ALR members score big at Dixon's

[smart dog]

Hi Folks,
I could not wait for Acer or someone else to mention it but ALR members did really well in the gun judging program at Dixon's this year.  Mark Elliot won best of class in the Master's category for a fantastic early Lancaster rifle.  Acer and I handled that gun and were mightily impressed by the design, decoration, feel, and execution of the work.  Really well done, Mark.  Tom Currie won best of class in the journeyman's category for a fabulous Lehigh Valley gun.  What more difficult style of gun could you choose to place in front of notoriously picky judges.  Well done, Tom.  Dane Lund won best of class in the apprentice category for a terrific copy of RCA 26.  It is a simple but unique Berks County gun and his execution was flawless.  Well done, Dane.  John Cholin earned a third place in the master's category for a very fine Lancaster gun.  The style, fit, and finish was superb and the owner of that gun will be ecstatic.  Way to go, John.  I know it sounds corny to cynical folks but I was as happy for those folks as I would be if I entered and won because I really believe it demonstrates the short- and long-term value of this forum.  The gun making skills and creativity of every one of the winners has grown partly owing to this forum.  I know I have.

dave   

[Boompa]

How about some pictures posted of those guns.

[Hemo]

Hi, Dave,

I was sorely disappointed not to make it to Dixon's this year. For some reason, my place of employment wasn't sympathetic to my needs of going to Pennsylvania on those days. By next year this time, I'll be retired, and it won't be an issue. I have a few guns piling up here that I'd love to enter in the judging. Can you explain the difference between the various categories (i.e., masters, journeyman, apprentice classes)? At this moment I'm merely a serious hobbiest, not a professional,  but next year I may start doing some actual gunmaking for extra pin money.

Gregg

[jcmcclure]

We did ok in the accoutrements also. The gentleman with the ravens head ball dispenser is a member here and he had an amazing piece that won several awards. For my first trip to Dixon's I was thrilled to have a knife that brought a ribbon home. I knew a few a of the guys names in the gun judging, but I mostly only know folks in connection to their profile usernames. Congrats to the winners...there were some beautiful pieces entered.   

[wpalongrifle]

Apprentice: acceptable  to use precarved stock, First gun entered, not all work performed by maker.
Journeymen: Having won First place ribbon in Apprentice class, semi inlet Stock, All work by maker,
Master: Having won first place Ribbon in Journeyman class, All work from stock blank, All work/embellishment by maker, making patchbox, thimbles, sideplate, inlays, etc.

Awards for: Craftsmanship, Conformation, Carving, Engraving, Patchbox Construction & Mechanism, Best of Class traditional and Contemporary, Pistol, Military, Fowler,  Best of Show

[Tom Currie]

Dave, Thanks for the very kind words. I don't believe many have benefited more than myself from the ALR site and friends I have made through this site. I'll get a few pictures posted shortly.

.

[Mark Elliott]

Dave,  thanks for the kind words.

Mark

[M. E. Pering]

Congratulations to you all, and well done.  This only makes us amateurs want to beat you all that much more.   

Matt

[M. Wheland]

I would like to add my congratulations to all you Dixon's winners as well.
Keep up the good work!

Mark

[thimble rig]

Way to go guys I'm proud of you.And Mark you thought that Dickert rifle wasn't good enough to even take to Dixions.Dont ever sell yourself short.Cant wait to see some pictures.

[Long John]

Dave,

Thank you for your kind comments but I have to correct the record.  My gun was entered in the Journeyman category.  While the new owner says it is exactly what he wanted, what he wanted and what the judges think he should want do not agree.  Ben got the rifle he wanted.

As soon as the weather clears (we've gotten 9 inches of rain in the past 5 days) I'll take some photos and then get about to posting them along with the critiques I received.

Congratulations to my brother-builders.  Both Mark's and Tom's rifles were simply STUNNING!  Both superb examples of the craft.

Best Regards,

John Cholin

[Joe S.]

congratulations guys,you make us all proud!

[Daryl]

Well done, guys - a tough bunch of judges for sure.

[Ed Wenger]

Congrats, guys!  All were very nice pieces and deserving.  Great work!


     Ed

[James Rogers]

Congratulations to all. Lets see some pics of those guns.