Old West Shootist's Challenge

[Guy Miner]

This was published in a 1937 magazine article, and is based on a conversation with someone who'd talked shooting and gunfighting with Wild Bill Hickcok.

The target is a 5"x5" square with a 1" square in the center.
Distance is 25 feet.
Strong hand only.
No time limit.

All rounds must go into the 5" square. At least one must hit the 1" square.

When I printed this from my computer, the center square was so light I couldn't see it at 25 feet, so I darkened it with a sharpie.

Brought out my most accurate revolver for this, a 1960 vintage S&W K14 using my handloaded 148 grain wadcutters over a modest charge of Titegroup powder for 780 fps.


As you can see, I clustered five of the shots pretty tight but managed to send one high and right.

I've seen this challenge going around a couple of websites & forums and thought it would be fun to give it a try. It was!

Regards, Guy

 

[JD338]

That would be fun. I'll have to look for that target and print a few off

JD338

 

[Slimfinn]

Looks fun, I have a Ruger single 7 327 birdshead that I will have to try it with

 

[salmonchaser]

John Miner and Wild Bill Hickok that would be a pair to draw too.

 

[clearwater]

https://thetacticalprofessor.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/shootists-challenge-final.pdf

A stamp for the center square, an old 1 cent Ben Franklin. I have some of those stamps.

 

[RL338]

Going to have to give that a whirl in spring.

 

[Blkram]

Well done Guy!
I'll be trying it too, come warmer weather!
Hope the NMBH 41 Rem Mag and Winchester 240 gr Platinum Tip ammo won't give me control issues with their additional recoil...