Author Topic: Dixon's or the CLA show? (Read 16382 times)

Bill of the 45th · « **on:** July 02, 2009, 03:12:09 AM »

If you had to choose only one show to go to, Dixon's in July, or the CLA in August. One's in Pennsylvania, the other's in Louisville, Kentucky. Which one would you choose, and why, aside from the good camaraderie at both, Canadiens at Dixon's, and the Beer.

Help me decide!

Bill

VP · « **Reply #1 on:** July 02, 2009, 04:15:07 AM »

As a first timer at the CLA and Dixon's last year, the decision would be easy. As I am getting back into building guns I found the atmosphere at Dixon's much more to my liking. It was more informal and vendors were very willing to take time with me and explain their techniques. I like all the different seminars that were taking place. the quality of vendors, the guns being fired, etc. I am glad I don't have to chose as I live five hours from each and I will do my best to be at each of them.

Van

rich pierce · « **Reply #2 on:** July 02, 2009, 04:46:08 AM »

I think they are titled correctly. One is a show and the other is a gunmaker's fair. For me, Dixon's is more interactive and there's more teaching and learning happening. At CLA you'll probably see more original rifles and have more of a chance to see more contemporary makers' work.

George F. · « **Reply #3 on:** July 02, 2009, 04:48:36 AM »

Personally I live 2 1/2 hrs from the Gunmakers Fair at Dixons, and I've been there every year since 1994. I enjoy going. On the other hand, I never been to the CLA in Lexington. It's 12 hours away. I went to the show in Lewisburg, Pa this year, it's also 2 1/2 hrs, for the weekend, but just one day would of been enough. I've heard the CLA is a really big event, so I think I would go there, at least once. ...Geo.

Acer Saccharum · « **Reply #4 on:** July 02, 2009, 04:56:56 AM »

CLA: If you are solely a collector and student of the longrifle, I'd say the CLA is the one. I think all the builders, knife makers, horners, and a great showing of antique rifles. I ain't been yet, but plan to go this year.

Dixon's: If you are a builder and want to meet lots of vendors and builders and ALR guys, pick up parts or wood, or just ideas for your next build, Dixon's is the place to go. There are how to seminars from wire inlay to basic engraving, stock finishing to tuning your lock. Plus, there's a woman selling locks at the fair who will just charm a buck twenty five right out o yore wallet like it was greased.

B Shipman · « **Reply #5 on:** July 02, 2009, 07:36:41 AM »

Acer hit it on the head. Both are really great events. Both very impressive. Depends on what you're looking for. In addition, one's inside in a luxury hotel and the other is outside under tents at the end of July.

Don Getz · « **Reply #6 on:** July 02, 2009, 03:47:58 PM »

Fortunately I don't have to make that decision. I really enjoy both of them. I have missed a few Gunmakers Fairs due to
circumstances beyond my control.....a gall bladder removal, a daughters ill-timed wedding, etc. Dixon's is great if you can
live with the heat, sweat, and thunderstorms.....just so much to see and do, and you get to see old friends. You get to
see a lot of the same people at the CLA show, but it's in a nice, clean, air-conditioned atmosphere....it is big, and a lot to
look at. Tought decision if you could only go to one.......Don

David Rase · « **Reply #7 on:** July 02, 2009, 04:23:36 PM »

I went to CLA for the first 6 years and then switched to Dixon's. I have been going to Dixon's since then. I too can only go to one or the other. Tom pretty much hit the nail on the head. I started going to Dixon's because I wanted to buy parts. I seem tohave quite a supply of parts so I am considering a trip to CLA again. They are both great shows.
DMR

Roger Fisher · « **Reply #8 on:** July 02, 2009, 04:44:10 PM »

Chuck's for certain!! It's a reunion and 40 min from the house.

Oh yeah! The 'gun' judging ugh! Gives an ol goat some incentive to scratch at still another rifle or smoothy over each winter. Keeps me off my a !

C Wallingford · « **Reply #9 on:** July 02, 2009, 04:48:31 PM »

I have not missed a CLA show since it's inception. It gets bigger and better each year. Now I am thinking about going to Dixon's this year for the first time. I definitely will be at the CLA show, God willing.

David Rase · « **Reply #10 on:** July 03, 2009, 03:25:11 AM »

Another reason to go to Dixon's is that you can attend the pig roast at Jacobsburg Historical Society on Friday night. This event is being sponsored by the Honorouble Company of Horners. Cost is $20.00. For more information go the the HCH web site. http://www.hornguild.org/ enter the site and click on the Dixon's summer reception tab.
DMR

M Tornichio · « **Reply #11 on:** July 03, 2009, 03:26:53 AM »

for what it is worth. I don't think you really can go wrong with either event. I think they are both great. I wish that Dixon's was closer.
Marc

B Shipman · « **Reply #12 on:** July 03, 2009, 07:40:02 AM »

One pro for Dixons is that it's 3 days if you're coming from a distance. And you'll definetely use the time.

Acer Saccharum · « **Reply #13 on:** July 03, 2009, 03:01:23 PM »

Another pro is that you may get to see Dave Rase in fine fettle, complete with grass skirt and ukulele, crooning 'You Ain't nuthin but a Hound Dog'.....

Leprechaun · « **Reply #14 on:** July 03, 2009, 03:34:42 PM »

Quote from: Acer Saccharum on July 03, 2009, 03:01:23 PM

Another pro is that you may get to see Dave Rase in fine fettle, complete with grass skirt and ukulele, crooning 'You Ain't nuthin but a Hound Dog'.....

Uh, I seen that once.....I'ld put that under the 'con' list. You forgot to mention the fish net stockings. They just don't go with a grass skirt. I USED to have a thing for fish nets but now they just give me nightmares.

Bill of the 45th · « **Reply #15 on:** July 04, 2009, 03:50:57 AM »

OK, Rase in a skirt. So Dixon's it is. I'm assuming adult beverages were involved, I'm in. Now the next question. What about accommodations, motel, or is there camping there so I could bring my motor home. Is a 1 75 of Beam enough for three days, or do I need two of them

Bill

David Rase · « **Reply #16 on:** July 04, 2009, 07:31:27 AM »

Quote from: Acer Saccharum on July 03, 2009, 03:01:23 PM

Another pro is that you may get to see Dave Rase in fine fettle, complete with grass skirt and ukulele, crooning 'You Ain't nuthin but a Hound Dog'.....

Stop it Tom, You are going to scare my Canadian room mate away. Or maybe that is your angle. Scare Daryl away, put him up in your room with the other 5 guys sleeping 3 to a bed. Sleep tight and don't let the bed bugs bite.
DMR

Leprechaun · « **Reply #17 on:** July 04, 2009, 04:52:12 PM »

Scare Daryl away???. It was the rumour of the "grass skirt and ukulele, crooning 'You Ain't nuthin but a Hound Dog'....." that prompted him to seek you out as a roomy

. Sleep tight now....don't let the bed bugs bite.

Tommy Bruce · « **Reply #18 on:** July 04, 2009, 08:12:25 PM »

Sorry I'm going to miss the grass skirt. I'd hoped to attend both this year but my brother will be home on leave the last two weeks of July so I'm going to miss the gunmaker's fair this year. I was able to tack the CLA show on then end a vacation to the Smokey Mountains in August. It will be my first trip to both.

Dr. Tim-Boone · « **Reply #19 on:** July 04, 2009, 08:46:07 PM »

Tommy,

You will love them both..be sure to spend time in Cade's Cove in the smokies.

I love both CLA and Dixon's. The antiques and the greeater number of builders tables at CLA are a big plus but the classes etc at Dixon's are terrific! Fellowship is great at both. Wear something to identify yourself as being involved on ALR so others will know.........

Tommy Bruce · « **Reply #20 on:** July 05, 2009, 02:52:53 PM »

Will do, I plan on having my ALR t-shirt ready. We are staying in Townsend TN, is there anything historical to check out close by?

G-Man · « **Reply #21 on:** July 05, 2009, 04:15:50 PM »

Tommy - the Museum of Appalachia in Norris, Tennessee is outstanding - dozens of old historic log buildings, and two display buildings filled with all sorts of hand made, antique items from the region - including a nice display of guns and gunmaking equipment. It is just north of Knoxville so it would be between the Smokies and the CLA show, but worth the stop.

Also a second on Cades Cove - very close to Townsend. Plan on getting there early -before the crowds - it gets real busy in summer. Avoid it on a weekend if you can. On Wednesday and Sunday it is only open it to bicycles and foot traffic from sunrise till until about 10 AM. There is a store at the entrance that rents bikes. If you have the time that would be a great way to see it, I think the loop road is about 15 miles.

Not historic but if you like caves, Tuckaleechee Caverns in Townsend is actually a great little cave to visit.

If you make it over the North Carolina side of the park the Museum of the Cherokee Indian and the pioneer farmstead over by Cherokee are nice too.

Back on topic - I've not been to Dixon's but it must be a blast if all these great builders on here keep going year after year. I can vouch for the CLA show and if you have not gone in 5 years or so, come back some time because it is amazing now. The assemblage of quality contemporary items on display is outstanding, and you could spend years traveling to every historical museum in America and still never see the number of important original arms and other items that were on display there in one place last year.

Guy

David Rase · « **Reply #22 on:** July 05, 2009, 04:22:55 PM »

Quote from: Leprechaun on July 04, 2009, 04:52:12 PM

Scare Daryl away???. It was the rumour of the "grass skirt and ukulele, crooning 'You Ain't nuthin but a Hound Dog'....." that prompted him to seek you out as a roomy . Sleep tight now....don't let the bed bugs bite.

It's not a"grass skirt".....It's a "Hawaiian Kilt"

DMR

Bill of the 45th · « **Reply #23 on:** July 06, 2009, 12:48:36 AM »

Now, that's real scary, since we all know what's worn under a kilt.

Now, on a more informational note, the web site states you can camp there if you are self contained. My question is has anyone stayed there, and how far are the regular campgrounds from there. Are they close or do I need to haul my jeep. Guess I'll give them a call tomorrow.

Bill

flintriflesmith · « **Reply #24 on:** July 06, 2009, 10:27:13 PM »

Quote from: richpierce on July 02, 2009, 04:46:08 AM

I think they are titled correctly. One is a show and the other is a gunmaker's fair. For me, Dixon's is more interactive and there's more teaching and learning happening. At CLA you'll probably see more original rifles and have more of a chance to see more contemporary makers' work.

I have attended both and would strongly recommend the CLA show because of the large number of antique rifles on exhibit. How often have posters here on this site complained that they never get to see originals? The CLA show is a great opportunity! Many of the owners will allow careful handling and photography.

Last year at the CLA there were dozens of TABLES of original rifles and powder horns. It will take you two days just to see/study them. Other than the seminars, Dixons is, for me at least, a 3-4 hour experience.

Gary

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Author Topic: Dixon's or the CLA show? (Read 16382 times)

George F.

Leprechaun

Leprechaun