Duelist pistol speed

[Slow Poke]

I have been shooting for a couple of years now and while I have made huge improvements, I am not happy with my pistol speed. Does anyone have any ideas or tips to help build speed? My son, daughter, and I dry fire to try and improve, but I seem to have hit a wall with my pistols. Again looking for suggestions or exercises to help with speed.

 

 

[Yul Lose]

I’m thinking you’d be a good gun fighter.

[The Original Lumpy Gritz]

That's Gunfight, not Dualist.......

[John Kloehr]

If you dare (and have great muzzle control and a sure thumb for cocking), don't release the trigger after the first shot. Just thumb and release for the last 4 shots.

 

I'll stress that again. Great muzzle control and sure thumb! The last 4 bangs happen as soon as the hammer drops. But before this, see if anyone else spots something else to improve first.

[John Kloehr]

2 minutes ago, The Original Lumpy Gritz said:

That's Gunfight, not Dualist.......

Good point, duelist is one gun out at a time. Gunfighter is two.

 

Gunfighter opens up an entire world of how and when to alternate between the guns. That knowledge is completely beyond my pay grade. I do see a speed enhancer by cocking one while shooting the other. Perhaps this is a better starting point rather than my suggestion above.

[Slow Poke]

6 minutes ago, The Original Lumpy Gritz said:

That's Gunfight, not Dualist.......

Actually that's double duelist, gunfighter is two loaded guns out at the same time.

[John Kloehr]

1 minute ago, Slow Poke said:

Actually that's double duelist, gunfighter is two loaded guns out at the same time.

I'm going to bow out of this thread for now. I'll be off reviewing my personal copy of the rules.

[Yul Lose]

18 minutes ago, The Original Lumpy Gritz said:

That's Gunfight, not Dualist.......

He’s shooting double duelist not gun fighter. You can have an empty gun in hand when you’re shooting the other one, don’t have to holster until the string is finished.

[The Original Lumpy Gritz]

33 minutes ago, Yul Lose said:

He’s shooting double duelist not gun fighter. You can have an empty gun in hand when you’re shooting the other one, don’t have to holster until the string is finished.

Yup, my mistake, GF alternates shots from each gun....

[Dantankerous]

Slow Poke...

 

You're really gonna have to change your alias cause it does not fit anymore.  

 

Those pistols look pretty darn good to me.

 

If you start beating High Plains Hud and 3 Shot regularly you'll know you're doing just fine. 

 

There are plenty of videos of T Bone Dooley shooting at EoTs doing 17 second stages. Watch those videos and visualize what he's doing and how he's doing it. 

Edited August 29 by Dantankerous

[Mountain Man Champ]

I have seen you shoot duelist in person. IMHO, you should experiment with gunfighter. Practice feverishly with non- dominant hand. It will definitely improve your stage times.

[Sedalia Dave]

1 hour ago, The Original Lumpy Gritz said:

Yup, my mistake, GF alternates shots from each gun....

 

No requirement to alternate shots.

[Widder, SASS #59054]

Slow Poke,

Your technique looks good and smooth, but I agree with you in that more speed is desirable.

 

Your shot sequence should be fast enough to fire 5 rounds, from 1st shot to last shot, in 1 second or less, even if your pistols

are factory stroked (not short stroked).     If your pistols have been wisely tuned and short stroked, less than 1 second for

a 5 shot dump, times would be faster.

 

Another method to help in speed is to have the strongest possible hammer spring without hindering your cocking method.

This will give you a faster hammer fall.   There are some negatives to a stronger hammer spring but you gotta have the best

possible set up when going for all out speed.

 

During my quest to go sub 2 seconds for the GF Speed run (about 20 years back),  I had a good gunsmith smooth up the

internals of my Rugers, give me a crisp trigger with NO overtravel, and put a 19# hammer spring in the pistols to give me

a faster lock time during hammer fall..... AND, the pistols WERE NOT short stroked.

 

Then I dry fired those 2 pistols over 1.5 MILLION times EACH.   I wore blisters on my thumbs.  The blisters turned to calluses,

then I was ripping at those calluses to cause blisters again.    But I loved every moment.

 

I set my PAR time at 1.5 seconds.   At the beep, I could draw both pistols, dry click them 10 times (5 each) and on some

occasions, I could have the muzzles going back into the holsters before the 2nd beep at 1.5 seconds.

 

I never did any 'slip hammer' shooting.   The pistols went into full cock and the trigger had to be pulled for each shot.

The slip hammer technique could give you a little quicker shot.  But it could also effect your controlled grip on the pistol.

 

NOW, here is my suggestion:

1.  get your pistols short stroked, and if possible, get your hammer spurs lowered, unless they are already lower.

2. Use the best possible hammer spring to get a 'fast as possible' hammer fall.

3.. For slightly faster draw, use shorter barrel pistols.

AND here is the most importantly advice I can give:   Wear your Safety Glasses!

 

Hope this helps.   Good luck.

 

..........Widder

 

 

Edited August 29 by Widder, SASS #59054

[Branchwater Jack SASS #88854]

3 hours ago, The Original Lumpy Gritz said:

That's Gunfight, not Dualist.......

 

He technically qualifies to shoot in gunfighter, duelist, or any age-based category that he is qualifed for (cowboy, Wrangler, etc).

[Slow Poke]

1 hour ago, Widder, SASS #59054 said:

Slow Poke,

Your technique looks good and smooth, but I agree with you in that more speed is desirable.

 

Your shot sequence should be fast enough to fire 5 rounds, from 1st shot to last shot, in 1 second or less, even if your pistols

are factory stroked (not short stroked).     If your pistols have been wisely tuned and short stroked, less than 1 second for

a 5 shot dump, times would be faster.

 

Another method to help in speed is to have the strongest possible hammer spring without hindering your cocking method.

This will give you a faster hammer fall.   There are some negatives to a stronger hammer spring but you gotta have the best

possible set up when going for all out speed.

 

During my quest to go sub 2 seconds for the GF Speed run (about 20 years back),  I had a good gunsmith smooth up the

internals of my Rugers, give me a crisp trigger with NO overtravel, and put a 19# hammer spring in the pistols to give me

a faster lock time during hammer fall..... AND, the pistols WERE NOT short stroked.

 

Then I dry fired those 2 pistols over 1.5 MILLION times EACH.   I wore blisters on my thumbs.  The blisters turned to calluses,

then I was ripping at those calluses to cause blisters again.    But I loved every moment.

 

I set my PAR time at 1.5 seconds.   At the beep, I could draw both pistols, dry click them 10 times (5 each) and on some

occasions, I could have the muzzles going back into the holsters before the 2nd beep at 1.5 seconds.

 

I never did any 'slip hammer' shooting.   The pistols went into full cock and the trigger had to be pulled for each shot.

The slip hammer technique could give you a little quicker shot.  But it could also effect your controlled grip on the pistol.

 

NOW, here is my suggestion:

1.  get your pistols short stroked, and if possible, get your hammer spurs lowered, unless they are already lower.

2. Use the best possible hammer spring to get a 'fast as possible' hammer fall.

3.. For slightly faster draw, use shorter barrel pistols.

AND here is the most importantly advice I can give:   Wear your Safety Glasses!

 

Hope this helps.   Good luck.

 

..........Widder

 

 

Thank you for your response, I appreciate the info. 

Thank you again 

Edited August 30 by Slow Poke

[Cowtown Scout, SASS #53540 L]

Hey everyone he shoots Classic Cowboy - don’t try and change his category 

[Billy Boots, # 20282 LTG-Regulator]

On 6/18/2026 at 4:39 PM, Eyesa Horg said:

Got my new to me XL650 up running, I like it 😊.

 

Anyway, I set it up today for 38 spl using a NOS Lee die set with FCD.

The issue other than how short they are is the seating die pretty much removes the bell as soon as the die hits the case. It didn't appear to scrape the coating on the truncated cone bullets but it sure hits with a clunk instead of how the Dillon dies work on my 45 colts!

The taper at the mouth of the die is abrupt and only about a sixteenth or so deep. Should I consider this normal and live with it or can I try making a bit more of a taper at the mouth?

It sure takes the smoothness out of the process! I belled to about 16 thousandths. Dillon recommended 20 thou above case diameter, but that was a real abrupt stop and push past the mouth

Worst case I'll have to spring for the $130 Dillon dies 😀.

 

YES, go gunfighter.  

[Billy Boots, # 20282 LTG-Regulator]

1 minute ago, Cowtown Scout, SASS #53540 L said:

Hey everyone he shoots Classic Cowboy - don’t try and change his category 

Well then, stay in CC.

[Lawdog]

I think your hair may be getting in your eyes.

 

[Three Foot Johnson]

Double Duelist is an approved shooting style in every category, including Gunfighter. Gunfighter doesn't require alternating shots from each gun anymore, nor does it require the shooter to have both guns out at the same time. You can't shoot GF straight duelist though - you have to shoot one gun with the left hand and one with the right using either Gunfighter or Double Duelist style.   

[Marauder SASS #13056]

You are on your way.  Watch some videos of Potshot Parker,   He was trained by a multi-award winning, world champion Duelist.

Potshot then won the world Champ a few times as well.  One key is his speed on the long guns.

 

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Potshot+Parker

[Jeb Stuart #65654]

17 hours ago, The Original Lumpy Gritz said:

Yup, my mistake, GF alternates shots from each gun....

I don't think the revolvers have to be shot alternately. 

[Needle-Nose-Tom]

I'd say you are doing dang good. As a CC who shoots DD I just got my pistols back and am starting my journey all over again after a few years off. 1000% what Widder said. One thing I think I could add after watching the video close up of your hands is I like to ride the hammers. Instead of flicking them off to the side try and stay on top of them as close as possible. So once the shot breaks your thumb is right on top ready for the next shot. I'm just starting back so not a world champ or speedster but that's my 2 cents. Good luck and keep it Classic!! 

[doc roy l. pain]

You don’t have to be a double duelist to be fast

 

 

 

 

Edited August 30 by doc roy l. pain

[The Original Lumpy Gritz]

2 hours ago, Jeb Stuart #65654 said:

I don't think the revolvers have to be shot alternately. 

You are CORRECT!

What does a Dualist know?  😂😂🤣

[WindyCity Red]

20 hours ago, The Original Lumpy Gritz said:

Yup, my mistake, GF alternates shots from each gun....

Actually we shoot with a gunfighter that shoots one gun empty n then the other.  Go figure. 

[Slow Poke]

1 hour ago, doc roy l. pain said:

You don’t have to be a double duelist to be fast

 

 

IMG_1630.mov 7.48 MB · 5 downloads  

 

 

Nice run.

[Slow Poke]

2 hours ago, Needle-Nose-Tom said:

I'd say you are doing dang good. As a CC who shoots DD I just got my pistols back and am starting my journey all over again after a few years off. 1000% what Widder said. One thing I think I could add after watching the video close up of your hands is I like to ride the hammers. Instead of flicking them off to the side try and stay on top of them as close as possible. So once the shot breaks your thumb is right on top ready for the next shot. I'm just starting back so not a world champ or speedster but that's my 2 cents. Good luck and keep it Classic!! 

Thank you for the feedback, I do appreciate it. 

[Widder, SASS #59054]

2 hours ago, Needle-Nose-Tom said:

One thing I think I could add after watching the video close up of your hands is I like to ride the hammers. Instead of flicking them off to the side try and stay on top of them as close as possible. So once the shot breaks your thumb is right on top ready for the next shot. 

excellent suggestion.

 

..........Widder

[Dutch Coroner]

I’m surprised no one has commented on your lack of shooting glasses.  Safety first. 🙂

 

Clearly you’ve been putting in the time if you’ve only been shooting for a couple of years. There are helpful tips in this thread, keep practicing and pushing yourself to improve.

 

Good luck and hopefully we can meet at Land Run.   There is a Classic get together to celebrate the Classic Cowboy and Cowgirl of the Year at Land Run and all are welcome.  Time and location TBD, once that has been determined, an announcement will be made.

 

Dutch

 

 

[Widder, SASS #59054]

On 8/29/2026 at 7:48 PM, Widder, SASS #59054 said:

 

AND here is the most importantly advice I can give:   Wear your Safety Glasses!

 

Hope this helps.   Good luck.

 

..........Widder

 

 

 

2 hours ago, Dutch Coroner said:

I’m surprised no one has commented on your lack of shooting glasses.  Safety first. 🙂

 

Dutch

 

 

 

some old and slow gunfighter mentioned it.

 

..........Widder

 

[Randy Saint Eagle, SASS # 64903]

7 hours ago, doc roy l. pain said:

You don’t have to be a double duelist to be fast

 

 

IMG_1630.mov 7.48 MB · 14 downloads  

 

 

I can attest to the fact that Doc is a great competitor, the fastest single duelist shooter I have ever seen, and he is extremely hard to beat! 🤠.

 

Randy 

[Billy Boots, # 20282 LTG-Regulator]

1 hour ago, Randy Saint Eagle, SASS # 64903 said:

I can attest to the fact that Doc is a great competitor, the fastest single duelist shooter I have ever seen, and he is extremely hard to beat! 🤠.

 

Randy 

Absolutely.

[Randy Saint Eagle, SASS # 64903]

On 8/29/2026 at 3:36 PM, Slow Poke said:

I have been shooting for a couple of years now and while I have made huge improvements, I am not happy with my pistol speed. Does anyone have any ideas or tips to help build speed? My son, daughter, and I dry fire to try and improve, but I seem to have hit a wall with my pistols. Again looking for suggestions or exercises to help with speed.

 

There has been some good advice given but I'd like to comment on a couple of things. Dry firing is great, to a point but you have to be honest while you're doing it. I've never missed a target while dry firing but that can change when you go to live fire. On Doc's video you can slow it down and watch it at half speed or slower and get a good view of what he is doing. He's sliding his thumb off the side of the hammer and getting it out of the way. It was suggested keeping your thumbs on top of the hammers and riding them so that you are ready to cock as soon as the hammer strikes. In my opinion that is a bad idea, eventually you'll interfere enough to slow the hammer fall and have a failure to fire causing you to have to go around again. I'm old and arthritic and the best thing I ever did was go to really good short-stroked revolvers.

 

JMHO 

Good Luck!

Randy

[doc roy l. pain]

Randy is a very accomplished double duelist. He can provide you with a wealth of information. 
Something I think you should do before you start your next venture in speed, is to set yourself some base times right now. I suggest you shoot three 10 shot strings starting with each pistol on a dump target that you can hit every shot. Record your total times, your splits between shots and your splits between pistols. Now, you have something that you can refer back to and actually see results. 
Dry firing will help build up your thumbs and increase speed, but as mentioned you’ll never get true readings of improvement until you add in recoil. Widder mentioned shorter barrel guns come out of the holster quicker and he is right, but in my testing I found that they were also slower returning to target under recoil. Now if the targets are big and close enough, that might not even come into play unless the gun moves around too much in your hand while cocking and firing. You will have to be the judge of that. When you’re not on the range or just relaxing at home I suggest you do exercises to strengthen your grip. I used to sit around watching tv and squeeze a little rubber ball. A stronger grip will really help with good trigger control. 
Don’t be afraid to try suggestions and see what works best for you.