The Western has been around for a long time. The cowboy became the main figure early in the history of Western film and remains its most enduring feature. The cowboy in the western was self-reliant, working dawn to dusk, who braved the elements expecting no more than freedom and independence in meeting the challenge of frontier life.

Unfortunately there were other freedom loving individuals that thought working dawn to dusk was a poor way to obtain the fruits of labor. These individuals found that cattle rustling or robbing the odd stagecoach was an easier way to get cash so they could spend time in saloons drinking whiskey or in the company of "dance hall girls". Many villains were easy to identify (look for the  black hat).

Now the honest hardworking cowpoke didn't appreciate the activities of your average cattle rustler or horse thief.  This would usually led to an altercation. Unfortunately your average good ol cowpoke didn't spend enough time practicing shooting for the occasion he may need to confront a gang of bad guys. After he is shot, the sheriff is called in to take care of the bad guys. The sheriff will probably have practiced his shooting more than the average cowpoke. Because of this and the fact that he has more experience with bad guys he will usually come out ok after a gun fight.

Now if you don't want to end up as our unfortunate (rip) cowpoke or you are planning on doing some posse duty you should get down to the Winnipeg Revolver and Pistol Association and get involved in Cowboy Action Shooting.

Now you ask "what is Cowboy Action Shooting?"

Cowboy Action Shooting is one of the fastest growing shooting sports.  The participants are provided a storyline descibing the senario and perform a variety of tasks before shooting at cardboard or reactive steel targets with guns used in the Old West. Handguns are single action revolvers, lever action rifles, double barrel shotguns or pre 1898 pump shotguns. Dressing Cowboy is also a requirement. Each cowpoke is required to adopt a shooting alias appropriate to a character or profession of the late 19th century or a Hollywood western star and develop a costume accordingly.

Cowboys (and Cowgirls) shoot in several one,  two or three gun stages (courses of fire) in which they engage reactive steel and cardboard silhouette targets. Scoring is based on accuracy and speed.

Although the shooting is competitive the primary focus is on having some fun. So git yer shootin iron and come'n down fer some Cowboy Action Shooting.

Required gear:

• Eye and Ear protection.
• Cowboy dress. At least a cowboy hat, long sleeve work shirt, jeans (plain not designer), and boots
• Any pair of single action revolvers.
• Lever action rifle in a "pistol" caliber
• A shotgun without automatic ejectors in a style available prior to 1898. Any lever action or pump shotgun with an exposed hammer (e.g., Winchester Model 1887 or 1897 or Marlin Model 1898). Extractors are ok shotguns with ejectors are not.
• Holsters and belts for your revolvers
• Ammunition is lead bullet only with a velocity under 1000 fps for revolver and under 1400 fps for rifle.
• Shotgun shells loaded with #4 lead shot or smaller.

If you don't have all the hardware come down anyway.  If you don't have all the required guns (you can shoot a double action revolver single action) you can shoot in our introductory Tenderfoot catagory. Depending on what you are missing you may be able to borrow what you need. Remember that Cowboys are some of the most generous people. If you are a shooter thinking about getting into Cowboy Action Shooting check out Getting Started in Cowboy Action Shooting for useful information.

Winnipeg Revolver and Pistol Association hosts Cowboy Action Shooting on our range.

For a detailed guide to the rules check out Single Action Shooting Society Shooters Handbook.
Winnipeg Revolver and Pistol Association reserves the right to make modifications to the referenced rules.