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Anyone who has grown up watch ing cowboy/western movies, or for that matter, anyone intrigued by the period's, clothing/costumes and firearms can now witness a bit of the Old West here on Long Island. A unique club calling themselves "The Shadow Riders", based at the Pine Barrens Range in Long Island, has recreated the feel and atmosphere of the Old West for both participants and spectators alike. The concept of the club is based on the rules and regulations of the international organization the "Single Action Shooting Society", commonly referred to as SASS, based in California. As explained on their website, "SASS promulgates rules and procedures to ensure safety and consistency in Cowboy Action Shooting matches, and seeks to protect its members' 2nd Amendment rights. Cowboy Action Shooting is a multi-faceted shooting sport in which contestants compete with firearms typical of those used in the taming of the Old West: single action revolvers, pistol caliber lever action rifles and double barreled side by side, or pre-1899 pump or lever action shotguns. The shooting competition is staged in a unique, characterized, "Old West" style."
There are many reasons folks enjoy cowboy/cowgirl shooting. The actual shooting is done/designed as a form of entertainment with a low degree of pressure and a high degree of fun. Many participants admit that becoming involved with the clothes and firearms of the period is as much fun as the actual shooting itself. Many feel that firearms of this period have more personality and character than firearms of any other period. Part of the fun is, as indicated along with the real names of some of the members mentioned, choosing an official alias name that is registered when one becomes a SASS member.
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