So how exactly does this work then?

My reading of the rule is, if you challenge me to a shootout, then I shoot first notwithstanding our QD statistics.

Ahhh.  In that case…

There is nothing in the rules that say you can’t do that before you accept a challenge, no?

“If another player challenges a player to a shootout who has him as the target of a Forced Hand, the shootout will be resolved immediately, without figuring the players’ Quick Draw, and with the challenged player automatically winning the draw. “

I think this means that the Forced Hand has to be in effect before the _challenge_ is made, not before the _acceptance_ is made.

Gotcha.  Interestingly enough, though, you can’t not accept!