Just found this forum, and thought I'd chime in on this topic. I participate in Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS), and it truly is a great shooting sport. We are goverened by our parent organization, the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS), and the organization has been around since the late 1980's.
http://sassnet.com/index.php
We shoot firearms similar to those used to tame the actual West during the 1800's, and of course the Silver Screen in the 20th Century. Our pistols, of course, are Single Action Revolver's (Colt, USFA, Ruger, Taurus, Uberti, etc.) and can be originals or reproductions. For Long guns, we use Lever Action Rifles (in pistol caliber's), such as the Winchester 1860, 1866, 1873, 1892, '94, the Marlin 1894, Henry Big Boy, Spencer, etc.. Pump action rifles, such as the Colt Lightning (or replica's) are also acceptable. For Shotguns, you have you choice of Double Barrel's (Hammered or Hammerless), the Winchester 1887 Lever Action, or the Winchester 1897 (or replica's of these shotguns).
Our matches usually consist of 5 to 6 stages, with 10 Pistol Rounds, 10 rifle Rounds, and 4+ Shotgun Rounds. Of course, we do shoot against a timer (and you would be amazed at how fast some folks can shoot these stages), and our target's are of the steel variety (both fixed and knockdown). We wear Western Style Holsters and Gunbelts, and of course proper Cowboy/Cowgirl Attire.
If you've never been to one of these matches, I extend an open invitation for you to attend a match in your local area, you'll have a great time, and meet some great people in the process (our shooting season starts in April for most clubs).
Sgt. John Campbell, SASS#58165