7 Mistakes You’re Making with Cowboy Action Shooting Techniques (and How to Fix Them)
Howdy, folks. Jason Marsh here. Can you smell that? It’s the scent of spent gunpowder and old leather, the same aroma that filled the air of Dodge City and Tombstone over a century ago. Here at the Western Gun Store, we don’t just sell firearms; we live and breathe the rugged days of the American frontier. There is something truly magical about the weight of a six-shooter in your hand and the rhythmic clack-clack of a lever-action rifle.
Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS) is more than just a sport: it’s a time machine. It’s a way to honor the legends of the West while testing your mettle with iron sights and lead bullets. But let’s be honest: looking the part is only half the battle. If you want to hear that satisfying ping of lead on steel every single time, you’ve got to master the technique. Even the most seasoned vaqueros fall into bad habits that cost them precious seconds or, worse, safety penalties.
The goal? Speed, accuracy, and authenticity. Are you ready to tighten up your game and shoot like the legends of the silver screen? Saddle up, because we’re diving into the seven most common mistakes in Cowboy Action Shooting and how you can fix them today.
1. The "Fast and Furious" Transition Fumble
The biggest mistake I see on the range isn't the shooting itself: it’s the space between the shots. Many shooters get so focused on their draw that they forget the art of moving between stations. Rushing between positions often leads to sloppy footwork, which can result in safety violations or, heaven forbid, a tripped-up cowboy in the dirt.
The Mistake: Sprinting blindly from the rifle to the shotgun station, losing your "sight picture" of the stage layout, and arriving at the next gun out of breath and shaky.
The Fix:
✔ Smooth is Fast: Practice deliberate, controlled transitions.
✔ Footwork First: Treat your movement like a dance. Lead with your eyes, then your feet.
✔ Dry Fire Movement: You don't need ammo to practice moving. Set up a "stage" in your backyard and practice moving from one "station" to the next while keeping your muzzle in a safe direction.
2. Losing the Rhythm: The Sequencing Slip-Up
In CAS, it’s not just about hitting the target; it’s about hitting them in the right order. Whether it’s a "Nevada Sweep" or a "Progressive," losing your place in the sequence is the fastest way to earn a 10-second procedural penalty.
The Mistake: Getting "target happy" and engaging the steel out of the required order because you’re trying to go too fast.
The Fix:
- The Mental Rehearsal: Before you step to the line, close your eyes and visualize the sequence three times.
- Finger Pointing: Point at the targets in order while you’re waiting in the "on-deck" circle.
- The Sweep Count: Develop a mental rhythm: "One, two, three, two, one": to keep your brain synced with your trigger finger.
3. The "Righty-Only" Bias
Most of us have a natural side we prefer. If you’re right-handed, you likely prefer moving left-to-right and engaging targets in that direction. But the Wild West wasn't always so accommodating.
The Mistake: Only practicing your favorite directions and sequences, leaving you fumbling when a stage designer throws a "right-to-left" curveball at you.
The Fix:
- Mirror Your Drills: For every ten minutes you spend shooting left-to-right, spend ten minutes shooting right-to-left.
- Weak Hand Familiarity: While most CAS shooting is two-handed, being comfortable picking up your scattergun with your non-dominant hand can save seconds on a transition.
- Variety is King: Don't just shoot the same three targets in the same order. Mix it up every time you hit the practice range.
4. Canting the Cattleman
When you’re handling a beautiful 1873 Cattleman or a classic Peacemaker, the way you hold that grip matters more than you think. A common error is "canting": tilting the firearm slightly to the left or right.
The Mistake: Rotating the revolver inward or outward. Even a slight tilt can move your point of impact significantly at 15 or 20 yards.
The Fix:
✔ Check Your Level: Ensure the top strap of your revolver is perfectly level with the horizon.
✔ Consistent Grip: Find a "reference point" on the grip for your thumb. If your thumb is always in the same spot, your grip is likely consistent.
✔ Front Sight Focus: Keep your eye on that blade. If the blade isn't vertical, your shot isn't going where you want it to.
5. The "White-Knuckle" Trigger Smash
Adrenaline is a funny thing. When the timer goes BEEP, your natural instinct is to grab that gun like you’re hanging off a cliff. This leads to "smashing" the trigger rather than squeezing it.
The Mistake: Jerking the trigger toward your palm, which pulls the muzzle down and to the left (for righties).
The Fix:
- Tip of the Finger: Use the pad of your index finger, not the first joint.
- The Surprise Break: In practice, pull the trigger so slowly and steadily that the shot actually surprises you.
- Don't Overthink: On match day, trust your practice. If you’ve done the dry-fire work, your muscle memory will handle the trigger while your brain focuses on the steel.
6. Ignoring the Ammo Science
While Cowboy Action Shooting is about history, your ammunition choice shouldn't be a mystery. Many shooters use loads that are either too "hot" (causing excessive recoil) or too "dirty" (gumming up their lever guns halfway through a match).
While you're likely shooting light lead loads for competition, knowing your calibers is vital for the all-around Western enthusiast. For those times you aren't at a match: perhaps out on the ranch or protecting the homestead: you need to know what your firearms are capable of.
The Mistake: Using inconsistent reloads or failing to understand the ballistics of your caliber.
The Fix:
- Know Your Punch: If you're using a .357 or .45 Colt for more than just steel targets, check out high-performance rounds. For deep woods protection, something like Buffalo Bore 357 or Buffalo Bore 45 provides the heavy-hitting reliability that a standard target load lacks.
- The Modern Edge: While we love the old ways, there's a place for modern tech. If you’re transitioning from the CAS range to the hunting field with a lever-action, Winchester Deer Season XP is a fantastic choice for stopping power. For those who keep a modern piece for home defense, Federal Hydra Shok remains a gold standard in reliability.
- Cleanliness: Ensure your competition lead loads are properly lubed to prevent fouling your rifling.
Check out our selection of gear and accessories to keep your kit in top shape: View our products here.
7. Static Practice in a Dynamic Sport
If you only ever practice standing perfectly still, shooting at one target at eye level, you’re going to struggle when you get to a real match. CAS stages often involve shooting from behind "barstools," through "windows," or even while sitting on a "horse."
The Mistake: Practicing in a "vacuum" without any obstacles or varied elevations.
The Fix:
- Get Low: Practice shooting from a kneeling position.
- Use Props: Put a chair or a tall box in front of you to simulate a frontier storefront or a fence post.
- Vary the Distance: Set your targets at different depths to force your eyes to transition focus.
Why Authentic Gear Matters
You wouldn't show up to a gunfight with a water pistol, and you shouldn't show up to a CAS match with gear that doesn't respect the heritage. The 1873 Cattleman is more than a tool; it’s a piece of history. When you use authentic-style holsters and period-correct lever guns, you're not just participating in a sport: you're preserving a legacy.
Here at Western Gun Store, we pride ourselves on being the expert guides for your frontier journey. Whether you’re a greenhorn looking for your first rig or a "Silver Senior" looking to shave a few seconds off your time, we’ve got the knowledge and the inventory to help you succeed.
Browse our full collection of firearms and supplies to find your perfect match: Western Gun Store Sitemap.
Final Thoughts: Saddle Up for Success
Cowboy Action Shooting is a journey, not a destination. You’re going to miss shots. You’re going to forget the sequence. You might even trip over a hay bale once or twice. But that’s the beauty of it. It’s about the camaraderie at the range, the smell of the smoke, and the shared love for a time when a man’s word was his bond and his rifle was his best friend.
Fixing these seven mistakes won't happen overnight. It takes grit, sweat, and a whole lot of lead. But I promise you, the first time you "clean" a stage with a perfect sequence and a blazing fast time, you’ll feel like Wild Bill Hickok himself.
Ready to upgrade your arsenal or find that perfect belt rig?
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Until next time, keep your powder dry and your eyes on the horizon. We’ll see you at the range.
Jason Marsh
Owner, Western Gun Store