I was wondering if anyone knew of a source, preferably not too far from central Texas, where one could arrange a machine gun demonstration at a major match. An M1917 as used in the film would be perfect, but also acceptable would be a water cooled Vickers (more period correct) or an Infantry type Lewis Gun (what Pershing actually took to Mexico).
The guy who made the jail at the Caballeros was a machine gun guy. I don't know if he still does it or what he has. Check with Kettleman, he used to go out to Skot's place and shoot them.
I have started work on a 1917a1 Browning WC dummy that will be a gas gun. No way could I afford or feed a real 1917a1 or even a semi but a full auto gas gun should be feedable. Been buying parts for a bit. I want to use it as a Wild Bunch prop at my clubs WB shoots. This is my second try, the first was very primitive. This one will have as many Browning parts as I can afford. I even had thoughts of setting it up with a painted backdrop, table and arch at big matches for photos and make some money with it. This is not a cheap build by any means. Got a ways to go. Btw, I put 20 rds through a Maxim at EOT years ago. Was a hoot. If you can figure out who the guys were who set up the Maxim, Gatling and mountain howitzer at EOT they might be able to help you.
Not sure of the year, but I was at a military gun social held at Long Mountain Outfitters some time ago. Great folks, snacks, drinks, and guns, lots of guns. Among many firearm related services, they have been a rental for films, etc. There were a number of movie prop guns in the collection, some acquired from other famous prop houses. Too many to remember, but included Aliens & Star Wars. Everything needed for historical war weaponry (all vintages) - racks of flintlocks, trapdoor rifles having the fake flintlock appendages, machine pistols, rifles, etc. A four-bore double rifle, Hotchkiss revolving cannon & an artillery piece (Rough Riders). And, in the corner sat a Maxim machine gun on a small carriage, ala WWI - it's original use. Yes, this was the Maxim used in the Wild Bunch. I was allowed to handle many of these. I thought I had photos from the visit, but wasn't able to find them later. Could have been saved on my office PC.
That's my Wild Bunch story & I'm sticking to it 😆
Regards,
Slim
Try Contacting T-Bone Dooley at Bad Lands Bar 3. Been a few years but I attended a few monthly CAS matches that incorporated full auto firearms. Not sure who they belonged to but I'm pretty sure it wasn't T-Bone.
At different matches, I remember a Gatling Gun, Thompson, MP-40 and MG-42. Also remember the need to bring a box or two of factory ammo if you wanted to shoot them.
It was a lot of fun.