Mighty Maggie

In 1875, a woman had to be tough to make it on her own. Maggie Maguire was such a woman. This fictional character caught my attention because of her colorful upbringing and  "never say die" spirit.  Her Irish father, the owner of a traveling circus, toured the Wild West entertaining the frontier's men and women. As a child, Maggie learned everything she could from all the performers.

 When old enough, she joined the Pinkerton Detective Agency, but found her work a bit too tame. Maggie moved to San Francisco to join her cousin in opening a new detective agency. Normally, Maggie volunteered for the more dangerous assignments, always seeking excitement. However, when she accepted an assignment to locate a missing heiress, the case appeared to be routine and anything but exciting. She agreed to find a Miss Harriet Hogg, a former Indian captive turned "lady of the night". A questionable relative stood next in line to inherit. As Maggie pursued the case, she quickly realized that she had put herself in dangerous circumstances. She was being shot at!  Like any self-respecting woman, she had packed her pistols and shotgun for just such a happenstance. She was smart enough to know there was more to this case than just an inheritance - and she planned to live long enough to find out the truth.

Like so many real and fictional characters of the old west, undaunting spirit abounds combined with a love of freedom, and a longing for adventure and dreams.

Cowboy Action Shooting? The hook was the "dressing up" part, I admit it. When Hard John appeared at the door to escort me to my first match -  all dressed up, looking dashing - I was more than curious. Then I met the "pards" and realized this is a unique group of folks. Their love of history, the old west, the vintage clothes, the camaraderie, and the spirit of competition bring them together. You will not find a better group of folks!!

I am the proud owner of two Ruger New Vaquero revolvers, .357. My shotgun is a '97 pump action, which I am actually learning to like. For the time being, I am borrowing Hard John's .44 lever action rifle.

Return to Profiles