Virginian

[Crossdrawnj]

I was just watching a couple of Virginian reruns on ISP channel. I couldn't help notice the both James Dury's and Doug McClure's characters (The Virginan and Trampas) were using SAA's that appeared to be retro fitted with grips (backstrap and trigger guards) from a dragoon. Always liked that show. I can appreciate it more now I realize it featured many Andy Anderson gun rigs.

[Crossdrawnj]

So.. has anybody else noticed this?

[Shawnee McGrutt]

Watched it a lot this winter, but to answer your question, no I have not noticed.  A lot of shows their guns never get out of the holsters.
Next time I watch , I'll pay closer attention.

Shawnee

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[Crossdrawnj]

I agree, this is one of those westerns where they do not use their guns often. I remember one issue of GOTOW the author has the AA WD rig Doug McClure used in this series and the after market grip frame from the gun James Drury used in this series. Other than asthetics, I don't understand why they would make an alteration like this.

[St. George]

Because it made them 'different'.

They had brass backstraps - nothing else did.

Just like Johnny Yuma's short-barrelled shotgun carried in the 'custom' holster that was nothing more than the Model 1879 Carbine Scabbard, and the interchangeable barrels of 'The Restless Gun' and Yancey Derringer's inside-the-hatband single-shot Remington.

Then, there was Josh Randall's 'Mare's Laig', that Colt Buntline rig that Wyatt Earp carried that he couldn't draw from unless he kicked his leg out to the side like a Ninja and on and on - everything had a gimmick...

Every sponsor and prop guy was trying to make 'his' guy stand out, in an era that was starting to see a marketing tie-in with kids, and when one cowboy looked a lot like another - save for Roy and Hoppy - and there's just no describing their outfits.

Whenever you want to see 'real' Old West equipment in the old movies and TV shows - don't look at the heroes - look at the bit players in the background who got their outfits directly from the costume/propmaster.

They didn't waste money on the bit players, because they weren't the draw, so those guys wore an awful lot of the 'right' gear, and rode old saddles, too.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Crossdrawnj]

I see your point. But, it was the old TV westerns that got me hooked! I can appreciate the effort of the current run of oaters to get it right. I  still like the Ojala/Alfonso/Anderson outfitted television shows and motion pics that stared it all.

[Harley Starr]

I had the pleasure of meeting James Drury in Fort Worth a few years back and he had an Andy Anderson Walk and Draw rig right there on the table.
When it comes to gentlemen, he's the real deal.

[Slowhand53]

Thought this was kind of neat. Toyguntown sells these James Drury cap gun & holster sets. Sets are limited to 100 and includes a signed photo of Drury

[Crossdrawnj]

Interesting. Though, its far from the AA W&D standard rig and colt he carried!