There was pure cowboy action in the Teviot last weekend, as the Central Otago Pistol Club hosted 75 competitors in the New Zealand Masters Games. 

Club development officer Steve MacManus said a small cowboy village was set up in East Roxburgh for competitors at the Featherstone Range during the three-day competition.

'Tucson The Terrible' was there from Tapanui, and 'Gypsy Rose' along with 'The Alchemist' and 'Dan Nabbit' from Dunedin.

Competitors take on an ‘alias’ which is part of their character for the event in full costume, just like the cowboys of the mid-1800s.

They use replica’s of traditional old Western style guns, and there’s plenty of smoke and fire action.

Steve said some of them were putting 400 rounds through the pistols and rifles, especially in the Black Powder section, “and they take an absolute hammering,” he said.

‘The Alchemist’ from Dunedin, also a lab chemist in her day job. Image: supplied

This was the second time the Central Otago club hosted the NZ Masters Games - alternating with Wanganui every second year.

In 2024 they started hosting the Cowboy Action section and then realised nobody else was holding the Black Powder or Steel Shooting, so this year they secured three events.

“There was a lot more work than usual over three days, because you have to make sure your gear survives. It’s all blast, smoke and flames.”

The main base for the Central Otago Pistol club is at Galloway but a club member that owns some land in Roxburgh enabled a satellite range to be established on his property.

“It’s a fully registered range that is part of the pistol club now.”

Steve said being able to operate satellite ranges around the district meant they can offer a lot more scope for members.

“People come for the sport and they stay for the people.”

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