GOLD REEF RANGERS

We are a historical shooting club concentrating on, but not exclusively, the period of the wild west. We are an accredited member of Western Shooters of South Africa. Being a western historical shooting club we have three-gun SASS (Single action) style shoots monthly combined with other interesting shooting events and talks. ‘Western Action Shooting' also cater to the other interests of our members like collectors, black-powder enthusiasts, tactical-shooting and precision-shooting.

Western Action Shooting is a thrilling sport that immerses participants in the firearms and gunfights of the Wild West era. During this period, the prevalent firearms were single-action revolvers, period correct pistols, leaver action rifles and period correct shotguns among others. Enthusiasts in Cowboy Action Shooting Clubs are transported back to the captivating era of the American frontier, where they can keenly focus on the firearms and gunfights that defined the time.

Attend your first shoot as our guest, you do not need firearms as or specialist equipment as these will be provided by our friendly members, contact us for more information or to arrange to attend a shoot. As time goes on and to get the full WAS experience participants in the shoot will be expected to dress in attire that is appropriate for the era being depicted and will engage in a timed trail shoot. Typically, the shoot involves the use of two Single Action revolvers, a lever-action rifle, and a shotgun, although the specific firearms used may vary based on the theme of the event. Before the shoot begins, the shooter will line up at the shooting table with the range officer to load the firearms, undergo safety checks and review procedures. Once the firearms are set up and both the shooter and range officer are ready, final checks will be conducted, and the shooter will be asked to deliver a predetermined line that aligns with the theme of the shoot. After the shooter has completed all necessary protocols, delivered the line stalwartly, and the range officer gives the command "Standby," the shooter can proceed with the shoot upon hearing the beep.

After an extensive exploration of ranges in and around Pretoria and Centurion, our search led us to a place we can truly call "Home." Wattlespring Sport Club is not just a location - it's a haven perfectly tailored to our needs. Its sprawling, unspoiled landscape harmonizes with the theme of our club, effortlessly whisking our members away to the boundless horizons of the American frontier. Yet, amidst this rugged beauty, the club also boasts modern amenities, including a well-stocked bar and restaurant offering a hearty menu that has witnessed countless cowboy-related discussions and debates. At Wattlespring, our members don't just shoot - they immerse themselves in an experience that embraces the spirit of the Wild West. Please feel free to use their website to see their facilities and which other shooting events and shooting sports they play host to:

It started in 2004 with the first meeting and shoot in Cape Town. At the time, most used cap & ball and those who didn't own a rifle or shotgun, could borrow one from another shooter - because that's just the cowboy way. At this time Western Shooters of South Africa (WSSA) affiliated to the Single Action Shooting Society in the USA. SASS is the world governing body. It was decided to submit an application to the Central Firearms Register for accreditation as a sports shooting association and was granted accreditation in July 2010. This led to an immediate growth in membership numbers and the affiliation of other clubs. The Cape Town club renamed to Western Territory Rangers and WSSA became the South African governing body for Cowboy Action Shooting with various clubs of the same interest affiliated to it, e.g. Cowboy Rangers of Port Elizabeth, Lion Mountain Rangers of Bloemfontein, Pioneer Creek Rangers of Montana, the Table Mountain Renegades of False Bay, the Northern Territory Rangers at Kraaifontein and the newest addition, Gold Reef Rangers of the Pretoria / Johannesburg area.

The Single Action Shooting Society is an international membership organization formed in 1987 to preserve and promote the sport of Cowboy Action Shooting™. SASS serves as the governing and sanctioning body for the sport of Cowboy Action Shooting™ and Wild Bunch Action Shooting™ worldwide - ensuring safety and consistency in the sport. SASS members share a common interest in preserving the history of the Old West and competitive shooting in a safe, fun, family-friendly environment.

The latest of these clubs, Gold Reef Rangers keeps the spirit of the West alive in Johannesburg, Pretoria and surrounding areas with monthly shoots and events.

SASS, single action shooting is the fastest growing gun sport in the world with clubs as far afield as Australia to Russia and 73 other countries, locally there are at least 5 clubs representing Cape Town, Bloemfontein, the garden route and with GRR representing Gauteng. There is an annual end of trail shoot where all the clubs get together and compete, trade stores, eat, share skills and celebrate the Cowboy, western life style.