Western Shooting

The arts known as Iaijutsu (fast sword draw and cutting) are very similar to western fast draw shooting. There are many competitions where people test their skills in the arts we refer to as Hojutsu. My friend and teacher, Jeff Kehoe Sensei, is very interested in being involved in these activities. To make certain he outfitted himself in the proper weapons and garb to attend these various events, we visited my favorite supplier in Fredericksburg, Texas - Texas Jack's.

I have a working knowledge of modern firearms, but know very little about the firearms from the mid and later era of the 19th. Century in America.

My wife participates in several events requiring period appropriate garb, so what she can't weave, spin and sew herself she buys from suppliers with a good knowledge of the various time periods.

I am deeply impressed with the few people I have come in contact with that are just as skilled as Samurai. The popularity of the sword was rapidly replaced by the advent of the firearm.

If you have the distance, the time and the skill, a firearm can save your life from an attacker.

Mr. Chris Ballard (shown left) really impressed me with his professional attitude. He loves 19th. Century American firearms like I love edged weapons. There was not one question I asked that Chris san could not only answer, but elaborate on. I really enjoyed handling the Sharps rifle known as the "Quigley" model. This breech-loading weapon is a heavy one!

The following two pictures are from the great western movie, "Quigley Down Under". I think very highly of Mr. Selleck from what I have heard about him.

Hatsumi Sensei even has a picture of himself dressed in traditional Cowboy garb brandishing a Colt six gun on the back cover of his book, Knife and Pistol Fighting. (If it is indeed a genuine Colt, not a replica).

I have now caught the bug for western action shooting. I obtained my "rig", which is the pistol belt and holster. The choice for my "hawg leg" is a Cimmeron "P" series .45 with a 7 1/2" barrel.

I have a new lariat, and have attached one of my favorite Bowie knives on the belt.