Classical Fast Draw Society
Inverness, FL
jmccrave@tampabay.rr.com

 Classical Fast Draw Society 
Where You Can Become a Legend
Rules


CFDS Rules

The CFDS uses only the Traditional style of drawing a gun. This means that the gun must be drawn, cocked, and fired with one hand. The only exceptions to this rule will be on the occasion when more than one shot is to be fired in one string. In that case, the first shot must be drawn, cocked, and fired by the strong hand and only then can the gun be fanned or thumbed by the weak hand to complete the string. The entire pistol must be in front of the shooters body when fired. Shooting over or behind the holster is not permitted (Click here for an example). The CFDS rules are designed to preserve classic art of fast draw and also to ensure competition is both fun and safe.

In all championship matches (World, Regional, and State) three to five shots will be fired; the individual times are recorded and averaged together to determine the champion. One shot will be disregarded, usually the slowest. In some case the fastest shot will be thrown out if the time of that shot is distinctly faster than all other attemps. If the time comparison between the 1st and 2nd fastest draw excedes 15%, the fastest time will be disregarded. This rule is necessary to discount luck shots or "jumping the light" shots.

To win the honor of the fastest single draw in a CFDS competition, that draw must be within 15% of the your second fastest draw. This statute dates back to the late 50's early 60's and is central to the Classical Fast Draw Society. The CFDS rules are designed to make certain that a CFDS Champion really is "the fastest gun in the West."
Ammunition
The ammunition that can be used in CFDS fast draw matches are Blanks or Primers. The blanks used must be approved by the CFDS. Wax bullets are now being used at CFDS events.
Weapon
All guns used in CFDS activities will be of pre-1899 vintage design; the Black Hawk and the Vaquero being the exceptions. All guns used in CFDS events must be "STOCK." Weapons used in compitition can not be altered in any way. Internal work such as an "action job," where stock springs are replaced with lighter springs and internal parts are polished, is permitted.
Holster
Holsters must be of the standard variety that would normally be seen in the late 1800’s, or on the silver screen. Cut a way’s and speed rigs are not permitted
 
The body of the holster must cover the cylinder of the gun, to within one-quarter inch of the top of the cylinder. The cut down in the front of the holster must not exceed one inch. The cut down in the rear of the holster must not be more than one-quarter inch below the front of the gun’s trigger guard. An example of a holsters that fit the maximum limits of the law would be the Mernickle Hollywood Western and Cowboy Fastdraw. Cowboy Action type holsters are also legal.

Levels of Competition

Classical - Level 1
The shooters hand can not touch the gun or holster after the "stand by" signal is given.
Lawman - Level 2
The shooter can have his or her hand on the gun, ready to draw.
Cowboy Action - Level 3
Many of our members are also members of SASS, with this in mind, we have developed a new level. The shooter will start with both hands on his hat brim. At the beep, the shooter will draw his gun with his strong hand, acquire the gun with his week hand, cock gun with week side thumb, and fire (similar to SASS traditional style). As in all our levels, the gun can never be raised higher than a point half way between the belt and ones chin. (fanning is not permitted)

Eleven and Six Inch Rules (Special Event)
The old ELEVEN and SIX INCH RULE used by many clubs, shooting live ammo back in the 1950’s, and early 1960’s. These levels is the same as level #1, except that the shooters hand must be at least eleven inches from the gun, at the stand by signal. The CFDS will use BLANKS and WAX only.

Divisions

There will be a total of seven divisions of competition based on gender:

Division Age Range
Junior
(Uni-sex)		 Up to 14
Adult 14 - 60
Senior 60 - Above
Ladies All Ages

Dress Code and Alias

We have developed a dress code, and a use of aliases, because it is obvious that it has been successful with other groups. It is easy to see, that it is also a great source of enjoyment, and creativity. Whole industries have sprung up to satisfy the needs of many clubs and organizations, whose dress codes are paramount in their activities.

Dress Code
Costumes of the CFDS can be Old West, New West, or "B" Movie West.
Alias
The alias each member chooses can be the one they already have from another organization, or one they pick as they join the CFDS. No duplicates will be accepted.

CFDS Awards

Ribbons and certificates are awarded to the top four competitors in each fast draw category:

4 Divisions x 3 Levels = 12 Categories

Belt buckles and trophies will be awarded at all major CFDS matches as well as some of our local matches.

Live Ammo Competition (Side Match Events)

The Classical Fast Draw Society has a live ammo division. There are 3 main categories:

  1. High speed pistol
  2. High speed rifle
  3. High speed shotgun

In the live ammo segment, the gun is drawn, and fired by the strong hand, and THUMBED by the weak hand. Fanning is never permitted in the live ammo segment.
The C.F.D.S is an organization dedicated to the furtherance of FAST DRAW and the high speed use of other weapons, as a safe and exciting sport. The CFDS is strictly an amateur organization. There are no monetary awards, or prizes in any of our matches or contests.