Cowboy Action Shooting™ is a shooting sport created in 1982 by a few gentlemen now know as the Wild Bunch. In 1987 they officially formed the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS). This is not just a man's sport as there are many women and children who participate as well. The sport recreates life in the old west through shooting courses of fire (called stages) designed to depict a movie scene, an old west historical shootout or just someone's idea of how it may have been in the late 1800's. For obvious safety reasons, shooters are required to have previous shooting experience with pistols, rifles and shotguns. Cowboy Action Shooting is not the venue to receive your initial firearms training. SASS members are required to select an alias. You may be any historical character or you may be creative and come up with your own alias. For more detailed information click on the SASS logo below.
The National Congress of Old West Shootists was founded in Iowa in 1994 by a group of dedicated western action shooters who had a background in muzzleloading, buckskinning, historical reenacting, and many other of the modern shooting sports. NCOWS insists on historical authenticity in all activities. NCOWS does not require members to assume an "alias" (although they may if they wish). NCOWS focus is the period of American History known as the "Old West," specifically the period from 1865 to 1899. We truly represent the period which we embrace. We recognize that this was a time when a man's word was his bond. It is our philosophy that the honor system is much preferable to micro-managing and over-legislation. When some one professes the desire to join NCOWS, local clubs typically work with new members, help them get their kit together and typically allow up to a year (at the local level) to achieve Level One Authenticity. NCOWS is an alternative organization for those who desire a greater level of historical authenticity.
