Shooters show off their fast draws

Anyone who has watched a western movie has seen some gun fighting action.

At a gun range in Idaho Falls Saturday, dozens of cowboys and cowgirls showed off their fast draw skills.

In the Old West, cowboys would square off with their pistols and prove themselves. Nowadays, things might be a little different, but gunmen still like to see who has the fastest shot.

“What attracts them is that it’s the Old West,” said Dave Gyorfy, a.k.a. Dangerous Dave. “Everyone has that in their hearts, I think.”

Modern-day fast draws attract gunmen from all over the world, including Australia, England and even Italy. Shooters use real guns, authentic holsters and wax bullets as ammunition.

Participants get on the line and hit a timed target, 21 feet down range. The fastest and most accurate man or woman wins.

“To be competitive in this game, you have to react to the light, draw fire and hit your target in about a half a second or less. Now there are shooters here who are capable of firing in about four tenths of a second,” said Cal Elrich, a.k.a. Quick Cal.

That’s about the same time it takes you to blink. Shooters said the sport is safe and family friendly. Cowboys and cowgirls from the ages of 8 to 89 come out to test their shot. No matter the age, there are certain qualities that make a good fast drawer.

“Accuracy first. Speed is there as well but you also have the intimidation factor,” said Gyorfy.

Of course one of the necessities, if you get into the sport, is to have an alias like Quick Cal or Dangerous Dave.

That’s something you can create yourself.

More for information, visit www.cowboyfastdraw.com