All shooting is supervised/competitive. What is Single Action Shooting? Single Action Shooting is a community of enthusiasts who enjoy shooting fi****ms modeled after those used in the late 19th century. It’s a mix of historical reenactment and target shooting. We use lead bullets on steel targets with three types of fi****ms: shotguns, rifles, and pistols. Are There Age Restrictions? We follow Ne
w York State laws regarding fi****ms. Currently, youth shooters age 12 and up can participate with parental permission. On the other end of the spectrum, we frequently have active competitors in their 80s. Regardless of age, safety is our priority, and everyone must follow safe handling procedures. If you have a physical disability, let us know—we are happy to work with you to find accommodations so you can participate. What Equipment Do You Use? Fi****ms We generally use fi****ms typical of the pre-1900 era (or modern reproductions). Rifles: Lever-action rifles with exposed hammers. Shotguns: Either side-by-side models (without ejectors) or the Wi******er 1897 pump action. Pistols: Single-action revolvers. Note: Most people use the same caliber ammunition for both their rifle and pistol. Calibers While you will see a variety of calibers at a match, they are all strictly "pistol calibers." We limit pistol ammo to under 1000 fps and rifle ammo to under 1500 fps to protect our steel targets—this means no magnum loads. Common calibers: .38 Special, .44, and .45 Long C**t. Youth: Younger shooters are allowed to use .22 rifles and .410 shotguns. Ammo Type: All bullets must be lead (Round Nose or Flat Point). Part of the appeal of the sport is the look, so we don't usually wear ball caps, shorts, or sneakers. However, we know that buying a full wardrobe right away is expensive. You are welcome to start shooting without a full costume. A simple pair of jeans and a long-sleeve shirt is a perfect place to start. Many of our members find great starter items (like vests or work shirts) at local thrift stores. As you get more involved, you can add hats, boots, and other accessories over time. Do I Need to Buy Everything Before I Start? Actually, we recommend you come to a match before you buy any equipment. There are so many styles and options available that it’s a huge advantage to see what others are using and ask questions first. You can even start out just using one or two fi****ms rather than a full set. Is This a Competitive Sport? Technically yes, but the emphasis is heavily on fun. We have different categories based on age and shooting style, so you are only competing against people with similar gear or experience. It is very much a family sport designed to be enjoyable for everyone, regardless of skill level. Is it Safe? Safety is our absolute highest priority. Since we are a community-focused group, we all look out for one another. Cold Range: All fi****ms remain unloaded with actions open until you are on the firing line. Supervision: We use a Loading Table where a supervisor ensures fi****ms are loaded correctly. Range Officers (RO): An RO is with the shooter at all times during their turn to monitor muzzle direction and safe handling. Unloading: After shooting, the competitor moves to an Unloading Table where another member verifies the fi****ms are empty before they leave the line. How Does Scoring Work? It is a timed sport. A Range Officer uses a timer to track how long it takes you to complete a "stage" (a specific shooting scenario). Misses: Add 5 seconds to your time. Procedural Errors: Add 10 seconds to your time. The lowest time wins, but speed varies wildly. Some shooters finish a stage in 20 seconds, others take 120 seconds. The goal is just to enjoy yourself. Can I Keep My Brass? Of course. Most of us reload our own ammunition to keep costs down. We all pitch in to help pick up brass after a shooter has finished their turn. I’ve Never Shot Before—Can I Learn Here? Absolutely. We love bringing new people into the hobby. Bar 20 is a great environment to learn gun safety and handling because we are so structured. We have experienced members who will walk you through the scenarios and teach you the techniques you need. Are There Other Clubs Nearby? Yes! There are about several active clubs in New York. You could likely find a match to attend almost every weekend if you wanted to travel. We frequently have visitors from clubs like the Sackets Harbor Vigilantes, the Oxford Regulators, the Tioga Cowboys, and the Pathfinders Pistoleros, and we often visit their ranges as well. Please feel free to reach out to us for more details or ask any questions you want!
