Basic Rules of Western Action Sh

Basic guidelines of Cowboy Action Shooting

It is the shooters responsibility to be aware of the requirements of any match, be it for equipment and or safety. Every shooter is required to know and adhere to the rules of each range. If in doubt, call the contact person (match director) Every shooter is a safety officer, responsible for his or her own conduct and the conduct of others in their area of influence, if you are not sure or feel uncomfortable ask, the “Spirit of the Game” is there to help, assist and mentor.
All firearms are to handled as if they are loaded.
Eye and ear protection must be worn at all times by all persons while on most club properties.
Every shooter is expected to have and demonstrate at least basic familiarity with their firearms and at all times to practice safe firearm handling.
No shooter will have his/her finger on a firearms trigger until the firearm is pointed safely down range. Any accidental or premature discharge of any firearm that impacts within three feet of the shooter will result in disqualification from that stage. A second such incident on the same day may result in the shooters disqualification from the match.
Never should a cocked firearm leave a shooters hand.
All firearms shall remain unloaded except during their actual use in a course of fire.
Firearms are loaded and unloaded only at the designated loading and unloading stations for each stage. A loaded firearm is never left unattended at ‘anytime. As to anyone already loaded may not leave the firing line.
No fast draw or fanning at any time, anywhere.
The “Blazing six-guns” style of shooting with two handguns simultaneously is prohibited. That is a shooter may never have more than one handgun in his or her hands at any one time, with exception of the matches where they allow gunfighter class. Even then only one firearm is discharged at a time.
Shotguns and rifles must remain in “Action Open” condition except when in actual use during a course of fire. Long guns carried in a gun cart must have their actions open if physically possible. Long guns carried in scabbards, gun rugs will have their action opened, muzzles pointed in a safe direction. Muzzle control must be exercised immediately upon the guns removal from such scabbard, or rug. Long guns must always be carried actions open, preferable with the muzzles pointing vertically, straight up.
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited for all persons, shooters, guests, range officers and others.
Percussion revolver shooters may charge fire cylinders with ball and powder away from a loading area BUT, will CAP only in the loading area.
Handguns (Percussion and metallic cartridge) are loaded with five rounds only, the hammer down, resting on the empty chamber. Shotguns are loaded only on the shooting line. Rifles are loaded via their magazines only, chambers must be empty.
Lead ONLY bullets are permitted at matches. NO jacketed, semi jacketed, plated, washed, or gas checked bullets are allowed. Lead shot only is permitted for shotguns, steel shot is strictly prohibited,.
Ammunition velocity should be maintained to the following. Revolver ammunition should NOT be above 1,000 feet per second. Rifle ammunition may not be above 1,400 feet per second. Shotguns must have barrel length of 18” and #4 shot or smaller must be used. No magnum. It is suggested that you check with the match director as to the # lead allowed for his or her match. As some clubs now have certain safety concerns.
Handguns carried away from the firing line shall remain holstered at all times, NO “Show and Tell”, gun twirling or other gun handling in non designated areas.
All firearms must remain uncocked and the shooters trigger finger removed from the trigger area whenever the shooter changes shooting location during a stage unless the specific stage instructions prescribe otherwise. Hand guns are returned to leather (reholstered) at the conclusion of their immediate use, unless the shooter has been specifically directed otherwise. For example when changing from handgun to rifle in a two gun stage, the handgun will be holstered before the rifle is picked up. Long guns shall have their action open at the conclusion of their use. For example when changing from a rifle to a shotgun or handgun the rifles action must be left open before the next firearm is picked up.
Every shooter is responsible for keeping the muzzle of his or her firearm pointed in safe directions. Never point a firearm at anything you do not intend to shoot. The 170 degree safety plane must be observed at all times when shooting a course of fire. Breaking the safety plane, or in any way pointing a firearm at a person, will result in disqualification from the stage in which the incident occurs. A second violation in the same match will result in the shooters disqualification from the match.
A dropped firearm will be picked up and cleared ONLY by the range officer at the stage. A dropped handgun always results in a disqualification. A second instance of a dropped gun may result in disqualification from the match.
Ammunition dropped on the ground by a shooter during shooting the course of fire is deemed “DEAD” rounds. They may NOT be retrieved until the clock has stopped. Carry extra rounds on your person.
No shooting other than in the match. Requests for function fire or sighting-in must be approved by the match director, but is seldom done.
No shooter will ingest any substance which may affect his or her ability to participate with a maximum state of awareness and in a completely safe manner. Prescription or non prescription pharmaceuticals that may cause drowsiness or any other physical or mental impairment must be avoided.

REMEMBER Safety First, Last & Always.