There are traders at most rendezvous, so you can take your money and buy shirts, and other clothing, and gear to suit the character ahd time period you are interested in portraying. It can take you awyile talking to people there about their clothes, and tents, etc. before deciding on this, so don't be in a hurry. You wll not be the only guy there in blue jeans! Consider the costs, how much of the gear you can make yourself, or with the help of some new friends you make there- you will definitely make new friends if you put forth any effort at all to say, " Hey !" - and then go back and check sources to see where you can save money, and where spending money for better quality is the better decision to make. It all depends on how deep you want to get into this life style. Go and look, say hello, meet folks, get names addresses and phone numbers, take cards from the traders so you can contact them as you get around to the list of things you decide to buy, and can call them so they have it for you when you meet at the next rendezvous, etc. By all means, go over to the ranges and watch and ask questions about all the different kinds of targets and shooting programs being shot there. There is usually an office, or sign in shack on the grounds where you can get range rules, and a dscription of the shooting program, fees, prizes, re-entry information, etc. If the event is fairly close to home, you can return the next day with your gun and enter one or more of the shooting events, just to say you have done it. That will make you more friends, and get you on the mailing list for the next year's event. New shooters are always welcome, and its particularly fun to see a new shooter come along who is the best shot for that day. The guys who usually expect to win end up with pretty long faces, and wondering who the new guy is, and why did someone let him shoot! There is a lot of fun and kidding going on when the scores are read, so stick around on the final day to listen and learn who everyone is. Introduce yourself to the winners, tell them where you live and ask them where they shoot on a regular basis. If they have a club near you, it might be the easiest way to find out about the club, and get invited to join.
