Ride ‘Em and Shoot ‘Em, Cowboy

Put on an authentic hat, boots, chaps and a pair of six guns, “and you sort of get a feel for what guys went through in the late 1800s,” says Mike Shelhart, a competitor in this weekend’s “End of Trail Cowboy Action Shootout and Wild West Jubilee.” Shelhart, of Torrance, is stepping back in time to the Old West with about 400 other men, women and children to prove his prowess with a pistol in the World Championships of Cowboy Action Shooting, today through Sunday.

The shooting events, which are held around the country and culminate in the huge event each spring, are “part fantasy and part sport,” Shelhart says. With or without the turn-of-the-century duds, the competitions are “challenging and take a lot of skill.”

The Wild West encampment is spread over 25 acres. Entertainment includes a Wild West Show, reenactments, seminars, mounted-horse events, music, cowboy poetry, stunt shows, costume contests, a trick roping, gun-handling exhibitions, chuck-wagon cooking contest, pony rides, a petting zoo, crafts and games.

The event benefits Roy Rogers Happy Trails Children’s Foundation. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Raahauge’s Ranch, Prado Dam Recreation Area, Norco. Admission: $9; buckaroos 12 and younger, free. (714) 998-0209.