Ojala Fast Draw Rig - AH001

This original fast draw rig was made by Arvo Ojala.   During the 1950’s Arvo Ojala was working for the Hollywood film studios and living in Los Angeles.  After watching the actors in western movies and TV shows do their fast draw he realized that they were slow on the draw due to the gun cylinder getting stuck in the holster.  He started making holsters in his garage and lined each one with metal so that it could be drawn smoothly without any hang-up.  Then he began practicing himself and within a year or so he could draw, fire, and hit the target in one-sixth of a second which is faster than the eye can blink.  His speed was clocked and verified several times.  His technique of cocking  the gun in the holster as he drew forever revolutionized the western.  He started making fast draw rigs and tutoring actors.

Among the many TV and film stars that Ojala taught to shoot were James Arness, Robert Culp, Ckint Walker, James Garner, Paul Newman, Kevin Kiline and Hugh O’Brian.  Most of these stars new how to shoot, but he could teach them the necessary skills for the fast draw in two weeks.  Henry Fonda in the western “The Tin Star” and John Payne in the series “The Restless Gun” shows the style and technique in detail.    Ojala also had many speaking roles in TV series and film, and to see his expertise as a gun handler and fast draw artist watch the 1959 film “The Oregon Trail” where  his skills are highlighted.  Many shows and films zoom in exclusively on his hand when real fast draw speed and revolver spinning skills were needed.