WHAT: The World Fast Draw Association World Balloon Elimination Championships
WHEN: Saturday & Sunday September 28-29, 2013
WHERE: Downtown Red River NM
Howard Darby, Nick Ione, Jon Wilson and Jon Rivera have three things in common: they are good friends, they love the sport of fast draw, and they are presently the four fastest men with single action guns in the world.
They are at the top of their form and all four, as well as many other competitors are expected to be in Red River for the final round of the 2013.
Darby, who hails from Calgary, Alberta, CA, holds 23 world records and currently carries the title of WFDA’s Fastest Gun Alive.
Nick “the Quick” Ione, from Montreal, Quebec, CA, is a relative newcomer to fast draw competition but recently established a new world record of .242 thousandths of a second in the ten foot wax (bullet) championship in Jamestown, North Dakota.
California “Trickshot” Wilson, is the reigning two-time World Fast Draw Champion (2011-2012) and is looking for three in a row. He comes into Red River tied for the championship with Jon Rivera, a retired deputy sheriff, who has won two major championships this year and wants to dethrone Wilson.
A GROWING SPORT
Ever since the TV westerns reigned over the airwaves during the late 50s and early 60s, the art of fast draw has thrilled audiences all over the country. Soon fast draw became a hobby to many of the western stars from these TV shows.
There are numerous events in which wax bullets and blank cartridges are used. In all of these events a target must be hit. The wax bullet must hit a reactive target and the blank cartridge blast must break a balloon. This means that fast draw contests can be held almost anywhere.
Because no live ammunition is used, fast draw is considered the safest of all gun sports. In the 35 plus years it has been around, there has not been even one serious accident.
The Showdown in Red River won’t be hard to find, according to Fast Draw organizer Dave Livingston, who says just listen for the gunfire on Main Street. The fun will start at 10 AM both days.