Cowboy Action Shooting

Howdy Pards

Jes’ wanna give yuh a little info on Cowboy Action Shootin’ here at MBSC. We call ourselves the “Cape Cod Cowboys” and have our scheduled shoots ar 9:30 AM on the Fourth Saturday of the month from March through November at the rental range on the far left that we call “Oyster Flats”. We usually have a lunch which always includes Fast Hands Fred’s home-made baked beans. Rain date is the Fourth Sunday. The cowpokes meet informally at the range throughout the month to keep our shooting skills sharp., as well as at special competitions. We use firearms common to the last quarter of the 19th century, such as single action revolvers and lever action rifles using 32 to 45 caliber ammunition and 12 to 20 gauge double barreled shotguns. Since we fire at close range steel targets, we fire light loads to minimize ricochets. Most of us load our own ammo. Safety is our prime objective and we adhere to Single Action Shooting Society rules. To shoot a complete scenario you will need 2 single action revolvers, a lever action rifle and a shotgun all as described above. However, you kin start with one weapon and purchase the rest over time. Before you buy anything we recommend that you come down to one of our monthly shoots and see what the whole thing is all about. (You kin try out one of our shootin’ irons!) To complete the Old West feeling we wear typical cowboy clothing and set up scenarios and stages to make it more fun. Oh yeah---almost forgot, we all have aliases.
For more info or a current list of the Cape Cod Cowboys and their aliases pleez email curlyjay@capecod.com

Check out the latest adventures of Curly Jay at Oyster Flats! Hell Hath No Fury......

 

FAQ

 

Where do you shoot? We shoot at the OK Corral next to the Trap Range.

 

Does this mean we can now shoot cartridges at the trap range? ONLY DURING THE COWBOY ACTION SHOOTING SESSIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE. AT ALL OTHER TIMES THE USE OF CARTRIDGES ON THE TRAP RANGE IS A SERIOUS VIOLATION OF RANGE RULES THAT WILL LEAD TO SEVERE DISCIPLINARY ACTION!

 

What do you shoot? We shoot single-action revolvers, pistol caliber lever-action (and some pump-action) carbines, and double barrel or exposed hammer lever or pump-action shotguns. Most are of modern manufacture but they are supposed to look like authentic cowboy guns of the 1800s

 

What ammunition is used? Center fire cartridges of pistol caliber using lead alloy bullets at low velocities. Revolver cartridges must be loaded to a velocity of less than 1000 FPS. Carbine cartridges must be loaded to a velocity of less than 1400 FPS. Some cartridges (but not the only ones) that are suitable (when loaded as described above) are: .32 Magnum .38 Special .357 Magnum .41 Magnum .44 Special .44 Magnum .44-40 .45 Long Colt

 

Are these black powder loads? No. Most cowboy loads use small amounts of modern smokeless powder to achieve the low velocities. Black powder may also be used, but DUPLEX LOADS (A SMALL STARTER LOAD OF SMOKELESS BEHIND A BLACK POWDER CHARGE) ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED!

 

Can I use a .22 rimfire? No. These are not allowed.

 

Do I have to load my own shells? While most cowboy shooters reload their cartridges either to save money or fine-tune the accuracy and recoil characteristics, many stores carry factory loads that meet S.A.S.S. requirements. These will be marked as "Cowboy" ammunition. The growing popularity of the sport has caused many manufacturers to offer such ammunition in the popular calibers.

 

What about shotgun ammunition? Trap and light field loads in 10, 12, 16, or 20 gauge are allowed as long as the shot size is not larger than # 7 1/2 birdshot. Paper, plastic, and brass shells may be used. No high velocity or magnum loads are allowed.

 

What do you shoot at? Cowboy action shooting uses a variety of steel plate targets. Some ring when hit, some fall down or otherwise move. Because we use steel targets, only softer bullets at low velocities are allowed to prevent dangerous ricochets. THE USE OF JACKETED BULLETS IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED, AS ARE MAGNUM OR HIGH-VELOCITY LOADS!

 

Where can I learn more? CAS will have first meeting of the season May 6th 7PM at club house for all interested CAS participants. Topics of discussion will be range improvements - other projects as deemed appropriate.