Cowboy Fast Draw

One of the side events at the World Steel Challenge, was the Cowboy Fast draw. I have to admit this was the most fun event to watch and participate in.

MrC's hero Quick Cal.

When MrC found out that the cowboy fast draw was going to be a side event he spoke about it with our friend, Damiphino, who shoots fast draw, with the result being, a left hand holster arriving in the mail, and plenty of instruction via telephone, so he could get in a little practice before going to Valencia, California where the event was being held.

Quick Cal adjusting the holster in just the right position.

You would think you could not miss a target which is two feet across and just fifteen in front of us. You can miss them alright as we both found out.

Put some cowboy boots, shirt and stetson on MrC and he would look the part.

Yes, I was talked into trying out fast draw by MrC. First they had to find a holster small enough, then I had to figure out how to shoot a revolver, never having done so before.
Quick Cal watching as I struggled trying to pull the hammer back one handed. My hands are so small, and did not have the strength to do it, so we went to drawing the gun from the holster with my right hand and pulling the hammer back with my left, and shooting two handed instead of one handed.

Gritting my teeth with the effort and concentration it took to shoot my first revolver

So now I know how to cock the hammer, all I needed to do, was get some coordination going, so everything would be smooth. Yeah sure!! easier said than done, but after a few shots I did hit the target and of course I let a whoo hoo! I am sure with a lot of practice I could probably be a cowgirl fast draw shooter.

These friends decided to have a "shootout" they sure had us laughing at their antics.

Well that is all from our adventure in California, and next year I plan on competing, though plenty of practice will have to be put in before then.

If you are interested in learning more about cowboy fast draw, click HERE

World Steel Challenge - part three

Here is one very dedicated blogger. The only place the laptop would work in our hotel room was in the bathroom.

I forgot to mention to MrC that I had washed all the range dust off my feet in the bathtub and when he sat down and swung his feet into the tub his socks got wet *chuckle*

On Friday night, most of the shooters, and their families, gathered in the hotel courtyard and two adjoining rooms, to enjoy a meal and fellowship. There was a whole lot of BS going on too.

We could choose chicken or beef, or as I did some of each. The food was well prepared and tasty.
For dessert there were several pies, cake, and mini cheesecakes to satisfy our sweet tooth.

Under the umbrella on the left, was the bar and vegetables, fruit, salsa and chips were on tables on each side. We sure did not go hungry or thirsty.

Mike P, Linda and Hawk, three shooters from the squad MrC was in. We sure did enjoy meeting these fun folks and hope to see them next year.

Hope you are not bored yet as there are probably enough pictures for one more post.
Standby I will get to the last post in the next day or so.

WORLD STEEL CHALLENGE -part 2

STAGE FIVE

Speed Option

MrC giving it his best shot, pun intended *grin*

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STAGE SIX
Smoke & Hope

The squad waiting while Linda is shooting.

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STAGE SEVEN
Outer Limits

Hawk, has his left foot off the ground ready to do a quick step into the box on the right, to shoot the last three, of the five targets.

MrC was concerned on this stage as down on the practice range, when he had to move from one box to the other, he was inclined to skid on the loose dirt and empty brass which were in the shooter's box. But here he did OK and did not skid at all.

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STAGE EIGHT
Accelerator

Doug showing how it is done.

MrC putting rounds down range as fast and accurately as he can.

Linda shooting the last stage.

Mike, Paul, Doug, Mike P, Eric, Hawk, Linda, Chase, Rich.

This was the end of the rim fire event, time for lunch before moving on to other events. I sure was ready for a break from the hot sun, so we walked down the hill to where they had a booth set up selling hot dogs a huge sandwich and ice cold drinks.

This little guy had both hands wrapped around a huge sandwich, and I was surprised to see him eat more than two thirds of it. The thought "hollow legs" came to mind.
After we finished our lunch we went to the Cowboy fast draw stage to try our luck at winning a gun. I will have more on this in part three.

Mr Completely's take on Part two HERE

WORLD STEEL CHALLENGE - Part 1

After a very early 4am start to the day, Wednesday 15Th, our flight to Burbank California, then a half hour drive to the hotel, we were both exhausted and ready for a long nap. The nap had to wait as MrC needed to get out to the range and get in some practice before shooting on Thursday morning.

Our rental car, a cute PT Cruiser with just 1400 miles on the clock had plenty of room for all the luggage we had brought with us. The car sure was dusty after our four days out at the range. I must say, I am sooooo happy we do not live in Valencia, the heat and dust almost did me in.

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STAGE ONE
Pendulum

The eight stages and the side events were spread out over quite a distance so we drove the car to a few of the side events as it was too darned hot to walk. The side events were set up so anyone could enter for a chance to win a gun either by shooting the best time or by having a raffle ticket for every time they entered drawn at the award ceremony on Sunday.

Erik, one of the squad members knocking the paint off of the targets.

Doug showing his expertise.

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STAGE TWO
Roundabout

After each squad member has finished his/her round, the targets are given a fresh coat of paint.
On a couple of occasions it was unclear if the shooter had hit the target, so the range was made safe and the range officer went out to double check the target in question. Sometimes the target is struck on the very edge and cannot be seen from a distance.

MrC and Keewee

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STAGE THREE
Show Down

Mike P putting time on the clock, and that does not mean he wants a lot of time on the clock when the round is over. The idea is to shoot and hit every target in the shortest time possible.

Rich making noise.

Paul doing his very best to shoot a good time.

Chase 19 years old, the youngest in our squad.

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STAGE FOUR

Five to go

The range officer going over all the rules before the match begins.

This stage is similar to one I have shot here on Whidbey Island, and I was thinking to myself about this time, perhaps I should have been shooting this year. Perhaps next year I will be ready, which means plenty of practice, groannnn!! I am not one to do a lot of practice, which makes MrC roll his eyes and say, " I don't know how you shoot so well with so little practice"

Click on the pictures for a larger view
MrC has his first part posted, so if you want to read a more in depth story about our adventure, then click HERE

For Steel Challenge results look HERE