Cowboy action shooting quick draw.

[dutchgunsmoke]

Goodday, ladies and gents!

Greetings from across the Atlantic!

A short introduction of myself: I'm a recreationalshooter in the Netherlands, Europe and a Coltfan. My favourite weapons are a 6" Diamondback in .22 LR and a 6" Python. I also have a Colt Ace which is more for the heck of it.
So, I'm a happy camper, just shooting away at my gunclub here in the Netherlands.

Now through a Dutch internetforum I got wind of a totally new -for me- form of shooting. So last weekend I dressed myself up and went to a meeting of the Dutch Western Shooters Association, here in the Netherlands.

And to make a long story short: I'm afraid I got the Bug. The atmosfere was more then extremely pleasant and relaxed. Food, drink, shooters from all around that favor the Western way of life!

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/diamondbacktherattler/Horstbaan1.jpg

Now it wasn't just targetshooting like in this picture, but also something that was referred to as quick draw.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/diamondbacktherattler/HorstQuickdraw1.jpg

(sorry for the outrageous picture quality, that's the best you get from a cellphone camera)

Now I have a couple of questions and I am hoping that someone can help out.

To start with shooting quickdraw one needs a revolver and a holster. Of course one can spit into the general direction of those balloons, but you may start wondering what one has had for lunch if you pop one.;)
I would favor a centerfire revolver that can handle both nitro and blackpowder. But as I am a complete novice to this sport I'm open for all suggestions.

So give me some advice please!

[Jim Watson]

Some of the most common revolvers in Cowboy Action Shooting in the USA are made by Uberti and Pietta in Italy. Uberti rifles are also very popular.

Fast draw is very hard on the guns, especially if the shooter "fans" the hammer to full cock with his other hand. Thumbing the hammer causes less wear. The guns are usually especially prepared for the sport by a gunsmith.

The guns are either loaded with blanks which will burst a balloon with burning powder at 8 feet; or with wax bullets which can accurately hit a target at 15 to 21 feet. At one time there was some quick draw done with live ammunition but it was found to be rather dangerous and is not done any more that I know of.

http://www.cowboyfastdraw.com/index.php
http://www.gunfighter.com/fastdraw/

You have seen the Dutch Western Shooting Association, you can contact other Cowboy Action Shooting organizations all over the world at http://www.sassnet.com/

[dutchgunsmoke]

Thank you, Mr watson.

I will check out those links!