NCOWS (National Congress of Old West Shootists) uses rules similar to SASS Cowboy matches, but the requirements for weapons and clothing require greater accuracy and attention to period-correct details. There are 2, 3, and 4 gun classes, so anyone with a pre-1900 pistol and lever action rifle, or pistol and shotgun, can participate. The guns can be originals or reproductions, smokeless or black powder. New participants can come as they are, since we realize it takes a long time to acquire the needed clothing and accouterments.