Illowa Irregulars schedules three Wild Bunch matches each shooting season. Wild Bunch Action Shooting™ is an action-packed shooting sport that blends elements of Cowboy Action Shooting™ with the firearms and style of the early 20th century. Inspired by the classic 1969 film The Wild Bunch, this discipline features
- a 1911 semi-automatic pistol,
- a lever-action rifle, and
- a pump-action or side-by-side shotgun
—delivering a faster-paced, more dynamic shooting experience.
While Illowa Irregulars Wild Bunch matches are based on SASS Wild Bunch rules (see below), we allow for non-standard pistols and rifles to be used at our monthly matches to encourage participation. For example, don’t have a 1911? Any semi-automatic pistol will suffice. Don’t have a Wild Bunch legal shotgun? Any pump or double shotgun will work.
The most important thing to remember is that all hard rounds must be pistol caliber and ONLY lead bullets are allowed. NO JACKETED ROUNDS. Questions? Email us by clicking here.
Check out our Club Calendar for dates.
If you are new to Wild Bunch, have any questions, or just want more information click here to send us an email. We’ll get back to you.
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What Makes Wild Bunch Unique?
Wild Bunch Shooting differs from Cowboy Action Shooting in several key ways:
1911 Pistols – Shooters use a .45 ACP single-stack Model 1911 pistol. Only seven rounds are loaded per magazine, requiring magazine changes during stages. (Semi-automatic pistols other than a 1911 are allowed at our monthly matches.)
Lever-Action Rifles – .38 caliber or larger rifles with a tubular magazine and an exposed hammer are required. Rifle calibers larger than .45 are not allowed.
Shotguns – Shooters can use a Winchester Model 1897 or Model 12 pump-action shotgun (12 or 20 gauge) or a side-by-side shotgun (10 to 20 gauge). Automatic ejectors are not allowed on side-by-side shotguns. (Relaxed at our regular monthly matches)
Semi-automatic pistols other than a 1911 and non-standard pump shotguns are allowed at our monthly matches. Lead bullet requirements as well as all safety rules still apply.
Categories & Shooting Styles
Wild Bunch matches are divided into different shooting categories, including:
- Modern – Allows both traditional and modern-style 1911 pistols, any shooting style, and any SASS-legal rifle and shotgun.
- Traditional – Requires one-handed unsupported (duelist-style) shooting with the 1911 and limits modifications to military-style features.
- Open* – semi-auto pistols other than 1911 style. Must be pistol caliber with lead bullet. Any style rifle, PISTOL caliber lead bullet. Any Semi – Auto shotguns.
- * Open is a local class only; it is not a SASS-sanctioned class
Rules & Regulations
Wild Bunch Action Shooting follows SASS safety and range operations protocols, ensuring consistent and fair competition.
Authentic Costuming – Participants are encouraged, but not required, to wear period-appropriate Western or early 1900s military clothing.
Safe Firearm Handling – Safe firearm handling is a core tenet of all Cowboy Action Shooting matches. Movement with a loaded 1911 (or other firearm) must follow specific safety conditions.
Why Try Wild Bunch?
Wild Bunch Action Shooting offers a fast-paced, exciting challenge that appeals to Cowboy Action Shooters looking to expand their skill set, as well as fans of historical firearms from the early 20th century. If you enjoy competitive shooting with a mix of Western and military firearms history, Wild Bunch is for you!
Interested? Come join us at our next match and experience the action firsthand!
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