Old West firearms, a little make-believe, and a whole lot of good company—that’s Cowboy Action Shooting with the Illowa Irregulars.
Cowboy Action Shooting is a timed shooting sport built around firearms associated with the Old West: single-action revolvers, pistol-caliber rifles, and period-style shotguns. Competitors move through a series of stages, engaging steel targets according to a different story and shooting sequence at each one. Some scenarios take their inspiration from historical incidents; others borrow a little Hollywood spirit.
You’ll meet shooters with colorful aliases, see plenty of Western clothing, and find people who enjoy sharing their enthusiasm for the sport.
A match with an Old West flavor
Each stage combines a target arrangement with instructions for where to start, where to place the firearms, and how to engage the targets. Your score reflects your time and any applicable penalties or bonuses. The challenge is to follow the stage instructions safely while enjoying the experience.
Our monthly matches usually include six stages. Larger matches may run ten to twelve. For a walk-through of a typical day, visit Your First Match.
Meet the Illowa Irregulars
The Illowa Irregulars are affiliated with the Single Action Shooting Society, better known as SASS, and use SASS rules. We are a shooting discipline within and sponsored by the Milan Rifle Club. However, while we encourage everyone to become Milan Rifle Club members, non-members are welcome to participate in our matches.
The Spirit of the Game
The heart of Cowboy Action Shooting is the “Spirit of the Game”: participate safely, have fun, and do the right thing. We enjoy a good run as much as anyone, but the friendships matter more than the finish. A shared fondness for the Old West and its firearms gives us something to talk about from the start—and often turns a first visit into a long friendship.
A little history
The sport began in 1982 with a small group of enthusiasts who became known as the Wild Bunch. They formally established SASS in 1987. Today, SASS is the largest and most widely accepted organization for Western-style shooting.
Ready to learn more?
Cowboy Action Shooting is intended for people who already have basic firearms experience. It is not a substitute for introductory firearms training. If you are new to shooting, complete appropriate instruction before taking part in a match.
Start with Getting Started, then explore Firearms & Equipment and Safety. To plan a visit, check the match calendar and directions, or contact the Illowa Irregulars.
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