Good Morning Filly Aficionados!
I’m working on a super-secret historical novella right now and the main part of the story revolves around a shooting contest.
Well, I needed to find out what, exactly, that would’ve looked like. Interestingly enough, there are groups today that do live reenactments and some even allow people to enter and compete! How fun is that? What’s even more fun is that they expect those who enter to not only shoot the proper guns, but look the part!
When we think of a gunfight, people often think of two men, like in the picture on the left, but that isn’t exactly what I had in mind for my book. The last man standing doesn’t really make for a good romance.
And I’m all about the romantic western.
In my story, the shooting contest is not only distance but precision.
Requirements for that type of contest would’ve been four firearms: 2 single action revolvers which could be either lever action or pump action but must be in pistol calibers.
Also required were 2 shotguns. These could be double barreled or slide action. The only caveat is that they could only have one live round loaded at a time.
While most people probably think this would be just one or two shots and the contest would be over, that’s not actually the case. At least in the recreations, it takes over 120 rounds (on average) for the pistol portion of the event, and another few dozen light shot shells. That’s a lot of shooting!
They carry so much that it often required a cart to carry it all (which I never expected, this is why we research!)
There are multiple stages to the event. In the first, shooters are divided into “posses” of three or so shooters, depending on the number of people competing. Contestants are not allowed to load their own firearms. They must aim at a target about 10-15 yards away. 5 shots from each pistol and 8 shells. They will be judged on not only accuracy, but speed. Winners from that round proceed to the next.
Further stages involve hitting targets in a certain order, accurately, and quickly. These stages get progressively harder as the contest continues. The fastest, most accurate shooter would take the prize. Can you imagine the noise and confusion of multiple contestants going through multiple stages at once?
I’ve never competed in anything like this before, though I might like to someday. Have you ever done any sort of competition with multiple stages and competitors?
Where western meets happily ever after.
Kari writes swoony heroes and places that become characters with detail and heart.
Her favorite place to write about is the place her heart lives, (even if she doesn't) South Dakota.
Kari loves reading, listening to contemporary Christian music, singing when no one's listening, and curling up near the wood stove when winter hits. She makes her home in central Minnesota, land of frigid toes and mosquitoes the size of compact cars, with her husband of over twenty years. They have two daughters, two sons, one cat, and one hungry wood stove.
This is very interesting. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you! It was fun to research.
I have never done a competition like this. Great post! Thanks
You’re welcome. It was fun. I haven’t either but I think it would be fun to attend one.
My father competed in a shooting contest when he was in the National Guard–the competition had military and non-military entrants. It was a national competition.
Actually, the marksmanship competition may have been just for the National Guard teams across the United States.
Interesting! I wonder if they still do anything like that? I looked here in MN and didn’t find any because now I want to go see one.
I did a quick google search this morning before my addendum, and they had still been doing it through the past several years. it’s probably not open to the public since it’s the military and using live ammo.
excuse any typos, I had a kitchen accident last week and am typing without using a few fingers (still have them all)
My father often competed in and won Turkey shoots held in the fall in our area.
Interesting! I’ve heard of those, but I don’t know the rules.
I have never done a shooting competition but several of my friends used to compete all the time.
Interesting! I’ve only known one competition shooter and he was more of an acquaintance, not someone I would ask about his experience. I would bet that it’s both physically and mentally challenging.
I have competed in spelling bees and extemporaneous speech competitions in high school.
That counts! Fun (well, maybe it was fun… I’ve always found spelling difficult).
Good morning, Kari! How interesting that the shooters take so much ammunition with them that they need a cart to haul it all, although it makes sense if one intends to shoot for awhile. From what I hear, ammunition has gotten really expensive, but who cares if one loves the sport, right?
My brothers love to go to a shooting range, and while not a formal competition, there is some brotherly one-upmanship going on.
Best wishes on the new book!
Thank you! I live in a very rural area and have a “basic” shooting range in my back yard, and yes, it has become a rather expensive pass time.
I was in a shooting competition in college. It was a lot of fun! I don’t remember a lot of the details now, I’ll have to do some searching to jog my memory!
Interesting! I imagine some competitions are different than others, depending on the people who are putting it on.
I haven’t entered a competition yet, but was the “best shot ” in my class. (Well, the Vietnam Vet wasn’t in class that day or I’m sure he would have won ;o)
Congratulations! The closest thing we had to shooting in school was archery (they don’t do that anymore, either). My father (also a Vietnam Vet and former law enforcement officer) taught me. 🙂
No I never have.
I’m actually surprised so many either have done similar or know someone who has. It’s a unique set up.
No, I have never been in any skill competitons. I did enter a posture contest once while in high school. I was not a winner though.
That would be difficult. I’m sure I wouldn’t even make it through the first round of a contest like that.
I’m sure there are contests like this where I live, but I can’t see we’ll enough to shoot, so I never paid attention to this! It does sound interesting, though!
I thought so too! I’ll admit, I assumed (something I should know by now not to do) that it was as easy as each person taking a shot at a target and maybe the range got longer. That would make it hard enough, but I was surprised and now I want to see one.
I’ve never done any competition like this, I’ve never been that good at anything, ha!
I’ve never won any sort of contest like that, either. But I think it’s really fun to watch people who are more skilled than me.
I don’t do competitions, but I’ve watched them on TV!
I hadn’t thought of that. I don’t usually watch TV. I’ll have to check on YouTube and see if I can find one to watch. Great idea!
cool this is some interesting facts. thanks for sharing. I competed in barrel racing when I was younger. I ran in competitions, I played the piano at recitals and the alto clarinet for the best positions.
Fun! I’ve always wanted to see a barrel racing competition. I think it’s more likely that I’d be able to watch one of those than a shooting competition.
I have not competed in such things but it is fun to watch them.
Interesting post. I knew there were reenactors that did shooting demonstrations and competitions, but didn’t realize how much was involved.
I have never participated in any such competitions.