This category is fer thems that like to play cowboy the old fashion way.  Yer pistols have fixed sights (.32 or larger), and you can shoot with both hands on yer hogleg!

The Duelist shoots with only one hand (leaving the other hand free to scratch, wave at the gals, or do whatever).  But in this category, like traditional, you must have fixed sights on yer pistol.

A category fer them city slickers.  These cowpokes have adjustable sights on their pistols and can shoot however they please; one handed or two -- makes no never mind.  Pistols are .32 or larger and at least one pistol must have adjustable sights.

Now the gals can shoot anyway they have a hankering to:  One handed or two.  The most important requirement is that they be pulchritudinous (that's purty, for you boys what ain't got no schooling).  No ugly cowboys allowed in these  categories!   So ladies, choose yer category, traditional (fixed pistol site) or modern (adjustable site pistol) and give them boys hell!  Ladies categories may be further subdivided into Lady Duelist and Lady Gunfighter. 

 Note:  There are no "Men Only" categories In SASS.  A Lady may shoot any category she qualifies for by age, shooting style, and shooting equipment.

This here is a category for them cowpokes that have turned to the "Darkside."  Yep, it's just plain dirty and nasty to shoot that stuff, but it sure is fun; expecially when the wind ain't real lively and the whole posse ends up in a big cloud of smoke.  You can shoot black powder one handed or two.  Pistol must be fixed sight (.32 or larger) and be percussion or cartridge type prior to 1896, shotguns must be side by side or lever action, and any SASS legal pistol caliber rifle may be used.  Oh yea,  you have to shoot that stuff in yer pistols, rifle and shotgun!

This here category is for them old codgers!  You have to be 60 years old, but you generally get to do whatever you please.  Yep, we just let them old goats have their own way.  All Seniors may shoot with any SASS legal firearm.  Senior Ladies and Senior Duelist are also recognized categories.

This here is a category to help our older seniors, who are at least 65 years young, adjust to the category that awaits them (Elder Statesman/Grand Dames), without having a coronary!  You can often recognize that Silver Senior by their sagging pants and laissez faire attitude!  As with the Senior category, Silver Senior Ladies and Silver Senior Duelist are also recognized categories.

This here category is for them really old codgers!  You have to be 70 years old, and you definitely get to do whatever you please.  We not only let these old goats do their own thing, the rest of us cowpokes stay the heck out of their way, while they are a'doing it!

The Junior Category is divided into two separate Categories: 

Buckaroos:  For Juniors who are 13 years or younger.  In this category shooters may use .22 caliber six shooters and rifles, and may use .410 shotguns.  All guns, however, must be of old west type (meet external period standards of SASS). Knock-down targets are not required to fall in Buckaroos.

Young Guns:  For Juniors who are 14 to 16 years of age and shoot the same guns as in adult categories.

A category fer them cowpokes that want to be high stepp'n in their dress, shoot with only one hand (Duelist) with fixed sight shooters of .40 caliber or larger, use only mule ear double barrel or lever action shotguns, and a rifle of 1873 manufacture or earlier ('73 Winchester, Henry, Yellow Boy, etc.)  Oh yeah, you can't wear no Buscadero (drop Loop) holsters or straw hats, and men's clothing must include five of the following items:  chaps, spurs, cuffs, scarf with slide or scarf tied loosely around neck, tie, vest, pocket watch with full length chain, jacket, sleeve garters, knife, botas, leggings, or braces.  Gals (in addition to the men's stuff) may also choose from period watch, split riding skirt, bustle, hoops, corset, Victorian style hat including straw hats, period jewelry, period hair ornaments (like feathers), snood, reticule (period handbag), period lace up shoes, camisole, bloomers, fishnet stockings, feather boa, or cape.  And remember, I said "Gals" fer that last group.  I don't want to see no ugly cowboys wearing any of that stuff!   But if'n yer look'n fer the simple life, try the next category down!

A category fer them old fashion, laid back cowpokes that want to return to those "days of yesteryear" and cut loose with the shoot'n irons that the cowboys usually used; one fixed site six shooter with loading gate (no break tops), a pistol caliber lever gun, and a double barrel shotgun (no '97 pumps).  You have to reload your pistol on the clock for stages calling for more than five pistol shots, so you ain't likely to see any "gamers" in this category!

This category is fer them dang Show-Offs what want to shoot with a pistol in each hand, at the same time.  (Yep, they just get to miss faster, that's all)  You need fixed pistol sights and the ability to shoot with one pistol in each hand (double duelist), without shooting yerself or the rest of us cowpokes.  And by the way, you're going to have to prove to us you can do it, afore we aims to let you into this category!

This category is fer them cowpokes who are finding a little color ... in their hair ... instead of their gold pans.  Not yet seniors, but hell and gone from juniors, these hombres are in their tender years (mid-life crisis).  Must be at least 49 years young.  They get to shoot pretty much however they want . . . on that slippery slope toward the Seniors Category!

This is a category for them "Dudes" that want to look like Roy Rogers or Dale Evans.  It don't matter how good you shoot, "as long as you look good shooting!" Shoot any SASS legal pistol or shotgun, a rifle of 1884 design or later, and use buscadero (drop loop) holsters (no cross draw).  Shoot any style, including duelist, traditional, gunfighter, or a mix of styles, wear shirts with snap buttons and embroidery (piping & fringe encouraged), pants with belt loops (no suspenders), ladies may wear skirts or split riding skirts, felt hats (no straw), boots with fancy stitching or different colors, western spurs with rowels required for men, and at least one of the following (gloves, gauntlets, scarves with slides, coat, vest, chaps or cuffs).  You are suppose to look "flashy!"  Pardner, if'n you want to shoot this category, you are a'going to have to start getting dressed the day before!  But "fer sure and fer certain" you will be the best look'n cowpoke there!"

AWARDS

Awards are made for the winners of each category, usually to five places.  However, them top five fastest hombres at the match (regardless of category) will be given Pistolero ribbons from first to fifth place and they will not be eligible to be individual category winners.  This sorta lets them top guns shoot it out amongst themselves, and leave the rest of us alone!