You don’t have to know every cowboy term before you meet the Illowa Irregulars. A little preparation, a willingness to learn, and an alias that makes you smile will help you feel right at home.
Start with the basics
Cowboy Action Shooting assumes previous firearms experience. It should not be your first firearms training. Learn safe handling through appropriate instruction before entering a match, then become familiar with the sport’s rules and the host club’s requirements.
Read our Safety page and the current SASS handbooks. These pages introduce the sport; the applicable official rules, club requirements, and match briefing provide the details you need to participate.
Plan a visit
Check the match calendar, review the directions, and contact us with questions about attending or entering your first match. Tell us you’re new so we can explain what to expect.
Both shooters and spectators need eye and hearing protection. We strongly recommend certified safety glasses with side shield.
Choose your alias
An alias is part of the fun. It is the name other shooters will know you by and the name used in match records. Choose something inspired by your personality, family history, a favorite Old West character, or simply a name you enjoy. Check out the match scores to get a sense of what Aliases people are using.
We encourage SASS membership, although SASS membership is not required to participate in monthly matches. SASS aliases are unique. Have a second choice ready in case your first choice is already taken.
Do you need to join a club first?
You do not need to belong to SASS or the Milan Rifle Club to shoot in our monthly matches. SASS membership is required for SASS-sanctioned matches at the state level and above.
Dress for the occasion
Western or period-inspired dress is part of the experience. Your outfit can help bring your alias to life. Some shooting categories have specific clothing and accessory requirements.
In general, for new shooters, you should wear long pants, or dresses and skirts as appropriate; leather boots or shoes rather than athletic footwear; a cowboy hat rather than a ball cap; and long-sleeved shirts, with short sleeves allowed for women. A few categories have additional costume requirements. See the Shooters Handbook
Understand the equipment before buying
A typical main-match setup includes two single-action revolvers, an eligible pistol-caliber rifle, an eligible shotgun, holsters, and a way to carry shotshells. Firearm types, ammunition, and clothing requirements can depend on category.
Visit Firearms & Equipment for the source-derived equipment guide, and ask about suitability before making a purchase. Do not assume that a firearm qualifies simply because it looks like an Old West design. Like the clothing, some shooting categories have specific requirements depending on the category. Guidance is just a question away.
Before your first match
- Confirm the date, registration time, fee, directions, and any required paperwork.
- Tell the club that you are a new Cowboy Action Shooting participant.
- Review the applicable rules and the requirements for your category.
- Confirm that your firearms, ammunition, holsters, clothing, and protective equipment meet those requirements.
- Choose an alias and bring your questions.
Then read Your First Match for a step-by-step look at registration, posse assignments, and the day’s activities.