Cowboy Mounted Shooting is the Fastest Growing Equestrian Sport in the Nation. Mounted contestants compete in this fast action timed event using two .45 caliber single action revolvers each loaded with five rounds of specially prepared blank ammunition. Scoring is based on speed, accuracy and following the course of fire correctly. Targets are balloons and ammunition is black powder blanks for safety. There are levels for competitors that are based on mounted shooting experience and wins, even entry levels for competitors on lead line or anyone just learning to put it all together.

The Bay Area Bandits were founded in 2009 for the purpose of providing a family oriented mounted shooting club in the Tampa Bay area. Originally affiliated with SASS, eventually the Bandits transitioned to the Cowboy Sports Association where they continued to grow and develop. In 2015, the members voted to become affiliates with the Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association.

The Bay Area Bandits is a great place for all shooters regardless of age or ability. We encourage everyone to give mounted shooting a shot. Our club members are more than willing to assist whatever needs the competitor may have, whether they are to barrow guns, holsters, a horse, or need advice on course management. The Bandits have competitors of all abilities and skill level read to assist.

All shooters start as a level one competitor. As they gain confidence, experience, and qualified class wins they move up through the level system towards level 6.