The Fastest Gun Alive

Gunslingers from around the world gather at the Churchill County Fairgrounds for three days to compete for the title of “The Fastest Gun Alive” at the World Cowboy Fast Draw Championships.

The actual competition begins Friday and runs through Sunday.

More than 200 of the fastest shooting men and women compete using wax or blank bullets in classic Western style. The Fastest Gun Alive competition begins 9 a.m. Friday and Saturday with the final shoot-off at 12:30 p.m. Sunday. The Youth Top Five World Championship Shoot-off also takes place at high noon on Sunday. Youth participants are highly trained in safety procedures and are some of the most engaging, respectful shooters to watch.

Local elected and appointed officials, law enforcement and members of Northern Nevada media gather tomorrow at 2 p.m. for the Charity Celebrity Shoot. Entry fee for this event is $20 with proceeds benefiting the Fallon Mayor’s Youth Fund.

“This town was built on the western front and this event brings our history to life in an action-packed style,” said Rick Gray, Fallon Convention & Tourism Authority executive director. “Fallon welcomes the fast draw crowd each year. Their love of the sport and camaraderie is contagious.”

Fast draw enthusiasts world-wide compete with single action revolvers, similar to those used in the Old West. It is a timed sport using single action .45 caliber (western style six shooters) with wax bullets that travel 650 feet per second. Contestants must dress in western-style clothing and utilize pre-1900 style holsters.

This event continues to honor the Old West heritage with the Comstock Civil War Re-enactors and the Great Basin Pistoleer Mounted Shooters. From authentic costumes, civil war camp and horseback shooting obstacle courses, there’s nonstop action for all ages. New this year is the Nevada Gunfighters reenactment group. Fans step back in time on the Old West Main Street and interact with characters and classic cars right out of the good old days.

For complete World Cowboy Fast Draw Championships schedule of events head to www.VisitFallonNevada.com or contact Quick Cal at quickcal@cowboyfastdraw.com.