Firearms firm sets its sights on rodeo

Thursday, Dec. 3, 1998 | 3:48 a.m.

Colt firearms, the newest and most unique national sponsor of the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), will have a busy schedule at this year's National Finals Rodeo.

All seven members of Team Colt '98 are competing in the NFR, the legendary firearms manufacturer will present the inaugural Colt Celebrity Mounted Shooting Invitational, and Colt has manufactured two special limited-edition pistols to help commemorate the 40th anniversary of the NFR.

Team Colt '98 members who have qualified for this year's NFR are: Ryan Mapston, Geysor, Mont. (Saddle Bronc Riding); Chad Klein, Jackson, La. (Bareback Riding); Rusty Sewalt, Comstock, Texas (Calf Roping); Ote Berry, Checotah, Okla. (Steer Wrestling); Charles Pogue, Ringling, Okla. (Team Roping); and Fallon Taylor, Ponder, Texas (Barrel Racing) along with Rob Smets, Shamrock, Texas (Bullfighter).

With a 40-rider invitational championship shooting contest of the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS) and the Colt Celebrity Shootout, the Colt Celebrity Mounted Shooting Invitational will be held Saturday, Dec. 12, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Michael and Paula Gaughan's Rocking K Arena in Northwest Las Vegas.

With a $5 admission charge per car (proceeds going to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund), the top 10 women, 25 men and five juniors will compete in the event.

In addition to the entire Team Colt '98, the Colt Celebrity Shootout will feature Pro Rodeo stars Joe Beaver and Sherry Cervi. Among the celebrities scheduled to participate at television and movie star Chuck Norris and country-western recording artists Tracy Adkins and Teri Clark along with several Las Vegas area personalities.

Colt, the firearm of choice for such Old West legends as Will Bill Hickok and Wyatt Earp, will introduce both a Gold and Silver Tribute Colt Rodeo Cowboy .45 Limited Edition pistols. Only 500 Gold Tribute Colt Rodeo Cowboy guns have been manufactured for sale and one of them will be raffled off at the NFR with proceeds going to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund.

Just 1,000 Silver Tribute Colt Rodeo Cowboy guns have been made and both guns will be on display in the lobby of the Gold Coast Hotel as well as the NFR Christmas Gift Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Dec. 3 12.

Orders for the limited edition Colt Rodeo Cowboy are being taken by the American Historical Foundation at (800) 368-8080.

As part of its PRCA sponsorship, Colt presents each world champion with a specially engraved single-action trophy pistol, valued at $5,000 each.The handguns feature ivory grips, gold engraving and a solid oak case.