Different Tips & Tricks to Become a SASS Speed Shooter

When John “Skinny” Clarke isn’t shooting a Single Action Shooting Society match, he functions as the editor-in-chief of The Cowboy Chronicle, a quarterly publication dedicated to the craft of cowboy action shooting, which he describes as “the most fun you can have at a match.” We sat down with him to get some tips on what it takes to be a speed shooter in the world of skinning smoke wagons, working levers, and blasting scatterguns.
One of the first things to do to become a faster SASS Shooter is to ditch the production parts in favor of third-party options. Similar to other styles of competitive shooting, a variety of third-party companies create specific parts to help competitors achieve their goals and shave off some time. Clarke listed Wolff Gunsprings and Lee Springs as some of the best offering drop-in kits.
Clarke also advises familiarizing yourself with the gun’s internals and recognizing when parts need replacing. Replacing production springs and removing small imperfections often make you faster.
If the do-it-yourself treatment isn’t sufficient, the next step is to “slick it up.” This involves sending the gun to a reputable and trustworthy gunsmith, typically skilled in single-action revolvers. The gunsmith short strokes the gun hones the chambers and polishes everything to perfection. Clarke described Bob James, a well-recognized SASS gunsmith, and his ability to make a Colt SAA “feel just like glass, it’s that smooth.”
* Make Sure All Guns Are Unloaded and All Live Ammunition is Out of the Room Before Dry-Fire Practice*
SASS is no different than USPSA or IDPA in terms of preparation through practice. Clarke’s favorite dry-fire drills are simple and easy to accomplish at home.
He suggests taping pie plates to a wall to practice drawing the handgun, aiming it at the plates, and pulling the trigger. Keep doing this, and you’ll get faster and faster on target. Clarke also suggests working on smooth draws and reholstering to cut down on time.
His second dry fire drill centers on loading and unloading shotguns. Shotguns always start empty during the competition, so practicing speedy loading will up your game. Milliseconds here and there pay big dividends.

[@chriseger5785]

Great video. Also, the black powder keeps the mosquitos away.

[@SlickSixguns]

I switched out my own springs as well. I have my specific race guns but some guns I leave as stock because I want to keep the original parts as they were intended just depends on how I feel that day

[@mountainhobo]

It would be nice to have an episode that discusses potential costs involved, including items discussed in this video. Initial setup, and then annual costs.

[@Gunscom]

Thank you for the feedback. That may be something we do as video. If you go on our site, there is an article that lists some gear and costs. Hopefully it answers a few of your questions.

[@zot2676]

Thousands would be an understatement.

[@abee.s.corpus2455]

I've helped a number of new shooters in my area get started. Very few people have all of the gear when they get started. It's not unusual that we share with new folks while they gear up. Good used gear is often available; gunleather does not hold its value as well as a firearm so that can often be a way to save money. Occasionally there are deals on new firearms; when a friend of mine got started he picked up some new Uberti Hombre revolvers that a dealer was blowing out at $250 each. That is the exception rather than the rule, of course, but I've known a number of shooters who have gotten all the gear for about $2500.
Once you have all of the gear, your main ongoing cost is ammunition. Most monthly matches are six stages which will require 60 rifle, 60 pistol and 24-30 shotgun shells. Entry fees for matches in my area are $10-$15. Most of us handload, which is a pretty significant savings over factory ammo. Ammunition is in short supply and is more expensive than it used to be. Those of us who handload are having trouble finding primers. Hopefully that situation will get better.

[@chrisperry3525]

@@zot2676 there are no cheap hobbies. CAS is way cheaper than buying a harley or classic car!

[@HighFalutinTootin]

@@chrisperry3525 and is more fun and helps develop firearms skills

[@chrisperry3525]

You spend as much or more time on the clock doing transitions from one gun to another. You want to be competitive you need to practice that!
Oh, and don't miss!

[@13thvarebel16]

"Speed is made up on reloads and movements, not on the trigger press."
-_I don't remember_
""Accuracy is FINAL."
-_Marty_

[@davidarmstrong2503]

Thank You for the video.

[@tmaddrummer]

Thanks and Blessings!

[@scottwilson1258]

I Really Enjoy your Videos "Skinny" !

[@chuckcrooks2114]

Skinny, you da man! Miss ya pardner.

[@bosse641]

So much fun.

[@jturner5734]

Who was the guy from Va you spoke with i shoot with 4 clubs out of Virginia

[@danielwhite7850]

With all due respect - saying you "know" what the top shooters do and you "practiced" to become better and THEN wrapping your thumb over the rifle stock every shot shows a gap in your training or practice.

[@debbiecooper3661]

NO GAP WITH SASS

[@debbiecooper3661]

SINCE GREAT BRITAIN RISED SATAN TO BE KING OF NORTHERN KINGDOM. ASSAULT NEVER STOPS FROM YOUR PEOPLE

[@sergiotheman7696]

If he practices the technique the same way, he can do it how ever he wants

[@conradsenior5843]

I am surprised to see a ring on the cylinder. What a shame.

[@dzmitryzaitsau6471]

Tip#1 Have a lot of free time on your hands.

[@justsomeasshole7388]

Bing bong

[@mid-ohioguardian6927]

Want to be quicker ...2:06 stop wrapping your thumb over the stock and adjust your fingers on the lever !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@sergiotheman7696]

If he practices it plenty, it shouldn't be a problem with him