Western shooting in Wunsiedel: Action and tradition on the Katharinenberg!

Western shooting in Wunsiedel: Action and tradition on the Katharinenberg!

A very special event took place on the picturesque Katharinenberg in Wunsiedel on August 11, 2025: The Privileged Rifle Society Wunsiedel invited people to traditional western shooting. With a touch of the Wild West, the participants set off in historical costume and mingled with the exciting hustle and bustle.

Western shooting is not just a competition, but also a spectacle that makes the hearts of sports fans and history buffs alike beat faster. Wikipedia explains that this is a dynamic shooting sport discipline that uses historical weapons from the Wild West. The participants shoot at steel targets in defined sequences that are divided into courses. A special feature is the themed clothing rules, which require each participant to dress in a way that captures the spirit of the time.

The event in detail

In the central “main match,” the shooters competed with single-action revolvers at 25 meters and gave everything they had to hit the target target precisely. As part of the “side match”, the participants were able to demonstrate their skills with lever-action rifles at 50 meters. The participants shot in time series: first five shots at falling targets, followed by another five shots at western targets, which kept the audience on their toes.

Participants in this exciting event included well-known names such as Walter Liebenow, Richard Popp, Lukas Schröder, Hartwig Judas, Reinhard Kestel, Karola Kießling and Günther Liebenow. Their skill and sportsmanship made a decisive contribution to making this tournament an unforgettable experience.

A look at the rules of western shooting

Western shooting is based on clear and strict rules. It is organized under the umbrella organization of the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS), which has over 100,000 members internationally. In Germany, the Association of German Sport Shooters 1975 e.V. is responsible for the organization, as Wikipedia reports. In order to take part in competitions, participants must successfully pass a safety and rules test (SuRT) and adhere to the clothing requirements. Fashionable no-gos such as wristwatches or jeans are strictly prohibited.

The various rating classes, such as the 1870 class for traditional weapons up to model year 1890, as well as the “Young Guns” for participants between 14 and 17 years of age, ensure that every participant is optimally challenged and the number of shooters is constantly growing.

Another important element is the safety precautions during the competitions. The Timer RO, the Range Officer, monitors the process and ensures the safety of the participants. Violations of the rules result in painful time penalties or even disqualifications, which reminds every shooter of the importance of compliance with the rules.

The next opportunity to immerse yourself in the Wild West couldn't be long in coming - the fascination of western shooting is always attracting new people.