From Greenhorn to Gunslinger: How Do You Train for CAS?

[KatfishKid]

Howdy, folks!

I’m back to annoy you with more newbie questions! I’m still green as grass when it comes to cowboy action shooting, but with all your help, I’m starting to wrap my head around it more and more!

Last weekend, I had the chance to spend some time with @The Revenuer and it was a game-changer. He broke down so much about the sport and helped me get a way better understanding of how everything works. I’m really grateful for the time he took to explain things. Thank you, partner!

Now that I’ve got a clearer picture, I’m itching to go to work. I know practice makes perfect, but I’m curious, what does your training routine look like?

• Dry fire practice: How often do you work on this? Do you focus on specific drills, or do you just run through full-stage scenarios?
• Live fire practice: How much time do you spend at the range? Are you working on accuracy, transitions, speed...or maybe all of the above?
• Biggest hurdles: What was the hardest part for you when you were starting out? Gun handling, movement, confidence, transitions...what tripped you up the most, and how did you get past it?

For me, it feels like there’s a ton to figure out all at once. Spending time with TheRevanuer and browsing SASS Wire and Youtube has helped me realize it’s all about breaking things down into smaller steps and working on them bit by bit.

I’d love to hear how y’all approach your training. What’s worked best for you? Got any tips for someone who’s just getting started and trying to put it all together?

Thanks in advance for sharing! This community has already been so welcoming and helpful, and I can’t wait to soak up more of your knowledge.

[Eyesa Horg]

I show up, shoot, BS with friends, go home! Repeat next match!

[Santa Fe River Stan,36999L]

Practice makes permanent......not perfect.

 

If I lived in Indiana I would make my way to Paradise Pass and talk to Deuce Stevens.

 

Stan

[Eyesa Horg]

Sad thing is I have a range in the back yard and still rarely practice! My times show it! I still manage to stay in low 30s generally and have a lot of fun!

[KatfishKid]

2 minutes ago, Eyesa Horg said:

I show up, shoot, BS with friends, go home! Repeat next match!

🤣 I like the way you think. But I don't have any friends and don't know how to shoot. But I can get the "Show up" part down pretty quick! 

[KatfishKid]

4 minutes ago, Santa Fe River Stan,36999L said:

Practice makes permanent......not perfect.

 

If I lived in Indiana I would make my way to Paradise Pass and talk to Deuce Stevens.

 

Stan

I like that! "Practice makes permanent" 

[Eyesa Horg]

Just now, KatfishKid said:

🤣 I like the way you think. But I don't have any friends and don't know how to shoot. But I can get the "Show up" part down pretty quick! 

Once you do the show up... everything else just happens. You will have fun, friends, and get to shoot right away with much encouragement and help from your fellow Pards.

[Bison Bud]

Frankly, it sounds like your on the right track.  For me, live fire practice was the most effective, but these days it can get expensive fast.  Frankly, just shooting matches whenever possible is probably your best overall training.  However, dry fire can be effective in learning to handle the firearms, but be very careful not to learn bad habits doing so.  Practice transititions between the firearms as well as cycling them and make sure that there is no live ammo anywhere near your practice area.  Also be sure your not doing damage to your firearms by dry cycling them repeatedly, some guns just don't hold up to this and rimfire should never be treated in this manner.  Anyway, much of this game is in your head (figuring out how to best shoot a scenario, etc) and you should practice shooting different stages and patterns whenever possible.  All in all, most any practice should have a positive affect and I'm sure you will make noticable improvement with a real effort.  Welcome to the fray and good luck and good shooting to all.  

[The Original Lumpy Gritz]

Just go to every shoot you can. 

 

[Eyesa Horg]

I think I could hear my knees rattling my first match. And a few after that!!!

[KatfishKid]

Great advice so far! I think I will be fine when it comes to learning how to be accurate, then learning how to be fast and then learning how to be fast and accurate at the same time. I think my issue is going to be shooting the sweeps. I have always had an issue with my hands, body and sometimes my mouth out running my brain. 

[Eyesa Horg]

1 minute ago, KatfishKid said:

Great advice so far! I think I will be fine when it comes to learning how to be accurate, then learning how to be fast and then learning how to be fast and accurate at the same time. I think my issue is going to be shooting the sweeps. I have always had an issue with my hands, body and sometimes my mouth out running my brain. 

You'll do just fine! Just get there and do it! The first time, inform the Match Director that you're new and he/she will likely Posse you with a mentor and off you go for the most fun you can have with your pants on. You find everyone to be very helpful and encouraging. 

[The Original Lumpy Gritz]

1 minute ago, KatfishKid said:

Great advice so far! I think I will be fine when it comes to learning how to be accurate, then learning how to be fast and then learning how to be fast and accurate at the same time. I think my issue is going to be shooting the sweeps. I have always had an issue with my hands, body and sometimes my mouth out running my brain. 

Learn'n the sweeps ain't a big deal.

The order of engagement will be very specific at the shooter's meeting and in the stage description. 

Get to shoot'n......

[KatfishKid]

10 minutes ago, Eyesa Horg said:

You'll do just fine! Just get there and do it! The first time, inform the Match Director that you're new and he/she will likely Posse you with a mentor and off you go for the most fun you can have with your pants on. You find everyone to be very helpful and encouraging. 

Wait...I don't see anywhere in the rules that says "You must wear pants"

[Phantom, SASS #54973]

As China Camp said: Smooth is fast, quick is slow 

 

Don't worry about misses so long as they don't equal more than your raw time. Never listen to anyone that says to slow down and try to shoot clean. 

 

Know who you're taking advice from.

 

Phantom

[Eyesa Horg]

1 minute ago, KatfishKid said:

Wait...I don't see anywhere in the rules that says "You must wear pants"

It's sort of a societal thing .

[Hells Comin]

Prefect practice makes Prefect. 

  Hells Comin 

[KatfishKid]

15 minutes ago, Eyesa Horg said:

It's sort of a societal thing .

Can't have no fun anymore! 🤣

[Ya Big Tree]

The Revenuer will set you on a good path.

I've been doing this since 2013 and my practice is at the monthly and State shoots. I think I'm getting better. 

Edited December 11, 2024 by Ya Big Tree

[KatfishKid]

1 minute ago, Ya Big Tree said:

The Revenuer will set you on a good path.

Yes sir! I'm lucky to have him in my corner. 

[Eyesa Horg]

10 minutes ago, KatfishKid said:

Can't have no fun anymore! 🤣

You can wear chaps though!

[Ya Big Tree]

1 minute ago, Eyesa Horg said:

You can wear chaps though!

 

Or a Kilt

 

[Edward R S Canby, SASS#59971]

Evil Roy had a set of DVDs with training info for CAS.  The NSSF has videos on YouTube featuring Long Hunter with similar information.  Many have used these to improve.

[Texas Maverick]

1 hour ago, Eyesa Horg said:

You'll do just fine! Just get there and do it! The first time, inform the Match Director that you're new and he/she will likely Posse you with a mentor and off you go for the most fun you can have with your pants on. You find everyone to be very helpful and encouraging. 

Who said you have to have your pants on? Someone forgot to tell these guys that. LOL

 

 

 

 

TM

[Leroy Luck]

52 minutes ago, Phantom, SASS #54973 said:

Never listen to anyone that says to slow down and try to shoot clean. 

Some of my best results (match overalls, etc) have been from taking the extra half second to make sure I’m going to hit the target. Especially at big matches where tenths of seconds can mean 5-10 places overall. 
I think people (especially new guys) need to listen to advice from whoever is willing to give it and figure out for themselves what works for them. 

 

I would recommend finding a mentor in the style (duelist, classic cowboy, gunfighter, etc) of shooting you are interested in and keep your ears and eyes open. 

[Windy City Kid]

1 hour ago, Eyesa Horg said:

Sad thing is I have a range in the back yard and still rarely practice! My times show it! I still manage to stay in low 30s generally and have a lot of fun!

I got a range in my backyard, it's called the South and West side, only thing is they shoot their guns sideways there. 

[Phantom, SASS #54973]

13 minutes ago, Leroy Luck said:

Some of my best results (match overalls, etc) have been from taking the extra half second to make sure I’m going to hit the target. Especially at big matches where tenths of seconds can mean 5-10 places overall.

How you place is irrelevant to developing into a "gunslinger".

 

You're confusing how to win a match with how to become good enough to win a match. 

 

Phantom

[KatfishKid]

56 minutes ago, Phantom, SASS #54973 said:

How you place is irrelevant to developing into a "gunslinger".

 

You're confusing how to win a match with how to become good enough to win a match. 

 

Phantom

I see where you're coming from and totally agree with that. Same can be said for anything that takes development to get to a certain level. In the beginning, it’s all about building those skills, not worrying about the result. It’s kind of like how a blind squirrel might find a nut every now and then. It’s not about luck, but once you’ve put in the work, the wins will come with time and practice.

Don’t get me wrong, I fully understand this isn’t about winning, it’s about the game itself. The fun, the people, and the challenge mean way more than any buckles or plaques. But, it’s in my nature...if I’m going to do something, I’m putting 100% of my effort into being the best I can be. Even if my best ends up being somewhere in the middle of the scorecard, that’s just fine with me. I’m here for the journey not the destination. 

[Creeker, SASS #43022]

1 hour ago, Leroy Luck said:

I think people (especially new guys) need to listen to advice from whoever is willing to give it and figure out for themselves what works for them. 

No - Absolutely NO.

 

The reason new shooters need to seek out QUALITY advice is to avoid having to figure it out for thenselves - to avoid making the same mistakes (guns, gear, ammo, practice, mindset) that the previous generation(s) of this game have already made.

 

A shooter needs to have an idea of their primary concept of the game; what aspects are MOST important to them (competition, relaxation, socialization, etc) and then seek the advice of those with a like outlook.

 

If you are PRIMARILY looking to "compete" - adopting the advice of a "socializer" is not only pointless; but may actually be detrimental regarding choices of guns, gear, ammo, practice and mindset.

 

The converse is just as true - a shooter who is there PRIMARILY for the camaraderie and history; their experience is not being advanced by the advice of the competitor.

 

I am a competitor.

My skillset may no longer support it - but my mindset is ALWAYS about performance.

 

I enjoy being friendly and seeing familiar faces; but if I had to choose between chatting with others or shooting well - I'd ignore everyone at the match.

 

So someone looking at the social aspect would not want my advice because my idea of fun and attitudes toward guns, gear, ammo, practice and mindset are likely not going to align with theirs - and if I am an early interaction with that shooter - my ideas may turn them off before they figure it out for themselves.

 

A shooter can always modify their direction - their primary purpose or interest in the game.

 

But advising a new shooter to accept advice from every other SHOOTER; advice that will often be contradictory and only applicable to the agenda of the person offering it - is detrimental to that shooter finding their best path.

 

And it IS about winning - if it's not; why do we keep score?

Edited December 11, 2024 by Creeker, SASS #43022

[Eyesa Horg]

Can't disagree with Creeker, but I had tips and advice coming from all directions at my first few matches. It didn't take too long to know whom I wanted more instructions from. Everyone has something to add in my opinion. You just need to figure out where to adjust your own filter and which coaching applies to you.

[Leroy Luck]

I suppose the direction the shooter wants to go does dictate whose advice to listen to. 
I’d say ultimately the best person/mentor to have is someone you want to emulate or has the same direction you seek to go. 
 

But to answer the initial questions asked: 

 

I don’t dry fire practice, my live fire practice is at monthly matches. Transitions and shotgun handling are two of the things I try to work on. Target/sight acquisition is another I’ve been working on too. 

Edited December 11, 2024 by Leroy Luck

[Gateway Kid SASS# 70038 Life]

3 hours ago, KatfishKid said:

I like that! "Practice makes permanent" 

If I might add ….

Perfect practice makes perfect. 
A lot of new shooters jump in with both feet and sometimes dry fire or live fire with substandard or improper techniques, ingraining habits that in the future can slow them down or become hard to break. 
If you have someone local to mentor you (sounds like you do) listen to them. seek out others for help as you grow and have fun. The hardest way to learn CAS is on your own, especially since the vast majority are so willing to help you. 
Regards

    

Gateway Kid

[The Revenuer]

3 hours ago, Ya Big Tree said:

The Revenuer will set you on a good path.

I've been doing this since 2013 and my practice is at the monthly and State shoots. I think I'm getting better. 

Thanks Big Tree, one of these days I might catch up to you! 

[The Original Lumpy Gritz]

4 hours ago, KatfishKid said:

Wait...I don't see anywhere in the rules that says "You must wear pants"

Only after dark 

[Hells Comin]

I'd would recommend going online and look for Long Hunter videos . He has many outstanding videos on techniques . He's one of the best that has ever shot this game. I started out going to Evil Roy's shooting class at WR one year then bought his DVDs and I was on my way. At matches I always sought out  the best shooters and shot with them so I could study and learn there techniques.

 

  AND STILL learning 

 

   HELLS COMIN 

 

Ps. Not responsible for spelling or grammar.