Fast Draw 101 - Thumbing & Fanning

[@NPCSN]

Wow... maybe it’s because I’ve just seen western movies. But wow. I never knew it was so involved. Great video. Thank you.

[@mr31337]

Great LARP video! You are a great fast fannying teacher.

[@adityamishrafb]

my back hurts just watching you fan

[@Rustyy...]

Thank you so much I never knew you're not supposed to fan stock single actions.

[@greggtownsley]

Sure appreciate your videos, Howard. Great video on the different styles (and holsters) in fast draw. See you in Banks, I hope, if not before...

[@thomasd9237]

I can't find anyone to tune my Vaquero ☹️ Cool video. Thanks for the tips 👍👍

[@Tacticaldino813]

That's very interesting thanks for the video

[@00shawn]

you have a good speaking voice and you use it well

[@ShedsandArrowheads]

Now when you say stock gun for the thumbing method, do you mean factory stock, or just stock configuration with lighter more tuned springs? If you do just mean stock configuration with some tuning, what spring sets or other tuning do you recommend? I will be buying a New Vaquero soon and would like to give the sport a try at some point. Thanks

[@PhilGz]

Great video Howard, thanks for some excellent fast draw tips. atb Phil :-)

[@rodhigh7]

I saw a quick draw contest in Tombstone a few years ago. Contrary to what I expected, there were what I call a clam shell holster where the front of the holster broke away. There were also holsters which were rigidly mounted on the belt with the bottom tilted forward at a 45 degree angle. Neither of these satisfied my idea of a proper fast draw contest ! To make matters worse the timing was determined by the sound of the gunshot with no accuracy involved. Most shots seemed to go into the ground directly in front of the shooters feet.

[@fastdraw101]

What you saw wasn't a real Fast Draw contest. It was probably something set up between the stunt guys in the town, or some other "fun" type shoot. All real FD organizations require timing to the 1/1000th of a second by digital clock, and break-away clam shell holsters are definitely NOT allowed.

[@revenant8824]

Thank you this video helped me master fanning

[@zachariahdelong]

Always great videos, thank you very much.

[@sue_downing555]

that was a great educational tutorial video, thanks, excellent

[@sue_downing555]

after digesting a few vids on fast draw, this sport has little to do with shooitng full power loads at hunting or fighting distances, and two handed shooting is in another arena. I think this fast draw stuff is not for me.

[@fastdraw101]

Hello Steven. Not quite factory stock... you are allowed to do a few minor modifications which you can learn about in my video at kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqCbZXaXfN-GhaM starting around 6:20. Mainly it's tuning to make the gun operate smoothly. For me it was really just using the gun until it got smoother, but I did remove a few coils from the spring, although this can be dangerous as you don't want to remove too much and make it not have enough power to ignite the primer.

[@TheChr1sCh4nn3l]

for fanning in general, do you hold down the trigger and the hammer just moves forward after you let go?

[@fastdraw101]

Chris Yes, as soon as you grab the gun in the holster you generally pull the trigger right away when fanning, and keep it pulled so that as soon as you fan the hammer it will fall and fire right away. For me, the only exception is for the Dump Draw that I demonstrate around 7:20 in the video. For that draw I cock the hammer just as I'm starting the draw, so I slightly delay the trigger pull so the barrel can clear the top of the holster.

[@TheChr1sCh4nn3l]

thanks man so much I've always wondered this and couldn't find the answer anywhere.

[@CSAccetura]

This lady's and gentlemen is Alec Baldwin approved. He depressed the trigger during his cross draw rehearsal manipulated the hammer to the rear and let go.

[@hungarianhillbilly4144]

Excellent information. Did you modify your Firearms yourself or did you use a certain company or gunsmith?

[@fastdraw101]

I had a gunsmith do it, but he's not doing it anymore, so unfortunately I can't pass along a name for you.

[@fastdraw101]

By the way, my answer was for the fanning guns. For the Vaqueros I use for thumbing I did the work myself, just watching KZbin videos on how to smooth the actions.

[@hfrendal5374]

I am a soldier so this is kind of different from my fast draws with a pistol from a chest holster, but I really enjoyed the video. Thank you

[@jdub264]

Who do you recommend for doing work to converting your pistol to a fanning pistol?

[@fastdraw101]

Sorry, but the person that did mine no longer does them, and I don't really know the work of others out there. I'd suggest posting on the "Fast Draw" group in Facebook, which is where the people hang out on FB that use these sort of guns. Good luck with it. - facebook.com/groups/2341482906/

[@RVM451]

Friend, You didn't cover Bob Munden's draw. After watching it many times in slow motion, Munden would thumb the hammer back for his first shot; wipe the hammer back with the index finger side of his off hand for the second shot and then turn his fanning hand over and catch the hammer with his little finger side of his off-hand for the third shot. When he wanted to shoot three more he'd repeat. He'd get off 3-shoots so close together that they'd sound like one shot. Which of the fast-draw federations still uses live ammo? …..RVM45

[@fastdraw101]

This video is talking about the draws used in the sport of Fast Draw. The most shots fired in competition is Double events in some organizations where two shots are fired. Firing three shots is illegal in competition. There are many shooters who do the 3-shot trick in their demonstrations... it's not that uncommon for experienced fast draw shooters, along with a lot of other trick shots, which would be a different video not suitable for Fast Draw 101.

[@fastdraw101]

Oh, and no Fast Draw organization allows live ammo due to safety reasons, and organizations like SASS that use live ammo don't allow fast draws.

[@Ridesmule]

It looks as though the possibility exists to shoot off a finger or into your own hand. (I noticed you had all of your fingers 😊) Does this ever happen? Do you folks use full power ammunition or something else?

[@fastdraw101]

Hi Rick. With any sort of shooting that's a possibility, so like all of them we have safety rules that reduce the chance of that sort of thing happening. We also use ammunition (blanks or wax bullets propelled by shotshell primers) that also prevent major injuries. I don't know of any finger losses or anything else major occurring in the sport. It's against the rules of all Fast Draw organizations for anyone to have "live" rounds at a contest, with the penalty being disqualification from the contest. There were clubs in the 1950s and early 60s that were using live rounds, but after many of them put bullets into their legs or blew off their kneecaps they eventually all faded away.

[@driftcat7076]

Just curious, is this sport limited to sa colt and sa colt variants only or could use something like a schofield which is also single action?

[@fastdraw101]

You can check a list of approved guns here - www.cowboyfastdraw.com/images/stories/pdf/Forms_Rules_Articles/Approved%20Six-Gun%20List_3-7-18.pdf I hope that helps.

[@velocitywolf2431]

Is there a standard or required caliber ammunition for competition? This interests me quite a bit.

[@fastdraw101]

In general you'll want a .45 caliber pistol and ammunition. If you haven't found it yet, start with this video on how to start in the sport: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpzIdWxmetuihpo . Good luck with it.

[@joracer1]

Ok it's great, question, in cfda don't the muzzle have to be 10 inches in front of you before firing??? I heard or read somewhere.. or i'm dreaming..

[@fastdraw101]

The rules have changed a few times in CFDA. When I filmed this video you could fire anywhere, but that was changed at the end of 2016. The current rule is that the tip of the muzzle must be in front of the top lip of the holster before being fired. WFDA and OFDA don't have such a rule, so you can fire as soon as the gun clears leather.

[@davejenkins2660]

Hello Howard, do you have any fanning guns and twist rigs available?

[@fastdraw101]

I'd suggest checking in the Facebook Fast Draw group at facebook.com/groups/2341482906 . Good luck with it.

[@ArngrimTV]

Fan draw seems "safer" since you can't shoot till the hand has passed the gun pointing forward. Whats the accident ratio for thumb drawing and shooting yourself in the foot? Im probably wrong though, thats just the impressions i got from the video. While it's not real ammo, i bet it would still sting to get shoot by it.

[@fastdraw101]

You're right about fanning being slightly better for not shooting in the holster, but that depends on the style you're using. With the dump or twist draws you're often fanning the hammer while the gun is still in the holster, then pulling the trigger as the gun clears the top lip. To be honest, if you're doing the draw right, since the gun usually comes in line with the target as it clears the top lip of the holster, if you don't occasionally fire inside the holster you're pulling the trigger too late. I usually fire in the holster once every practice session. This is why our holsters have metal shields on the top lip and down the inside, plus a deflector at the bottom. The main thing to remember is that we only shoot wax bullets or full-powder blanks for just this reason. In the 50s the sport was using real ammo, but those clubs pretty much all shut down after members shot themselves in the leg too often.

[@fastdraw101]

I should also mention that we usually start new shooters using the poke or ram fan styles for the reason you mention... there's pretty much no chance of firing in the holster. Once they get the right equipment and decide to go a bit faster they then often start trying the other draws.

[@AmbroseBoaBowie]

What types singel action guns are competition regulated?

[@fastdraw101]

For WFDA it can be most single-action revolvers, but for CFDA it has to be one with non-adjustable sights. This means you can't use the Ruger Blackhawk that is single-action, but has adjustable sights. My video at kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqCbZXaXfN-GhaM explains it a bit.

[@AmbroseBoaBowie]

Fast Draw 101 with Howard Darby thank you so much. Your so helpful with these questions.

[@SaiyanStarkiller]

What kind of hammer is that and where do you get it it’s straight up for fanning

[@fastdraw101]

They are custom made. I don't know who's making them these days, but if you ask on the "Fast Draw" group on Facebook someone may be able to advise: facebook.com/groups/2341482906

[@chillinjesus1013]

Wait am I missing something? If the twist method is so good, then. Why do people even use thumbing?

[@fastdraw101]

Twisting is only allowed by a few of the Fast Draw organizations, and even those only have "Open" contests where twisting is allowed about 30-40% of the time... the rest are "Traditional" style or Thumbing only. The CFDA, which is the largest organization at the moment, does not allow twisting. Also, even though it's the fastest style, it's also the hardest, and can take years of practice to become anywhere near proficient with it. The Traditional or Thumbing draws are way easier to learn, and allow shooters to become competitive a lot faster. For most people, the limited opportunities to use Twisting, and all the practice required to get decent at it, make it a style that not many people bother to learn.

[@chillinjesus1013]

@@fastdraw101 oh I see, thanks and all, but I meant as in approached by somebody. To give an example, let’s say I was approached by people and they wanted me dead. well now I have two options, I use fanning or twisting. but with that in mind, what’s the point of thumbing, it’s just a slower version of twisting (even though it’s not allowed in contests) and mainly for killing a single person compared to fanning. If it’s just a “contest” thing or “it’s easier to learn than fanning”, then that’s a fine answer. It’s just a design choice of revolvers I never understood, especially since you’ve talked about guns that are made for fanning. Also what a shame that twisting isn’t allowed in contest that often and the fact that it’s super hard to learn… yikes. this video blew my mind when I found out that “twisting” existed. This video was so good in fact, I saved this to my playlist of favorite videos. Such amazing speed, but I understand why they don’t want it in contests… thumbing wins this time. Thanks again

[@jimdent351]

Maybe Alec Baldwin should watch this to see where he went wrong. He insists he never pulled the trigger, but I'm rather certain that he probably did so when he grabbed the gun from the holster.

[@ncrgunslinger6469]

What kinda hammer is that? I LIKE IT!!!!

[@fastdraw101]

It's a "fanning" hammer, used when doing the fanning draw instead of thumbing. In competition it can be 1/2-inch above the top-strap.

[@michaelphillips6543]

Good on ya Howard, why not try the game overwatch as mcree

[@david95735]

Thanks for the reply do u know of any single actions that click 4 times when you pull the hammer back like a colt does and if you don’t mind me asking what do u use

[@fastdraw101]

Sorry, but I can't help you there. I've only ever used Rugers... the Blackhawk pre-1973 3-screw model for fanning, and the New Vaquero for thumbing.

[@davidc4983]

Uberti's have the 4 distinctive clicks, as does standard manufacturing

[@grizzlyblackpowder1960]

what brand of single action would you recommend to have customized for fanning? my gun now is a uberti reproduction. but they can be delicate in certain aspects IV noticed.

[@fastdraw101]

The only gun that I can recommend, and about the only one you'll find used in by fanners in the WFDA, is the old model (3-screw, pre-1972) .357 Ruger Blackhawk converted to .45 caliber. Any other gun will wear out - some within just a few hundred shots - even other Rugers. Even Colts, and especially reproductions, won't hold up to the extremely fast cylinder rotation and sudden stops when the locking bolt engages. They will chew up the cylinder locking notches, or have problems with the hammer mechanics. The .357 converted to .45 will make for a light cylinder that works well, and the Ruger Blackhawk's pre-1972 mechanisms are simple enough that they don't cause problems to the fast action. I hope that helps.

[@greggtownsley]

Most competitors prefer an old three-screw Blackhawk, shaved and re-bored with a new barrel and perhaps a lighter cylinder. There are a couple of folks who are now doing alterations to the New Vaquero, given the difficulty of finding the three-screw Blackhawk.

[@countzero5150]

I know a local store that has four of the three screw Blackhawks in their used case ranging roughly from 500-650 if anyone seeing this is on the lookout for one I can give you their shop number and I'm sure they'd be willing to ship.

[@thomaszaccone3960]

So just thumbing a stock gun does not damage the mechanism?

[@fastdraw101]

Nowhere near as much as speed fanning. I've been thumbing the same guns for decades without any issues. The most you may wear out is the cylinder lock, which I've done on my fanning guns, but that's never worn out on a thumbing gun yet. There is always some level of wear when you cycle the cylinder, but thumbing is a lot easier than fanning.

[@thomaszaccone3960]

@@fastdraw101 Thank you !

[@kevinverduci7600]

Alex Baldwin should of watched this before he smoked half of new mexico

[@countzero5150]

If I might ask, who makes the holster you're using in this video?

[@fastdraw101]

The Thumbing style holster I'm wearing during the first half of the video was made by a friend of mine, but I don't believe he makes them much anymore. There are lots of other good holster makers making Cowboy Fast Draw style rigs, so do a search for that and you'll probably find some (sorry, but I haven't used many of them out there, so can't recommend any). My next video in a week or two will be top CFDA shooters talking about their holsters, and what they like about them, so might be helpful. The "Traditional" style fanning holster I'm wearing is a Bob Mernickle FD7. You can find it at mernickleholsters.com , then look for the World Fast Draw holsters. The Twisting holster near the end was made by Ernie Hill in the 80s, and I hear he's starting to make them again.

[@countzero5150]

Thanks, after spending some time on the phone with him and asking a lot of stupid questions I did end up getting a complete CFDA belt and holster package deal from Ken's Leathercraft. As someone just getting into fast draw it's great that you do this series. It's surprisingly difficult to get information about it, especially equipment related information. I think for a lot of sport shooters that want to try it the difficulty in finding clubs or information turns some people away. I'm hoping I can drum up some interest from my USPSA friends and get something local going for it.

[@david95735]

What’s the best single action to start with Ruger uberti

[@fastdraw101]

There are fans of both, but all I can tell you is that when you go to a contest you'll see the vast majority of guns being Ruger New Vaqueros. I've used them for years, and put many tens of thousands of round through them, and other than needing the cylinder replaced after practicing doubles for the WFDA Doubles event, I've never had a problem (lesson learned: never speed-fan these guns).

[@fastdraw101]

Follow-up: I've never used a Uberti, so can't comment on them.

[@christoph8365]

Are you using snap caps?

[@fastdraw101]

I use snap caps sometimes when dry firing, and when practising in my basement I'm using laser cartridges, which have resistance for the firing pin much like a primer.

[@yasso99991]

IT'S HIGH NOON...

[@herotime3726]

pro

[@piou062002]

How can I get this holster? web or ebay?

[@fastdraw101]

+piou062002 The Thumbing style holster I'm wearing during the first half of the video can't really be ordered. A friend of mine made it, but I don't believe he makes them much anymore. There are lots of other good holster makers making Cowboy Fast Draw style rigs, so do a search for that and you'll probably find some (sorry, but I haven't used many of them out there, so can't recommend any). The "Traditional" style fanning holster I'm wearing is a Bob Mernickle FD7. You can find it at mernickleholsters.com , then look for the World Fast Draw holsters. The Twisting holster near the end was made by Ernie Hill in the 80s, but isn't being made anymore.

[@daviddecker9457]

Is your fanning gun for sale?

[@fastdraw101]

Perhaps at some time in the not too distant future, but I live in Canada, and with how hard it is to import and export guns across the border it will probably have to stay here.

[@daviddecker9457]

@@fastdraw101 How much if you ever plan on selling it? We will cross that bridge when we get there.

[@fastdraw101]

@@daviddecker9457, sorry, but there are a few people in my area looking to buy my guns when I decide to sell, so it will be easier that way. But thanks for asking, and good luck with your shooting.

[@daviddecker9457]

@@fastdraw101 thanks.

[@joystickricksherrell774]

I tried this...shot myself in the big toe.

[@fastdraw101]

That's why we only allow wax bullets or blanks. No live ammo allowed at a contest site. Makes getting insurance coverage for a contest a lot easier ;-)