Thinking of Traveling from Edm to one of the big U.S. meets

[Dean2]

Based on a number of recommendations on threads I posted about builders in the Contemporary Longrifle Collecting forum, I have an interest in going down to attend something like Friendship, or Dixon's builders meet July 26, 27, 28th etc. I would like to go to something where there will be a lot of builders so I can look over, handle some of their work and get a chance to talk to a few. With any luck I will find exactly what I am looking for already built, but if not it should help picking someone to build it.

Anyone in the Edm or Calgary area interested in making a trip somewhere between now and July? Would probably fly down, buy a car in the U.S. and drive back if time and location allows. If too far, fly both ways.

For you guys that have been to a bunch of these, what are the top three or four shows to see a lot of custom built flintlocks at? and is there a good show close to Alberta (just above Montana, North Dakota)

[Roger Fisher]

I doubt if you can beat Dixons here in good ol Penna.  the hot bed of the old and new gun builders .. Although quite a haul in distance; but $#*! man you gotta do it at least once...

[Tony N]

If your coming all the way to Friendship, you might want to wait until August and visit the CLA show in Lexington, Ky.
In my opinion that's the Best of the Best!

~Tony

[smylee grouch]

I think there was a show in Montana-Custom Gun Makers Guild-or something like that. Dan might chime in here with details if there is such a thing.  There is also the NMLRA Western National Shoot in Phoenix starting on Feb. 26 if you can go that far.

[B.Habermehl]

You definately need tto come down to Dixon's. The last week end in July. It's the closest thing to Mecca for gunbuilders there is. If you make it down there stop by my table and say hello. BJH

[galudwig]

X2 on the Contemporary Longrifle Association (CLA) show in Lexington, KY; August 16-17, 2013. 

http://www.longrifle.ws/

Dixon's is great, but many who are at Dixon's are also at the CLA show plus more!  There are also many original firearms on display at the CLA as The Kentucky Rifle Association (KRA) will have displays there too.

Plenty of other things to do in Kentucky while you're there.  Fort Boonesborough is a short drive to the east of Lexington. The Frazier Historical Arms Museum in Louisville is a "must see":

http://www.myarmoury.com/feature_visit_frazier.html

The NMLRA summer or fall shoots at Friendship are great if you want to do some shooting while in the States.  You should try and make it on the opening weekend of either shoot if you want to see builders, suppliers and vendors as many of them leave by Tuesday or Wednesday.  Sadly, there seems to be fewer and fewer tenants occupying "Commercial Row" every year. 

galudwig

[Hessian]

Everyone should experience Friendship at least once.
You'll either love it or not but you have to experience it.
The first weekend is the one to make.
Hessian

[Dean2]

The advice is very consistent here and on another site. To see lots of guns and builders, Dixon's, Friendship or the show in August. Thanks all for the info.

Still interested in finding someone from Edm or Calgary interested in making the trip.

[Dennis Glazener]

I would certainly consider the CLA show in Lexington KY if August is not too late.
Dennis

[Bob Roller]

 The shoots at Friendship ain't what they used to be.I remember seeing license
plates from Western Canada,Washington,Oregon and the Southwest but now it's
mostly Indiana.Ohio.Kentucky with a few from Michigan and maybe one from West Virginia
which would be mine.A lot of the dealers are now absent due to distances of travel and poor
attendence.It is still a good shoot but it's not like it once was so it will be a good experience to
say you've "been there".

Bob Roller

[TKsdaughter]

Do you remember the name of the husband and wife that always worked the front gate at Friendship?

[Bob Roller]

 I think the man's name was Dale McGee but I also think he passed away.
He worked the gate shack for years.

Bob Roller