Thell Reed is an exhibition shooter, specializing in fast draw, who is a consultant to the movie industry, stuntman, armorer and extra. Reed began his shooting career at seven years of age when his father presented him with a pair of Colt pistols and built for him an indoor range in which to practice.As a teenager Reed competed in Jeff Cooper's Big Bear "Leatherslaps" shooting competitions at Big Bear Lake, California. The Leatherslaps became the "South Western Combat Pistol League" or "SWCPL". Reed competed so successfully that he became one of the six "Combat Masters", so called because they would almost always take the first six places in the competition. Of the six Combat Masters, Reed had the quickest draw.The Combat Masters were:Jack WeaverJohn PlähnElden CarlRay ChapmanThell ReedJeff CooperAfter the SWCPL matches, Reed went on to compete in fast draw competitions in which he achieved fame. His celebrity gained him entry into the movie industry and he became an advisor to the movie industry on the use of firearms. He trained actors such as Russell Crowe and Brad Pitt for acting roles involving the use of pistols.
Fastest Gun Alive... Thell Reed was dubbed this by Colt after winning the title in a live ammunition quick draw competition.
4
"Gun Coach to the Stars" Thell Reed has coached everyone with a gun from Steve McQueen to Russell Crowe, Gene Hackman, Brad Pitt, Bruce Willis, Leonardo DiCaprio, Val Kilmer, Jeff Bridges, Edward Norton, Don Cheadle, Sharon Stone, Sam Elliot...
5
Not just fastest with a six-gun... fast, accurate and deadly. In the early 1960s he led a very nervous writer and photographer from a California gun magazine through an active rattlesnake denning area occupied by hundreds of rattlers. Each time a snake threatened them he quick-drew and fired. He never missed. The party eventually emerged at the other side unbitten.
6
World Champion Live Ammo Quick Draw Artist
7
Holds United States quick-draw record
Miscellaneous
Title
Year
Status
Character
The Good Time Girls
2017
Short gun coach announced
Winter's Tale
2014
armorer: Mr. Crowe
Django Unchained
2012
quick draw expert
Ticket Out
2012
armourer/gun coach
Cowboys & Aliens
2011
gun coach - uncredited
The Legend of Hell's Gate: An American Conspiracy
2011
armorer
The Next Three Days
2010
armorer
Black Water Transit
2009
armorer
Streets of Blood
2009
Video armorer
State of Play
2009
armourer/gun coach
Meteor
2009
TV Mini-Series armorer - 2 episodes
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford