COWBOY
ACTION
SHOOTING™
Shooters
Handbook
Compiled
and Edited By The Wild Bunch
Fifteenth
Edition January 2009
COPYRIGHT
1987, 1989, 1992, 1995, 1996,1997,1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006,
2007, 2008, 2009
SINGLE ACTION SHOOTING SOCIETY, INC.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Shooters
Handbook
Copyright
© Single Actio
Shooters
Handbook
SINGLE
ACTION SHOOTING SOCIETY
The
Single Action Shooting Society is an international organization created to
preserve and promote the fast growing sport of Cowboy Action Shooting™. SASS endorses Regional matches conducted by affiliated clubs and
annually produces END of TRAIL, the World Championship of Cowboy Action
Shooting & Wild West Jubilee™.
Cowboy Action Shooting™ is a multifaceted amateur shooting sport in which contestants compete with firearms typical of those used in the taming of the Old West: single action revolvers; lever action rifles; and side by side double barreled, pre-1899 pump, or lever action shotguns. The shooting competition is staged in a unique, characterized, Old West style.
Contestants shoot in several one-to-four gun stages (courses of fire) in which they engage steel and/or cardboard targets. Scoring is based on accuracy and speed.
The
truly unique aspect of Cowboy Action Shooting™ is the requirement placed on
authentic period or western screen dress. Each participant is required to
adopt a shooting alias appropriate to a character or profession of the late
19th century, or a Hollywood westernstar, and develop a costume accordingly.
Your SASS shooting alias is exclusively yours. In the tradition of the Old West cattle brand registries, SASS prohibits one shooter duplicating another’s alias. There is only one Tex, one Kid Curry, and one Loophole Pettifogger
SASS
affiliated clubs are required to respect the sanctity of SASS members’
aliases and shooter numbers, using them in their articles for publication in
The Cowboy Chronicle and giving them preference over local club members who
are not SASS members and are using a duplicate alias.
American
history buffs and serious shooters alike agree the use of vintage firearms,
authentic costuming, unique targets, and fast action make Cowboy Action
Shooting™ one of the most interesting of all shooting sports for both
spectator and contestant.
This Handbook includes the specific rules, regulations, and general guidelines adopted by the Single Action Shooting Society.
The SASS Range Operations Basic Course and SASS Range Officer Training Course offer an in-depth interpretation and further clarification of these rules along with applicable penalties.
The
very latest version of the Shooters Handbook can always be found on the SASS
web site, www.sassnet.com. It is
the intention and hope of SASS these requirements will serve to preserve and
protect Cowboy Action Shooting™ from the gimmickry and technical
gamesmanship that have had such a negative effect on other shooting
disciplines. The founders of SASS
believe END of TRAIL and club and annual matches are as much an opportunity
for fun and fellowship as they are shooting competitions.
As the
game of Cowboy Action Shooting™ has evolved, our members have developed and
adopted an attitude towards their participation we call “The Spirit of the
Game.” Competing in The Spirit of the Game means you fully participate in
what the competition asks. You do not look for ways to create an advantage out
of what is or is not stated as a rule or shooting procedure. Some folks would
call The Spirit of the Game nothing more than good sportsmanship.
Whatever you call it, if you don’t have it, Cowboy Action Shooting™
is not your game.
A
“spirit of the game” infraction occurs when a competitor willfully or
intentionally disregards the stage instructions in order to obtain a
competitive advantage (i.e., taking the penalty would result in a lower score
or faster time than following the instructions) and is not assessed simply
because a competitor “makes a mistake.”
In such a case, in addition to any penalties for misses, a 30-second
failure to engage/Spirit of the Game penalty is assessed. Shooting ammunition
that does not meet the power factor or minimum velocity is also a “spirit of
the game” infraction. Two
“spirit of the game” penalties within a match will result in a Match
Disqualification.
Every
SASS member is required to select a shooting alias representative of a
character or profession from the Old West or the western film genre.
Your alias may not in any way duplicate or easily be confused with any
other member’s alias. SASS headquarters is the final arbiter of whether an alias is
acceptable or not.
• It must be “printable” before a wide audience.
• No duplications are permitted.
• If it SOUNDS the same, it is the same.
• Adding “too,” “II,” etc. is not acceptable.
• “Ranger” could become “Texas Ranger” but not “The Ranger.” “John Henry Chisum” could be modified to “Jack Chisum” but not “John H. Chisum” or “Jon Henry Chisum.”
• Historical names may not be modified to make them different. “Wyatt Earp” and “Marshal Wyatt Earp” are considered the same.
The SASS Alias Registry changes daily. Telephone, fax or email the SASS office to confirm the availability of your alias choice.
If
an acceptable alias is not selected, the member’s SASS number will be used. All subsequent name changes are subject to a “name change
fee.”
CLOTHING
AND ACCOUTERMENTS
Cowboy
Action Shooting™ is a combination of historical reenactment and Saturday
morning at the matinee. Participants
may choose the style of costume they wish to wear, but all clothing must be
typical of the late 19th century, a B-western movie, or Western television
series.
SASS
puts a great deal of emphasis on costuming because it adds so much to the
uniqueness of our game and helps create a festive, informal atmosphere that
supports the friendly, fraternal feeling we encourage in our competitors.
All
shooters must be in costume, and we encourage invited guests and family also
to be costumed. Shooters must
remain in costume at all match events: dinners, award ceremonies, dances,
etcetera.
ALL
clothing and equipment MUST be worn appropriately, how it was intended and how
it would have been worn in the OLD WEST or as seen on B-Western movies and
television.
SASS
FIREARMS COVENANTS
SASS Cowboy Action Shooting™ competitions are divided into three separate types of matches: main, team, and side matches. The rules regarding SASS approved firearms depend upon the type of competition in which you are participating.
Original
and replicas may be used in competition provided they are in good, safe
working order. In each of the respective sections, allowed modifications are
listed. Just because a
manufacturer designs a part or firearm for this sport or just because a
firearm was available, does not necessarily mean it is legal for competition.
Only the modifications referenced here as allowed are approved. All
others are illegal. As any
firearm related sport can be inherently dangerous, SASS does not recommend or
suggest the modification of any firearm or the removal of any safety device.
Participants in this sport accept responsibility for the use and/or
modifications of their firearms and do not depend upon SASS or any of its
affiliated clubs or members to make that judgment for them.
Please consult with the firearm manufacturer prior to making any
firearm modifications. Firearms
must operate as intended by the original pre1900 designs they depict.
Firearms must function in a safe manner.
SASS
recognizes the desire to enhance firearm performance.
Firearms manufacturers, importers, gunsmiths, and the membership as a
whole must use caution in any quest to develop mechanisms designed to enhance
the operation of firearms for SASS Cowboy Action Shooting™. Any firearm
modification not referenced in this Handbook is prohibited.
Parties interested in having modifications, parts, or firearms
considered for approval and inclusion in the SASS accepted modification text
can request a Firearms Modification Consideration application from SASS.
Written receipt of acceptance from SASS will be the ONLY source of
approval. Unless referenced within these Covenants, any modifications, parts,
or firearms used without this approval are illegal.
A
stage disqualification is issued for each stage in which a non-SASS legal
firearm is used.
ALL FIREARMS
• All firearms must be designed to fire by use of an impact mechanism
such as required by centerfire primers, rimfire primers, or
percussion caps. All other firing mechanisms are illegal.
• Internal modifications not referenced here that cannot be seen while
the firearm is at rest (action closed) are allowed provided they
do not affect
the external operation or directly conflict with one of the modifications listed here.
• Modifying the firing, cocking, chambering, or levering mechanism in any
way that changes the process from an entirely manual
operation to any other style operation (e.g., blowback operation, gas operation, or recoil operation) is expressly prohibited.
• All firearms may be repaired and/or restored to their original
condition.
• Replacement parts may be made from materials other than the original
unless such material is specifically prohibited.
• All parts may be smoothed, reprofiled, polished, deburred, or replaced
provided they are not prohibited in these Covenants.
• Hammers may be replaced or exchanged with hammers designed for the same
frame size (e.g., small frame revolver hammers may not be installed on large
frame revolvers or vice versa).
• Internal parts of the hammer may be changed (e.g., to allow for a
half-cock notch on a revolver).
• Bisley style revolver
hammers may only be used when mated with a Bisley style grip frame. •
• Ruger Super Blackhawk/Montado style revolver hammers (i.e. lowered and
widened hammers) are acceptable on both adjustable and fixed sight model
revolvers.
• Hammer stops may be added.
• The hammer travel distance on any revolver may be adjusted.
• Rear sight notches cut into the revolver hammer may be widened.
• Hammer spur grooves may be recut.
BARRELS
•
Barrels or chambers may be rebored, lined, or sleeved to any of the
approved calibers or gauges for that particular firearm
provided industry safe limits are maintained.
• Original barrels may be replaced with new barrels of correct styles (e.g., round, octagon, half-round) for that particular model firearm.
•
Barrels may be shortened and/or crowned.
•
Rifle barrels must maintain a length of at least 16 inches.
•
Rifle barrels may be altered to accept mounting hardware for an
alternative tube magazine configuration and capacity appropriate to the model
of firearm being altered.
•
Barrels may be altered to accept period style sights as described
within the Sights Section.
•
Shotgun barrels must maintain a length of at least 18 inches.
•
Shotgun barrels may have internal choke tubes installed provided they
do not extend beyond the muzzle.
•
No heavy competition or “Bull Barrel” is allowed on revolver
caliber firearms.
•
Barrels must be made of steel or iron only.
•
Visible counter-weighting devices are not allowed.
• Compensating ports are not allowed.
TRIGGERS
AND TRIGGER GUARDS
•
Triggers may be profiled to narrow their width.
•
Trigger position may be adjusted.
•
Trigger stops may be added.
•
Shotgun trigger guards may be wrapped with leather or other natural
material.
•
Bending the trigger guard on side by sides so triggers are more exposed
is not allowed.
• Trigger shoes are not allowed.
STOCKS
AND GRIPS
• The length or style of stock may be altered or replaced (e.g., a
carbine style stock may be interchanged for a rifle stock and vice-versa).
• Checkering, carving, or laser engraving is allowed on fore-stocks,
buttstocks, and revolver grips.
• A permanently fitted, non-adjustable, lace on, or slip on recoil pad is
allowed on the buttstock of rifles and shotguns.
• Buttplates may be changed to a buttplate style that was generally
available from the original manufacturer.
• A piece of leather or similar natural material may be attached to the
buttplate or butt stock.
• Grips or stocks of simulated or natural materials are acceptable
provided they are not customized to constitute a “target” grip or stock.
That is, they must be of the same basic shape as grips or stocks found on original firearms.
• Revolver grips must conform to the front and rear of the grip frame but
may extend beyond the bottom surface.
• Contemporary rubber grips, modern target grips, grip tape, and the like
are not allowed.
• A slide on leather cover to protect the offhand from barrel heat is
allowed on side by side shotguns.
• Leather on a pump shotgun’s fore end or grip surface is not allowed.
SIGHTS
ALL
FIREARMS
• Sights must look like sights available during the cowboy era—bead,
blade, simple post, or otherwise approved front sights (such as the XS Cowboy Express) made of materials such as steel, iron, ivory, faux ivory, brass, gold, pewter, copper, or silver are
allowable.
• Rear and front sights may be “blacked.”
Colors other than those of the materials referenced above or any “day
glow” materials are not allowed on either front or rear sights.
• All rear sights may have their openings adjusted.
• The front sight may be raised or lowered to bring point-of-aim and
point-of-impact into alignment.
• The back of the front sight may be serrated.
RIFLE
• Tang mounted rear sights may utilize changeable “peep” apertures
and eyecups.
• No bolt or receiver mounted sight is permitted.
• Dovetails may be milled in the barrel for sight replacement.
• Beech style front sights and sight hoods are allowed.
• Front sights may include a bead or insert of steel, iron, ivory, faux
ivory, brass, gold, pewter, copper, or silver. The bead or insert shall be the
color of the material.
• Rear sights may utilize an insert of the same color as the rear sight
to allow easy sight adjustment.
• Ramp style front sights are allowed if original to the firearm.
• Modern style click adjustable barrel or receiver sights are not allowed.
REVOLVER
– FIXED SIGHT MODELS
• Fixed sight revolvers may only use traditional style, barrel mounted,
fixed metallic foresights of a simple blade, bead, or post configuration.
• A simple open notched rear sight cut into the frame, hammer, or latch
mechanism is the only rear sight allowed.
• Ramp style front sights are not allowed.
• Beaded post front sights or inserts are not allowed.
• Allowed Exceptions: Original open-top cartridge revolvers, cap and ball revolvers, cartridge conversion revolvers, and their modern made replicas may have either a dovetail front or rear sight, and they must conform to the types commonly found on the originals. Barrel mounted rear sights are allowed on open-top revolvers. Any other revolver by whatever manufacturer or model that has either a dovetailed or screw adjustable front or rear sight, whether movable or adjustable, is an adjustable sight revolver.
REVOLVER
– ADJUSTABLE SIGHT MODELS
• Adjustable sight revolvers may have dovetailed or adjustable rear
sights and/or dovetailed front sights.
• The rear of adjustable sight revolver front sights may be reshaped
(such as rounded).
• Ramp style front sights are allowed if original to the firearm.
• Beaded post front sights or inserts are not allowed.
• Adjustable sight revolver REAR sights may be replaced with commonly available sights of the same size and type. Modern replacement target sights such as the Bomar and Millett type sights are not allowed.
• Adjustable sight revolver FRONT sights may not be undercut.
SHOTGUN
COSMETIC EMBELLISHMENT
• Front sights may be bead or simple post
types.
• Period style tacks, carving, engraving, checkering, inlays, and other
such embellishments are allowed on stocks and grips provided they do not constitute any kind of radical or target type grip
enhancement.
• Receiver, frame, grip frame, cylinder, or barrel engraving is permitted
provided it does not constitute a grip enhancement.
• No portion of the grip frame may be checkered, stippled, serrated or
otherwise modified to constitute a grip enhancement.
• A light bead blasted finish may be applied to the exterior of any SASS
firearm.
• Metal surfaces may retain their natural color or be blued, browned,
plated (such as nickel, gold, or silver), blacked, color case hardened, aged
to a patina type finish, or jeweled.
SCREWS
• Factory screws may be replaced with socket head cap or other type
screws.
FRAMES AND RECEIVERS
• Frames and receivers may be drilled and tapped (such as to accept
approved type sights).
• Ruger Blackhawk and Ruger Old Army adjustable sight frames may be
modified by removing the rear sight assembly, welding up the sight cutout, recontouring the frame top strap, and cutting a new sight notch to replicate Colt SAA or Vaquero frames. The
reconfigured frame must be mated with a conventional Ruger Vaquero
type barrel, hammer, and the original grip frame assembly in order to be allowed as a fixed sight model revolver.
• Percussion revolvers may be converted to accommodate cartridge firing
mechanisms common to the period. They may also be modified by adding a narrow
cap guard to the recoil shield and undercut the hammer (i.e., Manhattan modification). Reproduction percussion revolvers may have the frame contoured to approximate original type designs.
• The dimensions of the ejection port on a slide action shotgun may not be altered.
LEVERS
•
“John Wayne” style levers may be substituted on rifles for the
standard factory lever.
•
Levers may be wrapped or padded with leather or other natural material.
•
Filler “blocks” or other such mechanisms designed to prevent all or
drastically limit movement of the fingers within the lever loop are not
allowed.
• With the exception of the “John Wayne” levers, any replacement
lever must maintain the same basic contour and size as the original lever.
• The lever may be cut and welded provided the basic exterior contour and
size is not changed.
• The exchange of an 1873 rifle lever with an 1866 rifle lever is allowed.
• All lever action rifles must have a lever travel distance of not less
than 4-1/8 inches when measured as follows:
With the
action closed, measure three inches back from the back edge of the trigger at
the point where it enters the frame. Mark
this point on both the bottom of the buttstock and the lever opposite the
buttstock mark. Open the lever to
its maximum extension and measure the distance between the two marks.
Exception:
The Browning BL-22 in .22 caliber, is a legal rifle for the Buckaroo Category
and is a legal rifle for .22 caliber rifle side matches.
FEED / LOADING MECHANISMS
• The carrier and/or lifter mechanisms in rifles may be lightened, welded,
modified, or replaced.
• A “two-shot” drop type system for lever action shotguns may be
added.
• Loading lever mechanisms on percussion revolvers may be removed or
modified to accommodate barrel length changes.
• The seating mechanism on percussion revolvers may be removed or may be
modified to adjust seating depth.
FIRING PINS
•
The length of the firing pin may be extended.
•
The visible contour of the rear portion of firing pins or firing pin
extensions may not be altered.
• Friction reducing devices such as roller bearings are not allowed on
the rear portion of firing pins or firing pin extensions.
RECOIL REDUCERS
• Internal recoil reducing devices may be added.
REVOLVER EJECTOR RODS
• Colt style bullseye or crescent ejector rods may be installed.
REVOLVER GRIP FRAMES
•
Birdshead grip frames and grips may be installed on any SAA or its
modern replicas but may not be used with Bisley style hammers.
• Grip frames may be replaced, “rounded,” or extended (e.g., the
exchange of a Single Action Army grip frame with an 1860 Army grip frame and
vice versa).
• Brass or aluminum grip frames are allowed.
• Bisley style grip frames may only be used when mated with a Bisley
style hammer.
REVOLVER CYLINDER PINS
• The cylinder pin may be shortened.
• A screw may be used to secure the cylinder pin.
REVOLVER CYLINDERS
• Centerfire and rimfire cylinders may have no less than five and no more
than six chambers.
• The front of the cylinder may be beveled.
• Unfluted cylinders may be fluted.
• Lead in grooves may be cut or extended.
• The revolver may be altered to allow the cylinder to spin in either
direction.
• Cylinders may be rebored, lined, or sleeved to any of the approved
revolver calibers provided industry safe limits are maintained.
• Cylinders must be made of steel or iron only.
SHOTGUN BREAK ACTION
• Internal mechanisms to guarantee break action shotguns do not close
accidentally may be added or modified.
• The open angle for break action shotguns may be increased.
RIFLE REQUIREMENTS
Rifles or carbines used in the main and team matches must be original or replicas of lever or slide action rifles manufactured during the period from approximately 1860 until 1899, incorporating a tubular magazine and exposed hammer. Rifles with box magazines may not be used. Certain shooting categories require a specific type of rifle and ammunition to be used. Please see the shooting categories for further information
RIFLE
CALIBERS
•
Must be centerfire of at least .32 caliber and not larger than .45
caliber.
•
Must be in a caliber commonly available in revolvers.
Examples include, but are not limited to, .32-20, .32 Magnum, .357
Magnum, .38 Special, .38-40, .44-40, .44 Special, .44 Magnum, and .45 Colt. The only allowed
exceptions are the .25-20 and .56-50. No
rifle calibers such as .30-30 or .38-55 are allowed.
• Buckaroo/Buckarette Category competitors choosing to utilize 22 caliber firearms must use standard velocity .22 caliber rimfire ammunition only.
REVOLVER REQUIREMENTS
Original
single action revolvers manufactured prior to 1899, their approved replicas,
and the SASS approved single action adjustable sight revolvers are the only
revolvers approved for use in SASS main match competition.
The rules relative to SASS approved revolvers depend upon the
competition category in which one participates.
Sights are a major factor for determining in which category a revolver
may be used. Certain shooting
categories require a specific type of revolver and ammunition be used.
Please see the shooting categories for further information.
No more than two main match revolvers may be carried to the firing line.
REVOLVER
CALIBERS
•
Must be centerfire calibers of at least .32 caliber and no larger than
.45 caliber or percussion calibers of at least .36 caliber and no larger than
.45 caliber.
•
Must be in a caliber commonly available in revolvers.
Examples include, but are not limited to, .32-20, .32 Magnum, .357
Magnum, . 38 Special, .44 Magnum, .44-40, and .45 Colt).
•
Standard velocity .22 caliber rimfire ammunition is allowed within the
Buckaroo Category only.
• Although the .32 caliber revolvers and .36 caliber cap and ball revolvers are legal, they may not be powerful enough to handle all reactive targets.
SHOTGUN REQUIREMENTS
Any
side-by-side or single shot shotgun typical of the period from approximately
1860 until 1899 with or without external hammers, having single or double
triggers is allowed. Automatic ejectors are allowed on single shot break
action, lever and pump action shotguns ONLY. Side-by-side shotguns may not use
automatic ejectors. Lever action, tubular feed, exposed hammer shotguns of the
period are allowed, whether original or replicas. The only slide action shotgun allowed is the Model 1897
Winchester shotgun, whether original or replica. Certain shooting categories
require a specific type of shotgun and ammunition to be used. Military
configurations are not allowed (i.e., trench guns). Please see the shooting categories for further information.
SHOTGUN
GAUGES
•
Side-by-side, single shot, and lever action shotguns must be centerfire
of at least 20 gauge and no larger the 10 gauge.
•
Slide action shotguns must be centerfire of at least 16 gauge and no
larger than 12 gauge.
•
Side-by-side, single shot, and lever action centerfire shotguns in .410
gauge are allowed within the Buckaroo Category only.
ANY EXTERNAL MODIFICATION TO ANY FIREARM NOT SPECIFICALLY REFERENCED IN THIS HANDBOOK IS EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED!
OTHER APPROVED FIREARMS
The
following additional firearms have been approved for use:
•
Small frame Model P revolvers such as the Cimarron Firearms Lightning,
Uberti Stallion, and Ruger Single Six .32 H & R Magnum.
• Henry Big Boy Rifle (not legal in Classic Cowboy/Cowgirl Categories).
•
US Firearms Omni Potent Revolver.
•
Marlin 1894 Tube Feed Rifle—.32 H&R Magnum.
• Original or replica Nagant Single Action Revolver.
HOLSTERS,
CARTRIDGE BELTS, AND BANDOLEERS
• All handguns must be carried in a safe holster capable of retaining the
firearm throughout a normal range of motion.
•
Main match holsters must be located one on each side of the belly
button and separated by at least the width of two fists at the belt.(Note: Pocket pistol and Derringer holsters are not
“main-match” holsters.)
•
Holsters may not depart from the vertical by more than 30 degrees when
worn.
• Ammunition required for reloads during the course of any stage must be carried on the shooter’s person in a bandoleer, cartridge/shotshell belt loop, pouch, holster, or pocket or be safely staged as required by stage instructions. Rifle and revolver ammunition may not be carried in a shotshell loop. No ammunition may be carried in the mouth, ears, nose, cleavage, or any other bodily orifice.
•
Bandoleers, cartridge belts, and pouches must be of traditional design
(e.g., bandoleers must be loose and not secured in any way to prevent movement).
Modern drop pouches, combat style shotgun loops, wrist or forearm bandoleers, and such are not allowed.
Pouches shall have a flap and must carry their contents loose, with no
special provisions to organize the contents for rapid retrieval. Leather belt slide ammo loops are acceptable;
however,
shotgun shell slides may not be worn over shotgun belts. Shotgun loops must be
in a single row.
• Cartridge loops must not have a metal or plastic liner.
However, the entire loop may be made of metal.
• Shotgun ammo loops may not accommodate more than two rounds per loop,
and rifle/revolver ammo loops shall accommodate only one round per loop.
•
Ammo belts must be worn so all ammo is positioned at or below the belly
button.
• Shotgun ammo loops must conform to the shooters contour (i.e., not tilt
out from the belt).
• Cartridge loops mounted on a firearm’s stock or forearm are not allowed.
AMMUNITION
The minimum standard for center-fire smokeless ammunition used in all SASS matches State, Regional, National, International, and World Championship Competitions is not less than a minimum power factor of 60 and no velocity may be less than 400 fps. The maximum velocity standard for revolvers is 1000 fps. The maximum velocity standard for rifles is 1400 fps. Pocket pistols, derringers, and long-range rifles are exempt from the power factor and velocity requirements.
Power factors are simply calculated by multiplying the bullet weight times the velocity and then the resulting number is divided by 1000. Some examples are as follows:
100 gr bullet traveling at 600 fps has a power factor of
60: (100x600)/1000=60.00
77 gr bullet traveling at 800 fps has a power factor of
61.6 (77x800)/1000=61.60
200 gr bullet traveling at 400 fps has a power factor of 80
(200x400)/1000=80.00
•
Shooters may be held responsible for damage caused to a target or
injury to personnel due to “bounce back” because of inappropriate
ammunition. This major safety
violation is grounds for “instant disqualification” and ejection from the match.
• Revolver and rifle ammunition may not be jacketed, semi-jacketed, plated, gas checked, or copper washed. It must be all lead. Molydisulfide coated bullets or equivalent are acceptable.
• Revolver and rifle ammunition must be of “single projectile” design. “Multiple projectile” bullets are illegal.
• Ammunition with bullets recessed below the case mouth is disallowed.
• Throughout this manual, blackpowder means blackpowder, or a blackpowder
substitute such as Pyrodex, 777, APP, or comparable propellants intended for
muzzle loading firearms. Propellants containing nitrocellulose are prohibited
as blackpowder substitutes. Any combination of smokeless and blackpowder (so called duplex loads) is
specifically prohibited.
• Shotgun shot size must be number 4 lead birdshot or smaller for all
events (no steel or plated shot).
•
Magnum and high velocity shotgun shell loads are not allowed.
•
Shotgun shells shall not be sized down by the use of any die not
manufactured for the specific gauge.
•
Shotgun Shell shall not be scored (ringed) as to cause the shot-shell
case, wad and shot column to be shot from the firearm as one projectile.
•
Pump and lever action shotguns are allowed to load no more than two
live rounds at a time in the main match stages unless specified in the stage description. In team events,
shotguns may be loaded to their maximum magazine capacity.
•
All centerfire or rimfire ammunition must be designed to package the
bullet, gunpowder, and primer into a single metallic case precisely made to
fit the firing chamber of the firearm. The primer must be of the type that uses only a small charge of impact sensitive
chemical that may be located at the center of the case head or at its rim.
Electrically fired ammunition is illegal.
SASS
recognizes shooting categories based upon age, gender, costuming, equipment,
shooting style and/or propellant. The
age for a competitor is determined by their age on the first day the match
starts. All SASS categories may
be subdivided by gender, e.g. Lady Duelist, Lady Gunfighter, Lady 49’er,
Lady Wrangler, etc. Competitors
may compete within any category for which they qualify.
There are no men’s categories.
•
Any Main Match revolver.
•
Revolvers may be shot any style except Gunfighter.
•
May use any SASS–legal main match shotgun and any main match rifle.
•
May use any SASS–legal ammunition.
•
Juniors are persons aged 16 and under. The category may be subdivided
by age and gender. Suggested divisions are “Young Guns” aged 14 through 16
and “Buckaroos” 13 and under. Caution is urged in allowing competitors
under age 14. Local laws,
regulations, and insurance requirements may prevent matches from offering some
age groups.
•
Parental consent and supervision is required for all competitors under
twenty-one years of age.
• “Buckaroos” must use revolvers, rifles, and shotguns meeting the
external standards but may be chambered in .22 LR for revolvers and rifles and
.410 caliber for shotguns. Standard velocity ammunition for these firearms
must be used. Knockdown targets are not required to fall for Buckaroo Category
shooters. A hit will be scored as
long as the target is clearly hit. An alternate target MUST be provided for
all aerial shotgun targets for Buckaroo category shooters.
•
Buckaroo Category shooters choosing to use center-fire ammunition in
handguns and/or rifles must meet all center-fire power factor and velocity requirements.
•
The women’s category may be subdivided according to the use shooting
style, e.g., Lady Duelist and Lady Gunfighter.
•
Cowboy Category shooters are competitors of any age range.
•
Wrangler Category shooters are competitors 36 years of age or greater.
•
Forty-Niners are competitors 49 years of age or greater.
• Seniors are competitors 60 years of age or greater.
Senior Duelist is also a recognized Senior Category. Senior Duelist
category shooters may use any SASS–legal firearm or ammunition but must
shoot Duelist or Double-Duelist Style only,
•
Silver Seniors are competitors 65 years of age or greater.
•
Elder Statesmen/Grand Dames are competitors 70 years of age or greater.
•
Any Main Match fixed sight model revolver.
•
Only Duelist Style or Double Duelist Style may be used.
•
“Duelist Style” is defined as shooting a revolver cocked and fired
one handed, unsupported. The revolver, hand, or shooting arm may not be
touched by the off hand except when resolving a malfunctioning revolver
problem or when transferring the revolver from one hand to the other.
•
“Double Duelist Style” is defined as shooting a revolver cocked and
fired one handed and unsupported, with each hand, that is, left gun with the
left hand and right gun with the right hand. The revolver, hand or shooting
arm may not be touched by the offhand except when resolving a malfunctioning revolver problem or when transferring the revolver from one hand to the other.
•
At no time shall the competitor have two loaded revolvers in hand at
once.
•
May use any SASS–legal main match shotgun and any main match rifle.
•
May use any SASS–legal ammunition.
•
Any Main Match fixed sight model revolver.
•
Only Gunfighter Style or Double Duelist Style may be used.
•
“Gunfighter Style” is defined as shooting with a revolver in each
hand. Revolvers must be cocked and fired one handed, unsupported, one right handed and the other left handed. There is no set pattern as to how
the revolvers are to be fired, but alternating revolvers is clearly the most
efficient.
•
The Gunfighter and B-Western Categories are the only categories that
allow two loaded revolvers out of leather at the same time.
• When a stage calls for 10 revolver rounds in a single sequence or the use of only one revolver for the stage, the Gunfighter may draw both revolvers and engage the targets. The Gunfighter shall shoot the targets in exactly the same sequence as prescribed in the stage scenario.
•
Both revolvers may be cocked at the same time, but must be shot one at
a time to facilitate scoring. A Gunfighter may not holster revolvers with the intent to engage another revolver
sequence. Once cocked, all rounds must be
expended prior to holstering unless the revolvers were drawn at the wrong time
or a revolver/ammunition malfunction has occurred. Inadvertently leaving unfired rounds
in a revolver is a miss unless the
round is under the hammer, then it is a Stage Disqualification.
•
Stage design may allow a competitor shooting Gunfighter Style to stage
or restage revolvers between target sequences.
If the stage scenario requires the use of another firearm between the revolver sequences or the shooter’s hands are otherwise constrained (e.g.,
rolling the dice between revolver sequences), the revolvers must be drawn and
shot one at a time unless they can be safely staged rather than holstered. In this case, both revolvers may be employed at the same time
for the first five rounds, safely restaged, and then employed at the same time
again for the second five rounds.
•
May use any SASS–legal main match shotgun and any legal main match
rifle.
•
May use any SASS–legal ammunition.
•
Two standard holsters are required, one on each side.
No cross-draw or “butt forward” configurations are allowed.
It is expected the blackpowder competitor shall contend with smoke obscured targets. To insure this, all shotgun, revolver, and rifle powder charges must produce smoke at least equivalent to a base line load of 15 grains by volume (1 cc) of ffg blackpowder.
FRONTIER
CARTRIDGE
•
Any Main Match fixed sight model revolver.
•
Revolvers may be shot two handed or one handed (duelist style).
•
Must use blackpowder in all loads (rifle, revolver, and shotgun).
•
Must use a side-by-side or lever action shotgun in the main match
stages.
•
Any SASS–legal pistol caliber rifle is acceptable.
•
Frontier Cartridge Duelist is also recognized with all requirements
being the same except the Duelist and Double Duelist shooting styles are used.See Duelist description for the required shooting technique(s).
NOTE: Frontier Cartridge competitors may use any SASS–legal firearms and propellants in team and side matches.
FRONTIERSMAN
• Any Main Match percussion revolver with non-adjustable sights (Note
exceptions listed re: dovetailed sights). (Exception: The 1873 Uberti percussion revolver is not allowed. )
• Revolvers must be shot duelist or double duelist style.
See Duelist description for required shooting technique.
• Must use blackpowder in all loads (rifle, revolver, and shotgun).
• Must use a side-by-side or lever action shotgun in the main match
stages.
• Any SASS–legal pistol caliber rifle is acceptable.
CLASSIC
COWBOY/COWGIRL
• Any Main Match fixed sight model revolver.
•
Revolvers must be shot duelist or double duelist style.
See Duelist description for required shooting technique.
•
Revolver calibers: .40 caliber rimmed cartridges or larger—revolvers
and rifle Examples include, but are not limited to, .38-40, .44 Special, .44 Russian, .44 Mag., .44-40, .45
Schofield, .45 Colt or .36 caliber or larger cap
and ball.
•
May use any SASS–legal ammunition as long as it adheres to the above
caliber restrictions.
•
Rifles: Any 1873 or earlier manufacture SASS–legal rifle or a replica
thereof (e.g., 1866 Winchester, 1860 Henry, 1873 Winchester).
•
Shotguns: SASS–legal external hammer double barrel or lever actions.
•
Costuming: Must choose at least five of the requirements listed below. All clothing items must be worn appropriately during all shooting events and awards
ceremonies.
•
Chaps, spurs, cuffs, tie or scarf worn loosely around the neck or with
scarf slide, vest, pocket watch with full length chain, jacket, sleeve garters,
knife, botas, leggings, braces; no straw or palm hats allowed.
•
In addition to the above items, ladies may choose from the items listed
below in order to compete within this category:
•
Period watch, split riding skirt, bustle, hoops, corset, Victorian style
hat (straw allowed), period jewelry, period hair ornaments (e.g., feathers),
snood, reticule (period handbag), period lace up shoes, camisole, bloomers,
fishnet stockings, feather boa, cape.
•
No Buscadero or drop holster rigs allowed (i.e., part of the grip must be
above the belt on which the holster hangs).
•
Boots are required and must be of traditional design with leather or
smooth rubber, non-grip enhancing soles. Mocassins are not allowed.
•
Hats must be worn for the entire match.
•
Any main match revolver.
•
Revolvers may be shot in any SASS–legal shooting style, at the shooters
discretion.
•
Rifles: Any SASS–legal rifle of 1884 or later design or a replica
thereof (i.e., 1892, 1894, Lightening Rifle, or Marlin).
•
May use any SASS–legal shotgun.
•
May use any SASS–legal ammunition.
•
Leather: Buscadero holster rigs or drop holster rigs.
(All of the revolver(s) must be carried below the top of the gun belt.)
All belt and holster rigs must
be embellished (fancy stitching, conchos, spots,
or tooling). All holsters must be of the “Double Strong-Side” type. No
crossdraw, shoulder rigs, or butt forward configurations allowed.
•
Costuming: Shirts must be of the “B” Western style with snap buttons
or any of the following: “Smiley Pockets,” embroidery, appliqués
fringe,
or different colored yokes. Shield shirts are also allowed if it has piping or
embroidery.
•
Pants must be jeans, ranch pants, or pants with flap over the rear pocket,
keystone belt loops, and/or piping or fringe.
•
Pants must be worn with a belt. Suspenders
are not allowed. Felt hats only, no
straw hats. Hats must be worn.
• Boots are required and must be of traditional design with fancy stitching
or multi-color fancy design with smooth, non-grip enhancing soles.
Lace up
boots and moccasins are not allowed.
•
Western Spurs with rowels are required for men.
Ladies may wear skirts or split riding skirts.
•
You must choose at least one or more of the following optional items:
gloves or gauntlets, scarves with slides or tied around the neck, coat, vest,
chaps or cuffs.
• All costumes are expected to be fancy and flashy. The “B” Western costuming must be worn during the entire match and awards ceremony with exception of evening formal occasions.
SIDE
MATCHES
THE PLAINSMAN
This
event requires two .36 caliber or larger Frontiersman Category style percussion
revolvers, shot Duelist style.
•
Must use a SASS–legal single-shot rifle firing a traditional
blackpowder rifle or revolver caliber cartridge (e.g., not a .30-30). The rifle may have spring actuated ejectors if they are standard
for that rifle.
•
Must use a side by side, with or without exposed hammers or lever action
shotgun.
•
Must use blackpowder in all loads (rifle, revolver, and shotgun).
POCKET PISTOLS AND
DERRINGERS
Pocket pistols and Derringers are popular for use in side matches and are occasionally introduced as an additional firearm in main match stages
•
A pocket pistol is a small frame, fixed sight, pre-1900 design revolver
having a barrel length of four inches or less.
Pocket pistols must be .31 caliber or larger. Model “P” Colts and clones
and revolvers with swing out cylinders are
specifically not allowed regardless of caliber, frame size, or barrel length.
Pocket pistols
may not be used as or converted to main match revolvers.
•
A Derringer is defined as an external hammer, fixed sight, breech loading
or percussion ignition, small frame pre-1900 design firearm having one to four barrels up to three and onehalf inches
long. Derringers must be .22 caliber or larger. The Remington style
over/under
barrel configuration and the Sharps four-barreled
Pepperbox are typical
SASS–legal Derringers.
• .22 Magnum ammunition is not
allowed.
LONG RANGE (OR PRECISION)
RIFLE
SASS long
range or precision rifle competition is different than main match rifle
competition with more emphasis placed on precision shooting at longer
ranges, with time being a secondary scoring factor. Scoring for these matches is
determined by the number of hits, with either of two methods used to break
ties. At the match director’s
option, either total time used to shoot the
required number of shots or a shoot-off may be used to break ties.
There
are five categories in long range or precision rifle competition, plus one
optional category:
•
Lever action, revolver caliber
•
Lever action, rifle caliber
•
Single Shot
•
Buffalo Single Shot
•
Optical
•
Open Category (may be used at the match director’s option to include
those firearms not covered by other official Long Range Categories).
Blackpowder categories can be added to any or all of the basic categories at the option of the match director. Each category competes within itself.
BASIC RULES FOR THE LONG RANGE COMPETITIONS
•
Front barrel sights may vary from simple blades to period hooded wind
gauge designs using interchangeable sight inserts and having a spirit level mounted integral with the sight or sight
base.
•
Rear sights must either be open iron sights mounted on the barrel or
original style tang or stock wrist mounted peep sights.
Long range rear barrel mounted sights of the flip-up ladder type
may use
a peephole drilled through the sliding sight leaf.
An example of this is the various ladder type sights used on the
Springfield trapdoors.
•
Optical and receiver mounted sights are not allowed.
•
“Rifle Caliber” competition rifles must use traditional, period,
rimmed cartridges. No cartridge
chambered for use in any SASS approved main match revolver or rifle may be used
in the “Rifle Caliber” competition, except the .56-50.
Thus, .30-30 (.30 WCF), . 38-55 Marlin & Ballard, .43 Spanish, or
.45-70 Government cartridges are legal, while a .375 Winchester, .444 Marlin, 32-20, or
.44-40 are not legal.
•
Any propellant powder may be used (with the exception smokeless powder is
not allowed in the Buffalo Single Shot competition).
•
Regardless of category or caliber, bullets used in long range and
precision rifle matches must be made of pure lead or lead alloy having a plain
base, gas
checked, or paper patched configuration. Lever Action Rifles
used in long range matches, whether revolver or rifle calibers, must be
originals or replicas of rifles manufactured during the period from approximately 1860 until 1899. Lever or
slide action, tubular feed, exposed
hammer rifles or carbines are allowed, providing they are in safe working
condition.Single
Shot and Buffalo Single Shot firearms must be originals or replicas of single shot rifles manufactured during the period from approximately
1860 until 1899. All rifles MUST have exposed
hammers.
The caliber and cartridge rules for the “Rifle Caliber” firearms
noted above under basic rules also apply to Single Shot and Buffalo Single Shot
rifles with the exception Buffalo Single Shot rifles must be .375" bore
size or larger. Buffalo
Single Shot competition has further restrictions requiring original or replica
rifles to be a design of US manufacture. Spring-loaded
ejectors are also prohibited, except for Springfield Trapdoor Rifles.The
Optical Category firearms must meet the above restrictions with the following
optical rules:
•
No length or power limitation on the scope.
•
Scope tube body to be ¾" or less in diameter and any ocular or
objective lenses and adjusting or assembly rings to be less than 1" in
diameter.
•
No internal scope adjustments for windage or elevation.
•
Mounts are to be of a traditional style of the period and contain the
windage and elevation adjustments for the scope in either, or both, the front or
rear mounts. No click adjustments
in the mount. Either dove tail
mounting or scope block mounting is allowed.
• Original scope mounts of either the Cataract or Malcom style or
variations thereof or replicas or derivative scope mounts conform to the
criteria of paragraph above.
(Note: These rules are identical to the NRA BPCS Rules on optical sights.)
SCORING AND TIMING
SASS
matches are scored based upon elapsed shooting time and added penalty points for
missed targets. Each stage is
scored individually and, in most club matches, the total combined score for all
stages fired is ranked for place of finish, either over all or by category.
At
END of TRAIL, SASS Regionals, and at the discretion of each affiliated club,
rank scoring is used. Rank scoring is recommended when all the stages
in a match are not of approximately the same duration and degree of
difficulty.
The alternative to rank scoring is scoring based upon total time (total
raw time plus penalties).
The Range Master/Match Director will consider the appeal on grounds of
policy and rules interpretation only, and their decision is final. At major
matches special protest juries comprised of Territorial Governors may be
empanelled to aid the Range Master/Match Director in making a reasonable
judgment.
FAILURE
TO ENGAGE
A
“failure to engage” occurs when a competitor willfully or intentionally
disregards the stage instructions in order to obtain a competitive advantage and
is not assessed simply because a competitor “makes a mistake.”
A Failure to Engage applies only to non-shooting situations such as
refusing to rope a steer, throw a stick of dynamite or otherwise make an attempt
to complete any other non-shooting procedure written within the stage
instructions. In such a case, in addition to any penalties for
misses, a
30-second failure to engage/Spirit of the Game penalty is assessed.
RANGE
OPERATIONS
Cowboy Action Shooting™ is not intended to be a precision
shooting competition. Small targets
and long distances take the “action”
out of the game and make it more
discouraging for newer shooters.
Both
experienced and inexperienced shooters want hits on their targets.
Some folks just hit (or miss) a little faster than others.
Too many misses, or the perception the targets are too difficult to
hit, discourage folks from continuing to play, especially the less proficient
shooters.
Ask
any experienced Cowboy Action Shooter, and she or he will tell you there is no
such thing as a target too big or too close to miss!
A
more detailed guide to match design is available in the SASS Match Directors
Guide.
Metal
and paper targets of generous size are used.
Reactive targets such as pepper poppers and falling plates are used when
practical to enhance shooter feedback and spectator
appeal. Targets are set at close to medium range. There
are no absolute rules, but we suggest the following
distances, by firearm, if
using a target approximately 16" X 16":
Derringer/Pocket
Pistol – point blank to three yards shooting paper, cardboard, or balloons
only. It’s too close to safely shoot steel.
To
the extent possible, reactive targets are set to fall when squarely hit with no
more than a standard .38 Special 158 gr. factory load.
SASS
matches above the club level are “no alibi” matches.
Once the first round goes down range, the competitor is committed to the
stage and must finish the stage to the best of his or her ability. Reshoots/restarts are not
awarded for ammunition or firearm malfunctions.
However,
if there is a range failure (failure of props, timer, or the range officers)
beyond the competitor’s control, a restart may be granted.
On a reshoot/restart, the competitor starts over clean, carrying only
accrued safety penalties forward. Restarts
shall be allowed for a competitor to achieve a “clean” start up to the
point at which the first round goes down range. Multiple restarts by the same
shooter,
that in the judgment of the R.O. are seen to be taking advantage, will not be
entertained as they are not in the spirit of the game.
Failure
to stage guns or ammunition at the designated position(s)/location(s) is the
fault of the competitor and scored as a procedural unless the competitor
is able to correct the situation, unassisted, while in the process of completing the
stage under time.
It is expected the Range Officers will be the responsible parties for observing and resolving all safety related matters occurring in the loading, unloading, and firing line areas. However, any shooter who observes a safety infraction not seen by the Range Officer(s) should call the infraction to the Range Officer’s attention, at which time the matter will be resolved.
Stage Conventions or standard range behaviors are a list of practices every shooter is expected to know and follow on every stage. These stage conventions should be followed in all SASS matches unless otherwise directed in stage descriptions.
1. All knockdown shotgun targets may be reengaged until down.
2. All knockdown targets
(shotgun, rifle, or revolver) must go down to count.
3.All staged guns shall have their barrels pointed safely down
range. All
long guns initially staged on a horizontal flat surface shall be staged lying
flat where at least the rear of the trigger guard is on the staging area.
All handguns initially staged on a horizontal flat surface must be staged
with the entire handgun lying flat on the staging surface.
4.Staged shotguns will be open and empty.
5.Shooters may not start a stage with ammunition in hand.
6.Long guns will be discarded open and empty with their barrels pointed
safely down range.
7.Revolvers are returned to leather after the shooting
string.
8.Revolvers are drawn and used in accordance with the shooter’s
category.
9.Safe gun handling is the shooter’s
responsibility.
The 170-degree safety rule is in effect.
10. If no starting position is given the shooter shall stand fully erect
with revolvers holstered, hands at the side not touching any firearm.
11. Cowboy port arms is defined as standing fully erect with the butt of
the long gun at or below the waist of the shooter, the muzzle at or above the shoulder, and
the long gun held with both hands.
12.Interpersonal Conflicts WILL NOT be tolerated.
SAFETY PRACTICES
FIRST,
LAST, AND ALWAYS
Our
sport,
by its very nature, has the potential to be dangerous and a serious accident can
occur. Every participant in a SASS match is expected to be a
safety officer. Each shooter’s first responsibility is for his or her own safe
conduct,
but all shooters are expected to remain alert for actions by others that are
unsafe.
1. Treat and respect every firearm at all times as if it were
loaded.
2.
Muzzle direction is important between, before, during, and after shooting
a stage. A muzzle must not be
allowed to “sweep” the other participants at any time. Long guns shall have their actions open with chambers and magazines empty
and muzzles pointed in a safe direction when transported at a match. A holstered
revolver (loaded or empty) with the hammer fully down on an empty chamber or
expended case is considered safe and may not be interpreted as sweeping another
shooter while safely secured in the holster.
Failure to manage safe muzzle direction is grounds for disqualification
from the stage, and for repeated offenses, from the match.
3. All firearms shall remain unloaded except when under the direct
observation of a Range Officer on the firing line or in the loading area.
4. Six-guns are always loaded with only five rounds and the hammer
lowered,
fully down, and left resting on the empty chamber.
Five shooters may load five rounds, but the hammer must rest on a dummy
chamber or safety slot in the cylinder so the hammer does not rest on a live
round/cap. If a particular stage requires a one shot reload, the sixth chamber
of percussion revolvers may be charged at the bench and then capped “on the
clock”, either before the first round is fired or after the last round is
fired. A complete reload for percussion revolver shooters is handled by staging a
loaded, uncapped revolver
down range or switching uncapped cylinders and capping on the clock.
5.
No cocked revolver may ever leave a shooter’s hand.
6.
Revolvers are returned to leather (re-holstered) with hammer down on a
spent case or empty chamber at the conclusion of the shooting string, unless the
stage description specifically directs otherwise; e.g., “move to next position
and set gun on table or prop.” A
shooting stringis defined as shots from one type of firearm prior to the next
type of firearm engaged.
7.
De-cocking may not be done to avoid a penalty if cocked at the wrong
time, position or location. NO gun may be de-cocked on the firing line except by pointing it down range and pulling the trigger or while under the direct
supervision of a stage officer. The penalty for de-cocking is a Stage Disqualification.
8.
Once a revolver is cocked, the round under the hammer must be expended in
order for it to be returned to a safe condition.
Once a rifle is cocked, either the round under the hammer
must be expended or the action opened in order for the rifle to be
returned to a safe condition. Shotgun
shells may be removed, if necessary, without penalty in order to return the
firearm to a safe condition.
9.
If a firearm is shot out of sequence or from the wrong position or location, the shooter will be awarded a single procedural
penalty. In this situation, if the shooter elects or is forced to miss an
appropriate target due to unsafe angles or target availability, a round may
be
reloaded to avoid a miss penalty (the dreaded “Double Jeopardy” of a
procedure and miss). This does not
mean a shooter may reload a rifle or revolver at any other time to make up a
miss. Unfired ejected rifle rounds may be reloaded.
10. Inadvertently leaving unfired rounds in a revolver is a miss unless
the round is under the hammer, then it is a Stage Disqualification.
11. Safe conditions of firearms for movement or leaving a shooters hand
vary with each type of firearm. Please
see the SASS Range operations Basic Safety Course for a detailed description of
what constitutes a safe firearm conditions for movement.
12. A shooter with firearm in hand shall never be allowed to move with a
live round under a cocked hammer. Movement
is defined the same as "traveling” in basketball. Once the firearm is cocked, one foot must remain in place
on the ground until the firearm is made safe.
13. A shooter shall not cock any revolver until the firearm is pointed
safely down range. While on the firing line, any discharge of any
firearm impacting within
ten-feet of the shooter is unsafe and will result in disqualification from the
stage or, if less than five feet, from the match. Any discharge away from the actual firing line shall result in a Match
Disqualification.
14. A round over the berm is always a bad idea but is worse on some
ranges than others. Local match regulations establish the
appropriate penalty, up to and
including a Match Disqualification.
15. Rifles may be staged down range from the shooter with the magazine
loaded, action closed, hammer down and chamber empty.
16. Shotguns are always staged open with magazine and chambers empty and
are loaded on the clock unless the stage begins with the shotgun in the shooter’s
hands. Mule eared
shotguns can be cocked at the beginning of a scenario, whether staged or in the shooter’s
hands. Long guns are never staged with their muzzles on the
ground.
17. Long guns will have their actions left open and the
magazines/barrels empty at the conclusion
of each shooting string. A 10
second minor safety penalty will be assessed if the firearm is not cleared or
opened. This condition may be
corrected prior to the next round being fired. If the long gun is the last firearm
used, it must be cleared prior to
it leaving the shooters hand(s) at the unloading table.This does not apply to guns shot out of
sequence, made “safe” and then restaged.
18. A live round left in the chamber of a long gun constitutes a stage
disqualification. Any other rounds, live or
empty, left anywhere in a long gun in which it was loaded is a ten-second minor safety
violation.
Broken guns still containing rounds do not warrant penalties, except for
misses, so long as the malfunction is declared and the gun made safe.
19. All shooters must demonstrate rudimentary familiarity and proficiency
with the firearms being used. Shooters are expected to perform within their capabilities
at all times. SASS
matches are not the forums in which to learn basic firearms handling.
20. SASS matches are not fast draw competitions. Any
unsafe gun handling in the course of a draw from the holster or any
“fanning” will result in the shooter’s disqualification from that
stage.
“Slip-hammering” is not the same as fanning and is legal.
21. Extreme care must be exercised when drawing a revolver from a
cross-draw or shoulder holster or returning the revolver to leather. The user must "twist” their
body, if necessary, to ensure the muzzle
never breaks the 170-degree safety rule during the process.
Failure to ensure the muzzle is always down range is grounds for an
immediate stage disqualification. A second infraction during the same match is
grounds for match disqualification. (Note:
The 170-degree safety rule means the muzzle of the firearm must always be straight down range +/- 85 degrees in any
direction.
If a competitor “comes close” to breaking the 180-degree safety
plane, the 170-degree safety rule has been violated, and the competitor is at
fault.) It is also necessary to
note that during the course of fire, the shooter must be given the ability to
draw and holster revolvers from “straight hang” holsters and the ability to retrieve
and return vertically staged double-barreled shotguns without penalty.
22. Movement is not allowed with a loaded, cocked
firearm. Movement is defined by the basketball “traveling”
rule. Whenever a shooter has a loaded, cocked firearm in hand, at least one foot must remain in
place on the ground. 1st violation
will result in Stage Disqualification; 2nd violation will result in Match
Disqualification. This includes
leaving the loading table with a cocked loaded firearm.
23. A dropped unloaded gun on the firing line (loading table to unloading
table) results in the shooter’s disqualification from the stage.
A dropped loaded firearm results in a match disqualification. A shooter
may not pick up a dropped gun. The
Range Officer will recover the gun, examine it, clear it, and return it to the
shooter.
24. Ammunition dropped by a shooter in the course of reloading any
firearm during a stage or “ejected” from any firearm is considered “dead” and
may not be recovered until the shooter completes the course of fire. The round must be replaced
from the shooter’s person or other area as required by stage description or if
the round is not fired it is counted as a missed shot. Staged ammunition dropped
back where it was staged is not considered “dead.”
25. The unloading officer or Range Officer MUST inspect all firearms
before they leave the shooting stage. All rifles and pump or lever action
shotguns must have their action cycled for the inspecting official.
All revolvers, whether used or not in the stage, must also be inspected.
26. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the range area for all
shooters, guests, range officers, and others, until shooting is done for the day. No shooter may consume any alcoholic beverage until he or she has
completed all of their shooting for the day and stored their firearms.
27. No shooter may ingest any substance that will affect his or her
ability to participate with a maximum state of awareness and in a completely
safe manner. Both prescription and
nonprescription pharmaceuticals that may cause drowsiness or any other
physical or mental impairment must be avoided.
28. 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.
Such protection is recommended for everyone when in the range area, and
eye protection is mandatory for spectators when within direct line of sight of
steel targets.
29. All loading and unloading shall be conducted only in the designated
areas. NOTE: Percussion revolver shooters must exercise care
to ensure they maintain safe muzzle direction during loading and have fired or cleared all
capped chambers prior to leaving the unloading area. It is not permissible to seat percussion caps on a revolver’s nipple using the gun’s
hammer.
Percussion revolvers may only be capped at the loading area or on the firing
line.
30. Dry firing at the loading table is not allowed and results in a stage
disqualification.
Dry firing is allowed only at designated safe areas. Dry firing is defined as the act of bringing the gun into a shooting
position, cocking the hammer, and pulling the trigger as if to cause the gun to
fire normally.
31. Only registered competitors may wear firearms.
32. If a competitor has a firearm malfunction that cannot be cleared
during the course of fire, the shooter may not leave the firing line until the
firearm has been cleared. A Match
Disqualification will be awarded to the shooter if they leave the firing line
with the malfunctioning firearm unless under the direct supervision of a Match
Official.
33. Main match targets are recommended to be fabricated from metal and be
approximately 16" X 16" in size. Distances for revolver targets should
be 7 to 10 yards, shotgun targets should be 8 to16 yards, and rifle targets
should be placed at 13 to 50 yards.
34. The minimum standard for center-fire ammunition used in all smokeless
categories at State, Regional, National, International and World Championship Competitions is not less than a minimum power factor of 60 and no velocity may
be less than 400 fps. The maximum
velocity standard for revolvers is 1000 fps.The maximum velocity standard for rifles is 1400
fps. Buckaroo Category shooters choosing to use center-fire ammunition in handguns and/or rifles must
also meet all power factor and velocity requirements.
Pocket pistols and derringers are exempt from the power
factor and velocity requirements.
35. Failure to stage guns or ammunition at the designated
position(s) or location(s) is the fault of the competitor and scored as a procedural unless the competitor is able to correct the
situation, unassisted, while in the process of
completing the stage under time.
36. Ammo on belts must be worn just above the pistol belt at or below the
belly button. Shotgun slides may not be worn over a shotgun
belt.
37. Competitors shall unload each of their firearms at the designated
unloading area and have them visually inspected to make sure all chambers empty. Rifles and shotguns must be cycled to verify their magazines are
empty. All revolvers taken to the firing line must
be checked, whether or not
they were used, and only two main match revolvers may be taken to the line.
38. Competitors arriving at the designated loading area with uncleared
firearms after completing a stage within the same day will be assessed a Stage Disqualification penalty on the previously completed
stage.
39. Competitors shall not leave the designated loading area with a loaded
firearm unless they are proceeding to the stage as the next competitor to begin
the stage.
OUTLAWED
The
use or presence of any outlawed item is a Stage Disqualification.
•
Modern shooting gloves.
•
Short sleeve shirts (Male competitors only)
•
Short sleeve tee shirts, long sleeve tee shirts, and tank tops for all
competitors. Long sleeved Henley type shirts with buttons are acceptable.
•
Modern feathered cowboy hats (Shady Bradys).
Straw hats of traditional design (e.g., Stetson, Bailey, sombreros,) are
acceptable.
•
Designer jeans
•
Ball caps
•
All types of athletic shoes or combat boots no matter the material from
which they are constructed.
•
Nylon, plastic, or Velcro accouterments.
•
The displaying of manufacturer’s, sponsor’s or team logos on apparel. Manufacturer’s labels on such apparel or equipment are
acceptable.
SASS
wants our participants to be safe, 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.
SASS
MOUNTED SHOOTING
SASS
Mounted Shooting is a special event where experienced riders traverse a course
of fire in the shortest period of time shooting balloons with match supplied .45
caliber blanks. Please see the SASS Mounted Shooters Handbook for additional
information.
SINGLE ACTION SHOOTING SOCIETY
23255 La Palma Avenue Yorba Linda, CA 92887
(714) 694-1800 FAX: (714) 694-1815
E-mail: sass@sassnet.com
Web
Page: www.sassnet.com
