AmericanLongRifles Forums
General discussion => Contemporary Longrifle Collecting => Topic started by: SR James on July 13, 2016, 04:13:54 PM
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A friend and I are considering attending the upcoming CLA Annual show in Lexington for the first time. Our primary purpose is to shop for quality longrifles. I've looked at the posted pictures of previous shows and there are obviously a lot of rifles on display. However, it appeared to me that a number of the displays were more along the lines of someone's collection on display rather than rifles that are actually for sale. Since it's a long drive to Lexington from here, my question concerns the availability of rifles for sale at the show. Is there typically a decent selection of rifles in the $3-5000 range available for purchase? Thanks.
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You will find some high end rifles for sale at the CLA . The rifles are not as available as you would find at a traditional gun show. Worth the trip a resounding yes. Will you find a rifle to buy that depends on what you are looking for as to style period caliber etc. You will have the opportunity to see some of the best work available and meet many of better makers.
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I'll be interested in replies from other folks. I would guess that there will be 75 -100 or more fine rifles in your price range and for sale, plus pistols, knives and many other items. Don't forget the auction items. Not many western or later fur trade rifles like Hawken, Henry, Leman et al. Eastern arms, early to late, with more iron mounted rifles than ever existed in one place before. Several friends go there to shop, just as you are considering, and come home happy - either with a rifle and/or with one on order. Promoting the work of contemporary builders is why the CLA was formed, and buyers are definitely welcome.
Some builders and fancier rifles will cost a little to a good deal more. Some deliver finished rifles to customers at the show, take new orders and pick up parts, and a good deal of trading goes on there.
Yes, there are display tables, where buyers like yourself share what they have assembled over the years. Maybe you and your friend will have such a table in the future. Be sure to walk across the lobby to the displays of original rifles. This show is a great combination of old and new. You'll probably come home with a rifle, meet many builders, maybe line up a custom order at some point, and who knows??
See you there and have fun.
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If you have a particular maker in mind you can contact them and ask them if they are coming to the show. If they have something on hand they may bring it for you to look over. There are two great rifles in the auction, one iron mounted sort of Lexington rifle and one very close copy of an early Dickert with an awesome stock. Both of those builders may have a piece in inventory. You can see pictures on the CLA site by going to the CL Foundation link.
I would agree there are at least 75 guns in your price range. Bill Pritchard is always there, Mike Miller, jim Parker, Daren McDonal, Jim Chambers, Ian Pratt, Jim Parker, Roger Sells, and many others occasionally have some inventory from trades, or guns they are selling for an old customer.
There are a lot of items you will not see for sale anywhere else.
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I promise, you'll run out of money before you run out of rifles. But yes, there is a lot of display "not for sale". And yes a lot of displays of works to order. For a first time attendee it can be overwhelming however. They should have a rule that works offered for sale have a price tag and that sellers man their displays and not run off to some far corner for seemingly hours on end with the neighboring guy looking out for the missing sellers table. There is so much to see and at least for me I could not recall who or where something was once I left that table and tried to find it 4 hours later. But that was a first time attendee problem and subsequently I seemed to have a better grip on how to make the rounds. I'll also say that if you find something you like and the price is right better buy it 'cause odds are that by the time you go around once and try to come back, it may be gone.
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Molly is dead on with his advice. Went for the first time last year. To say overwhelming is an understatement!!!!! If you don't find a rifle there to your liking I would be surprised. Oldtravler
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Many thanks to all of you for your input and advice. I'm sure that with 75 or so guns to choose from I'll find something I like. Molly, I'm a veteran of many, many Wanenmacher Gun Shows in Tulsa with well over 4000 tables so I know full well what you mean about finding your way back to something you looked at earlier (I carry a notepad) and the risk of it not being there when you come back. But while there are a fair number of original longrifles at that show, higher end contemporary guns are pretty scarce. We are just too far west.
Well, you guys have got me pumped to go. I've been shooting and occasionally building muzzleloaders for many years but opportunities to see many higher end rifles in one place are pretty scarce around here. My friend and I went to Nationals in Friendship for the first time last year and really enjoyed it. I stocked up on parts for future builds but higher quality rifles were few. So we thought we'd give the CLA show a shot. I'm really looking forward to it.
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Many thanks to all of you for your input and advice. I'm sure that with 75 or so guns to choose from I'll find something I like. Molly, I'm a veteran of many, many Wanenmacher Gun Shows in Tulsa with well over 4000 tables so I know full well what you mean about finding your way back to something you looked at earlier (I carry a notepad) and the risk of it not being there when you come back. But while there are a fair number of original longrifles at that show, higher end contemporary guns are pretty scarce. We are just too far west.
Well, you guys have got me pumped to go. I've been shooting and occasionally building muzzleloaders for many years but opportunities to see many higher end rifles in one place are pretty scarce around here. My friend and I went to Nationals in Friendship for the first time last year and really enjoyed it. I stocked up on parts for future builds but higher quality rifles were few. So we thought we'd give the CLA show a shot. I'm really looking forward to it.
If I were a gambling man I'd bet big bucks that you will enjoy the CLA show. Lexington is a nice city and the Rupp Arena where this event is held is great and there is a small shopping area for the ladies if they are so inclined. There is no junk,ammo,camo.AK 47's or relics of long and thankfully defunct political systems. Long rifles plain and simple or really dressed up and parts and other bits and pieces. We are only 125 miles away from it with Interstate 64 all the way. There are only muzzleloaders and no breech loaders unless it's a Ferguson.
It IS something to look forward to so have a safe trip.
Bob Roller
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BTW, SR James, you can also find some high end quality yet not necessarily high prices. On my first visit I did not see a lot of rifles trading hands. Fact is most attendees probably have several already but the desire for another never seems to go away. I have seen a good many $1500 to $2500 rifles there which were dripping with style and class. I mean these things left an image burned in my retina that lasted until December.
And don't overlook offerings on this forum. Usually some top quality rifles for sale and honestly I think they offer more in value that the sellers are usually asking in $$. The Soddy rifle just listed and sold is s perfect example.
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The CLA shows I've had the pleasure of attending were near overwhelming. I have no doubt you will find a very nice rifle within your price range. My recommendation is to stay in the hotel attached to the convention center. I found it very helpful to stroll through the show several times as I found new things to look it each time and staying in essentially the same building was wonderful. Also if you keep an eye out, you can meet and talk with nearly all of the top makers.
One other thought...I have attended the Dixion's Gunmakers Fair a number of times and while I love it as well, my experience is that the CLA is less hectic and much easier to negotiate and explore. Well worth the trip....Mick C
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Better place to be on a hot day as well!
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I will be at the CLA show and will have some rifles in your price range Stop by and say HI.
Jerry Eitnier
Eitnier Rifles
Iron Mounted Southern Guns
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Again, thanks for all of your input. We have rooms in the Hilton just down the street.
Jerry, thanks for the invite. Will definitely stop by.
Molly, I definitely keep an eye on the for sale postings here along with several other places. The internet is a great source but I'm looking forward to actually being able to see a large number of rifles in one place. (And my budget does go below $3000, trust me! ;) )
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Make you a deal, SR. You post a photo of your purchase(s) and I'll post "some" of mine. Brought home a pair last year. And they are two of the very best rifles I have. The guy who got us into this told me they were like Lays Chips. You just cannot have ONE. As a matter of fact, I think it would make a great thread...."what I got at the CLA show". Who wants to start it?
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If you attend the show. Bring as much money as you can. Trust me on this. I didn't an lost on one beautiful rifle. An I'm still kicking my self. An Molly that is a great idea.
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I have been going to Lexington for 5 or 6 years. Each year I thought I would get past the "overwhelming" and it gets worst every year. Not being well known it is amazing to me to be able to mingle with the big names and heavy hitters of the muzzle loading world. The guns and other items are even more overwhelming! If you are there and see a feller about 55 all glassey eyed and looking lost help me out!! Mike New
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If you attend the show. Bring as much money as you can. Trust me on this. I didn't an lost on one beautiful rifle. An I'm still kicking my self. An Molly that is a great idea.
I just found out I will be able to make it for Friday.
Do most people take plastic, or do I need to bring some cash?
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My opinion....people who are there and are actually in "the business" of selling seem to accept credit cards. The casual hobbyist or side liners probably don't. But I have not had anyone refuse a check.
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BTW, I see the inside back cover of the American Tradition notes "join us for a special celebration on Friday evening". What is that going to be?
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The Celebration is of the 20th Anniversary of the CLA.
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OK, so there is no hospitality "free bar" with fried chicken livers wrapped in bacon all served by waiters and waitresses in period costume? Gee, I thought it was something more.
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No, they should have a full doings for the anniversary celebration, chicken livers and all. They lust have not announced it yet.
I only do the auction, with a lot of help but you could email the office and ask for details. On the way out of town or would do it.
heinz
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The back inside cover of the American Traditions suggests somethin g is going to happen at 6:30 and to call the CLA for info. Guess I'll call tomorrow
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OK, I see the info now on pages 6 & 7. Cash bar, food, punch etc with other festivities.
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How about parts? The registration form talks of Contempory tables and Antique tables, but I've seen photos of past shows with the big named vendors (Chambers, Dunlap, Log Cabin, etc) who go as well.
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How about parts? The registration form talks of Contempory tables and Antique tables, but I've seen photos of past shows with the big named vendors (Chambers, Dunlap, Log Cabin, etc) who go as well.
When you go up to the registration desk the room to the right will have mostly antique guns/displays etc. Most are for sale but many are for display only. To the left of the registration desk you will go into a fairly large room that will have mostly Contemporary items rifles, pistols and assorted accouterments. Most are for sale but some are to display the artisan's work that often is done on commission available whenever his work load/schedule permits. In the back of that rooms is too doors into a larger room. Most of the larger vendors i.e barrels/locks/triggers/hardware and other assorted items are in this room. You should be able to find just about any part, accouterments, period clothing, hand tools etc that you need to build a rifle with. Or find one ready to go in exchange for a stack of worn out US dollars ;)
You will also see many books, paintings, clothing etc for sale at reasonable prices (remember most of these things are hand made).
Man I hate not being able to attend this year.
Dennis
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Larry just told me the shot didn't do the trick. Will miss you fellers!
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How about parts? The registration form talks of Contempory tables and Antique tables, but I've seen photos of past shows with the big named vendors (Chambers, Dunlap, Log Cabin, etc) who go as well.
When you go up to the registration desk the room to the right will have mostly antique guns/displays etc. Most are for sale but many are for display only. To the left of the registration desk you will go into a fairly large room that will have mostly Contemporary items rifles, pistols and assorted accouterments. Most are for sale but some are to display the artisan's work that often is done on commission available whenever his work load/schedule permits. In the back of that rooms is too doors into a larger room. Most of the larger vendors i.e barrels/locks/triggers/hardware and other assorted items are in this room. You should be able to find just about any part, accouterments, period clothing, hand tools etc that you need to build a rifle with. Or find one ready to go in exchange for a stack of worn out US dollars ;)
You will also see many books, paintings, clothing etc for sale at reasonable prices (remember most of these things are hand made).
Man I hate not being able to attend this year.
Dennis
Excellent. Thank you. Sorry you won't be there.
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Many thanks to all the people who provided information in response to my question and those of others who posted. We are leaving at 0:dark-thirty tomorrow heading to Lexington. Hope to meet some of you at the show. Safe trip to everyone.
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I am actually going to go tomorrow!! I thought I couldn't get off work, but was able to get my work done today for tomorrow. Hope to meet you all. I will have the wife along to make sure I don't go hog crazy.
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Wow, what a show! Seen some really nice rifles, pistols and accouterments. Met some really nice people too! Met Mike Davis in person and Gary Tingler and his wife. I have a rifle and smoothbore made by Mike Davis and a bag made by Gary. Mike and Gary donated a bag and rifle for the CLA auction. Wow, was that thing gorgeous! It brought 4,500 dollars.
Met Jim Kibler and seen his kit guns - man those are really nice. I also met Hershel House. Very nice gentleman. I also met the Wagner's from South Dakota and they are very nice people as well. I also spoke with Mike Lea the gunsmith from Columbus Ohio. Very knowledgeable man and very easy to talk to. He was set up there and seemed to be pretty busy with customers. Saw quite a few of the maker's mentioned here on ALR set up with their fine rifles and pistols. Rice barrels, Burton barrels and Dunlaps stocks.
I know the wife and I were dead tired when we got home. It was about a 2 1/2 hour drive down - almost 3 1/2 coming back due to two bad accidents on 75 north in Kentucky and 75 southbound in Ohio with the rubber neckers on the north bound lane.