Calling all Contemporary Builders

[bama]

That's right calling all of you guys to come and display your work at the Alabama - Kentucky Rifle Show. Tim Cosby and I have been tossing around this idea for a while and I have decided that we should acknowledge the contemporary builders by giving them a special place to display their handiwork.

We are going to set up a special rack that holds I think 28 rifles.

If you would like to display your work along with your piers then come early and pick a spot on the rack to show off your rifle or rifles. Each spot on the rack will be given a number and there will be a tally sheet available for people to vote for the rifles they like the most. There will be no judging, all votes will be from the general public only, so be sure to tell all of your friends to go vote for your rifle. The top 4 rifles with the most votes will receive a ribbon of honor for their place in the vote. The honors will be given out at 1:00 PM on Saturday at the same time of the drawing for the vendor door prize.

I would like to keep this to the builders but depending on how many we have participate we might open this up to owners of contemporary built rifles also.

Guys this is basically for fun and bragging rights, so lets treat it this way. Everyone bring a rifle that they built or own by a contemporary builder and lets have some fun.

It's possible we could have an ugly duckling award if you guys want to to try and build the ugliest rifle out there. Just throwing this out there for thought, you let me know if it's something you might be interested in doing.

Jim Parker

[A.Merrill]

I won't be able to make it but  I think it's a great idea. The first year i would leave it open to, gun builders first then gun owners.  Are you going to make it open for pistols?     Al

[Stoner creek]

I’ll be bringing a gun or two to hang on the rack. Hopefully my most recent concept project will be ready.

[bama]

A. Merrill, if we can get enough pistols I think it would be great and would be happy to have a table set up for them to be displayed on.

Stoner, I will look forward to seeing your creation.

[A.Merrill]

  The first year I would just group them all together if it looks like your only going to have 10 or 12 guns and let everybody know next year you have plans of doing it differently.  This could wind up drawing even more people to this event..   Al

[A.Merrill]

  The second year you have this put a spot on the ballot asking people if they would be interested in a accoutrements contest. Bag's, horns, ect. Whats 4 ribbons cost ? Charge everybody a couple bucks to inter something just to help pay for the ribbons.    Al

[Craig Wilcox]

Sounds like a fun trip, Jim, so I am going to TRY to get down there.

[oldtravler61]

  Jim you might as well send me the ribbon . Hands down my first gun is a shoe in for a winner... Then a first gun display might be interesting..

Oldtravler

[bama]

oldtravler61, you bring it to the show and I will personally see you get a ribbon.

[David Rase]

Now I may have to bring something out!  Dang.....

[bama]

Dave it would be great if you could, I always love seeing your work.

[Birddog6]

So this is Saturday only ?

[Eric Krewson]

Just in case you didn't see it elsewhere; the park was hit by a tornado a couple of days ago, the lodge is fine and once the power is restored today or tomorrow it will be back up and running.

The RV campground was hit hard and is closed with no indication on when it will reopen. If you were planning to pull a camper to the park for the show, the campground may still be closed.

https://whnt.com/2019/12/17/sky-19-reveals-extensive-tornado-damage-to-joe-wheeler-state-park/

[bama]

Keith the show is open to the public Friday Jan. 10th from 8 AM until 10 PM and Saturday Jan. 11 from 8 AM until 2 PM. Vendor set up is Thursday Jan. 9th from Noon until 8 PM.

Eric, thanks for posting the info about the park. I don't think that this will have any effect on the show. If I find out different I will let everyone know. If you were planning to stay at one of the cabins or in the campground please contact the park to verify the conditions.

Thanks, Jim

[Birddog6]

I was referring to the Showing your Work rack or display. I thought about bringing a rifle to display if I go.  Will see what the work load looks like around that time.

Thanks

[bama]

Keith if you can bring your rifle on Thrusday afternoon or early on Friday. I would like for the rifles to be on the display rack for the entire show if possible. Location on the rack will be on a first come basis so to get a good spot on the rack the earlier the better.

[Stoner creek]

I’d like to put one of my Lester Smith guns from back in the 60s on that rack also if you don’t mind.
My daughter promises me that she’ll have my “Bucks County Light” ready to go on that rack by then too!!

[bama]

I initially wanted this display to be for our builders that come and support the show. I will open it up for now to include any contemporary rifle even if you did not build it. If we run into a space problem on the rack we will give priority to only rifles built by vendors of the show. We will set up a Non vendor contemporary rifles on a separate display. Ultimately I would love a good representation to showcase the many talented builders that are currently building. At the same time I would love to have a display for the many builders that have paved the way in the past.

This show is becoming a show where we can show all aspects of our great passion for the Long Rifle and it's culture. We have some of the finest antique collectors in the country, contemporary builders past and present, horn and knife makers, and many that make so many of the hand crafted items that go along with the Long Rifle. I appreciate everyone that makes this show great and I promise to do everything in my power to keep it growing.

I look forward to seeing everyone at the show.

Jim Parker