Barbarosa and Me at the CFDA Nationals
Nancy and I just got back from the Cowboy Fast Draw Association (CFDA) Nationals in Idaho. We had a great time! Something just under a hundred shooters–60 some of them male–with a good representation of age, interest, and abilities. Given that I’d fired less than a hundred wax bullets from my gun, my goal was not coming in last.
I made it! Here’s where I ranked, 52nd out of 60 shooters, a little better if you count the women. But the good news is, I don’t see why I can’t place next year!
Barbarosa and me (the Reverend W. W. Ronin) looking over the competition. While I beat Barbarosa, he had fewer Xs and went on to shoot in the finals.
What’s interesting to me is that people much faster than me placed lower than me. It seems that the secret–at least to place in the top 25%, according to “Chucky,” editor of Shoot Magazine–is hitting the target. To place above that you need to be fast. And being fast, according to Canadian champion Howard Darby, means a few other draws from which to pick from.
One of Nancy’s favorite photos. Her “cowboy,” she says. Like I know anything about cows…
We’re going to the Idaho State Championship in September and I’m hoping to make a better showing by then! I practice every other day or so in my garage–yes, it gets noisy, but so far the neighbors aren’t complaining–and if I can increase my accuracy and get a handle on a quicker, more economic draw, I’ll have a good chance of placing in the top 10 I think. Meanwhile, we’re working on establishing a Fast Draw club here at home and hope to have a first meeting sometime in June.
One of the older couples there, CFDA shoots are real family events. “El Tigre” has been shooting at CFDA and SASS (the Single Action Shooting Society) events for years.
Nancy–okay, she has an alias too, it’s “Generous Kate”–takes good care of me no matter where we are. Can you imagine? A shrimp cocktail, out under the trees in Idaho? Man, I’m so lucky…
At the final banquet, I drew a certificate for a free $400 fast draw rig from Mernickle Holsters. Nancy says she’s going to pass on getting one at this point, so I’m thinking something in black. What do you think?
“Quick Cal” Elrich (left) and “Talk Alot” Bob Mernickle, the holster maker, sitting at a table near us at the banquet. Real characters who have made a real contribution to the sport of fast draw.