Classic Cowboy is the only category I'm talking about, the rules seem to contradict themselves requiring more authentic guns, ammo, and shooting style but require a costume with articles that most Cowboys would not have likely had on.
Costuming: Must choose at least five of the requirements listed below. All clothing items must be worn appropriately during all shooting events and awards ceremonies. Chaps, spurs, cuffs, tie or scarf worn loosely around the neck or with scarf slide, vest,
pocket watch with full length chain, jacket, sleeve garters, knife, botas, leggings , braces; no straw or palm hats allowed.
Chaps
Spurs
Cuffs
Tie or Scarf
Vest
Cliff would not a classic cowboy have worn the above 5 items? Seems to me that a Classic Cowboy of say 1890 could be construed as a cowboy on the town, in town or just wondering around, while not actually working. This would add other items such as the pocket watch, sleeve garters.
What a classic cowboy probably would not have had, working or other wise, was 2 revolvers, a shotgun and a rifle. Perhaps 1 revolver and a rifle?
Now about that hat ... good question because I agree, it seems like it is in a gray area as written.