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Wild Bunch 1911s, Ammunition Stability & Auction Aftermath
[0:00] Welcome to Gunslingers on the Syndicated Radio Network
Good evening everybody and welcome to Gunslingers right here on the Gunslinger Syndicated Radio Network baby. From San Diego to San Francisco, from LA to Phoenix to Vegas, we are on the air and all over the internet on YouTube, Facebook, X, and Rumble. Hit that like button, share it with your friends, and leave a little love in the comments. This is a live show so give us a call at 866-870-5752.
[0:49] Busy Week and the Cowboy Action Shooting World Championship in Arizona
It has been a busy week for the Gunslingers. Mark is already out in Arizona for the Cowboy Action Shooting World Championship. Starting in the morning is Wild Bunch, cowboy shooting with 1911s basically. Mark shoots that. The host tried it once but found the restrictions a little too tight for his fancy choice 1911s. He will watch from afar this time. The host heads out Wednesday afternoon and stays through Saturday.
[2:09] Auction Aftermath and the Rainy Quiet Tuesday
The first fresh week after the auction has been so far so good. Normally Tuesday is a zoo with everyone antsy for their items but it poured rain and kept things quiet. The weather staggered the crowd instead of having them all bung in at once. It was a real breath of fresh air.
[2:58] The Amazon Effect and Auction Shipping Process
Buyers want their stuff right now like Amazon instant gratification. But auctions run with limited manpower and four or five guys working hard for two weeks to get everything out. Send your FFL late and your gun ships late. It is first come first served. Some folks wait ten days then scream on day eleven. There is a process.
[4:12] The Buyer of the John Wayne Collection
The host spoke with the very nice gentleman in North Carolina who bought almost all the Wayne collection. He was ecstatic over every piece he received.
[4:27] The John Wayne Visalia Parade Saddle Story
The saddle is an old Visalia from the late 1930s numbered to John Wayne with his name stamped in it twice. It came as a full parade set with martingale, bridle, bit, and heavy silver everywhere. The host secured a letter from Patrick confirming it was authentic, his dad Patrick Wayne’s parade saddle. Built for a six foot four man, the stirrups were sewn in place with no Blevins buckle. The host rode it once in the Norco parade on Pete. The old leather squeaked loud enough to hear a half block away. The parade started late, Pete got hot and angry in the sun, and left a couple large piles on the street. Norco calls itself Horse Town USA yet has no pooper scoopers following the horses like the Rose Parade does. Bada Bing pizza banners draped over Pete did not improve his mood.
[7:28] Caller Richard on Ammunition Stability Over Time
Richard calls in from the airport to ask how long a cartridge stays safe over the years if kept properly. The host has pre World War I ammo that still shoots fine but some from the 1970s he would not trust. It all depends on storage. Drastic heat, cold, or moisture can ruin it fast.
[8:26] Safety of Dropping or Burning Old Ammunition
Richard asks if dropping old ammo on the floor could make it go off. No, not unless it lands primer first on the head of a nail. Even then it does not act like the movies. Throw it in a fire and the brass pops like popcorn, loud and unpleasant, but the heavy projectile stays right there with no direction or force.
[9:32] Richard Shares a Washington Birthday Joke
Richard drops a joke for Washington’s birthday. Why did George Washington have trouble sleeping in his bed? He could not lie. The hosts call it a double groaner but thank him all the same.
[9:52] Teaser for Rick from CRPA After the Break
Coming up after the break is Rick from the CRPA then more phone calls at 866-870-5752. Ben E. King is up next. Come on back.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can ammunition be safely stored if kept properly?
Properly stored ammunition can last for decades or longer. The host has cartridges from before World War I that still function perfectly, though some from the 1970s are not trusted. Extreme temperatures and moisture are the main enemies of long term stability.
Will dropping old ammunition cause it to go off?
No, dropping a cartridge on the floor will not cause it to fire. It would require a direct strike to the primer, such as on the head of a nail. Even then, the heavy projectile does not propel like in a firearm because it lacks confinement.
What happens if ammunition is thrown into a fire?
The cartridge pops loudly as the brass case explodes like popcorn. The projectile stays in place due to its weight and lack of directional confinement. It is loud and unpleasant but not dangerous in the way movies depict.
What is Wild Bunch in cowboy action shooting?
Wild Bunch is an offshoot of cowboy action shooting that uses 1911 pistols for the stages. It follows cowboy themes but with specific restrictions on the firearms and gear for fair competition.
How does rain affect post-auction pickup at Gunslinger Auctions?
Rain on pickup day staggers the buyers, making the day quieter and easier instead of a packed zoo. It divides the crowd so not everyone arrives at once after the auction.
Sources, Credibility, and Continuing the Conversation
The recommendations and observations herein rest on decades of hands-on experience: restorations, hunts, auctioneering, and studio conversation. Practical advice leans best when tempered by cautious humility. Test gear, vet sellers, and keep learning from trusted elders in the trade.