In football, we have the Super Bowl. For Baseball, we have the World Series. In the world of single-action shooting, we have the World Championship of Cowboy Action Shooting. This is a yearly event held to hold the championship and bring the entire community together. Let’s look at the SASS End of Trail Event -The Ultimate Cowboy Action Shooting Championship.
Cowboy World Shooting Championships – And More!
The Single Action Shooting Society (SASS) End of Trail serves as the pinnacle event for cowboy action shooting enthusiasts worldwide. Every year, this championship, often called the “World Championship of Cowboy Action Shooting,” unites competitors who embrace the spirit of the Old West. They dress in period-accurate costumes, wield period firearms, and share a deep passion for frontier history.
43 Years of The SASS End of Trail Event
The SASS End of Trail event began in 1982 in California, initially as a small gathering of cowboy action shooters. Over the years, it has become a premier competition attracting top shooters worldwide. The event has moved locations multiple times, with one of its most well-known venues being Founders Ranch in New Mexico. In recent years, End of Trail has found a home at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Arizona, providing an expansive and well-equipped setting for the impressive event.
The heart of the End of Trail event features the World Championship of Cowboy Action Shooting, where competitors test their speed and accuracy through a series of challenging shooting stages. Each stage presents a scenario inspired by the Old West, including saloon shootouts, bank robberies, and showdowns at the corral. Shooters race against the clock to complete the course, facing penalties for missed shots or procedural errors. The fastest and most accurate shooters claim the championship titles. Organizers divide competitors into various categories based on shooting style, firearm type, age, and gender. Some of the most popular categories include:
| Traditional Cowboy – Shooters use one-handed grips on revolvers, maintaining historical authenticity. |
| Gunfighter – Participants use two revolvers simultaneously, one in each hand. |
| Frontier Cartridge – Shooters use black powder cartridges for an added historical challenge. |
| Ladies and Senior Categories – Special divisions for women and older participants ensure fair competition. |
Beyond the shooting, the End of Trail is a major social gathering for the SASS community. Vendors line up to serve customers and organized social gatherings are held. Contests and shows are also included, so the event has something for everyone.
The SASS End of Trail Event
The SASS End of Trail is a unique event that captivates anyone with a passion for the Old West and history. Nearly 1,000 cowgirls and cowboys from across the country gather to take part in the SASS World Championship of Cowboy Action Shooting. I encourage you to attend, even if you’re not an Old West shooter or historian.
