The Single Action Shooting Society known as SASS , defines "Cowboy action Shooting" as a multifaceted 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 reactive steel and cardboard silhouette targets. Scoring is based on accuracy and speed.

The truly unique aspect of Cowboy Action Shooting is the requirement placed on authentic period or Verdana 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 Verdana star, and develop a costume accordingly"