Frederick Jackson Turner

Okay; I've been banging away at this sport for a decade now, with a collection of plain-Jane 1911s, which include a beat up Remington, a Springfield, and a Rock Island Armory. Worked a couple of deals with AGW, and ended up with a Les Baer Premiere II. It is making me believe that I can actually shoot. This pistol is freaking amazing. But, I was having a bit of trouble with it igniting CCI primers, so, before going at it in my ham-fisted fashion, with my collection of wood files, hammers and impact drivers, I thought I should call the factory first. They were busy, and asked me to leave my number. An hour later, in comes a call. From Les Baer. Yeah. Les freakin' Baer. He wanted to make sure I was happy with his product, so he talked me through what I might do, and then we chatted for a few more minutes. Great guy, terrific product, but...I am SO IMPRESSED that the guy with his name on the wrapper took the time to call me back. Day-um. Have a nice day. I sure am. Cheers, FJT

As we seek to inspire, improve and grow Wild Bunch, I think kilts, not hats is the answer. ;) I will loan spare kilts to the first 11 respondents. We meet at high noon on St. Patrick's Day. Slainte, FJT

Still can't quite get my head around the fact that Allie Mo (no "E") is gone. Sadly, FJT

I'm loading for two; at your convenience, that would be useful information. Cheers, FJT

It is a great honor to be asked to sit at this table; those who know me know I truly respect and appreciate this great game of ours. I will do my best to uphold, represent, and grow Wild Bunch, and oh yes; Whoo-Yeah! Cheers, FJT

Hi, Doc; A few questions, though: Are your cowboy targets set at 3 yards for pistol and 5-6 yards for rifle, like ours often often are? Often, yes, they are. In that case - it's fun and fast, and a bit different than a more challenging WB match. I'll try to post a couple of vids on Youtube to show how that looks - it's fast and furious, and puts real emphasis on mag changes! Are you allowed to fully load the shotgun (6 shells) and shoot six target shotgun strings? Except for Cowboy stages which call for 6, we haven't been doing that, although there's no reason you couldn't load 6 for every stage, and just dump the last couple of shots. Still, with SG ammo a bit scarce - we've just been stoking the four, and, per WB rules, allowing no makeups. Are you allowed to move with the pistol or shotgun to shoot separated targets? Absolutely - just don't move with the chamber loaded and the bolt or slide forward; same as cowboy. Do you shoot multiple pistol mags (4-5) at a stage? We address two problems with this; on 10 round stages, shooters may announce they are shooting the rifle targets with the pistol. Now, you have a 4 mag stage, with targets that are more challenging than the cowboy distances. Really, the only gripes are, as J.J. pointed out, above, from the brassers. ;-) Several cowboy shooters have been sufficiently intrigued that they have brought out 1911s to play, themselves, and thus, we grow the sport. Cheers, FJT

After having shot the match last year, I would heartily encourage anyone who likes fun, creative, and challenging stages, to attend this match. It's a good 'un! Hope to make it in 2022! Cheers, FJT

Several friends and I shoot at several clubs in the SoCal area that allow Wild Bunch (with 5 round mags) to play right alongside of the other shooters at a regular cowboy match. We are not included in the overall scores, which is just fine, as it is a different game. But I have never run into any hostility about doing so. At least, not to my face... ;-) Cheers, FJT

Great info, you guys; thanks. Cheers, FJT

Well considered! Cheers, FJT

This. Cheers, FJT

You did great! It was a tough shoot-off, but one which, fortunately, played to my strengths. Another time, I may not be so fortunate... Cheers, FJT

I'll mash up a video to go with the song, and post it for ya'll! Thanks for asking... FJT.

Just wanted to tip my hat to Tully Mars, for his great performance, winning the SASS Western Regional Wild Bunch Side Match. A shout out to Molly Magoo for writing fun and interesting stages, especially within the constraints of someone else's range and targets! It was a blast! Cheers, FJT P.S. And, I got a new verse for my song, "Wreck of the Ol' '97"... :o

I really need to run some speed vs. accuracy tests to see if there is any advantage to one over the other. But, for now, flat, with a long trigger. Cheers! FJT

This was a great match; one of the very best I have ever attended. Tully is to be commended for his inventive and enjoyable stages, as well as the hard work that went into creating a seamless and entertaining match. A tip of the hat, Tully. Cheers, FJT

I just shot the CA State WB match, and I really enjoyed it. I especailly like the idea of employing the pistol in lieu of the rifle, where appropriate; it certainly added some color the match, and I know the shooters skilled enough to employ that option really enjoyed that. Nice seeing Sutter, too! Cheers, FJT

Ms. Penny Ante and I will be there! Looking forward to a fun shoot, with a great bunch of WB'ers! Cheers, FJT

Sorry it took so long to respond to this, but, what a fun and VERY challenging match! 'Zona, the match designer, is, indeed, a twisted individual. And a heckuva a nice guy, to boot! Cheers, FJT

For the second year. I was able to shoot the Wild Bunch side match for the California State Championships at the Double RR Bar range. Once again, it was a 4 stage match with great variety, interesting scenarios, and challenging but reasonable target distances. I haven't had this much fun since Western 3 Gun. Ms. Penny Ante, who is still in her first year of shooting, also entered it, and really enjoyed it, too. A shout out to Double RR Bar, who hosted a great event, and Nasty Nels, who designs fun and interesting Wild Bunch Action stages! Cheers, FJT

Good weather, cheap hotel, and cookies! (Or Guinness...) ;D I think we can pull this one off. Keep an eye on your mailbox. Cheers, FJT

Penny Ante and I are really hoping to make this one... Cheers, FJT

Great seeing you again as well, cowboy. Penny Ante had a terrific time, loved meeting all the folks, and hasn't stopped smiling for - well, four days now. Best wishes, FJT

I'm just back, catching up on my sleep after a whirlwind weekend at Cowtown, AZ, after shooting the fun and challenging Arizona State Wild Bunch State Championship. Zona and Barwire did a great job crafting this match; reasonable and occasionally exacting target placement, interesting and sometimes brain-teasing sequences, and lots and lots of variation. And SO MUCH steel! No two stages were the same, there was plenty of variety, and more 1911 shooting than you could shake a Colt at. Everyone to whom I spoke had a great time. I've been away for several years, and I must say, this match made me glad I came back. There were shooters from at least four states; they must know a good thing when they see it! Side note; i had a new shooter along, Ms. Penny Ante, who shot her first WB match. It's a steep learning curve, and folks helped her, every inch of the way. A new shooter, her kit was not yet complete, so in the course of the match, various folks loaned her; holsters, belts, mag pouches, ammunition, rifles, pistols, shotguns, and magazines. She hasn't stopped smiling, in three days. Well done, Zona and Barb; well done, Cowtown, and congrats to all the winners!!!! Cheers, FJT

Good choices, all! Cheers, FJT