Shooters Handbook Table Of

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

SINGLE ACTION SHOOTING SOCIETY...... 1 SPIRIT OF THE GAME...... 3 EQUIPMENT AND SHOOTING CATEGORIES ...... 4 RIFLES...... 4 SHOTGUNS...... 5 REVOLVERS...... 6 MODERN ...... 7 TRADITIONAL...... 7 FRONTIER CARTRIDGE...... 8 DUELIST...... 9 GUNFIGHTER ...... 9 FRONTIERSMAN...... 12 CLASSIC...... 12 AGE AND GENDER-BASED CATAGORIES ...... 14 SIDE MATCHES ...... 16 THE PLAINSMAN ...... 16 POCKET PISTOLS and DERRINGERS...... 16 LONG RANGE (or PRECISION) RIFLE ...... 17 SASS MOUNTED SHOOTING...... 21 FIREARMS RESTRICTIONS ...... 22 HOLSTERS, CARTRIDGE BELTS AND SHOOTERS HANDBOOK BANDOLEERS ...... 24 AMMUNITION...... 26 SCORING AND TIMING...... 27 TENTH EDITION (VERS 10.2) RANGE OPERATIONS ...... 31 April 2003 SAFETY PRACTICES ...... 35 SELECTING AN ALIAS...... 42 COPYRIGHT 1987, 1989, 1992, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, CLOTHING AND ACCOUTERMENTS...... 43 2000, 2002, 2003 OUTLAWED ...... 47 Single Action Shooting Society®, Inc. All Rights Reserved

SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 The truly unique aspect of Cowboy Action SINGLE ACTION SHOOTING SOCIETY Shooting™ is the requirement placed on authen- The Single Action Shooting Society is an inter- tic period or western screen dress. Each partici- national organization created to preserve and pant is required to adopt a shooting alias appro- promote the fast growing sport of Cowboy Ac- priate to a character or profession of the late 19th tion Shooting™. SASS endorses regional century, or a Hollywood western star, and de- matches conducted by affiliated clubs and annu- velop a costume accordingly. ally produces END of TRAIL, the World Cham- pionship of Cowboy Action Shooting™ & Wild Your SASS shooting alias is exclusively yours. West Jubilee. In the tradition of the Old West cattle brand reg- istries, SASS prohibits one shooter duplicating Cowboy Action Shooting™ is a multifaceted another’s alias. There is only one Tex, one Kid shooting sport in which contestants compete Curry, and one Loophole Pettifogger. with firearms typical of those used in the taming of the Old West: single action revolvers, lever SASS affiliated clubs are required to respect the action rifles, and side by side double barreled, sanctity of SASS members’ aliases and shooter pre-1899 pump, or lever action shotguns. The numbers, using them in their articles for publica- shooting competition is staged in a unique, char- tion in The Cowboy Chronicle and giving them acterized, "Old West" style. preference over local club members who are not SASS members, and are using a duplicate alias. Contestants shoot in several one- to four-gun stages (courses of fire) in which they engage American history buffs and serious shooters reactive steel and cardboard silhouette targets. alike agree the use of vintage firearms, authentic Scoring is based on accuracy and speed. costuming, unique targets, and fast action make Cowboy Action Shooting™ one of the most

Copyright, Single Action Shooting Society, Inc. 1 Copyright, Single Action Shooting Society, Inc. 2 SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 interesting of all shooting sports for both specta- “The Spirit of the Game” means you fully par- tor and contestant. ticipate in what the competition asks. You do not look for ways to create an advantage out of This handbook includes the specific rules, regu- what is or is not stated as a rule or shooting pro- lations, and general guidelines adopted by the cedure. Some folks would call “The Spirit of the Single Action Shooting Society. The SASS Game” nothing more than good sportsmanship. Range Operations Basic Course and SASS Whatever you call it, if you don’t have it, Range Officer Training Course offer an in-depth Cowboy Action Shooting™ is not your game. interpretation and further clarification of these rules. It is the intention and hope of SASS these EQUIPMENT and SHOOTING requirements will serve to preserve and protect CATEGORIES Cowboy Action Shooting™ from the gimmickry and technical gamesmanship that have had such Originals and reproductions of firearms a negative effect on other shooting disciplines. manufactured during the early to late 1800's, The founders of SASS believe END of TRAIL including Colts, Winchesters, Remingtons, and club and annual matches are as much an Smith & Wessons, Marlins, Sharps, and Henrys, opportunity for fun and fellowship as they are are allowed in SASS competitions, so long as shooting competitions. they are in safe shooting condition.

SPIRIT of the GAME RIFLES As the game of Cowboy Action Shooting™ has Main, Team, and Side Matches (not Long Range evolved, our members have developed and or Precision Rifle) adopted an attitude towards their participation we call “The Spirit of the Game.” Competing in

SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 Any lever or slide action, tubular fed, exposed allowed, whether original or replicas. hammer rifle or carbine manufactured between Military configurations are not allowed. Certain 1860 and 1899, or any reproduction thereof. shooting categories require a specific type of shotgun and ammunition to be used in • Centerfire, .25-20 caliber or larger. those competitions. Please see the shooting • Rifle must be in a "pistol" caliber (examples categories for further information. include, but are not limited to, .32-20, .38 Special, .38-40, .44-40, and .45 Colt. No • No larger bore than 10 gauge and no smaller “rifle” calibers such as .30-30 or .38-55 are than 20 gauge. allowed.) • All shotguns must have a barrel over 18" in • Only original or replica style open iron length. sights or tang mounted peep sights of • Number 4 lead birdshot or smaller must be the 1860 to 1899 period are allowed. used in all events (no steel or plated shot). • Barrel must be over 16" in length. • Magnum and high-velocity loads are not • Rifles with box magazines may not be used. allowed. • Pump and lever action shotguns are allowed SHOTGUNS to load no more than two rounds at a time in Any side by side or single shot shotgun the main match stages unless specified in the typical of the period from approximately stage description. Single loading the 1860 until 1899 without automatic ejectors, pump/lever shotguns is always acceptable. with or without external hammers, having In team events, shotguns may be loaded to single or double triggers is allowed. Lever their maximum magazine capacity. or slide action single barrel tubular feed, exposed hammer shotguns of the period are

Copyright, Single Action Shooting Society, Inc. 5 Copyright, Single Action Shooting Society, Inc. 6 SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 REVOLVERS Examples: Colt New Frontier, Ruger Blackhawk Cowboy Action Shooters are divided into six and .32 caliber Single Six, and Ruger New basic categories: Modern, Traditional, Frontier Model Bisley. Cartridge, Duelist, Gunfighter, and Frontiers- man. A shooter's category is determined by the TRADITIONAL type of “six-gun,” propellant, and shooting style Single action cartridge, percussion, or blackpow- he or she uses. der cartridge conversion revolver manufactured prior to 1896, or reproduction thereof. Although the .32 caliber revolvers and .36 caliber cap and ball pistols are legal, they may not • .32 caliber or larger. be powerful enough to handle all reactive • Must have non-adjustable, traditional, targets. To the extent possible, reactive targets notch-style sights. Dovetailed front or rear are set to fall when squarely hit with a standard sights are acceptable for percussion and .38 Special 158 gr. factory load. blackpowder cartridge conversion firearms if they conform to sights commonly found MODERN on the originals. Any .32 caliber or larger single action revolver • May use any appropriate propellant. with adjustable sights. Examples: Colt SAA; Ruger Vaquero; Smith & Two Traditional revolvers cannot be used in the Wesson American, Russian, or Schofield; Rem- Modern category. For two-revolver stages, it is ington Models ‘75 or ‘90; Bisleys; and their permissible for one revolver to be a Traditional reproductions. style handgun. For one-revolver stages, a Mod- The Ruger Old Army percussion revolver with ern handgun must be used. traditional, non-adjustable sights is a “Tradi-

SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 tional style” pistol. The same gun in the model DUELIST having adjustable rear sights must compete in the Requires a Traditional style single action re- Modern category. volver cocked and fired one-handed, unsupported. The revolver, hand, or shooting arm may FRONTIER CARTRIDGE not be touched by the off-hand except when Traditional style percussion or cartridge single resolving a malfunctioning pistol problem. Any action revolvers of original manufacture prior to SASS legal shotgun, rifle, or propellant (black- 1896 or reproductions thereof. powder or smokeless) may be used. • .32 caliber or larger. GUNFIGHTER • Must use blackpowder in all loads (rifle, six-gun, and shotgun). This category requires two Traditional style sin- • Must use a side by side or lever action shot- gle actions, both shot Duelist style, one right gun in the main match stages. handed and the other left handed. Any SASS legal shotgun, rifle, or propellant may be used. • Any SASS legal pistol caliber rifle is Two standard holsters are required, one on each acceptable. side. No cross-draw or “butt-forward” Frontier Cartridge Duelist is also recognized. configurations are allowed. See Duelist description below for required shoot- Definitions: ing technique. “Gunfighter Style” is defined as shooting with a NOTE: Frontier Cartridge competitors may use pistol in each hand and shooting the pistols al- any SASS legal firearms and propellants in team ternately or changing leads, which is defined as and side matches.

Copyright, Single Action Shooting Society, Inc. 9 Copyright, Single Action Shooting Society, Inc. 10 SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 no more than two sequential rounds from the pistol in one hand and then sweep the targets same pistol. from right to left with the other pistol in the other hand.). “Double Duelist Style” is defined as shooting a revolver cocked and fired one-handed and When shooting Gunfighter Style, both pistols unsupported with each hand, but with only one may be cocked at the same time, but must be loaded revolver in hand at a time. This shooting shot one at a time to facilitate scoring. A Gun- style may be employed in the Gunfighter fighter may not holster pistols until all rounds Category or any Category that allows the are expended unless the pistols were drawn at “Duelist Style.” the wrong time or a pistol/ammunition malfunction has occurred. When a stage calls for ten pistol rounds in a single sequence, or the use of only one pistol, the In the event of a malfunction while using both Gunfighter has the option of engaging the targets pistols, the Gunfighter shall keep both pistols either “Gunfighter Style” OR “Double Duelist pointed in a safe direction, shoot the functioning Style.” The Gunfighter shall shoot the targets in pistol empty, and holster it. If the pistol that exactly the same sequence as prescribed in the malfunctioned cannot be cleared, it will then be stage scenario (e.g., if the stage calls for sweep- handed off to a Range Officer or otherwise made ing a bank of targets left to right and then right safe, and the stage completed in the best manner to left, when shooting “Gunfighter Style” the possible. Gunfighter shall sweep the bank of targets left to If the stage scenario requires the use of another right with both guns and then sweep the bank firearm between the pistol sequences or the from right to left with both guns. If shooting shooter’s hands are otherwise constrained (e.g., “Double Duelist Style,” the Gunfighter shall sweep the bank of targets left to right with one

SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 rolling the dice between pistol sequences), the • Costuming: Must choose at least three of the pistols are shot “Double Duelist.” requirements listed below. All clothing items must be worn for the duration of the FRONTIERSMAN entire match, including awards ceremonies. Same as Frontier Cartridge except handguns are Chaps, spurs, cuffs, scarf worn loosely limited to .36 caliber or larger percussion pistols around the neck or with scarf slide, tie, shot Duelist style. vest, pocket watch with full length chain, jacket, no straw hats allowed. CLASSIC • In addition to the above items, ladies may choose from the items listed below in order • Handguns: Any SASS legal Traditional to compete within this category: Category pistols Period watch, split riding skirt, bustle, • Calibers: .40 caliber rimmed cartridges or hoops, corset, Victorian style hat (straw larger - pistols and rifle (e.g., .38-40, .44 allowed), period jewelry, period hair or- Special, .44 Russian, .44 Mag, .44-40, .45 naments (e.g. feathers), snood, Reticule Schofield, .45 Colt, .36 caliber cap & ball or (period handbag), period lace up shoes, larger) camisole, bloomers, fishnet stockings, • Ammo: SASS legal ammo - smokeless or feather boa, cape. blackpowder • Pistols MUST be shot as described in the • Rifles: Any 1873 or earlier manufacture SASS Duelist Category requirements SASS legal rifle or a replica there of (e.g., ONLY! 1866, Henry, 1873 Winchester) • No Buscadero or drop loop holster rigs • Shotguns: SASS legal external-hammer allowed. double barrel or lever actions

Copyright, Single Action Shooting Society, Inc. 13 Copyright, Single Action Shooting Society, Inc. 14 SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 • All boots must be of traditional design (i.e., • Forty-Niners are Traditional Category leather or smooth rubber) with non-grip en- competitors 49 years of age or greater. hancing soles. Forty-Niner Ladies Category is also • Hats must be worn for the entire match. recognized. • Seniors are competitors 60 years of age or greater. Senior Ladies is also recognized. AGE AND GENDER-BASED CATAGORIES Senior Duelist is a recognized senior SASS additionally recognizes protected shooting category and either Modern or Traditional categories based upon age and gender. These pistols can be used. categories incorporate the following standards. • Elder Statesmen / Grand Dames are Unless otherwise stated, any SASS legal firearm, competitors 70 years of age or greater. propellant, and (non-Gunfighter) shooting style can be used. Note: Only juniors may shoot as Juniors. Only females may shoot as Women. Only seniors • Juniors are defined as persons aged 12 may shoot as Seniors. Only Forty-Niners can through 16. The category may be sub-di- shoot as Forty-Niners. There are no men’s cate- vided by gender. Caution is urged in allow- gories. No competitor is compelled to shoot in ing competitors under age 12. Parental con- one of these categories by reason of his or her sent is required for all competitors under age or gender. A competitor may compete in twenty-one years of age. any category for which they qualify. Any • The women’s category may be sub-divided woman, junior, or senior who wishes to compete according to the use of Modern and Tradi- under one of the six basic shooting categories tional handguns as well as shooting style, may do so. For example, a junior female shoot- e.g., Lady Duelist. ing a Colt one handed with blackpowder rounds

SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 may elect to shoot as a Junior, a Woman, a Tra- POCKET PISTOLS and DERRINGERS ditional, a Frontier Cartridge, or a Duelist Pocket pistols and Derringers are popular for use competitor. in side matches and are occasionally introduced SIDE MATCHES as an additional firearm in main match stages. • A pocket pistol is defined as an external THE PLAINSMAN hammer or hammerless, small frame, fixed The event requires two .36 caliber or larger Tra- sight, single or double action pre-1900 de- ditional style percussion revolvers, shot Duelist sign revolver of solid frame, tip-up, or break style. down construction having a barrel length of • Must use a SASS legal single-shot rifle fir- four inches or less. Pocket pistols may be ing a traditional blackpowder rifle or pistol percussion ignition, rimfire, or centerfire caliber cartridge (e.g., not a .30-30). The and must be .31 caliber or larger. Model rifle may have spring actuated ejectors if “P” Colts and clones and revolvers with they are standard for that rifle. swing out cylinders are specifically not • Must use a side by side, with or without allowed regardless of caliber, frame size, or exposed hammers, or lever action shotgun. barrel length. • Must use blackpowder in all loads (rifle, • A Derringer is defined as an external ham- pistol, and shotgun). mer, fixed sight, breech-loading or percussion ignition, small frame pre-1900 design firearm having one to four barrels up to three and one-half inches long. Derringers may be either rimfire or center fire .22 caliber or larger. The Remington style

Copyright, Single Action Shooting Society, Inc. 17 Copyright, Single Action Shooting Society, Inc. 18 SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 over/under barrel configuration and the • Buffalo Single Shot Sharps four-barreled Pepperbox are typical • •Open Category (may be used at the match SASS legal Derringers. directors option to include those firearms not .22 Magnum Derringers are not allowed. covered by the four official Long Range Categories) LONG RANGE (or PRECISION) RIFLE Blackpowder categories can be added to any or SASS long range or precision rifle competition all of the basic categories at the option of the is different than main match rifle competition match director. The Buffalo Single Shot is with more emphasis placed on precision shoot- blackpowder or blackpowder substitutes only. ing at longer ranges, with time being a secondary Each category competes within itself. scoring factor. Scoring for these matches is de- Basic Rules for the Long Range Competitions termined by the number of hits, with either of two methods used to break ties. At the match • Front barrel sights may vary from simple director’s option, either total time used to shoot blades to period hooded wind gauge designs the required number of shots or a shoot-off may using interchangeable sight inserts and hav- be used to break ties. ing a spirit level mounted integral with the There are four categories in long range or preci- sight or sight base. sion rifle competition, plus one optional • Rear sights must either be open iron sights category: mounted on the barrel or original style tang • Lever action, pistol caliber or stock wrist mounted peep sights. Long • Lever action, rifle caliber range rear barrel mounted sights of the flip- • Single Shot up ladder type may use a peep-hole drilled

SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 through the sliding sight leaf. An example alloy having a plain base, gas checked, or of this is the various ladder type sights used paper patched configuration. Muzzle veloci- on the Springfield trapdoors. ties are restricted only by safety considera- • Optical and receiver mounted sights are not tions. Extremely high velocities tend to allowed. work to the shooter’s disadvantage. • “Rifle Caliber” competition rifles must use Lever Action Rifles used in long-range traditional, period, rimmed cartridges. No matches, whether pistol or rifle calibers, must be cartridge chambered for use in any SASS originals or replicas of rifles manufactured approved main match pistol or rifle may be during the period from approximately 1860 until used in the “Rifle Caliber” competition. 1899. Lever or slide action, tubular feed, Thus, .30-30 WCF, .38-55 Marlin & Ballard, exposed hammer rifles or carbines are allowed, .43 Spanish, or .45-70 Government car- providing they are in safe working condition. tridges would be legal, while a .375 Win- Note: The rifles must have an exposed hammer chester, .444 Marlin, .32-20 WCF, or .44-40 and a tubular magazine, thus eliminating the use WCF would not be legal. of a Winchester Model ‘95 and a Savage Model • Any SASS approved propellant, including 1899 or other similar rifles having a box or smokeless, Pyrodex, and blackpowder may rotary magazine. be used (with the exception smokeless powder is not allowed in the Buffalo Single Shot Single Shot and Buffalo Single Shot firearms competition). must be originals or replicas of single shot rifles • Regardless of category or caliber, bullets manufactured during the period from approxi- used in long range and precision rifle mately 1860 until 1899. All rifles MUST have matches must be made of pure lead or lead exposed hammers. The caliber and cartridge rules for the “Rifle Caliber” firearms noted

Copyright, Single Action Shooting Society, Inc. 21 Copyright, Single Action Shooting Society, Inc. 22 SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 above under basic rules also apply to Single Shot firearm modifications is available in the and Buffalo Single Shot rifles with the exception Range Operations Basic Safety Course that Buffalo Single Shot rifles must be .375” materials. caliber or larger. • Firearms of all approved types should be Buffalo Single Shot competition has further maintained in as original exterior condition as restrictions requiring original or replica rifles to possible. The firearm must “look” period. be of a pre-1899 design of US manufacture with • No visible external modifications other than exposed hammer. Spring-loaded ejectors are (non-rubber) grips, recoil pads on shotguns, also prohibited, except for Springfield Trapdoor and leather wrapping (e.g., rifle levers) are Rifles. allowed. • Contemporary rubber grips, modern target SASS MOUNTED SHOOTING grips, and grip tape are not allowed. Re- placement grips of wood, ivory, pearl, stag SASS Mounted Shooting is a special event horn, bone, and the like are perfectly accept- where experienced riders traverse a course of able so long as they are not severely custom- fire in the shortest period of time shooting ized to constitute a "target" grip. That is, they balloons with match supplied .45 caliber blanks. must be of original shape and scale. Please see the SASS Mounted Shooters • Minor exterior modifications and cosmetic Handbook for additional information. engraving are acceptable so long as the overall outward appearance of the firearm is not al- FIREARMS RESTRICTIONS tered. Cosmetic embellishment such as en- A number of general restrictions have been listed graving is permitted to the extent it does not below. A far more inclusive list of allowable create a competitive advantage. For example,

SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 back strap checkering or stippling is not al- it offers you a competitive advantage, the re- lowed. Engraving your alias on the back strap sponse will nearly always be “no”. is permissible. • Modifying the stock length to fit you or HOLSTERS, CARTRIDGE BELTS and changing a barrel to a different legal length is BANDOLEERS acceptable. • All handguns must be carried in a safe hol- • Colored sights and sight inserts are not al- ster capable of retaining the firearm through- lowed. Sight outlines or inserts must be out a normal range of motion. blackened or removed (e.g., Marlin's Cowboy • Main-match holsters must be located one on Rifle factory sights). each side of the belly button and separated • Trigger shoes, compensating ports, counter by at least the width of two fists at the belt. weights, bull barrels and all other such modi- (Note: Pocket pistol and Derringer holsters fications are prohibited. are not “main-match” holsters.) • A stage disqualification is issued for use of • Holsters may not depart from the vertical by any non-legal SASS firearm at matches above more than 30 degrees when worn. the club level. • Ammunition required for reloads during the • Sights may be altered to allow the gun to shoot course of any stage must be carried on the to point of aim so long as the resulting sights shooter's person in a bandoleer, belt, pouch, appear to be “period.” or pocket. Rifle and pistol ammunition may • No more than two main-match pistols may be not be carried in a shotgun loop. No am- worn to the firing line. munition may be carried in the mouth, ears, General “Spirit of the Game “ guidance … if you nose, cleavage, or any other bodily orifice. have to ask permission to use something because

Copyright, Single Action Shooting Society, Inc. 25 Copyright, Single Action Shooting Society, Inc. 26 SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 • Bandoleers, cartridge belts, and pouches • Cartridge loops mounted on a firearm's must be of traditional design (e.g., bando- stock or forearm are not allowed. leers must be loose and not secured in any way to prevent movement). Modern drop AMMUNITION pouches, combat-style shotgun loops, wrist • Revolver ammunition must have a muzzle or forearm bandoleers, and such are not al- velocity less than 1,000 fps. Rifle ammuni- lowed. Pouches shall have a flap and must tion must have a muzzle velocity less than carry their contents loose, with no special 1,400 fps. Ammunition suspected of exceed- provisions to organize the contents for rapid ing these velocity restrictions may be exam- retrieval. Leather belt slide ammo loops are ined by the range-master. Shooters may be acceptable. held responsible for damage caused to a tar- • Cartridge loops must not have a metal or get or injury to personnel due to “bounce- plastic liner. back” because of inappropriate ammunition. • Shotgun ammo loops may not accommodate This major safety violation is grounds for more than two rounds per loop, and ri- “instant disqualification” and ejection from fle/pistol ammo loops shall accommodate the match. only one round per loop. • Revolver and (main match) rifle ammunition • Ammo belts must be worn around the waist may not be jacketed, semi-jacketed, plated, (at or below the belly button). gas checked, or copper washed. It must be • Shotgun ammo loops must conform to the all lead. Molydisulfide coated bullets or shooters contour (i.e., not tilt out from the equivalent are acceptable. belt). • Revolver and rifle ammunition must be of “single-projectile” design. “Multiple-projectile” bullets are illegal.

SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 • Ammunition with bullets recessed below the if your place of finish in stage one is 23, stage case mouth is disallowed. two is 12, stage three is 5, and stage four is 33, • Throughout this manual, blackpowder your total rank score is 73. All competitors with means blackpowder, Pyrodex, Black Mag, or lower total rank scores will finish ahead of you. comparable propellants. Any combination Rank scoring is recommended when all of the of smokeless and blackpowder (so called du- stages in a match are not of approximately the plex loads) is specifically prohibited. same duration and degree of difficulty. SCORING and TIMING The alternative to rank scoring is scoring based SASS matches are scored based upon elapsed upon total time (total raw time plus penalties). shooting time and added penalty points for missed targets. Each stage is scored individually Overall winners, often including both the top and, in most club matches, the total combined male and top female competitors, are tradition- score for all stages fired is ranked for place of ally recognized at SASS matches. The “best finish, either over all or by category. score” for the main match stages determines the overall winner. At END of TRAIL, SASS Regionals, and at the discretion of each affiliated club, rank scoring is Electronic timers are generally used for timing used. all SASS events, but stopwatches may be used. In rank scoring, each stage is ranked for all com- Rifle, pistol, and shotgun targets must be en- petitors' place of finish. At the conclusion of the gaged with the appropriate type firearm. A match, each competitor's rank from each stage is “miss” is defined as the failure to hit the engaged added together, and the combined total is then target using the appropriate type firearm. ranked for overall place of finish. For example, Missed targets are scored as five-second

Copyright, Single Action Shooting Society, Inc. 29 Copyright, Single Action Shooting Society, Inc. 30 SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 additions to the competitor’s raw time for the Major safety infractions will result in the stage (at annual matches and above). If any shooter’s disqualification from the stage or the targets are shot (hit) using the wrong type match. A second major infraction in the match firearm, a single procedure penalty is assessed in shall result in the shooter’s ejection from the addition to the miss. range. “Major” infractions include a dropped gun, an accidental discharge that impacts within Procedurals are unintentional “mistakes” where ten-feet of any person (an impact within five-feet the competitor engages the stage in a manner is a match disqualification), violation of the 170 other than the way it is supposed to be shot. degree safety rule, “sweeping” any person with Procedurals are scored as a ten-second penalty, the muzzle of a firearm, and similar acts that no more than one per stage. have high potential for personal injury. A stage disqualification is issued for each stage In the event a competitor feels a range officer’s in which a non-SASS legal firearm is used at ruling is in error, the ruling may be politely and matches above the club level. immediately appealed to the Rangemaster/Match Minor safety infractions occurring during a Director after clearing the range, allowing match course of fire that do not directly endanger per- activities to resume. The Rangemaster/Match sons will result in a ten-second penalty being Director will consider the appeal on grounds of added to the shooter's time per occurrence for policy and rules interpretation only, and their that stage. "Minor" safety infractions are occur- decision is final. At major matches special pro- rences such as failure to open a long gun's action test juries comprised of Territorial Governors at the conclusion of a shooting string or failure may be empanelled to aid the Range Mas- to return a handgun to its holster at the conclu- ter/Match Director in making a reasonable sion of a shooting string. judgment.

SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 Failure to Engage bullwhip on the ground and went after the targets. A “failure to engage” occurs when a competitor willfully or intentionally disregards the stage In Cowboy Action Shooting™ we call this instructions in order to obtain a competitive ad- “failure to engage.” And, it definitely is not in vantage (i.e., taking the penalty would result in a keeping with “Spirit of the Game.” lower score or faster time than following the instructions) and is not assessed simply because RANGE OPERATIONS a competitor “makes a mistake.” In such a case, Cowboy Action Shooting™ is not intended to be in addition to any penalties for misses, a 30-sec- a precision shooting competition. Small targets ond failure to engage/Spirit of the Game penalty and long distances take the “action” out of the is assessed. game and make it more discouraging for newer For example, a shooting problem at a club match shooters. had the competitor start the stage by knocking a Both experienced and inexperienced shooters “stick of dynamite” over with a bullwhip. This want hits on their targets. Some folks just hit (or procedure required swinging the whip across the miss) a little faster than others. Too many dynamite stick just a few feet away. It was pos- misses, or the perception the targets are too diffi- sible to miss, and many did. You had to keep cult to hit, discourage folks from continuing to swinging until you got the dynamite. play, especially the less proficient shooters. One shooter, determining he could shave some Ask any experienced Cowboy Action Shooter, time by taking a penalty rather than attempting to and she or he will tell you there is no such thing knock over the dynamite, simply threw the as a target too big or too close to miss!

Copyright, Single Action Shooting Society, Inc. 33 Copyright, Single Action Shooting Society, Inc. 34 SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 A more detailed guide to match design is avail- directed otherwise. For example, when able in the Match Directors Guide. changing from handgun to rifle in a two-gun stage, the handgun will be holstered before • Metal and paper targets of generous size are the rifle is picked up. used. Reactive targets such as pepper pop- • Only Gunfighters shooting in the “Gun- pers and falling plates are used when practi- fighter Style” may have two loaded pistols in cal to enhance shooter feedback and their hands at once. spectator appeal. • Competitors choosing to use six-shot per- • Targets are set at close to medium range. cussion revolvers may load and cap only There are no absolute rules, but we suggest five chambers. If a particular stage requires the following distances, by firearm, if using a one shot reload, the sixth chamber may be a target approximately 16” X 16”: charged at the bench and then capped “on • Revolver - 7 to 10 yards the clock.” A complete reload is handled by • Shotgun - 8 to 16 yards staging a loaded, uncapped revolver down • Rifle - 13 to 50 yards range or switching uncapped cylinders and • Derringer/Pocket Pistol - Point blank to capping under the clock. three yards (paper, cardboard, or balloons • SASS matches above the club level are “no only. It's too close to safely shoot steel.) alibi” matches. Once the first round goes • Handguns are returned to leather down range, the competitor is committed to (reholstered) with hammer down on an the stage and must finish the shooting prob- empty chamber or a spent case at the lem to the best of his ability. Reshoots are conclusion of the gun's immediate use, not awarded for ammunition or firearm mal- unless the shooter has been specifically functions. However, if there is a range failure (failure of props, timer, or the range

SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 officers) beyond the competitor’s control, a SAFETY PRACTICES reshoot may be granted. On a reshoot, the First, Last, and Always competitor starts over clean, carrying only accrued safety penalties with him. Our sport, by its very nature, has the potential to • The role of the Range Officer is to safely as- be dangerous and a serious accident can occur. sist the shooter through the course of fire. Every participant in a SASS match is expected to Coaching and constraining the shooter from be a safety officer. Each shooter's first re- unsafe acts are expected when appropriate, sponsibility is for his or her own safe conduct, minimizing procedural and safety penalties but all shooters are expected to remain alert for whenever possible. actions by others that are unsafe. • It is expected the Range Officers will be the Any Range Officer or shooter may confront any responsible parties for observing and resolv- participant about an observed unsafe situation, ing all safety related matters occurring in the and it is expected the matter will quickly be cor- loading, unloading, and firing line areas. rected and not repeated. Any argument concern- However, any shooter who observes a safety ing the correction of a safety related matter can infraction not seen by the Range Officer(s) be expected to result in that shooter being should call the infraction to the Range Offi- ejected from the range. cer's attention, at which time the matter will be resolved. Hearing protection is highly recommended and eye protection is mandatory in and around the shooting areas. While small, period glasses look great, full protection, high impact glasses are strongly recommended.

Copyright, Single Action Shooting Society, Inc. 37 Copyright, Single Action Shooting Society, Inc. 38 SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 Shooters shall adhere to the following safety during loading and have fired or cleared all guidelines: capped chambers prior to leaving the unloading area. 1. Treat and respect every firearm at all times as 5. Six-guns are always loaded with only five if it were loaded. rounds (five shooters with four), the hammer 2. Muzzle direction is important between, be- lowered and left resting on the empty fore, during, and after shooting a stage. A chamber muzzle must not be allowed to “sweep” the 6. No cocked revolver may ever leave a other participants at any time. Long guns shooter’s hand. will have their actions open with chambers 7. Once a live round is placed under the ham- and magazines empty and muzzles pointed mer, the round must be expended. If the fire- in a safe direction when transported at a arm is shot out of sequence, the shooter will match. Failure to manage safe muzzle receive a single procedural penalty. The direction is grounds for disqualification from shooter has the option of making the gun safe the stage, and for repeated offenses, from the and moving to the correct position or restag- match. ing it. Shotguns may be opened and rounds 3. All firearms will remain unloaded except removed or replaced without penalty. when under the direct observation of a Range Officer on the firing line or in the loading 8. The shooter shall not cock his revolver until area. the firearm is pointed safely down range. 4. All loading and unloading will be conducted Any accidental or premature discharge of any only in the designated areas. NOTE: Percus- firearm impacting within ten-feet of the sion revolver shooters must exercise care to shooter is unsafe and will result in disqualifi- ensure they maintain safe muzzle direction cation from the stage or, if less than five-feet, from the match. A second stage disqualifica-

SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 tion shall result in the shooter's ejection from live or empty, left anywhere in a long gun in the match. A safe practice is to develop the which it was loaded is a ten-second minor habit of cocking handguns with the "weak" or safety violation. Broken guns still contain- off-hand after the gun has cleared leather and ing rounds will not warrant penalties so long is pointed safely down range. as the malfunction is declared and the gun 9. Rifles may be staged down range from the made safe. shooter with the magazine loaded, action 13. All shooters must demonstrate rudimentary closed, hammer down, and chamber empty. familiarity and proficiency with the firearms 10. Shotguns are always staged open with being used. Shooters are expected to per- magazine and chambers empty and are form within their capabilities at all times. loaded on the clock unless the stage begins SASS matches are not the forum in which to with the shotgun in the shooter’s hands. learn basic firearms handling. Mule-eared shotguns can be cocked at the 14. SASS matches are not fast draw competi- beginning of a scenario, whether staged or tions. Any unsafe gun handling in the in the shooters hands. Long guns are never course of a draw from the holster or any staged with their muzzles on the ground. "fanning" will result in the shooter’s dis- 11. Long guns will be left open with magazines qualification from that stage. “Slip-ham- and chambers empty at the conclusion of mering” is not the same as fanning and is each shooting string (i.e., whenever the gun legal. leaves the shooter's hands during or at the 15. Extreme care must be exercised when draw- end of a stage). This does not apply to “re- ing a pistol from a cross-draw or shoulder staged” guns. holster or returning the pistol to leather. 12. A live round left in the chamber constitutes The user must “twist” their body, if neces- a stage disqualification. Any other rounds, sary, to ensure the muzzle never breaks the

Copyright, Single Action Shooting Society, Inc. 41 Copyright, Single Action Shooting Society, Inc. 42 SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 170 degree safety rule during the process. 18. Ammunition dropped by a shooter in the Failure to ensure the muzzle is always down course of reloading any firearm during a range is grounds for an immediate stage dis- stage or “ejected” from any firearm is con- qualification. A second infraction during sidered “dead” and may not be recovered the same match is grounds for match dis- until the shooter completes the course of qualification. (Note: The 170˚ safety rule fire. For example, if a round of shotgun means the muzzle of the firearm must al- ammo is dropped while reloading, the round ways be straight down range +/- 85 degrees must be replaced from the shooter’s person in any direction. If a competitor “comes or counted as a missed shot. No attempt close” to breaking the 180 degree safety may be made by the shooter to pick-up the plane, the 170 degree safety rule has been dropped round, as to do so prompts muzzle violated, and the competitor is at fault.) direction loss of control. Staged ammuni- 16. When changing location during a stage, all tion dropped back where it was staged is not firearms being carried must either have the considered “dead.” hammer down on an empty chamber or 19. The unloading officer or Range Officer spent case, or have the action open. MUST inspect all firearms before they leave 17. A dropped unloaded gun on the firing line the shooting stage. All rifles and pump or (loading table to unloading table) results in lever action shotguns must have their action the shooter's disqualification from the stage. cycled for the inspecting official. All pis- A dropped loaded firearm results in a match tols, whether used or not in the stage, must disqualification. A shooter may not pick up also be inspected. a dropped gun. The Range Officer will re- 20. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the cover the gun, examine it, clear it, and re- range area for all shooters, guests, range of- turn it to the shooter. ficers, and others, until shooting is done for

SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 the day. No shooter will consume any alco- SELECTING an ALIAS holic beverage until he or she has completed Every SASS member is required to select a all of their shooting for the day and stored shooting alias representative of a character or their firearms. profession from the Old West or the western film 21. No shooter may ingest any substance that genre. Your alias may not in any way duplicate will affect his or her ability to participate or easily be confused with any other member’s with a maximum state of awareness and in a alias. SASS headquarters is the final arbiter of completely safe manner. Both prescription whether an alias is acceptable or not. and non-prescription pharmaceuticals that may cause drowsiness or any other physical These rules are enforced in accepting a new alias or mental impairment must be avoided. for SASS registry: 22. Eye and hearing protection must be worn by • It must be “printable” before a wide all competitors when in the loading area or audience. on the firing line. Such protection is rec- • No duplications are permitted. ommended for everyone when in the range • If it SOUNDS the same, it is the same. area, and eye protection is mandatory for • Adding “too,” “II,” etc. is not acceptable. spectators when within direct line of sight of • “Ranger” could become “Texas Ranger” but steel targets. not “The Ranger.” “John Henry Chisum” 23. Only registered competitors may wear could be modified to “Jack Chisum” but not firearms. “John H. Chisum” or “Jon Henry Chisum.” • Historical names may not be modified to make them different. “Wyatt Earp” and

Copyright, Single Action Shooting Society, Inc. 45 Copyright, Single Action Shooting Society, Inc. 46 SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 “Marshal Wyatt Earp” are considered the All shooters must be in costume, and we encour- same. age invited guests and family also to be cos- tumed. Shooters must remain in costume at The SASS Alias Registry changes daily. Tele- all match events: dinners, award ceremonies, phone or fax the SASS office to confirm the dances, etceteras. availability of your choice of alias. It is neither difficult nor expensive to assemble a If an acceptable alias is not selected, the mem- colorful and authentic costume. A little imagi- ber’s SASS number will be used. All subse- nation and a dose of creativity can go a long quent name changes are subject to a “name way. change fee”. The best way to develop a costume is to first CLOTHING and ACCOUTERMENTS decide on a character or profession you wish to Cowboy Action Shooting™ is a combination of portray. (This is also a good way to decide on historical re-enactment and Saturday morning at your shooting alias.) SASS members have the matinee. Participants may choose the style adopted the personas of bankers, blacksmiths, of costume they wish to wear, but all clothing lawmen, gunslingers, railroad engineers, saloon must be typical of the late 19th century, a B- girls, schoolmarms, East Indian British cavalry, western movie, or Western television series. U.S. Army cavalry, mountain men, trail cow- boys, prairie women, American Indians, and SASS puts a great deal of emphasis on costum- silver screen heroes ... you name it! ing because it adds so much to the uniqueness of our game and helps create a festive, informal Once you have adopted your character, do a little atmosphere that supports the friendly, fraternal research. Go to the library and look at historical feeling we encourage in our competitors. photographs depicting your character.

SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 Determine the clothing items you need, and Denims of the Wrangler, Levi, and Lee variety begin your search. are acceptable. Designer jeans (the ones with the colored piping and name embroidered on the There are many commercial suppliers of tradi- pocket) are not allowed. tional western clothing and accouterments who advertise in The Cowboy Chronicle. Contemporary cowboy shirts with snap fronts are okay, but not even very B-western. The other way to go is on your own. Visit your Inexpensive cotton work shirts with button neighborhood thrift stores. Look for lightweight fronts are available at Sears, Wal-Mart, K-Mart, wool slacks with plaid or vertical stripe patterns and J.C. Penney stores. These are much more or old formals, for example. Men, remove the representative of the type of shirt worn in the belt loops from the slacks, add suspender but- late 1800's. tons, and presto, you have a pair of Old West trousers. Ladies, take the old satin, silk, or If you know a good seamstress or tailor, many whatever formal, add a little lace, change a hem patterns for Old West clothing are available. line, add a feather boa, and a hair comb ... voila, Any large fabric shop will carry cotton goods you're a saloon girl. adaptable to great western wardrobes. Another possibility exists with the commercial Visit with the other shooters at your local club. costume rental companies. Many of these firms They have great ideas about how to assemble a offer a good selection of authentic western Cowboy Action Shooting™ wardrobe. wardrobes. Don't want to get that involved in developing your costume? Well, okay.

Copyright, Single Action Shooting Society, Inc. 49 Copyright, Single Action Shooting Society, Inc. 50 SASS Shooters Handbook April 2003 Tenth Edition Vers. 10.2 OUTLAWED • Modern shooting gloves • Short sleeve shirts • Modern feathered cowboy hats (Shady Bradys). Straw hats of traditional design (e.g., Stetson, Bailey, sombreros,) are acceptable. SINGLE ACTION SHOOTING • Designer jeans SOCIETY • Ball caps • Tennis, running, jogging, or aerobic shoes 23255 La Palma Avenue (Indian moccasins work well for relaxing after a long day in boots.) Yorba Linda, CA 92887 • Clothing displaying manufacturer’s or (714) 694-1800 sponsor’s logos. FAX: (714) 694-1815 • Nylon, plastic, or Velcro accouterments e-mail: [email protected] Mainly, SASS wants our participants to be safe, Web Page www.SASSNet.com have fun, develop their competitive shooting skills, and enjoy the rich traditions of the Old West. We ask you join us in the friendly spirit of competition and preservation of our heritage. NOTES