The Cowboy Fast Draw Association (CFDA) is set to host its annual spectacle, The Fastest Gun Alive™ – World Championship of Cowboy Fast Draw, in the heart of Fallon, Nevada, for the 16th consecutive year. The Rafter 3C Arena will be the battleground for this thrilling contest, spanning from October 13 through October 15. Beyond the competitive action, attendees can expect a vibrant atmosphere with food, Western vintage crafters, and clothing vendors on the pavilion level.
Cowboy Fast Draw is a unique Western-themed shooting sport, featuring wax bullet ammunition, a choice that ensures competitions can be conducted almost anywhere with the use of a thin layer of nylon or archery netting to safely catch the wax projectiles. The paramount concern throughout is safety. Competitors don authentic Old West-style six-guns and holsters while sporting period-themed attire, embracing the colorful spirit of the American Old West. In the true Western tradition, participants adopt aliases as they vie for victory.
Since its relocation from Deadwood, South Dakota, to Fallon in 2008, "The Fastest Gun Alive™" has emerged as a prominent attraction for the city, drawing hundreds of competitors and vendors from across the nation. In addition, spectators flock from Northern California, Nevada, and several other states to witness the intense competition and gain insight into a sport with roots dating back to the 1950s.
This year's tournament is expected to draw over 300 top modern-era gunfighters from the United States, Canada, Switzerland, and France. National coverage on channels such as the Outdoor Channel, History Channel, Travel Channel, and the Northern Nevada Media, including all four Network Affiliates, underscores the event's significance. The Outdoor Channel's acclaimed show, Shooting USA, is slated to provide comprehensive coverage of this year's championship.
Competing across separate divisions for Men, Ladies, and Youth, the Cowboy Fast Draw Association prioritizes education in the safe and responsible use of firearms. CFDA, the sport's governing body, has established Range Officer and Youth Safety Training Programs to ensure the highest standards of safety are upheld.
The competition follows an elimination format, with matchups determined by the "luck of the draw." Importantly, six-guns are never aimed at opponents. Instead, both shooters stand side by side, each equipped with a 17" metal plate target 15 feet downrange. A digital timer initiates a start light on each target simultaneously, requiring both shooters to respond swiftly, draw, fire, and ideally hit their target faster than their adversary. The difficulty of hip-shooting these targets at competitive speeds cannot be overstated, demanding a precise balance between speed and accuracy. Quick Cal, Director of CFDA and Match Director, emphasizes, “It’s not always the fastest shooter who wins, but rather the shooter who keeps a cool head and a hot hand.” To advance to the next round, a competitor must secure three winning hits, while accumulating four "Xs" spells elimination from the pursuit of the coveted title, "The Fastest Gun Alive."
The Magnificent 7 Finals, held around High Noon on Sunday, offer a riveting spectacle, where victory can be decided by the tiniest fraction of a second. Spectators are welcomed to witness the action up close, with an excellent view of target hits and audience displays showcasing the blazing times achieved by the shooters.
The preliminary rounds of the main event unfold on Friday and Saturday, running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with free admission on all days. Saturday also offers a unique opportunity for attendees to try Cowboy Fast Draw and enjoy the Annual Car Show.
For more in-depth information about the sport and The Fastest Gun Alive, including informational videos, please visit www.cowboyfastdraw.com.
The Fallon Convention & Tourism Authority, along with the generous support of Pietta/EMF Firearms, Ruger Firearms, Mernickle Custom Holsters, and Holiday Inn Express, proudly sponsors this remarkable event.
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