best and biggest Contemporary Longrifle show?

[axelp]

I have always wanted to attend a show. But travel and time off has always not cooperated. I want to get this check off my bucket list.

What is the best show to attend if you only were able to attend one?

thanks

Ken Prather

[Tim Crosby]

 I can think of 5 right off but putting one at the top is not easy. You get into location/travel time, time of year, open to the public, what do you hope to see/looking for, etc... I'm not sure if there is a true "Contemporary" only show.

   Tim C.

[axelp]

I am interested in the show that most of the builders might attend and am interested in not just contemporary long rifles but the history and the acoutrements, etc. I have been involved in the hobby for a couple decades and have a small collection of long rifles and fowlers.  Living in the Sierra mtns of rural CA (near Yosemite), I don't get out much, but am ready to plan a trip.

[rich pierce]

My impressions

The CLA in Louisville LEXINGTONis the one I would suggest for one who wants to see a lot of makers of guns and accoutrements. I think any CLA member can reserve a table. This one attracts a wide variety of work representing re-creations of guns and accoutrements from a wide geographical range. Some percussion guns too.

The gathering formerly known as Dixon’s; now Kempton in eastern Pennsylvania also has demos and teaching. Vetted artisans can get tables indoors. You’ll see a lot of Pennsylvania longrifles and few Southern Mountain rifles or later percussion guns.

The winter show formerly known as the Lewisburg show will be in Carlisle PA now. It’s for vetted artisans.

Each show attracts different sorts of builders. Some of this is because of location.

[axelp]

thank you. I'll set my sights on the Louisville show.

best regards, Ken

[Stoner creek]

There are two shows happening within a week of each other in February 
The CLA mini show (it’s bigger than one might think), and the aforementioned Artisan Show in Carlisle Pa.. These two shows are within a day’s drive of each other.  I’m looking forward to attending both!!

[Stoner creek]

thank you. I'll set my sights on the Louisville show.

best regards, Ken

That show is held in Lexington. One way to make a Lexington resident mad is to refer to Louisville as Lexington.

[axelp]

oops sorry! I have relatives in both towns and should know better.

K

[Carl Young]

If you choose the CLA show in Lexington, plan to be there a day early for the Stoner Creek picnic and mini-show; there were ~200? of our kind of people there. A real good twofer one trip. 

Hope to meet you there,
Carl

[Molly]

We have not been to any shows billed as "contemporary shows" other than CLA - Lexington.  What I'll call the "regional" shows are a blend of contemporary and original things but all in all they are not very big.  That's not saying they are not quality but those I have attended can easily be covered in an hour or two unless you stop to jaw with people.  Check out the CLA website.

https://www.longrifle.com/

Go across the top to "Gallery" then drop down to see photos and videos.  If you look at photos you need to go at least 3 pages deep to get to the goodies.  The first three pages are just mostly CLA celebrities.

MAS

[MuskratMike]

A show like you are describing was high on my "bucket list" also. This year i saved up and flew to the CLA show in Lexington. I can't imagine any show could be better. It far exceeded my wildest expectations. Gun makers, barrel makers, lock makers, stock makers, bag makers, horn makers, accoutrement makers my the truck load. Easy to fly into (other than the 6 hour layover in Chicago), hotel literally next door with free parking. What could possibly be better? Oh and got to meet lots of people I only knew from ALR.

[oldtravler61]

  The Tennessee Long rifle show in Knoxville is one of the best if your into Southern rifles. Another good show is the Lake Cumberland show in February. Both are smaller than the CLA show but both good shows.
Just really depends what you want to see...

[Marcruger]

Right.  I agree that the Lexington, KY CLA show is sort of the "premier" event of the year.  I have to say I enjoy the spring Knoxville show almost as much.  Great places to see friends and meet new friends.   God Bless,   Marc

[Flintandsmoke]

If you choose the CLA show in Lexington, plan to be there a day early for the Stoner Creek picnic and mini-show; there were ~200? of our kind of people there. A real good twofer one trip. 

Hope to meet you there,
Carl

I agree entirely, the bbq was amazing and the show just sweetened the experience

[axelp]

ok its on my calendar wish list and submitted for approval.

[axelp]

How early should I reserve a room at the Hyatt Lexington? Do they fill up fast for the Show in August?

thanks, Ken