What is Fast Draw?
by Ron Mossholder
Reprinted from Top Gun Fast Draw News Magazine
April 1962
Fast Draw is a fast-moving, fast-growing sport, which carries on the traditions of our western heritage. It is a test of speed, reaction and accuracy. It is exciting, entertaining and safe.
Fast Draw competition involves an attempt to draw a single action revolver from a holster at a given signal, and hit a silhouette target or a nine inch balloon at twenty-one feet with a wax bullet. Also blank loads are fired at four inch balloons, at an eight foot distance. This type shooting is timed by an electrical timing clock calibrated in the 1/100 of a second. The purpose of the draw is to stop the clock in the least possible time.
Contestants must conform to a set pattern of rules governing distances, type of charges, guns and holsters, so that everyone competes under the same conditions. Strict safety measures are set up and enforced at all times. No live ammunition is ever used, and is not allowed anywhere in the shooting area.
WHO IS FAST DRAW?
Doctors, lawyers, professional men, tradesmen, and workers from various other fields are to be found as active Fast Draw supporters. Robert Six, President of Continental Airlines, and Donald Douglas Jr., President of Douglas Aircraft Company find Fast Draw an exciting form of relaxation. Show business personalities Jerry Lewis, Clint Eastwood, and Sammy Davis Jr., and many other celebrities are fans of Fast Draw. Richard Boone, the star of the TV Western, “Have Gun Will Travel,” states that, “the work done by the organized Fast Draw Clubs throughout the country helps to educate people on how to handle guns safely and sanely. If the Fast Draw organizations continue their work along the lines of safety, there will be considerably fewer accidents.”
WHAT DO THEY DO?
Most clubs meet once a week to practice and compete as a club. Besides this, there are many additional contests on an area, regional, and State level, including a State Championship each year. The clubs do not exist only for themselves, though. They put on many shows and exhibitions in their local area. The men and women of these clubs donate their time and talent to civic affairs when called upon to do so. A typical show involves a gun safety talk, an exhibition of Fast Draw, comedy acts, fancy gun handling, spinning and twirling, and other related activities, including mock gun fights. Businessmen often sponsor Fast Draw shows, inviting the public free of charge. The club receives a fee for their services, which brings much publicity to the sponsor.
WOULD I LIKE THE SPORT?
Who knows? Drop in to your local Fast Draw club and see for yourself. The club meetings are usually open to spectators. You don’t even have to own a gun. One of the members will probably let you use his gun and “rig” (gun belt and holster), and give instructions. Fast Draw has shooters ranging in years from 18 to 70+ at the State Championship competitions, so why not give it a try.
IS IT EXPENSIVE?
Any sport, hobby, or pastime, has an investment involved. The amount of desire you develop toward the sport will set the limit. The basic requirements are a single action revolver and a holster and belt suited for Fast Draw. While attending contests or special events, western wear should be worn. This generally consists of a western hat (optional), shirt, trousers, and cowboy boots. Often, clubs will have identical outfits, as in many other sports.
HOW DO I LOCATE A CLUB?
Check with your local western clothing store, sporting goods store, and Chamber of Commerce. But if there is no Fast Draw club in your town, write or call TOP GUN magazine, and the staff will be able to tell you where the nearest club can be found. If you are interested in forming your own club that can be done through the help of TOP GUN magazine, and Fast Draw Association in your State. Write us for details.