Having never been, I'm thinking of going this June. Either there or I'll try to get to the CLA deal in KY. What is the consensus? Is Friendship still a really good place to visit. I understand in its heyday, the place was packed and the firing lines were a sight to behold. What can one expect this day and age? Been shooting BP for 25 years or so pretty seriously and somehow just never could get my schedule to match thiers. I don't want to register to shoot or anything, just wanna go see the elephant.
Friendship now and then...
- Thread starter jgh4445
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I was hoping to go for the first time in June, but thats not gonna happen this year. Id still be interested in any answers you receive though.
I do live about an hour away from Pikeville Ky... Whats this "CLA deal" you speak of??
I do live about an hour away from Pikeville Ky... Whats this "CLA deal" you speak of??
Curator
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For a black powder enthusiast, going to Friendship is like a muslim going to Mecca. Go during the summer shoots and bring all the money you can spare. Great deals, nice people, and so much to see and do. You won't regret it unless the river floods while you are there.
Stormson, the CLA is the Contemporary Longrifle Assn. Has an annual meeting, I believe, in KY. Usually has about the best showing of longrifles to be found. I think the also have classes, seminars etc. Google em or go to the American Longrifle Forum. Those folks have a lot of info on it.
Curator, are you saying that there is a better time than June? A summer shoot? I thought there was only t June shoot and the Fall shoot.
Curator, are you saying that there is a better time than June? A summer shoot? I thought there was only t June shoot and the Fall shoot.
Go to Friendship. Wear decent walking shoes, have shorts and a light shirt if the weather is hot and humid and spend at least two days there, three or more if you want to take in the flea markets not associated with the NMLRA but located next to it.
In recent years I have noticed that some of the vendors start leaving after the first weekend, but traffic on that first weekend is pretty intense so I try for Monday. Make sure you walk through the primitive area, if you are a member and need powder you can buy it there.
You might want to check the website for classes or seminars that interest you, you usually have to pre register, but if you want to make a shooting bag, scrimwsaw, a self-bow, etc, this is an opportunity to do so. Lectures and presentations are often offered also.
It isn't what it was in 1979, but it is still very good, and well worth the trip.
added: The big events are the Spring (in June) and Fall (September) shoots, there are other, smaller more specialized events throughout the year. Go to the Spring or Fall shoot. I bet you'll make time to come back again.
In recent years I have noticed that some of the vendors start leaving after the first weekend, but traffic on that first weekend is pretty intense so I try for Monday. Make sure you walk through the primitive area, if you are a member and need powder you can buy it there.
You might want to check the website for classes or seminars that interest you, you usually have to pre register, but if you want to make a shooting bag, scrimwsaw, a self-bow, etc, this is an opportunity to do so. Lectures and presentations are often offered also.
It isn't what it was in 1979, but it is still very good, and well worth the trip.
added: The big events are the Spring (in June) and Fall (September) shoots, there are other, smaller more specialized events throughout the year. Go to the Spring or Fall shoot. I bet you'll make time to come back again.
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JN01
Member
Want to stock up on shooting supplies, buy parts for a build, or get tips from seasoned shooters? Friendship is where you want to go.
On the other hand, the CLA show in Lexington is an enormous hall filled with some of the finest period style guns, knives, and accessories you will find anywhere. They also have a large exhibit area of original guns, horns, etc.
If I could only go to one, I'd pick the CLA show for the wow factor. This link has a photo gallery of past shows: http://www.longrifle.com/
On the other hand, the CLA show in Lexington is an enormous hall filled with some of the finest period style guns, knives, and accessories you will find anywhere. They also have a large exhibit area of original guns, horns, etc.
If I could only go to one, I'd pick the CLA show for the wow factor. This link has a photo gallery of past shows: http://www.longrifle.com/
Wow.. Thanks for the answers everybody! After hanging out on these forums for a couple years now, I still had no idea about CLA!
Still Wanna make the "pilgrimage" to Friendship at least once in my lifetime LOL
Still Wanna make the "pilgrimage" to Friendship at least once in my lifetime LOL
Yeah, thanks for all the replies. Not sure what my schedule will allow. Now, Gettysburg the first week of July has reared it's head. Gonna have to choose one, can't do them all.
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