By George F. Lee, Star-Bulletin
Ardie "Blue Dove" Cooper pops open her double barrel shotgun
after firing a couple of rounds in the Western Action shooting
competition of the Aloha State Games at Koko Head range.

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Taking a shot at gold

By Neal Iwamoto
Star-Bulletin

Koko Head Rifle Range was transformed into the Old West yesterday as sharpshooters donned cowboy hats and went by names such as "Saloon Sal," "Deputy" and "Lefty" during Western Action shooting in the Aloha State Games.

"The characteristics of Western Action are proficiency, safety, and fun," said Pete "Governor" Van Steinburg.

Western Action places the shooter in a scenario where a variety of 19th-century model firearms are used, from Colt .45 revolvers to Winchester pump shotguns. The shooter is required to hit a sequence of close- and medium-range targets in a timed event. About 20 rounds are fired per scenario, with competitors penalized for missed shots and shooting out of sequence.

"Speed is the last thing you worry about," said Max "Painless Doc" Cooper.

"If you go as fast as possible you'll have misses that will subtract from your score.

"So it's better to shoot at your own speed and not make any mistakes."

George "Bullet" Mitcham also stressed the importance of concentration: "The scenarios can be complicated. It's a thinking man's game."

Visibly absent from the competition was the quick draw, where shooters cock their pistols while still in the holster. Such action was prohibited as a safety precaution. Low-velocity firearms that shoot rounds less than 1,400 feet per second also were used as a safety measure.

Still, the urgency was there. Competitors pounced from firearm to firearm and shuffled through their ammunition to complete such scenarios as "gambler's revenge," "barnyard fuedin'," and "robber's roust."

By George F. Lee, Star-Bulletin
Steve Sherer, far left, and Del Newhouse reload their pistols
between events yesterday.

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Cooper said he was one of many competitors yesterday who were drawn to Western Action shooting as an escape from the high pressure of modern action shooting. The nostalgia of the Old West, along with comraderie and competition make it so exciting and enjoyable he said.

The love for the sport has also sent a number shooters traveling in order to compete. Mitcham, who has been Western shooting for about five years, was part of a Maui contingent who flew over yesterday to participate in the Games. He also has traveled to New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado in recent years to participate in similar events.

"It's something that is very low-key," he said.

"We're competing, but having fun. The whole idea is the spirit of the games and the spirit of the Old West -- that's the whole concept."

MEN'SSOFTBALL:Power & Glory, behind the hitting of Kenny Harrison, double-dipped Rick's yesterday to win the gold medal. Scores of the championship round were 8-3 and 8-1.

Renegades took the bronze medal.