More Westerns

Well it looks like Hollywood has decided to try its hand at westerns again. Every few years they dust off the genre and come up with a few
major motion pictures. I have found that when Hollywood dumps a lot of money into a western the end result is pretty entertaining. I’m not sure why, maybe it’s the storylines, maybe the quality of actors that jump on board, maybe it’s production qualities, but no matter what it is they are usually worth checking out. This year’s 2 big budget westerns come out in September which starts off on the 7^th with 3:10 to Yuma.

“3:10 to Yuma” is a remake. The original was released in 1957 and starred Glenn Ford and Van Heflin. The dialogue is fantastic in this film which isn’t surprising since much of it is taken from Elmore Leonard’s novel. The remake intrigues me because of the actors involved. Russell Crow and Christian Bale are very good actors and can really chew up a scene. If they keep most of Leonard’s narrative this could be a fantastic film, on the flip side if they make this all about action then…oh well watch the trailer and decide.

“The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford” also has a strong group of actors and might be very good if done right. The problem seems to be that audiences didn’t like the first 3+ hour action-less drama so the troubled picture is being re-cut by Brad Pitt himself. This quickly reminds me of how Sharon Stone ruined a good Sam Rami picture when she edited “The Quick and the Dead.” Anyway, here is the trailer.

One way or the other I say get out to the theater and see the movies. The more money they make the more westerns Hollywood will produce and that earns more for us to enjoy.

Black Rifles

NBC on black rifles (aka AR-15s).

The piece starts out well enough, but certainly turns ugly when the loon at the Violence Policy Center (funded by George Soros) starts with her lies and Ms. Myers points out the features of an AR-15 which make it particularly effective evil. You know, like the 30 round magazine and pistol-grip (so the gun can be easily fired from the hip? whatever). The DC sniper case was brought up as an example of how these guns can be used for evil purposes, like if they ban them, nobody can go pickup a proper sniper rifle like a Remington 700 and kill people. Newsflash! the DC sniper didn't need 30 rounds, a collapsable stock, flash supressor, bayonet lug or pistol grip. All he needed was an accurate rifle and scope, period. Banning scopes would sooner prevent another sniper case than banning the AR and scopes don't require a background check! Gasp!

I was sort of surprised that they use images from Oleg Volk who's firearm photography is very good (check this one out). I've always wondered whether some of his content, especially the captioned photos with women in danger, are doing more harm or good to 2nd amendment rights. I don't think its exploited to the point of harming the cause, but I do think some of his stuff is pandering to the point of fear-mongering. I like his stuff, but he should tone it down a little.

BTW, I've seen other pieces that Lisa Myers has done that were actually pretty good, she takes a class at Front-Sight IIRC and does a decent job, but that was a few years ago.

Hat tip David Hardy

Wild Bunch Costuming

Since we have been talking so much lately about a Wild Bunch Category lets take a real quick look at some of the costuming requirements.

First, you’ve got to know a little bit about the movie that inspires the Wild Bunch category. The movie starts with Pike and his gang impersonating a group of pre WWI soldiers and robbing a bank. The gang’s troubles start there and culminate in a shootout with members of the Mexican Army south of the border. If you are thinking about shooting this category by all means watch the movie first!

So, in true Wild Bunch spirit a full WWI uniform for an American infantryman would be a great costume. Wool Trousers, Tunic, Pullover Shirt are the basics followed by M1898 khaki leggings, a 1911 military belt, a M1911 “Pershing Model” or M1917 S&W holster, a M1918 campaign hat or an officer’s visor should seal the deal and make you the envy of the shoot.

Of course as you watch the movie you see that they quickly start losing pieces of their costume so not only would it be acceptable, but very much in the spirit of the Old vs. New West to have a mix of clothing. Take “Pike” for example. He changes into a classic movie western outfit with black jeans, white shirt, black vest and cowboy boots and hat, except he carries a 1911 pistol throughout the film and a Winchester rifle…a mixture of old and new. “Lyle” also sports a classic look. Jeans, white shirt un-tucked with a military style pistol belt and cartridge pouch worn over the shirt…perfect.

So when thinking about Wild Bunch costuming think about mixing elements from the WWI uniform with parts of classic Old West dress and viola! The cloths should express the conflict of the times in the same manner that the automobile mixed with the horse and buggy and the auto-loader competed with the revolver.

Grips Make The Gun

Its often said that clothes make the man, well, I wouldn't know about but I would extend that to grips and guns. Since I purchased the S&W M19, I've been wanting to get wood grips to dress it up, those rubbers are ugly.

Last week, I got my new Eagle Grips Secret Service grips for it in rosewood. They are comprable to the Hogue Bantam grips, however, I didn't have to wait 90 days for them and they look and fit great. I know Judge is a big fan of the Eagles he has on his Rugers for matches and now I'm a big fan.

The wood grips are smaller than the rubber monogrips, yet I don't think I'll give up much control because of the nicely contoured finger grooves, excellent fit and while my pinkie finger isn't fully on the grip, it can support the base of the grip to help with recoil. We'll see as soon as I can get to a range and try some practice and carry ammo through the little snubbie. The big bonus, other than looks, is the gun is a better concealment carry piece now. The rubber grips were indeed too grippy and hung onto clothing making draw a problem and heaven forbid I drop the gun in a pocket!

Yep, grips make the gun and in this case I've got what I want in a carry snubbie.

Reason #10 for having a safe

So the freakin' plumber doesn't report you to the police and over-reactionary glory hounds raid your house to kiss the mayor's ass. The story from Brian at Snapped Shot. Interestingly enough, Brian fell for it too, at least he has the guts to admit it, unlike almost any new organization. My favorite part is how the author of this article and the police can't figure out why anyone would want some AK47s, a grenade launcher and 500 rounds of ammo, hint go shoot them and you'll know.

My advice to this "gun collector" (as if any self-respecting "collector" would be caught without at least 1,000 rounds of ammo), get a safe and put your guns in there before the plumber comes.

Yes, this guy could be a complete dirtbag if the suspected child porn holds true, but with the stellar policing by Dallas PD (who admittedly don't know whether some of the stuff is illegal), I wouldn't put money on it. Probably just some midget porn.

Hat Tip: Instapundit

One for Jose

Jose has talked about this before and I thought I would share this excellent article by Chris Byrne over at the AnarchAngel.

Hat tip to Grant Cunningham for the link.

Wild Bunch Category

Jose said he was pushing for one of the clubs we shoot at to offer a "Wild Bunch Category" to shoot . Now I think this is a great idea and the clubs already have a precedent with offering different non-SASS-based categories such as Pale Rider and Outlaw. So while this is Jose's puppy I offer a quick little write up of my idea for a Wild Bunch Category. Jose will take what he likes and leave the rest dead on the floor.

This category is based on the 1969 Movie “The Wild Bunch” directed by Sam Peckinpah. Outlaws on the Mexican-U.S. frontier face the march of progress, the Mexican army and a gang of bounty hunters led by a former member while they plan a robbery of a U.S. army train. No one is innocent in this gritty tale of desperation against changing times. Pump shotguns, machine guns and automobiles mix with horses and Winchesters in this ultra violent western. The goal of this category is to mix the flavor of the Old West with the changing technology of the 20^th century.

Wild Bunch Category:

• Pistols: 1911 GI Style firearm typical in appearance to one commonly found just prior to WWI. Any contemporary semi-automatic pistol to the Colt 1911 GI found just prior to WWI and chambered in a caliber equal to or greater then 9mm and capable of holding 5 or more rounds in a detachable magazine.
  

• Pistol will be shot using any SASS legal shooting style. Instead of utilizing 2 pistols for this category the shooter will reload the weapon using the detachable magazine.
  

• Rifles: Any SASS legal rifle of 1884 or later design or a replica thereof (i.e., 1892, 1894, Lightning Rifle or Marlin)
  

• Shotguns: Any SASS legal Lever or Pump Action Shotgun. Double Barrel Shotguns are not allowed.
  

• May use any SASS legal ammunition
  

• Costuming: Pants must be jeans, ranch pants, or pants with flap over the rear pocket. Pants must be worn with belt. Suspenders are not allowed. Felt hats only. Straw hats are not allowed. You must choose at least one of the following items; Mills Belt with US insignia, M1916 Holster, US Enlisted or Officers Wool Trousers, Enlisted or Officers Wool Pullover Shirt, WWI Bayonet, M1898 Khaki Leggings, WWI Leather Ammo Pouch, Leather or Canvas 1911 Double Clip Pouch, Bandoleer, Musset Bag.

So long Cirillo

I had the pleasure of meeting Jim Cirillo once. It was quick and I just shook his hand. It was enough for me and I'll not forget meeting him. If you don't know Jim Cirillo then shame on you and go to Xavier's site to read a nice little write-up.

God bless you Jim

Being safe, period

One of the things in cowboy shooting that "breaks the reality" is the shooting glasses. You can get the most period clothing and leather, guns and ammo, but if you're wearing a pair of Oakleys, what does it matter? Should it matter?

The first picture I've posted shows a genuine pair of period correct sharpshooter glasses. See anything wrong with them? There are several things "wrong" with them, first, if they are truly from the period, the glass won't be up to the task of stopping much and could fragment causing more damage. Not good. Next up is the lenses are too small to fully protect the eyes and finally, there is no side protection to prevent a fragment from damaging the eye when you're looking away from the action. Additionallly, these glasses don't have nose pads and the lenses are frosted except at the center of the lens. No, these clearly won't do.

So what are we to do then?

First, I don't know of anyone who makes a set of period glasses with enough protection for shooting. So assume you'll be shooting with something that's less than perfect because you should NEVER compromise your eyes for looking the part, NEVER. If you're willing to do that, you probably aren't reading this blog, because, well you can't.

Well, you can minimize the effect your eyewear has on your appearance by purchasing some glasses that approximate the old look. I've been using a pair of the Peltor XF5 glasses for a while and they look more period than a modern wrap-around uni-lens type pair. No, they aren't really even close if you look carefully, but at a distance, they'll do. I just wish they came in something other than smoke or blue.

Another thing a motivated shooter could do is to find a pair of wire frames with sufficient lens surface and have safety lenses installed. This would allow you to have a prescription put in them as well. Any optometrist can do this or even Wal-Mart or Sam's Club. The only thing you'd have to do then is worry about the sides, the optometrist should have plastic side shields available, but they may not fit the frames, especially the thin wire frames. There are leather side shields available for purchase that will slip on, providing the protection and period look. You could also find some "glacier" sunglasses, they usually have the leather side shields to totally block light and either get or make sure they have safety lenses or rob them of the leather shield.

What Type are You!

I'm a Type 1. Go here to find your type.

It's About Time

SASS finally got of their lazy butts and put an online searchable database of aliases. It's not perfect, but it's a lot better then the old version...guess and pray! They call it Alias Lookup and it's on the SASS homepage.

UPDATE: Just click here

Cowboy Rock Star!

When I first started CAS I searched the Web for every scrape of info I could find. I finally came upon this little article at Captain Baylor's Ranger Camp. I not only read it 3 or 4 times, but I printed off a copy to refer to when needed. It was the most helpful piece of writing on the subject I had found, and still is for that matter.

Well, the Captain has kept adding excellent articles on his website and he has even made an appearance on Tequila's "Cowboys" TV show. So he has become a celebrity in our little world of CAS. The other day I decided to check his page out again since I hadn't been over their in a while and what do you know, but the Captain has gone and bought himself a little prairie schooner. Now that's what I call traveling like a cowboy rock star!

Wild Bunch Shotguns pt2

I guess it has been a while since I posted part 1, sorry to all you one or two people who read this blog.

Second only to the semi-auto pistols that you shoot in a Wild Bunch side match is the shotgun. Why? Because you get to use some non-SASS shotguns and you get to stoke them full and use the pumps and leverguns as they were intended and that's very appealing to most of us who own them. I don't care how old or experienced I get, picking up a loaded pumpgun and blasting away fast and furiously is still gonna be fun!

First on the list is the venerable Winchester model 1897 pump, an extremely popular shotgun that brought pumpguns to where they are today, feared, revered and respected. The 97 is also a very popular gun in SASS competition because its fast, sure it's more complicated and more prone to failure, but when they work well, there's nothing faster. The standard model 97 will hold 5 rounds in the tube magazine and that's what most every Wild Bunch match will require, 5 in the tube and five knockdowns.

The model 97 was build up until 1957 and there are millions of them out there. The only problem is that with SASS being so darned popular, the originals are wearing out. At this point, I wouldn't buy one unless I knew that it was a good, functioning gun. What does that leave us? Well, fortunately, there are reproductions that are getting better and better. IAC has been importing them since 1999 and like I said, are getting better. EMF is importing one now and is reportedly good as well as TTN's replica that supposedly is an exact replica, that is the parts from originals are supposed to fit it. With all the originals and several new replica importers, there's no shortage of the 97 for the foreseeable future.

Note that the 97 is followup gun from Winchester/Browning of the model 93 which tended to be a dangerous firearm and thus banned in SASS competition and as far as I'm concerned, banned, period. While on banned shotguns, the Marlin 1898 pump is also a period pump that's banned and should stay that way, you want to take your life in your hands with nobody else around, fine, but don't ask me to stand next to you.

Another SASS legal gun available in Wild Bunch matches is the model 1887 lever-action shotgun. This original gun wasn't as popular as the 97 and so there are fewer originals out there. It also should really only be shot with black powder as the metal in the originals isn't up to snuff for modern smokeless. Again, due to demand created by SASS shooters, copies are being imported. IAC again is brining in some good reproductions and I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Coyote Cap as being key in bringing this gun to market by lending his expertise to the Chinese. The new gun is a stout shooter of good manufacturer and should hold five in the tube for a Wild Bunch match.

Now on to the non-SASS guns. First up is the Winchester model 1912, the hammerless followup to the famously popular 97. There's not much to say about this one, it was a very popular shotgun from its introduction until it was finally done in by the mighty Remington 870. Since its not SASS legal and there isn't much call for it in any other competition, the only way to get one is to have an original.

The other post 1899 model that I'll touch on is the Winchester model 1901 lever action shotgun. These are for all intents and purposes identical to the 1887 model and like the model 12, the only way to have one is to obtain an original.

Those are the pumps I know about, there may be others, if so, I'd certainly let them in play if they were manufactured pre-1920. There should be some consideration maybe for the semi-auto shotguns of the era, I know there have to be a bunch of guys and gals with Browning A5's, Remington and Winchester model 11s that are just itching to bring them out of the gun safe and play. Nobody has brought them up yet and until they do or I buy a Browning, I won't worry about it.

The get to know you meme:

• What is your favorite color? Green
  
• What is your favorite Book? The Three Musketeers by Alexander Dumas
  
• What is your favorite Band? AC/DC
  
• What is your favorite Movie? The Maltese Falcon
  
• Mary Anne or Ginger? Mary Anne
  
• What is your favorite Smoke? Davidoff Millennium
  
• What is your favorite Gun you own? S&W Model 66-2 4” barrel
  
• What is your favorite Beer? Smithwicks
  
• What is your favorite TV Show? Rockford Files
  
• What is your favorite Sport? Football
  
• What is your favorite Car? 1968 Mustang GT500

Your turn.

Only 44!

We've only got 44 posts so far in 2007. at this rate we will have 88 for the year and that will fall 11 short of the 2006 total. I guess I'll need to start adding more and stop waiting for the Wild Bunch Guns Pt. 2.

Bad advice

“Give them the money and give them the keys,” Sheriff Harry Lee said.
“You make an insurance payment on your car, and nobody gets shot.”

That is the advice of Sheriff Harry Lee of Metairie, LA regarding what to do in the case of a car jacking. Unlike the easy victim that Lee would like us all to be, the young man in this story possibly saved his and his mother's life by wresting a firearm away from a car jacker and shot the villain with it. I have what I believe is better advice. arm yourself and if anyone tries to car jack you, you won't have to either fight for control of the gun as this young man did or be at the complete mercy of someone who's willing to commit multiple felonies.

I'm not a roll over a take it type of guy I guess.

hat tip David Hardy

Wild Bunch 1911

Since it appears that at least one of our clubs is going to start doing a Wild Bunch match at least semi-regularly, I thought I'd hand out some advice in case anyone wants to purchase guns specifically for those matches. The first and most important gun to have is the semi-auto handgun, preferably a 1911 style, though others would be appropriate. Currently, I shoot my Kimber Eclipse in the match and since Judge and myself are in charge, these type of firearms will continue to be allowed. However, that isn't necessarily the case at other clubs or matches, so if you're wanting to buy one so you can shoot Wild Bunch, you better look for something that you can use at nearly any match.



Since Wild Bunch is typically limited to the pre 1920 guns, a modern 1911 with all the bells and whistles really isn't appropriate. The good news? There are manufacturers still making 1911s based on the original design and are very very close if not exactly the same as the 1911 original. First and foremost, I point to the Rock Island Armory 1911 "GI" that is manufactured by Armscor and can be had for under $400. This is one of the better bargains in the firearms industry right now if you ask me. Judge bought one a while back and had me message it into a carry gun for him and in stock form, I find it to be an excellent shooter with in tolerance fit and adequate finish. Is it a Colt? Hell no, but at half the price, its a steal. BTW, I just found out that they make a tactical version of this gun in government and commander size and they are still under $500!



Next up is the venerable Colt. You can find an original out there manufactured by Colt, or you can get one manufactured during the war under license by other countries, most famously, the Argentinan "Sistema Colt". Unless you go with a foreign manufacture, the old Colt will set you back a pretty penny. No fears however, you can also buy a newer Colt 1991a1 which is a slightly updated Colt 1911 (80 series firing pin block). Note, some clubs might not allow it, but I couldn't imagine the a-hole that would. There is also a 1911 replica made by Colt mfg.



Next on our shopping list would be the Springfield Armory "Milspec" or "GI". These pistols are top-notch repros and will serve you for a long time and should be allowed at any Wild Bunch match. They'll run you between $500 & $600.



That's about all I have on the 1911 guns available today, there are others out there like Llamas, but this list will get you into a good 1911 that'll do for Wild Bunch, besides, these guns are just a joy to shoot. That's why I've wanted to do Wild Bunch matches for a while.

The B-Western Blues

I’ve been shooting B-Western for the last year or so and it’s been fun. This year I switched to the category full time and I’ve enjoyed myself…until this weekend. 95 degree weather and heavy polyester do not go well together.

I like the category requirements and I like dressing up so B-Western is perfect for me. I shoot gunfighter style for 90 percent of the stages, but occasionally when I get the bug I switch to traditional. It keeps things interesting. I win at the local level, but there isn’t much competition with only one other shooter, and at the bigger state matches B-Western is dominated by shooters who are good, but not good enough to win in the traditional category so my gunfighter centric version doesn’t play well. So I like dressing up, and I like shooting the category, then what made this weekend unbearable? Well, the heat and the boots, and the hat.

First in 95 degree weather you need a shirt that will breathe, and I like to be able to roll my sleeves up a little. Neither of those things are options with a heavy Polyester and Rayon shirt with fitted sleeves. I need a cotton shirt in light colors if I’m going to keep shooting B-Western in the heat of the summer.

I bought my boots about a year and a half ago. I went with an inexpensive (read cheap) pair of boots just to get started in the category and they are already worn out. They are uncomfortable and are starting to pull away at the sole. My original pair of ropers I bought for the sport has also worn out so I really need a new pair of boots. I want something that would be flashy, but also go with all of my outfits. I think I’ve found a pair that will work and won’t break the bank.

Finally let’s talk hats. Like the boots I bought cheap to get into the category, but it doesn’t fit just right and with no hair when I start sweating it runs right into my eyes. I need a white hat that has a good sweat band or something that would allow me to wear my buff under the hat. I wish you could wear straw, but I guess that’s not B-Western.

So I haven’t bought anything for shooting in well over a year, and I thought I had finished my collecting of accoutrements, but it looks like a still have a few things to keep my eyes out for.

Chronography

One of the shooting gadgets I've been meaning to get at some point is a chronograph so that I can know how the ammunition I'm loading is performing. It might not seem like a terribly important thing to a lot of folks and in general, if you keep to the published reloading data, you'll be OK and the ammo will perform well. Last weekend, one of these devices was made available at PVR so that folks could chrono their loads. I availed myself of the opportunity and was reaffirmed of nearly all of the ammo that I reload.



For instance;



The .357 magnum loads I developed from the Hornady XTP bullets were dead-on with what I thought they'd be coming out of my Model 19. the 125g round traveling at 1,300fps and the 158g coming at you at 1,150fps. The later is probably going to be my carry load since its more manageable and there's been talk of problems with K frame S&Ws with hot 125g loads.



My .45 ACP loads were book perfect at 850fps. This is my practice load of a 200g SWC.



The .45 Colt load used for SASS matches clocked out of my 7.5" Ruger at 650fps and out of my 24" 1873 at 850fps. That's what I'd call perfect for matches.



The only problem load I had was the Cowboy .45 Special loads. The 170g bullets crawled out of the 7.5" Ruger at a measly 400fps! That alarmed me since I used data for the .45ACP and for some reason, didn't work out to what I'd call a usable load.  I've given it some thought and the only reason I can possibly think of is that the large .45Colt chamber is allowing gas to bypass the bullet before it reaches the chamber throat.



Sadly, I didn't bring any of the .45 S&W (Schofield) rounds with me to test and see if they're suffering a similar fate (I doubt it), but until I get that problem ironed out with the Cowboy .45 Special loads, they'll be staying at home.



Note to Self: I need my own chronograph and a range out my back door.

Tired Cowboy

So I spent the weekend at PVR so I could help run the Wild Bunch side match on both days. It was a lot of fun in the sun and the whole weekend was a blast. But I'm still tired on Tuesday, I blame Judge for not being there to help, but he had to go to Colorado and learn police stuff. Anyway, I think it was a pretty big hit and learned a few things.

• Shooting revolvers and a 1911 is bad since the cowboys shooting were a little confused as to what to shoot when.
• Dump target with 7 rounds of .45ACP is bad, the target dances and at one point I thought the target was going to come off the stand.
• 1897 shotguns malfunction. At least three double feeds and other problems with the old guns when you try to shoot them fast. The modern replicas seemed to work ok.
• More folks were interested enough in Wild Bunch to bring their own ammo and guns, something that surprised me.
• When someone gets things right, it looks awesome!

I've been asked to do it every match at PVR, but I didn't commit to that since I don't know that it'll be as popular if it becomes too familiar. That and we need to come up with some award for the side match to hand out so people will have something to compete for.



I'm thinking the next time WB is done at PVR, we'll have to discard the revolvers and load up two mags with either 5 or 7 rounds for the 1911. Not alot of people have period holsters for their guns, so it will most likely have to be staged again, but I'd eventually like to do a from-the-holster stage.



Some more stuff to think about and try to come up with some interesting stages.