cowboy action feb 2011

Posted: Feb 2011

MISSION & DISTRICT ROD & GUN CLUB

P.O. BOX 3027, MISSION, BC, V2V 4J3

www.missionrodandgun.com

POLICY MANUAL – Cowboy Action Shooting

This policy manual is to be read in conjunction with all common Firearms and Range Safety Manuals as well as the directives and By-Laws of the Mission and District Rod and Gun Club. Members should be familiar with applicable Canadian and Provincial Firearms Legislation and govern themselves accordingly.

Introduction

Cowboy Action Shooting is a multifaceted amateur shooting sport in which contestants compete with firearms typical of those used in the taming of the Old West: single action revolvers; lever action rifles; and side by side double barreled, pre-1899 pump, or lever action shotguns.

The shooting competition is staged in a unique, characterized, Old West style. Contestants shoot in several one-to-four gun stages (courses of fire) in which they engage steel and/or

cardboard targets. Scoring is based on accuracy and speed.

The truly unique aspect of Cowboy Action Shooting™ is the requirement placed on authentic period or western screen dress. Each participant is required to adopt a shooting alias appropriate to a character or profession of the late 19th century, or a Hollywood western star, and develop a costume accordingly.

The Mission & District Rod and Gun Club is home to the “Red Mountain Renegades” Cowboy Action Shooting club. The Red Mountain Renegades are a SASS (Single Action Shooting Society) registered club and as such have adopted all SASS rules, regulations and general guidelines for all events.

Complete information regarding the sport of Cowboy Action Shooting is available in the form of handbooks, published by SASS. Shooter Handbooks, Range Operations, Match Administration and Guidelines Handbooks are available at www.sassnet.com.

Posted: Feb 2011

Range descriptions

Cowboy Action Shooting utilizes three pits, each 25 meters in length. The pits/bays are approved for pistol caliber firearms (handgun and rifle) and 12 guage shotgun. All ammunition used during Cowboy Action Shooting, must meet guidelines as set out in “The Shooters Hand Book” http://www.sassnet.com/Downloads/RO/SASSHandbook-16-2010.pdf.

Each range features buildings and facades constructed to resemble structures similar to those of the “Old West”. Buildings, Props, Target stands, and Firearms Stands, are not to be used without expressed consent of the Red Mountain Renegades. All steel targets are securely stored and only Cowboy Action Shooters, which have completed the RO-1 course will be provided with a key to the secure storage.

General Guidelines

The following information provides rules, regulations, and general guidelines adopted by the Red Mountain Renegades to standardize the rules for Cowboy Action shooting at Mission District Rod and Gun Club, Mission BC.

RED MOUNTAIN RENEGADES STRESS THE NECESSITY OF SAFE AND RESPONSIBLE USE OF FIREARMS.

By policy, it is agreed that all members of the Red Mountain Renegades will be RO-1 trained. The SASS Range Operations Basic Course (RO-1)and SASS Range Officer Training Course offer an in-depth interpretation and further clarificationof these rules along with applicable penalties.

Spirit of the Game

As the game of Cowboy Action Shooting™ has evolved, members have developed

and adopted an attitude towards their participation we call “The Spirit of the Game.”

Competing in The Spirit of the Game means you fully participate in what the competition

asks. You do not look for ways to create an advantage out of what is or is not stated as a rule

or shooting procedure. Some folks would call The Spirit of the Game nothing more than good

sportsmanship. Whatever you call it, if you don’t have it, Cowboy Action Shooting™ is not

your game.

A “Spirit Of The Game” infraction occurs when a competitor willfully or intentionally

disregards the stage instructions in order to obtain a competitive advantage (i.e., taking the

penalty would result in a lower score or faster time than following the instructions) and is not

assessed simply because a competitor “makes a mistake.” In such a case, in addition to any

penalties for misses, a 30-second “Failure To Engage/Spirit of the Game” penalty is assessed.

Shooting ammunition that does not meet the power factor or minimum velocity is also a

“Spirit Of The Game” infraction. Two “Spirit Of The Game” penalties within a match will result in a Match Disqualification.

Before You Shoot

1. Register in MDRGC sign in book (BAY 2) or with Shoot Event Registrar.

2. Ensure SHOOTING EVENT SIGNS are erected at entrance to Little TombStone.

3. Ensure RED FLAGS are hung at entrance to Little Tombstone.

4. Ensure all participants and spectators are equipped with and wearing protective eye and hearing equipment.

Posted: Feb 2011

During Shoot

All shooting will be conducted under the direct supervision of a Range Operations Safety Officer (Minimum RO-1 Certification)

SAFETY FIRST , ALWAYS TREAT EVERY FIREARM AS IF IT WAS LOADED.

When carrying a firearm anywhere on the Cowboy range the action shall be open and the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Revolvers will be holstered and empty.

All firearms, while stored prior to a competitor being called to shoot, will have the action left open (Shotguns and Rifles).

There is no DRY FIRING allowed in the SAFE AREA or loading/unloading bays.

If a competitor is not wearing a holster the revolver must be carried with the loading gate open and the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.

Only competitors are allowed to wear firearms at the match.

All firearms will be loaded and unloaded in the designated SAFE AREA (loading /unloading tables) under the supervision of a Loading/Unloading Officer.

When drawing a revolver from a holster the gun WILL NOT BE COCKED UNTIL THE MUZZLE IS AT LEAST A 45 DEGREE ANGLE DOWN RANGE.

During competition or while under the direct supervision of a RSO , rifles may be staged with the magazine loaded and action closed on an empty chamber and the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.

Shotguns are always staged unloaded and with the action open with the exception of the Shooting category “WILD BUNCH”.

The muzzle of a weapon will never be placed on the ground or a competitor's foot as this is unsafe behavior and also breaks the 170 degree safety rule.

The competitor with a firearm in hand and a loaded chamber under a cocked hammer may only move one foot (similar to the traveling rule in basket ball) until the round is fired or ejected.

Competitors wearing cross draw or shoulder holsters must turn their bodies when drawing their firearm in order not to break the 170 degree safety rule.

Alcohol, Narcotics and / or intoxicants are not allowed at shooting events. Anyone wishing to compete in an event who is considered to be intoxicated or under the influence of a narcotic will be refused for safety reasons.

Treat others with consideration and respect. Everyone is at these events to enjoy themselves. Range Officers, Loading/Unloading Officers, Score Keepers and Shoot Spotters are volunteers.

Competitors are expected to appear at shooting events, awards, photo opportunities and social events in attire consistent to the class in which you choose to shoot.

This listing does not cover all the rules of Cowboy Action Shooting as determined by S.A.S.S. or the Red Mountain Renegades. They are intended to serve as basic guidelines for people wishing to compete in the sport of Cowboy Action Shooting. Further information is available through S.A.S.S. and found specifically in the “Shooters Handbook”, www.sassnet.com.

Posted: Feb 2011

Ammunition

All ammunition used at Red Mountain Renegade shooting and demonstration events will be cast lead or lead shot. Pistol and rifle ammunition may not be jacketed, semi jacketed, plated, gas checked or copper washed. It must be all lead. Molydisulfide coated bullets or equivalent are acceptable.

Pistol ammunition velocities must not be lower than 600 fps and not over 1000 fps in velocity.

Rifle ammunition velocities must not exceed 1400 fps in velocity.

Pocket pistols, derringers and long range rifles are exempt from velocity requirements but may be required to be fired at paper targets for safety reasons.

Competitors will be required to provide five rounds of ammunition to match officials for inspection and chronograph testing upon request.

Competitors may be held responsible for damage caused to a target or injury to personnel due to "bounce back" because of inappropriate ammunition. This major safety violation is grounds for instant disqualification and ejection from the match.

Conclusion

The Mission and District Rod and Gun Club, and Red Mountain Renegades Cowboy Action Shooting Group, are available through the efforts of many volunteers. The grounds, buildings, targets etc, are in place to facilitate enjoyment of sport shooting. All persons using these facilities should ensure they participate in keeping the property free of litter, which includes picking up their expended cartridges. Further, all participants are encouraged to report any observed infractions of this policy to an RSO, Cowboy Action RO or member of the Mission Rod and Gun Club Executive.

Ron Tarnawski (aka) Preacher Flynn T. Locke

Cowboy Action Chairman

Red Mountain Renegades

Mission & District Rod and Gun Club

Valid Membership Cards must be worn at all times while on Club Property