The idea caught on quickly and the competition became known as Cowboy Action Shooting.

CAS soon grew to become an international membership organization known as the Single Action Shooting Society. SASS is the governing and sanctioning body for the sport of both Cowboy Action Shooting and Wild Bunch Action shooting.

As SASS grew, possess formed on private properties and in gun clubs across the United States and the world. It was in 1999 that CAS became a popular shooting discipline at NMSA and El Posse Grande was founded.

In 2005, El Posse Grande began hosting the SASS State Championship and still hosts it today. The competition brings in nearly 200 shooters. A recent state match welcomed shooters from 18 states and Canada and monthly matches are much smaller, with roughly 30 competitors.

PHOTO PROVIDED A member of the Cowboy Action Shooting with the Single Action Shooting Society in Spook Hallow takes part in a shooting exhibition. Those who are interested in the Single Action Shooting Society can visit the organization’s website at www.sassnet.com

On the fourth and fifth Sundays from March through October, cowboys and cowgirls meet in the little cowboy town of Spook Hollow on the grounds of the NMSA for a fun and friendly competition. Participants dress in clothing reminiscent of the cowboy era and, with a pair of single-action pistols, a lever-action rifle and a shotgun (double-barrel, pump action or lever action).

They engage in targets in a prescribed order, over a course of six stages.

Participants use lead bullets and engage steel targets. The competition is scored on speed and accuracy. Five seconds is added to the time for each miss and 10 seconds for shooting out of order.

Safety is paramount and other penalties are assessed for safety infractions. Spectators are welcome. Eye and ear protection are required.

Those interested can read more about the Single Action Shooting Society at the organization’s website: www.sassnet.com.

PHOTO PROVIDED Shown are members with Cowboy Action Shooting with the Single Action Shooting Society in Spook Hallow.