly reinforced...is: SAFETY FIRST. Cowboy action competition, being no different.
The most important safety protocol of all: MUZZLE CONTROL. Also the easiest to forget, under the stress of competition.
Here's a tip: During practice drills at home, follow every safety protocol as you would in actual competition. Once this becomes part of your routine, that same safety "common sense", will follow. It works.
Might seem a bit silly if practicing alone at home, in your basement. Or... preaching to the choir. But, better than getting disqualified over some silly, self-inflicted lapse in judgement. Or worse: seeing yourself or a fellow competitor hurt.
Food for thought.
Al
ps: In the years I've been competing, I have yet to see anyone hurt by "stray" gunfire. A testament to the strict safety rules enforced at every match. But, have seen large holes blown in props, tables, etc.... on rare occasions. Will really wake a person up.
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Start SLOWLY with the individual separate steps: grab the grip(s), lift from holster, swing forward, thumb hammers, aim, finger enters trigger guard, squeeze trigger. Work on that for awhile to be certain you're doing everything right and build the "muscle memory" of doing those steps right and in sequence. Then start accelerating but pull back if you catch yourself getting the least bit sloppy.
Really, be absolutely certain you're not cocking a hammer while your boots are in danger!
Really, be absolutely certain you're not cocking a hammer while your boots are in danger!
MikeD81: Here is some resource information that you will find useful: On the site-sponsor: Rusty Wood Trading site.....go to the link : "Cowboy action clubs and other links" at the bottom of the page. This will open up a wealth of information on cowboy action shooting. It is a great resource.
Since you're in Winnipeg....this also includes a link to the: "Winnipeg Revolver & Pistol Association Cowboy Action Shooters". You may already know of this group. But if not....the info is there.
While you're at it, be sure to check out the : "Valley Regulators" site. Site of "Boomtown"....and home to the SASS Canadian National Cowboy Action Championships. For stage diagrams/instructions, simply go to the "Nationals" heading. This page opens up with the 2016 Nationals stages. A good start and lots of solid info for practice drills. But can be followed to get info for other years, too.
There are plenty of other clubs etc., of interest, featured on the main site. Well worth checking out.
Hope this helps.
Al
Since you're in Winnipeg....this also includes a link to the: "Winnipeg Revolver & Pistol Association Cowboy Action Shooters". You may already know of this group. But if not....the info is there.
While you're at it, be sure to check out the : "Valley Regulators" site. Site of "Boomtown"....and home to the SASS Canadian National Cowboy Action Championships. For stage diagrams/instructions, simply go to the "Nationals" heading. This page opens up with the 2016 Nationals stages. A good start and lots of solid info for practice drills. But can be followed to get info for other years, too.
There are plenty of other clubs etc., of interest, featured on the main site. Well worth checking out.
Hope this helps.
Al
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WilliamWallace
CGN Regular
- Location
- SW Manitoba
The above quote is the best advice anyone could offer.
I shoot Cowboy Action at the Winnipeg range. If you haven't shot there yet we'd love to see you. There's always some challenging, fun scenarios. A big range of shooters including a young shooter, several women, etc. Theyre all good shooters and safety is first and foremost.
I drive 3 hours to get there. My only regret is that I didn't find these people sooner because I like them all. They're nice people and that makes it more fun.
My CAS alias is S.T. Ranger. See you at the range.
