The Basics of Cowboy Action Shooting Costume

Dress Up for the Sport: An Introduction to Cowboy Action Shooting Costume

Dress Right for the Part with a Low-Cost Cowboy Action Shooting Costume

Why wear a Cowboy Action Shooting costume for this sport? If you’re just starting out in Cowboy Action Shooting, you’ll need a few more things apart from your shooting irons and leather. While guns and leather are a pricey but essential part of your collection, looking the part by having the right wardrobe is just as important in any CAS event. If you’re still saving (or have already spent) your money on firearms and leather, then you probably want to spend a little less on your costume, for the time being at least.

This cowboy shooting sport is a blend of historical re-enactment and a Hollywood western film set. Participants may wear any style of costume they prefer, as long as it is typical of the late 1800’s, a cowboy TV series, and a classic B-western movie. Much emphasis is given to the use of costume as it adds to the uniqueness of the sport, and helps generate a cordial and relaxed atmosphere that reinforces the intimate camaraderie advocated among competitors.

All participants must be in Cowboy Action Shooting costume and, if possible, invited family and guests should also be in western attires. Levi, Lee, and Wrangler denims are allowed but modern designer jeans with embroideries and colored piping are not.

Assembling Your Basic Cowboy Action Shooting Costume

You will also want to get a cowboy hat, boots, and long-sleeved work shirt. If your budget allows, you can purchase a bandanna and cut off the jeans’ belt loops and add suspenders. For most clubs and in most cases, these are all you’ll need for your basic costume and many members are satisfied with that. However, if you wish to take your Cowboy Action Shooting apparel above the basic, you can still do so without breaking the bank.

You can search for western-style cotton work shirts with button fronts and banded collar at the Salvation Army, Goodwill, and other thrift stores. They are also sold at K-Mart, J.C. Penney, Sears, and Wal-Mart stores. They sell anywhere from $3 to $5. If banded collar shirts are not available, then regular dress shirts can be altered by cutting off its collar at the seam.

Sneakers and tennis shoes are not tolerated. If you’re still saving up for a pair of cowboy boots, then leather work boots will work at the moment. Baseball caps are likewise not allowed.

Where to Get the Best Idea for a Cowboy Action Shooting Costume

To know your costume, you need to spend some time digging cowboy photos and watching western movies. However, to give you a clearer idea of how you must dress, you should visit a few matches. Most shooters eventually come up with terrific period costumes and you’ll see them at the shooting events. As a new shooter, you’ll be allowed some time to assemble your wardrobe until you have shot for at least a couple of months.

Watching an actual CAS shooting competition will give you a better idea of the rules of the sport and what you’ll need in order to participate. Introduce yourself to the members and ask them what you need to know. You’ll find that cowboy shooting participants are some of the most sociable people around and will be more than willing to give their advice.

The goal here is to have a clear picture of what the right Cowboy Action Shooting costume should look like.