Starting CAS with Wild Bunch?

[icemaster109]

I am interested in getting into CAS and I love the particular time periods of the early 1900s and the Mexican revolution. I was wondering if anyone would have advice on diving right in to Wild Bunch shooting? What would be the best starting kit? Likewise where can I find some period correct clothing?

Thanks

[Jefro]

Howdy icemaster, might be better to dive into CAS first, then find out where the clubs are near you that also shoot WB. WB matches can be far and few between, sometimes only at multi-day SASS matches on side match day. Before spending a dime on gear I suggest going to as many local matches as you can find, most folks are more than willing to let you try out thier gear. We're wierd that way might even find yourself shooting a match . If your goal is to start with WB remember the firearm and caliber requirements, .45 1911, Winchester 1897 pump shotgun, and .40 min rifle lever action pistol caliber. IMHO nothing beats the 44/40 for the rifle, Win 1873 is the best, then Marlin, then 1892. A couple of good inexpensive 1911 are the Rock Island and the EMF Regent, plus there are plenty more, that's why you should go to some matches first. Check out the local clubs in your area at SASS affiliated clubs. Good Luck
SASS affiliated clubs
WB rules
SASS WB forum

Jefro :)Relax-Enjoy

[Pancho Peacemaker]

Jefro's advice is right on the money.

Go see what's available in your area.  Until recently, WB was usually only shot as a brief 2 to 3 stage side match at big annual matches.  Since most folks only go to a handful of "big" annual matches, that ment WB shooting was few and far between for most CAS shooters.

We are just starting to see some clubs offer a monthly WB stand-alone match in my area.  I think with SASS starting to promote WB as a separate shooting discipline, we are going to see more opportunities.


Pancho

[Sacramento Johnson]

Howdy!
I agree with the above comments about looking around your area and see what SASS clubs are there and what sort of WB matches they're holding. (Also note, local clubs may have more liberal gun requirements than the standard SASS rules, as WB matches long pre-date SASS deciding to sanction it and formalize it with their own rules.)

I see you're interested in the period and looking for period correct gear.  If you decide to go forth and get into WB shooting, you'll need to decide what draws you to it; the desire to compete and win, or the desire to partake of the history of the era.  If you're there to win, then that will dictate the clothes, gear and guns you use and they won't be period correct to that era!   For example, the winchester '73 can be a very fast cycling, reliable rifle for WB, and many top competitors use it; it seems to be their preferred rifle, but as far as the WB era goes, it would probably have been considered old technology, with newer firearms like the winchester '92 supplanting it.  The general consensus among the competitive shooters, though, is the '92 just can't be run as fast, smooth and reliable as the '73. Another example would be  that most of the WB commercially made leather competition rigs bear little if any resemblance to what people actually carried their 1911s in at the turn of that century.
If you decide you really do want to go the period correct route as opposed to competition and winning route, drop me a PM; I can give you some places and ideas about where to find guns, gear and clothing.  (I, too, am drawn by the history, not the competition...)

[Pancho Peacemaker]

Howdy!
Another example would be  that most of the WB commercially made leather competition rigs bear little if any resemblance to what people actually carried their 1911s in at the turn of that century.

I too am drawn to the "era" more than the speed shooting.  For nice period leather that works well in competition, take a look at El Paso Saddlery:  The "Tom Threeperson's" holster design dates to 1920.  The "Austin" holster dates to 1930.   The "#5 Patton" also dates to the 1930's.  They also make a full flap "Pershing" model military holster that is about as period correct as it can get. 

Couple of links:

http://www.epsaddlery.com/c-14-military.aspx

http://www.epsaddlery.com/c-26-strongside.aspx

[Buffalo Creek Law Dog]

The Wild Bunch isn't part of my old west.

[Jefro]

The Wild Bunch isn't part of my old west.

Then why are you posting in this thread?? This feller is asking for advice on how to get started, not what you think about it.

Jefro