Dark Horse Drifters: Saddle Up for True Old West Adventure
Join the thrill of Cowboy Action Shooting™ at weekly practices and competitive events, all staged in authentic Old West style.
Welcome to the Dark Horse Drifters—a #SASS-affiliated club where history lives and the shooting gets exciting. Grab your revolvers, rifles, and shotguns, and ride with us into the heart of Cowboy Action Shooting, where camaraderie meets skillful competition. Whether you're brand new to the sport or a seasoned hand, we're ready to help you master the art of shooting in distinct Old West flair.
A quick start into the world of Cowboy Action
What is Cowboy Action Shooting?
Welcome to the Dark Horse Drifters, a proud SASS-affiliated Cowboy Action Shooting club where history sparks to life and the crack of guns echoes the Old West. We have selected the best pistols, rifles, and shotguns, to saddle up for a spirited mix of cowboy shooting competions and camaraderie. Whether you're a greenhorn or a seasoned sharpshooter, we are here to help.
Our sport isn’t just about hitting steel targets – it’s about technique, muscle memory, guns, stages, setup, and the guns. Complete with authentic cowboy gear with Wild West flair. If you’re new to Cowboy Action Shooting, we gotcha covered with our step-by-step tutorial where we break down all the tips and tricks to get ya firing towards some Buckles, and don’t forget to peruse the Match Locator for events even closer to home.
So, what are you waitin’ for? The Drifters are here, ready to welcome you to the range. The trail’s wide open – come ride with us!
Where Our Experience can Help You
What we're about
The Dark Horse Drifters is a Cowboy Action Shooting™ club dedicated to preserving the spirit of the Old West. As proud members of the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS), we aim to guide one's entry into competitive shooting for all skill levels.
Our mission’s simple: to help cowboys and cowgirls just like you navigate the twists and turns of this here sport. From picking out the smoothest, slicked-up guns to pointing you toward the best vendors in the West, we’ve got the know-how and connections to keep you on target. So, pull up a chair, friend, and let us show you the ropes. Thanks for ridin’ through—see you down the trail!
Videos
What You Need
Tools of the Trade
Cowboy Action Shooting™ revolves around pairing skill with authenticity. To get started, you'll need to review the rules.
Don’t worry if you’re unsure where to start—we’ve got gun reccomendations in the gear and guidance department.
- Here's some stuff
The Best Guns for Your Cowboy Action Shooting Journey
Explore the Best Gear, Guns, and Ammo
Cowboy Action Shooting™ thrives on authenticity. Here’s what you’ll need:
Guns: Single-action revolvers, lever-action rifles, and qualifying shotguns. All firearms meet SASS specifications.
Single-Action Revolvers
Single-action revolvers are a cornerstone of Cowboy Action Shooting. These handguns require the shooter to manually cock the hammer before each shot, a feature that mirrors the design of 19th-century revolvers. Popular models include:
Colt Single Action Army Revolver (Peacemaker) Replica– This iconic revolver is synonymous with the Old West and is highly regarded for its historical accuracy.
Ruger Vaquero – A modern replica with traditional styling, available from Sturm, Ruger & Co..
Uberti Cattleman Revolver – Produced by Uberti, this model offers a faithful reproduction of the Colt Single Action Army, available in various calibers.
Pietta Gunfighter II Competion - Produced in Italy this gun has key modifications: Improved Trigger System, Customizable Grip Options, and Polished Components: Internal and external parts are finely honed to minimize friction and optimize efficiency during competition.
Lever-Action Rifles
Lever-action rifles used in Cowboy Action Shooting must feature a tubular magazine and adhere to design characteristics of the late 1800s. Examples of qualifying models include:
Winchester Model 1873 – Known as “The Gun that Won the West,” available from Winchester Repeating Arms.
Marlin 1894 – A durable option favored by many shooters, available from Marlin Firearms.
Henry Big Boy – A classic lever-action rifle, made by Henry Repeating Arms, available in multiple calibers.
Shotguns
Participants can use side-by-side shotguns, single-shot shotguns, or pump-action shotguns (with external hammers), provided they meet SASS requirements. Common models include:
Stoeger Coach Gun – A popular side-by-side shotgun among Cowboy Action Shooting enthusiasts, available from Stoeger Industries.
CZ Hammer Coach – A traditionally styled shotgun with external hammers, offered by CZ-USA.
Winchester Model 1897 – A pump-action shotgun with a rich history, available from Winchester.
Ammo: Stick to SASS-compliant options for accuracy and safety
Manufacturers such as Federal Premium and Hornady offer reliable options suitable for Cowboy Action Shooting.
Gear: Eye and ear protection, gun belts, and gun carts round out your essentials.
Need help finding equipment? We’re here to help you gear up properly!
Step Into Character
The Required Clothing
Part of Cowboy Action Shooting™ is looking the part. Whether you're a Classic Cowboy or dabbling in B-Western flair, here's what you'll need:
Headwear
Participants must wear period-specific cowboy hats to reflect the style of the late 19th century. The choice of hat is flexible, allowing individuals to reflect their personal style while maintaining historical authenticity. Examples include:
Stetson Hats: Known for their craftsmanship, Stetson offers various styles, including the iconic “Boss of the Plains.” Visit Stetson Hats for a range of options.
Resistol Hats: This manufacturer specializes in durable, authentic cowboy hats popular among enthusiasts. Learn more at Resistol.
Buffalo Hat Co.: For handmade, custom cowboy hats, visit Buffalo Hat Co..
Shirts and Vests
Shirts and vests must adhere to Old West styles and exclude modern-day clothing such as T-shirts. Acceptable options include long-sleeve button-down shirts and vests featuring patterns, fabrics, and designs reminiscent of late 19th-century attire. Examples include:
Scully Western Wear: Known for premium Western clothing, Scully offers vintage-style shirts and vests suitable for Cowboy Action Shooting. Explore their options at Scully USA.
Wild West Mercantile: A leading supplier of authentic Old West-style clothing, including striped cotton shirts and leather vests. View their catalog at Wild West Mercantile.
Historical Emporium: Specializing in historical clothing, Historical Emporium provides a wide range of Victorian-era-style shirts and patterned vests. Visit their website at Historical Emporium.
Bottoms
Participants may wear jeans, trousers, or skirts that reflect historical styling. Modern or athletic styles are strictly prohibited. Examples and distributors of Old West-style bottoms include:
Wrangler Jeans: Wrangler produces durable Western denim styled for authenticity and practicality. Shop at Wrangler.
Frontier Classics: Known for creating historically accurate trousers and skirts, with a focus on period-relevant fabrics. See options at Frontier Classics.
Texas Jacks: An Old West outfitter offering retro-style trousers with suspenders and other accessories. Explore their products at Texas Jacks.
Footwear
Footwear must align with historical styles and include cowboy boots or other appropriate late-19th-century shoes. Sneakers or modern athletic footwear are strictly prohibited. Examples include:
Lucchese Boots: Famous for handcrafted cowboy boots, Lucchese offers styles well-suited for Cowboy Action Shooting. Visit Lucchese.
Ariat Boots: Ariat combines comfort with authentic Western aesthetics, making them a popular choice for competitive shooters. Shop at Ariat.
Old West Boots: Affordable yet authentic Western-style boots available through Old West Boots.
Get creative! Showcase your style while honoring Old West authenticity.
Choose Your Path
The Categories
SASS offers shooting categories based on age, gender, costuming, equipment, and style. Key categories include:
Open Age Categories
Cowboy: Open to competitors of any age.
Cowgirl: Open to female competitors of any age.
Age-Specific Subcategories:
Buckaroo/Buckarette: Ages 13 and under.
Junior Boy/Junior Girl: Ages 16 and under.
Wrangler/Lady Wrangler: Ages 36 and up.
Forty-Niner/Lady Forty-Niner: Ages 49 and up.
Senior/Lady Senior: Ages 60 and up.
Silver Senior/Lady Silver Senior: Ages 65 and up.
Elder Statesman/Grand Dame: Ages 70 and up.
Cattle Baron/Cattle Baroness: Ages 75 and up.
El Patron/La Patrona: Ages 80 and up.
El Rey/La Reina: Ages 85 and up.
Shooting Style Categories
Duelist Category: Style Definition: Revolver is cocked and fired one-handed, unsupported. The off-hand may not touch the revolver, shooting arm, or hand during firing, except in specific malfunctions or transfers.
Gunfighter Category: Style Definition: Competitors shoot with one revolver in each hand. Revolvers must be cocked and fired unsupported.
Costuming Categories
Classic Cowboy/Cowgirl: Competitors must adhere to specific costuming and firearm caliber guidelines.
Firearm Rules:
Revolvers: Only Duelist or Double Duelist style is permitted.
Rifles: Any pre-1874 or replica firearms meeting SASS standards.
Caliber: .40 caliber or larger, rimmed cartridges.
Shotguns: External hammer double-barrel, single-shot, or lever-actions only.
Costuming Requirements:
Competitors must choose five or more costume elements (e.g., chaps, spurs, vests).
Straw/palm hats and moccasins are prohibited.
Boots with traditional designs and hats must be worn throughout the match.
B-Western Category: Firearm and costume embellishment are emphasized.
Firearm Rules:
Open to any SASS legal equipment.
Revolvers may be used in any style allowed by SASS rules.
Costuming Requirements:
"Flashy" costumes depicting B-Western characters are mandatory.
Snap-button shirts, fringe embellishments, and cowboy boots are required.
Hats must be felt, and spurs must include rowels.
Leather holster rigs must feature drop holsters below the belt with decorative stitching.
Blackpowder Shooting Categories: Competitors in Blackpowder categories contend with smoke-obscured targets and must use loads that qualify under SASS blackpowder testing standards.
Frontier Cartridge:
Style Subcategories:
Frontier Cartridge Duelist.
Frontier Cartridge Gunfighter.
Equipment Rules:
Only blackpowder loads in all firearms.
Rifles: Any pistol caliber rifle.
Shotguns: Side-by-side, single shot, or lever action.
Frontiersman:
Your entry is determined by specifics like age and your equipment preferences. Dive into this versatile sport and find the category that suits you best!
Claim Your Cowboy Identity
Your Alias
Every Cowboy Action Shooter needs a unique alias that captures their Old West spirit. Choosing an alias is part of embracing the persona.
Avoid “II,” “2”, or “Too” variations.
Historical names like “Wyatt Earp” cannot be modified significantly (e.g., “Marshal Wyatt Earp” is still considered the same).
Check availability through SASS headquarters, and let your imagination go wild with your alias choice!
What You Need
Gear Up for Action
Cowboy Action Shooting™ revolves around pairing skill with authenticity. To get started, you'll need to review the rules.
Don’t worry if you’re unsure where to start—we’ve got gun reccomendations in the gear and guidance department.
- Here's some stuff
The Tools for Your Wild West Journey
Explore the Gear, Guns, and Ammo
Cowboy Action Shooting™ thrives on authenticity. Here’s what you’ll need:
Guns: Single-action revolvers, lever-action rifles, and qualifying shotguns. All firearms meet SASS specifications.
Single-Action Revolvers
Single-action revolvers are a cornerstone of Cowboy Action Shooting. These handguns require the shooter to manually cock the hammer before each shot, a feature that mirrors the design of 19th-century revolvers. Popular models include:
Colt Single Action Army Revolver (Peacemaker) – Manufactured by Colt, this iconic revolver is synonymous with the Old West and is highly regarded for its historical accuracy.
Ruger Vaquero – A modern replica with traditional styling, available from Sturm, Ruger & Co..
Uberti Cattleman Revolver – Produced by Uberti, this model offers a faithful reproduction of the Colt Single Action Army, available in various calibers.
Lever-Action Rifles
Lever-action rifles used in Cowboy Action Shooting must feature a tubular magazine and adhere to design characteristics of the late 1800s. Examples of qualifying models include:
Winchester Model 1873 – Known as “The Gun that Won the West,” available from Winchester Repeating Arms.
Marlin 1894 – A durable option favored by many shooters, available from Marlin Firearms.
Henry Big Boy – A classic lever-action rifle, made by Henry Repeating Arms, available in multiple calibers.
Shotguns
Participants can use side-by-side shotguns, single-shot shotguns, or pump-action shotguns (with external hammers), provided they meet SASS requirements. Common models include:
Stoeger Coach Gun – A popular side-by-side shotgun among Cowboy Action Shooting enthusiasts, available from Stoeger Industries.
CZ Hammer Coach – A traditionally styled shotgun with external hammers, offered by CZ-USA.
Winchester Model 1897 – A pump-action shotgun with a rich history, available from Winchester.
Ammo: Stick to SASS-compliant options for accuracy and safety
Manufacturers such as Federal Premium and Hornady offer reliable options suitable for Cowboy Action Shooting.
Gear: Eye and ear protection, gun belts, and gun carts round out your essentials.
Need help finding equipment? We’re here to help you gear up properly!
Step Into Character
The Required Clothing
Part of Cowboy Action Shooting™ is looking the part. Whether you're a Classic Cowboy or dabbling in B-Western flair, here's what you'll need:
Headwear
Participants must wear period-specific cowboy hats to reflect the style of the late 19th century. The choice of hat is flexible, allowing individuals to reflect their personal style while maintaining historical authenticity. Examples include:
Stetson Hats: Known for their craftsmanship, Stetson offers various styles, including the iconic “Boss of the Plains.” Visit Stetson Hats for a range of options.
Resistol Hats: This manufacturer specializes in durable, authentic cowboy hats popular among enthusiasts. Learn more at Resistol.
Buffalo Hat Co.: For handmade, custom cowboy hats, visit Buffalo Hat Co..
Shirts and Vests
Shirts and vests must adhere to Old West styles and exclude modern-day clothing such as T-shirts. Acceptable options include long-sleeve button-down shirts and vests featuring patterns, fabrics, and designs reminiscent of late 19th-century attire. Examples include:
Scully Western Wear: Known for premium Western clothing, Scully offers vintage-style shirts and vests suitable for Cowboy Action Shooting. Explore their options at Scully USA.
Wild West Mercantile: A leading supplier of authentic Old West-style clothing, including striped cotton shirts and leather vests. View their catalog at Wild West Mercantile.
Historical Emporium: Specializing in historical clothing, Historical Emporium provides a wide range of Victorian-era-style shirts and patterned vests. Visit their website at Historical Emporium.
Bottoms
Participants may wear jeans, trousers, or skirts that reflect historical styling. Modern or athletic styles are strictly prohibited. Examples and distributors of Old West-style bottoms include:
Wrangler Jeans: Wrangler produces durable Western denim styled for authenticity and practicality. Shop at Wrangler.
Frontier Classics: Known for creating historically accurate trousers and skirts, with a focus on period-relevant fabrics. See options at Frontier Classics.
Texas Jacks: An Old West outfitter offering retro-style trousers with suspenders and other accessories. Explore their products at Texas Jacks.
Footwear
Footwear must align with historical styles and include cowboy boots or other appropriate late-19th-century shoes. Sneakers or modern athletic footwear are strictly prohibited. Examples include:
Lucchese Boots: Famous for handcrafted cowboy boots, Lucchese offers styles well-suited for Cowboy Action Shooting. Visit Lucchese.
Ariat Boots: Ariat combines comfort with authentic Western aesthetics, making them a popular choice for competitive shooters. Shop at Ariat.
Old West Boots: Affordable yet authentic Western-style boots available through Old West Boots.
Get creative! Showcase your style while honoring Old West authenticity.
Choose Your Path
The Categories
SASS offers shooting categories based on age, gender, costuming, equipment, and style. Key categories include:
Classic Cowboy/Cowgirl
B-Western
Frontier Cartridge
Frontiersman
Your entry is determined by specifics like age and your equipment preferences. Dive into this versatile sport and find the category that suits you best!
Claim Your Cowboy Identity
Your Alias
Every Cowboy Action Shooter needs a unique alias that captures their Old West spirit. Choosing an alias is part of embracing the persona.
Avoid “II,” “2”, or “Too” variations.
Historical names like “Wyatt Earp” cannot be modified significantly (e.g., “Marshal Wyatt Earp” is still considered the same).
Check availability through SASS headquarters, and let your imagination go wild with your alias choice!
The Gang
FAQS
How do I join the Dark Horse Drifters?
By a Dark Horse Drifter referral only.
Can I participate if I’m new to Cowboy Action Shooting™?
Absolutely! With a Dark Horse Drifter referral, we're here to guide beginners through the basics of firearms, gear, and shooting techniques.
Do I need my own guns and gear to start?
Not necessarily. Having your own gear is important, however the Dark Horse Drifters have loaner guns available for beginners with a referral.
What kind of costumes are required?
Old West-style clothing is mandatory. Please check our website for details.
Our Schedule
Get In Touch
