It is an honor and pleasure to introduce to you the UGA — the United Gunfighters of America. We are Hummingbird aka “Karen Shaw” and JD Derringer aka “Gary Shaw” from the state of Florida. We were introduced to the sport of Fast Draw sometime in late 2023, and it didn’t take long before the sport became the center of our lives.

My life growing up was pure country and some great cowboys showed me the way. The two men I respected most in this life were my grandfather — John Wayne to me — and my father who was more like Billy the Kid. Before he saddled up for his last ride into the sunset, we got him holstered up and he took his place on the line. Yes, he could still twirl with one hand, and yes, he could still shoot. This was the best smile he wore in some time.

It was that moment that showed me just what cowboy fast draw is truly about. Every time I step on that line, I’m reminded why I am there — paying tribute to those who paved the way before us, and spending time with family and friends.

We have used common ground and interest to create an exciting organization, The United Gunfighters of America. The UGA simply has a vision in creating a different game somewhere in the middle of the extremes, that will allow the competitors to compete with those of similar skills for championships.

Mission Statement

The United Gunfighters of America strives to create an organization that will produce competition for all levels of gunfighters. While competing to improve ourselves, we will compete with unwavering honor — of our friends and the legends before us. Our goal should always be to carry that legacy forward, one shot at a time.

Vision Statement

To become the standard of excellence in gunfighter competition — where the spirit of the old west lives on, legends are forged, and every shooter, regardless of skill, finds their place along the dusty trail.

Leadership

• Director: JD Derringer aka “Gary Shaw” — jdderringer@unitedgunfighters.com
• Assistant Director: Hummingbird aka “Karen Shaw”

The UGA will be governed by committee regarding all memberships, rules, and format policies.

Format/Membership & Rules Committee

The committee reviews format, rules, and membership issues. Suggestions submitted before November 1st; voting November 15th – December 1st; changes effective January 1st. Consists of 5–7 active UGA members.

Arbitration Committee (AC)

Resolves rule disputes during competition using safety-first principles. Broader recommendations go to the Rules Committee.

Club Director

Appointed at local level. Manages club and coordinates with UGA Management. Each club sets format and target sizes for club matches.

Match Director

Appointed by hosting club for Level 1 or Level 2 events. All decisions are final.

Range Official (RO) & Range Master (RM)

RO oversees all Range Masters at Level 1 & 2 events. RM is official for their range; all HJ violations go through the RM. RM decisions are final; argumentative behavior toward RM is a conduct violation.

Club Affiliation — $100/year

• Website access: event posting, statistics, scoring, blog, chat, videos, classifieds.
• Insurance offered through UGA; cost determined on application.
• Each affiliated club director receives one vote on format/rule changes each December.

Individual Membership

Life Memberships (includes voting rights)

Shooter Alias: Shooters choose an alias; must be family friendly and free of profanity. UGA respects aliases from other organizations.

The UGA Wall of Legends is our Hall of Fame. Each Level 1 and Level 2 event produces a Legendary status recipient — champion of champions. They receive special honors and invites to prestigious events.

The UGA may also appoint Legends based on integrity and character. Clubs may nominate one member per year. UGA Legends receive voting rights on all future rules/regulations/formats.

The award honors the Director’s late father — Barry “Buford T Justice” Shaw — known in his town as simply “The Legend.” The man in the UGA logo.

Approved Guns

Era: Late 1800s (1860s–1890s). Single action revolvers, .45 Colt, no adjustable sights: SAA Colt/Bisley, S&W Schofield, Colt clones (Uberti, Taylor, etc.)

Ruger: Old Vaquero, New Vaquero, Bisley Vaquero, Short Spur Vaquero. Direct-fitment Ruger hammers only. Barrel: 4¾″ min, 7½″ max.

Modifications

• Tuning any action is permitted. No removal of internal parts or safety operations.
• Ruger internal safety child lock may be removed. Half cock actions permitted on Ruger Vaqueros.
• No short stroking or slip cocking. No external modifications except removal of front sight.
• Internal safety half cock and full cock notches must pass gun checks.

Grips

• No rubber grips or tape alterations. Custom natural-material grips permitted; no finger grooves.
• Grips must be within 1/8″ of grip frame in any direction. Bird’s head not period correct.
• Engraving is permitted.

• 1800s style Mexican Loop, Slim Jim, or California pattern; natural leather with deflector. Rawhide lining OK; no steel liners.
• Must have hammer latch/strap; hammers strapped at all times except on line, dry fire range, or cleaning area.
• Must not exceed 20° of cant. No excessive movement (>½″ in any direction).
• Front top max cut: 1¼″ from hammer rest (Ruger Vaqueros: 1 7/16″). Shank to front lip ≤3″; shank to rear seam ≤4½″.
• Repairs must use natural material; tape is not a repair. Holster must not be worn forward of center thigh.

Holster Checks (Level 1 & 2)

• Shank to front lip and shank to top of main seam distances.
• Excessive movement (½″ max with moderate downward pressure).
• Degree of cant — max 20°. Overall condition — damage must be permanently repaired.

Targets

• Level 1 & 2: 24″ rounds. Center light at 47″ from ground.
• Level 3: Club’s choice — 17 3/16″, 21″, 24″ round, 20″×24″ cavity, or 20″×40″ blocker.

Distance

• Level 1 & 2: 21′. Exceptions to 18′ based on available space (no ISI adjustment).
• Level 3: Determined by club based on target size.

Ammunition

• .45 Long Colt casings with .209 shotgun primers and .45 caliber wax.
• No powder. No lead. No live ammo. No exceptions.
• Level 1 & 2: specific wax requirement set per venue.

• Cowboy boots mandatory for all gunfighters. Cowboy hats mandatory for all men.
• Period style clothing or modern rodeo/ranch wear required. Men may wear short-sleeve rodeo/ranch shirts or Old West Henley.
• No tee shirts or non-western shirts. No unrelated designs or printing.
• UGA apparel or club logos permitted on proper shirts — front left chest (max 4″) or across back. Other org logos permitted.
• No offensive logos. Any clothing deemed inappropriate by match director will not be permitted.

Level 1 — World Championship (2-day)

• 24″ rounds at 18′ or 21′. Bracket/round robin with ISI scoring. Each bracket produces a World Champion.
• Champions shootout → UGA Legend. Runner-up shootout resurrects 1 into champions. 10-shot limit, race to 3 wins.
• Thumbing style, one-handed. Ghost competitors used for bye rounds.

Level 2 — State/Regional Championships (2-day)

• Same as Level 1. Produces bracket champions and UGA Legend. 10-shot limit, race to 3 wins. Thumbing style.

Level 3 — Local / Club / Named Events

• Target size, distance, and format determined by hosting club.

Level 4 — Open Special Events

• Multiple shooting styles; unlimited holster/gun options. Format and distances set by hosting club.

The ISI (Individual Speed Index) is based on most recent average. A shooter with a .500 average adds .040 → ISI of .540. Any shot .541 or higher is not a qualifying hit.

• ISI adjusts after every 30 hits (drop fastest 5 and slowest 5 → 20-shot average).
• Adjusts in both directions; upward uses weighted scale (rises slower than it falls).
• Sandbagging protection: shooting .035 below average more than 3 times triggers immediate adjustment.
• Slowest qualifying hit: 1.000

Variable ISI Index by Speed Bracket

Ghost Competitor

Shooter with no opponent shoots against the “ghost” set at their ISI. Must achieve 3 winning shots (within 7 shots) below ISI to receive a win.

• Paying membership = agreement to all UGA rules. Must know all range commands and attend shooters meeting.
• No cell phones on range or shooters line. Eye protection required; ear protection required for under 18.
• Firearms must be cased or holstered when entering/leaving contest area. No live ammo on property. No exceptions.
• Firearms holstered at all times except bag→holster transfer, dry fire range, cleaning table, or on line after Load and Make Ready.
• No alcohol until last shot fired and last gun put away.

Event Procedures

• All ties reshot; shot counts toward total. 3 winning hits within 10-shot limit determines match winner.
• Shooter has 3 min to report to line; arriving after “Load and Make Ready” = loss of round. Round robin format.
• One shot per round; second shot = loss of round. Bracket ties resolved by shootout.
• Hits with no time are reshot (opponent may stand on qualifying time). Anticipation = loss of shot.

• Safety is our main priority. Fun and respect for all members.
• Give your best effort; honesty is our greatest achievement — if you commit it, call it.
• Keep equipment in good condition within spec. Be kind and courteous — no wars or conflict.
• Pushing equipment or rules for unfair advantage = spirit of game violation.
• Alcohol during competition = automatic Match DQ & membership suspension.
• Live ammo in competition area = automatic Match DQ & membership suspension.
• No disrespect, assault, or vulgar language toward any official, host, participant, judge, score table, or sponsor.

Major Pre-Shot Violations — Automatic Match DQ

• Loading/unloading anywhere other than firing line after Load and Make Ready.
• Live ammo anywhere on event property. Alcohol consumed or present.
• Breaking the 170° rule (85° left + 85° right of shooters line).
• Firearm out of holster with anyone down range after “Hands Off Guns.”
• Any shot fired while loading or unloading. Leaving the line with a loaded firearm.

Standard Pre-Shot Violations

• Guns out of holster outside permitted areas.
• Holster violation: position, cant, or damage. Hand rule violation: trigger finger inside guard prior to light.
• Shooter’s position outside shooter’s box. Not reporting to line within 3 min of being called.
• Equipment violations on line. Bringing unqualified equipment.

Standard Shooting Violations

• Shooting from inside or any part of the holster (front, side, back, or down the boot).
• Any shot behind the shooters line.
• Anticipation: gun lifting or hammer moving after Set command and before light activation (flinch/shake alone does not constitute anticipation).
• Shooting any style other than thumbing.

Major Shooting Violations — Automatic Match DQ

• Shooting any part of oneself. Any shot over the back stop.
• Unholstered gun after “Holster Gun” with someone down range. Firing more than one shot.
• Any shots fired without proper eye protection.

• Do not allow shooter to remove gun before command. Check eye/ear protection (ear required for all youth).
• Check for live ammo. Verify guns and holster completed safety checks; verify position and cant.
• Assist loading/unloading: hand ammo, catch empties, ensure no more than 5 rounds loaded.
• Verify hits for both shooters. Look for hits with no time. Check shooter position (not across line or out of lane).
• Watch thumb on hammer and trigger guard on main seam for anticipation. Finger must not be in trigger guard prior to light.
• Raise hand immediately for any violation or suspected violation; wait for Range Master.
• After each shot verify results for both shooters. If you can’t see a hit, raise your hand.
• Don’t turn away until firearm is holstered. Stay 2′ from target — if you can’t see it from 2′, it’s not there.
• Both HJs must agree on results. No coaching at Level 1 or 2 events.
• After match: “Show clear, hammer down, and holster.” If other matches still shooting — FREEZE and KEEP QUIET.

Peewee — Ages 5–8

• Must show proficiency in safe operation. Two-hand shooting required. Must execute shot without assistance.
• Must wear eye and ear protection. Shorter approved .45LC guns permitted.

Youth — Ages 8–12

• Two-hand shooting required. Can test for single-hand thumbing with parent/director waiver to UGA.
• Eye and ear protection required. Minimum gun length 4¾″.

Youth — Ages 13–15

• Single-hand thumbing permitted without waiver. Eye and ear protection required.
• May shoot in adult brackets (must declare at registration; not eligible for youth prizes if doing so).

Juniors — Ages 16–17

• Compete in main bracket matches. Will not compete for youth awards. Eye and ear protection required.

UGA affiliated clubs have priority for sanctioned events. All events follow UGA rules. All Championships are two-day events.

Fees Include

• 5 Championship buckles for bracket winners. 1 Youth Championship buckle (if applicable).
• Special awards for Pee-Wee shooters. 1 Legendary Badge of Honor.
• Promotion via email blast, blog, and website. UGA officials to assist in match operations.
• General Liability Insurance (unless club provides their own).

Training Programs

• Hand Judge Training: Listed on club membership login page. Recommended for every participant; clubs should conduct annually.
• UGA Range Master Course: unitedgunfighters.com. Conducted by any UGA official or Club Director with RM training. UGA recognizes RM training from other organizations in good standing.

It is the opinion of the UGA that the world of cowboy fast draw is an honored tradition. The truth is we are blessed to know the sport and to have the freedom to participate. When I’m around the people of Cowboy Fast Draw, I get a version of what must be mighty close to “the cowboy way.” You are honestly the best people this world has to offer.

The way of the cowboy is best described as a life of gritty self-reliance, quiet humility, and unyielding loyalty to a purpose higher than yourself. It is a lifestyle where your character is judged solely by your actions, your endurance, and the weight of your word.

1. Simple, Practical Integrity

• The Handshake: Your word is an absolute, unbreakable contract.
• Plain Speech: Talk less and say more. Let the quality of your work speak for you.
• An Honest Day’s Labor: Do the job right the first time, even when no one is watching.

2. Radical Self-Reliance and Grit

• Saddling Up Anyway: Acknowledge fear and exhaustion, but don’t let them dictate your actions.
• Resourcefulness: Don’t wait for someone else to fix your problems.
• Weathering the Storm: Take life’s blizzards and setbacks in stride without whining or blaming others.

3. Fierce Loyalty and Respect

• Riding for the Brand: Protect and defend your family and team with unwavering dedication.
• Caring for What Supports You: Deep respect for the land, your gear, and those in your charge.
• Protecting the Weak: True cowboy strength is never used to bully — it’s used to stand up for the vulnerable.

These are great lessons for everyday life and should guide us through the challenges of the world. Let it guide our friendships, and our competitions so we can all be better because of it. When you’re living the right way, winning and losing should feel the same when the handshake occurs.

We are honored to be on this journey with each one of you. Let’s do our part in growing the sport and honoring all those who holstered up before us. Uniting all gunfighters through love and respect for the game. One shot at a time, and one handshake at a time, making a lifetime of memories with friends and family.