The Fascination of Cowboy Action Shooting

The American Western period, loosely defined as the years between the Civil War and the beginning of the 20th Century, is without a doubt one of the most romantic eras of modern history. Whether through the allure of authentic historical research or through the glamorous prism of our favorite Hollywood creations, the American West has a grip on all of our hearts. What child (young or old!) has never dreamt of riding the plains with Kit Carson, driving a herd along the Chisholm Trail, or facing the Dalton Gang alongside John Wayne?

Short of inventing a time-machine, the sport of Cowboy-action shooting has been the best way in which many romantic-at-hearts are able to fulfill this American Western dream. Year after year, a staggering (and constantly-increasing!) number of Americans from all walks of life shed their 21st-Century garb and identity to become, depending on their whim, self-reliant plainsmen, flashy riverboat gamblers, lovable villains, swaggering sheriffs or sultry saloon seductresses - for the week-end.

But in spite of the many colorful different personae people assume, one thing brings everyone together: competition. Competition shooting, that is - using authentic, 19th-Century firearms or accurate replicas. The sport of Cowboy-action shooting revolves around friendly competition, where participants use handguns, pistol-caliber rifles and scatterguns to display and improve their skills.

Among the many events, perhaps the most popular of Cowboy-action shooting is one where two handguns, a rifle and a shotgun are used in a timed event against multiple targets. One at a time, participants face creative "fun-house" scenarios where speed, accuracy and, most importantly, safety, determine their score. These competitions take place at all levels between informal weekend club-matches and highly-publicized, fully-sponsored yearly Nationals.

A sport for the whole family, Cowboy-action shooting continues to attract new friends year after year. If you love the Old West, enjoy good company and friendly competition and if you like to have some safe fun, check out this popular activity for yourself!