The American Single Shot Rifle Association (ASSRA) was founded in 1948 as an organization that promotes the responsible use, study and preservation of single-shot rifles. These include original and reproduction arms from the 19th and early 20th centuries as well as rifles of more current design. The ASSRA encourages and coordinates research into the history and lore of single shot rifles to disseminate such knowledge for mutual benefit. This is in part made possible by the vast archives maintained by the ASSRA. The ASSRA sanctions events that hold members to high standards of ethical conduct, promote genuine friendliness, tolerance and mutual respect for each other.