How the West Was Won

The Old West comes alive in Norco this weekend with the 14th annual End of Trail Cowboy Action Shootout and Wild West Jubilee. For shooters, the world championship title is at stake. For spectators, it’s a weekend of Old West, from the shooting competition to cowboy poets to quick-draw gunslingers, highlighted by performances by Harvey Wallbanger Jr. (a talented buffalo who’s expanded his repertoire to include TV and film).

The event was started by the Wild Bunch, made up of members of the Single Action Shooting Society. Boredom led them to start a competition of their own, says group member Dave Britton: “The contemporary games are done with semi-automatic handguns and highly modified speed guns. We have the same games with early-style shotguns, single-action revolvers and lever-action rifles.”

The competitors are dressed for the West, and most of the weapons, Britton says, are authentic turn-of-the-century. They shoot at steel targets in settings ranging from a card game to being bushwhacked. A warm-up session takes place today; competitions Friday through Sunday. About 100 vendors selling cowboy and equestrian merchandise, and food booths will be open all four days. Wild West show performances Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Raahauge’s Ranch, Prado Dam Recreation Area, Norco. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. $9; children 12 and younger, free. Parking, $2. Benefits Childrens Hospital of Orange County. Ticketmaster or (714) 998-0209.