Cowboy Action Shooting Pistols, Rifles and Shotguns
How to Choose Your First Cowboy Action Shooting Pistols, Rifles and Shotguns
The Requirements of Cowboy Action Shooting
Cowboy Action Shooting rifles and shotguns are an integral part of this phenomenal fast-growing shooting sport that has gained a lot of memberships in the US and other countries. CAS is family-friendly and centered on sportsmanship and firearm safety. It is sanctioned by several organizations, each having their own rules regarding the types of guns allowed. The recommendations on this website specifically relate to the firearm rules adopted by the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS), the first and largest of the sanctioning organizations.
The SASS allows both mounted-shooting competitions and unmounted-shooting competitions, which have separate rules and requirements on firearms. Only unmounted-shooting requirements will be discussed in this article.
Choosing your first CAS firearms may look intimidating once you’ve learn all the options open to you. This article will offer some recommendations on choosing your first Cowboy Action Shooting rifles and shotguns. With experience, your taste in guns will evolve and change, and you may go through several sets of guns. Or, like many CAS members, you may start collecting them.
All SASS-sanctioned firearms must be of the 1800’s design, and revolvers should be the single-action types. A single-action revolver needs to be cocked each time before firing. Both original firearms and replicas are accepted. Vintage period firearms can be quite expensive, and their safety may not be assured. Various replicas are available as well. Though not exactly replicas in the true sense, the Vaquero and Ruger Blackhawk are much sought after for their superior construction and affordable price.
Selecting Cowboy Action Shooting Revolvers
You need to have two revolvers, and most competitors prefer matched pairs. While the most popular calibers are the .45 Colt and .38 Special, most 1800’s-type calibers are allowable. Revolvers with 7½” barrels are eye-catching and easy to sight, but they can be wearisome to use in long competitions. 5½” and 4¾” barrels require less effort to handle through extended matches.
Cowboy Action Shooting revolvers are determined by their sights and the type of propellant involved. In the Modern category, shooters can use Ruger Blackhawks or other single-action revolvers of the period that have adjustable sights. Firearms in the Traditional categories, which includes Traditional, Gunfighter, Duelist, and Black Powder, should have traditional non-adjustable sights.
Black Powder revolvers may either be the muzzle-loading type like the Colt 1851 Navy, or cartridge-type revolvers that use black powder rounds. When choosing revolvers, visit a gun store and test their firearms. Rugers are terrific guns but they can be rather heavy for some people.
Ladies and some men with smaller hands prefer to use Bisley grips or birds-head grips. Men with very large hands may choose older Rugers which are slightly bigger than the conventional Colts. The Colt Dragoon replica is an extremely large revolver that can also be used by people with larger hand.
Selecting a CAS Main Match Rifle
The main match rifles in CAS are lever-action, and replicas in the same calibers as main-match revolvers are available. Your main match rifle should be of pre-20th century design and hold 10 rounds in the magazine.
The popular selections for CAS are the Winchester 1866 and 1873, while the Winchester 1892 and 1894 are the less popular choices due to their extra weight and longer lever throw. Shooters also prefer the replica pump-action Colt Lightning rifle. These models are prone to mechanical issues and may need some expert work by a gunsmith.
Selecting a Cowboy Action Shooting Shotgun
CAS shotguns can be double-barreled models with external and concealed hammers. Winchester 1887 and 1900 lever-action shotguns, as well as Winchester 1895 pump-action shotguns are also acceptable. Double-barreled models are, with experience, fairly quick and easier to use. Most seasoned Cowboy Action Shooting competitors, however, use the Winchester 1895 pump-action models which require a lot of practice to handle skillfully.
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You sure it’s the 1895 shotgun and not the 1897? Also, it is a 1901, not a 1900.
The 1873 weighs more than a 92 or 94, even with a shorter barrel. I know, I’ve got both. The swap from 92’s and 94’s being popular to 1873’s and 1866’s was purely from them allowing short stroke kits.
I’m not even going to go into your pistol section. But a single action pistol being “too sophisticated” is kinda ridiculous.
Thank you for the correct info. Came from the source documents.
Can you recommend a book or books for selecting a caliber and the models for revolvers, lever action rifles and shotguns for the Cowboy Action Shooting sport.
Here’s the two I used. They’re old but great info.
The Gun Digest Book of Cowboy Action Shooting: Guns + Gear + Tactics Paperback – April 24, 2005
by John Taffin (Author)
The Top Shooter’s Guide to Cowboy Action Shooting Paperback – January 1, 2001
by Hunter Scott Anderson (Author)
Why do you need 2 pistols? I have a model 94 in preparation 64 30-30 would it work for the rifle?
CAS shooters use two single action pistols (with lead bullets) typically a matched pair. Each stage usually requires two pistols (safely loaded at the loading table with no more than 5 shots each). The model 94 with rifle caliber cartridges, such as the 30-30 is not allowed in the main match. That’s because the appropriate rifle must shoot pistol caliber lead bullets, such as a .38, .357, .44, .45. Many use the same caliber in their two pistols as in their rifle.
I’m
Looking at getting started with this hobby. I want to start with a .38 single action revolver. Does anyone make ithe ammo I need? The blank rounds like the .45 balloon popping rounds?
TEn-X is one manufacturer, as is Black Hills. Here’s a link to Ten-X http://tenxammo.com/files/Shooter_Direct_Pricing_12012018.pdf
I’m interested in getting started. I would like to use what firearms I have with stick with the same caliber. I thinking of using my two Evil Roys in 45 Colt and my Henry in 45 colt.I have a double barrel stagecoach in 12 gauge. Will this get in started?
Yes, that should do it. Make sure you only use cowboy action lightly loaded rounds in all your guns.
I want make sure I have the right guns. At this time I have a matched pair of
rugar new vecero in 38/357, a rossi big loop in 38/357, a Henry big boy in 38/357 and a stoeger coach gun in 12 gauge
Comment *Sounds good to go.
I am new to CAS, have difficulties finding a Shotgun, any information where can I get SASS complying side by side?
from reading the qualifications would the S&W 686 meet the requirements
The Smith & Wesson Model 686 is a six- or seven-shot double-action revolver manufactured by Smith & Wesson and chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge; it will also chamber and fire .38 Special cartridges. Since it is not a single action revolver, it does not qualify.
I am thinking of getting a replica Spencer Rifle in 45 caliber. However, I see it only holds 7 rounds in the butt stock. Can it be used in CASS?
Yes, a Spencer Rifle in .45 can be used, but they are slow compared to Winchester style lever actions like the 73. When you need to shoot more than the 7 rounds it holds, you can single feed it once the magazine runs out.
Hi – I would like ot know if a Henry 357/38 Color Case would be an acceptable rifle for Cowboy Action?
Should be just fine to use.
Hey Ned. I have two Henrys. I have a 38/357 octagonal barrel which holds 10 rounds and also a 45 colt which is a carbine model with 7 rounds. Above you state that 10 rounds is what ‘should’ be used. Also that if your rifle has less than 10 capacity, that you can single load the remaining rounds. Just looking for clarification here. I want to use the carbine as it is 45 colt to match my revolvers but if you can’t or shouldn’t use a carbine then I’d need to choose different pistols to match the 357. Thanks!
Comment *I’ve used rifles that hold 10 rounds. You can start out with your 38/357 rifle and your 45 pistols. see which caliber works best for you. Go to a match and talk with the other shooters. Ten make a decision.
Comment *I’ve used rifles that hold 10 rounds. You can start out with your 38/357 rifle and your 45 pistols. See which caliber works best for you. Most important, go to a match and talk with the other shooters. Then make a decision.
If anyone is still looking at this thread, I have a new in the box Winchester 94 in .45 lc for sale, email:jpnparis@gmail.com Comment *
My daughter wishes to enter CAS. We’ve narrowed her rifle choice to a Rossi R95 in .454 Casual, which can and will be using .45 Colt rounds, and .454 Casual for hunting in NM.She likes the rifle opposed to the Uberti 66/73 due to its lightness and ability to hunt bigger game. But for the revolver we’re stumped. She like the Ruger Bisley .45 5.5 barrel but the weight is a bit too much. So we’re thinking of an Uberti Bisley .45 Colt. She is a beginner, and my old S&W M10 kicks more than my Uberti .45 Colt. Can shoot it with two hands like a BB gun. Hardly kicks at all. As for a shotgun I have no idea. Maybe a double in 16 hammerless. Probably never find one.