So, you ask yourself, “What is Cowboy Fast Draw?” It is as close to an actual head-to-head shoot out as you can get without actually shooting at one another.  

The game of Cowboy Fast Draw is played by men and women from all walks of life who still believe in the Western spirit and the cowboy way. Participants of the game dress in 1800s period clothing and shoot single-action .45 Colt pistols loaded with wax bullets and a small black powder substitute charge.  Head-to-head competition pits you against a random opponent.

Both shooters are called to the line.  You hear the commands, “Shooters to the line,” then there’s a pause and your heart is beatin fast, adrenaline flowing, “Shooters set,” you focus in on your target, the light comes on, and BANG!! In less than a second you react to the light by drawing your pistol, cocking your pistol, pointing your pistol, and firing your pistol at a round target 24” in diameter 21’ away.   

Time begins when the light comes on and ends when your bullet strikes the target.  The fastest shot wins.  Contestants typically must win three out of five shots. The loser gets an X - 3 Xs and you are dead. Winners move on until the last man and woman are left.  

The Idaho Shootists also host the CFDA Idaho State Championship and supports local charities such as the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.  

First and foremost, the Idaho Shootists and the Cowboy Fast Draw Association promote gun safety at all times with qualified Range Masters. We also encourage support of the Second Amendment.  

For more information on the Idaho Shootists or CFDA please feel free to contact Marshall Hopper at (800) 342-0904 or marshall@shootmagazine.com, Forrest Schuster at (208) 870-2735, or Butch Glenn (208) 392-4912 or idahoshootists1@yahoo.com.

Regular Monthly Match: 1st and 5th Saturday of each month, Growling Bear Outfitters.  Registration at 9:00am, Shoot at 10:00am ~ $20.00 Per match ($25 if not a club member) / $5.00 Last Person Standing (optional)

Practice & Fun Match: 3rd Tuesday of each month at Shoot! Magazine's offices (5482 W. State St. - Boise), 7:00pm ($5.00 club members)

CFDA Idaho State Championship:  September 29-30, 2007, Growling Bear Outfitters, Idaho City, Idaho.