Welcome to the North-South Skirmish Association!

We’re glad you found us! Are you interested in shooting black powder firearms from the time period of the American Civil War? The N-SSA is a family-oriented organization made up of men and women of all skill levels. From novice to expert, there’s a place for everyone in our sport!

The N-SSA has nearly 3,000 members in over 100 teams, spread out over 13 regions east of the Mississippi River. Chances are there is a skirmish location near you!

What is a “skirmish”? Skirmishes are competitions, usually held over a weekend, at various places around the country. Competitions generally include “individual” competition, where you shoot at a traditional bullseye target for score, and “team” competitions where you compete as part of a team to beat the clock clearing a target frame full of breakable targets like clay pigeons, ceramic tiles, soda cans, blocks of wood, and more!

There are two ways to join the N-SSA - as an Individual, or Join a Team. As an individual, you can shoot in individual competitions as skirmishes, and you can shoot on teams as a “pickup” if there is a team that is short-handed and needs an extra shooter. Individual members have up to 1 year to pick a team to join. The other way is to join a team straight-away. Choosing a team is an important part of skirmishing as you will spend many hours shooting and socializing with your new friends that you make there! N-SSA teams represent actual historical units, North and South, that existed during the American Civil War.

Fill out the below form and we will put you in touch with the N-SSA Region that matches your ZIP Code.