Gunfighters for Hire (GFH) is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, comprised of local desert residents performing as old west re-enactors. Click Here for Non-Profit Page Info.
GFH was organized March 4, 1997 and is currently comprised of approximately 15 gunfighters, consisting of men, women, and children (related to a regular member). (Please note that any child member under the age of 18 cannot handle or fire a weapon.) Several of the gunfighters are retired law enforcement officers.
Donations are accepted and used solely for the purchase of primers, powder, props and for contributing to 501(c)(3) charitable organizations. All gunfighters donate their time to each performance. From time to time, GFH is asked to participate in the making of a movie. For these events, gunfighters are paid on the basis of their performance and a donation is usually made to GFH to recover costs. All firearms and clothing worn by members of GFH are paid by each member. Clothing must adhere to the standards of GFH and be of a design of the late 1800’s, ie. no zippers, no watches worn, no modern glasses/sunglasses worn.
GFH performs primarily in Pioneertown on Mane Street, 4-½ miles north of Hwy 62, from Yucca Valley, San Bernardino County in Southern California, approximately 30 miles north of Palm Springs, California.
GFH has contributed to Ronald McDonald Charities, Angel View Charities, Wounded Warrior Project, American Cancer Society and the Happy Trails Children Foundation, to name a few.
During the shows, actual .44 cal and .45 cal handguns, 12g, 16g and 20g shotguns are used. Safety to the audience and gunfighters are maintained at all times. Safety officers conduct firearm inspections on location prior to each event. Live ammunition, those with a projectile, is prohibited on location. Only blanks containing black powder are used. All blanks are loaded by members of GFH. When a firearm is discharged, it is done so in a direction away from the audience and at an oblique angle away from a member of GFH so as to give the impression that a gunfighter is shot. Again, safety is a primary concern.
GFH perform March, April, May, September, October and November on 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month at 1pm and 2pm. Previously, GFH also performed at Oak Tree Village in Oak Glen, California, performing every Saturday and Sunday from July through November. GFH does perform for various organizations and events in Southern California. Locations have included Tombstone – Arizona, Calico Ghost Town – California, & Lone Pine – California.
GFH is a member of the National Registry of Living Historians, the National Rifle Association, and the California Rifle and Pistol Association. Many of the gunfighters maintain membership in the National Congress of Old West Shootists, and the Single Action Shooting Society.
Additionally, the group maintains membership in the Yucca Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Gunfighters for Hire Inc. Officers
President: Dave Baird, B.A. Management, aka: Dirty Dave Skoalfield
Vice-President: Warren Horton, A.A. Journalism, aka: Bushwacker
Secretary: (Currently vacant due to recent death of Miss Dee)
Treasurer: Janis O’Brien, aka: Lavender Lily
Sergeant at Arms: Larry O’Brien, aka: Laramie Kid
Non-Governing Positions
Safety Officer: Dave Baird, B.A. Management, aka: Dirty Dave Skoalfield
Media Officer (Publicity & Bookings): Warren Horton, A.A. Journalism, aka: Bushwacker