Cowboy Action
Cowboy action shooting also known as Western Action Shooting, Single Action Shooting, or Cowboy 3-Gun is
is a competitive shooting sport that originated in Southern California, in the early 1980s.
Cowboy Action shooting is now a worldwide recognised sport with competitors on every continent.
The Australian scene has produced some world class competitors such as Savage Sam (Sam Medway) from central NSW (see video below). Anyone can participate in Cowboy Action, Some come to enjoy the nostalgia from a forgotten past, Others seek to make a name for themselves as the quickest gun the west. Be you Sheriff, gun for hire or pioneer out to make a claim there's room for you in our small town.
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Competitors must wear and use period correct attire and firearms. Clothing may be from mid to late 19th Century, Western television series or western movie. Family and guest are encouraged to be in costume as it adds to the atmosphere creating a true depiction of the wild west.
Firearms used are single action revolvers, lever and pump action rifles and double barrel, lever action or pump shotguns designed in the period. Most period calibres have long been obsolete making way for modern smokeless powders, However there is still a strong following for the surviving calibres still available today such 32.20, .44-40, .45 Long Colt, .45 Schofield. Most commonly shooters have turned to the .38/.357 mag offerings due the availability and economical aspects of reloading the lighter calibre.
Trolleys and carts are used to transport equipment through the stage. As you can see below some shooters put a lot thought into the construction of their carts. Aesthetics aside the trolley and carts function to keep firearms secure and in a safe direction when not in use.
Rules and regulations for competition are mandated by the world governing body Single Action Shooting Society SASS. Rules can downloaded from the SASS site and the Governing Australian body SASA
Given the international rules do not cater for small bore and non complying firearms the Sheriff at Bethungra has decided to include a small bore division and non-compliant division for local shoots. This will allow more shooters to participate without the expense involved with the big bore firearms.
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Small bore division will comprise of rimfire pistols and rifles and shotguns less the 12Gauge.
Non-compliant division will include firearms such as those with unapproved sights or single actions designed after 1900.
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