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

[Dean2]

I have an interest in going down 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 a 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, hair west of North Dakota and slightly east of Washington state and the tip of Utah.)

Appreciate any help or advice

 

[Many Klatch]

At Friendship they have the Gunbulders cabin with lots of builders guns; originals and new on display. There are a lot of builders at the cabin and on the grounds and you can probably get a chance to shoot some of their guns if you talk nice and ply them with whiskey. They also have classes on gun building and rifling barrels.

Email the NMLRA to get more information http://www.nmlra.org/index.asp

Tip Curtis always has 50 to 100 guns in the white that you can drool over.

Bring a tent and stay on Primitive Hill with Jethro, Grizz and I. Be prepared to shoot if you come.

Many Klatch

 

[George T.]

I have always thought about attewnding the national shoot just to watch. I hit the link that you provided and see that they have sveral shoots. Do the gun builders come to all of them.
Geo. T.

 

[fleener]

There will be gun builders at Friendship. You will see some of them with thier guns for sale. If there is a particular builder that you are intrested in you might want to give them a call and see if they will be at one of these events, and see if they have anything for sale.

On the longgun forum there is a guy trying to sell some really nice rifles. Just depends on how much coin you want to spend.

Like was already said, Tip Curtis has a bunch of guns in the white. Would not take much to finish one, just depends on if you want the extra gingerbread that can be done to a rifle like that.

snapper

 

[Many Klatch]

Geo, you can count on gunbuilders to be onsite for the two big national shoots in the Spring and the Fall. It is a good place for them to pick up supplies and talk with fellow craftsmen.

Many Klatch

 

[Coot]

If flying in, bringing either a gun or camping gear might be a bit problematic. If your primary interest is on meeting builders & seeing their work, I would suggest looking at Dixon's and at the CLA show (Lexington, KY in Aug).

 

[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 Arizona. Thanks all for the info.

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