Clean-shooting cowboy at home on Gaddums range

THIS TOWN IS BIG ENOUGH FOR THE BOTH OF US: And the more than 20 others who took part in the Cowboy Action Shooting Gaddums Hill end-of-season shoot. Left, Warwick “Shiloh” Manson watches Liz “Silver Gal” Douglas. Pictures by Paul Rickard

GREG Bothamley, or “Pacos Bill” as he is known around these here parts, cleaned up the Cowboy Action Shooting Gaddums Hill end-of-year competition here at the weekend.

The Gisborne gunslinger, who is national champion in the long-range lever-action rifle division, emerged the overall champion from the two-day shootout.

He won the muzzle loader black powder, speed pistol, man-on-man rifle, speed shotgun and long-range lever-action rifle (pistol calibre) categories. He also collected a “clean shoot” certificate, as did a one-armed Napier competitor known as “The Bandit”.

“A clean shoot is when you go through the competition without any misses,” said Bothamley’s local rival Warwick Manson, one of five hometown hopefuls to take on 25 shooters from around the North Island.

“It’s not often done unless you go slowly, but these two didn’t. In The Bandit’s case, it was a pretty amazing feat as he has only one arm.

“To see him shoot the lever-action rifle and shotgun with one arm was pretty special.”

CAS shooters have alter-egos and many prefer not to give out their real names due to them owning guns.

Manson, whose shooting name is “Shiloh”, had to settle for runner-up in the silver senior and speed rifle events.

“I try to keep Greg honest in the speed events,” he said.

Wayne Urry (“Money Man”) also flew the Gisborne flag high with third placing in the “forty-niner” and second in the speed pistol.

Liz Douglas (“Silver Gal”) made sure the Gisborne women enjoyed time on the podium. She was top overall senior woman.

Gisborne Pistol Club committee member Aaron Manson said a “great time was had by all who competed”.

“It was a fantastic competition. The weather was good and everyone said they enjoyed coming to Gisborne. The competition comprised six stages on day one for the main match (all three guns — rifle, shotgun and pistols), and then we had side matches (six stages of speed action) on day two.

“We had support from sponsors, which added to the occasion and we’re looking forward to running this event again next year.”