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Texas Fast Draw

Texas Fast Draw is fast becoming a popular Side Match for THSS men and lady alike. Dogie and Prissy Pearline Jones are making this a fun activity in addition to our already great line up of regular cowboy shooting matches. It follows the regular monthly Cowboy Action Matches (CAS™)matches. In the summer we will be set up under the pavilion in the shade with fans.

Texas Fast Draw

O how we love to talk about our sport. Every person we meet who speaks of their participating in any of the shooting sports in the past tense is a potential convert to cowboy action. Then we get hit with the inevitable question, “Do you do fast draw?” Now the answer can be “Yes – Texas Fast Draw!”

The sport of Cowboy Fast Draw was born in Deadwood, South Dakota, and has spread east and west. It just hasn’t made it to Texas – until now. In May 2005, a version of Cowboy Fast Draw was introduced at THSS called Texas Fast Draw. This was the first “cowboy style” fast draw in Texas. The difference between Texas style and South Dakota style fast draw is in the rules concerning weapons and leather. In Texas Fast Draw, if you can use it in cowboy action you can use it fast draw.

Safety First

Texas Fast Draw is a side match, like the other side matches conducted THSS, stresses safety first. All safety rules apply. Even though we are shooting a wax bullet at a 24” steel target, we conduct the tournaments and matches as though the bullets were made of lead.

The Contest

The contests are shot “man on man” and “woman on woman.” Two shooters line up facing two, round, 24” metal targets with a light in the center of each target. The shooters decides if they want to be a Gunslinger (15 feet from the target), Gunfighter (18 feet from the target), or Master Gunfighter (21 feet from the target).

For safety, all ammunition is provided, and on command the shooter loads the required number of rounds into their pistol and places the pistol in their holster.

The timer says “Shooter ready” the shooter must step up to the line.

Next timer says “Shooter Set”. At this point the shooter may put his hand on his gun to make ready but with index finger extended outside the trigger guard and the holster.

Shooter is not allowed to move the pistol once the “set” command is given until the light in the middle of the target comes on. At first view of the light the shooter may pull and shoot his gun at the target.

The light in the center of the targets starts the timer and the wax bullet striking the target stops the timer. The light in the target struck first flashes indicating the winner of that draw. The timer indicates the actual time taken to draw the pistol and hit the target. The requirement to hit the target levels the playing field. Fast misses do not count while slow hits do count.

When shooter finishes the round he holsters his gun and precedes to the unloading table.

Contests are decided by the best two out of three or three out of five draws. Most tournaments are of the Double Elimination variety. Shooters loosing in the first round have the opportunity to redeem themselves.

Awards

Hat pins are awarded to the first three places in the cowboys and ladies.

You simply will not believe how that light in the center of the target can get your heart going. Texas Fast Draw is a fast-paced contest with tremendous spectator appeal. Try it – You’ll like it! Like all side matches, conduct of a Texas Fast Draw match after the monthly cowboy shoot depends upon cowboys and cowgirls wanting to try “fillin’ their hand.”