[Retired_Rusty]

Good Old Boy wanted to visit the Show vicariously, so here Ya go! I took a bnch of pics today while walking through, but some of them had people's heads photobombing while stepping in front of me, or were too close, and meesed up the focus. I even had one of Allen Martin when the crowd wasn't around his table!

If I had unlimited financial resources, I would have left with 5-6 rifles, and a few pistols!

 

[BerksCoflinter]

Thanks for sharing your photos. I'm sure heads and bodies were photo stoppers at times because it was a tad crowded, to say the least. The restaurant area would serve as a great venue for vendors, but then I couldn't enjoy my creamed chipped beef on toast and potatoes!

It was my first ever visit, and I was definitely impressed. It was a pleasure to meet Allen Martin, and to examine his incredible workmanship on flintlock long guns. I would truly be thrilled to place an order, but pushing 76 probably is the time to be adding another custom gun. If I can finish my jaeger project, I'll consider my collection complete.

I don't know if it was just me, but the crowd composition struck me as getting a bit long in the tooth, and that is disappointing. I would have been thrilled to see more "young" folks in attendance. Maybe today being a work day had an impact. Perhaps tomorrow will bring more of a younger crowd with deeper pockets.

All in all, it was a day very well spent!

 

[tdd]

Do I count as “young” at 43?

My kids think I dodged dinosaurs on my way to school as a kid.... but what do they know? Brats. Lol

Berks... we should shoot sometime. I got a couple of rifles made by Allen. You’re welcome to shoot them if ya like.

 

[BerksCoflinter]

43!!! I have hunting coats older than you! Thanks for the offer to shoot together. I would enjoy that come spring, and as to shooting a Martin rifle, I shoot from the southpaw side. I did mention to Allen that his displayed long guns were all rightys. He stated immediately that he does build leftys as well.

Sorry I missed bumping into you today. I realized quickly that a serious number of show patrons and myself looked pretty much alike, white beards and all!

 

[BlackBruin]

Berksy I have a lefty martin you can try out! Only live once, might as well have a great guy some of the $$ instead of the government!

 

[Retired_Rusty]

Berksy,

I think I passed You coming off the porch at the entrance, but for the life of me couldn't remember the color You said Your hat was. So I didn't chance it, and end up looking like a dumba$$ to someone else!

It was definitely a crowded one today, especially when I got there at 10:00. Never saw it that busy that early before!

 

[good ole boy]

Thanks a ton Rusty.

 

[tdd]

Rusty,

The place literally cleared out by a good 50% within an hour of when you left!

 

[Retired_Rusty]

When I was leaving, I went out the front of the Hotel. There was a charter bus loading up at the front door. Might have been the extra crowd, don't know for sure though.

 

[tdd]

I don't know. I know I went and ribbed Allen about his comment about things thinning out at 11. By 1 or so, it was pretty thinned out and you could almost walk a straight line down most of the aisles.

I wound up going back and getting a 40gr powder measure and a pan brush. Bought a t-shirt, too....but I do that every year (get a t-shirt...they usually have pretty cool designs and it supports the show).

Went back and put a little more "aging" on Allen's rifles and then headed out.

 

[tdd]

43!!! I have hunting coats older than you! Thanks for the offer to shoot together. I would enjoy that come spring, and as to shooting a Martin rifle, I shoot from the southpaw side. I did mention to Allen that his displayed long guns were all rightys. He stated immediately that he does build leftys as well.

Sorry I missed bumping into you today. I realized quickly that a serious number of show patrons and myself looked pretty much alike, white beards and all!

Berksy I have a lefty martin you can try out! Only live once, might as well have a great guy some of the $$ instead of the government!

Seems like an HPA flintlock shoot is in the making here....

 

[Retired_Rusty]

Seems like an HPA flintlock shoot is in the making here....

If so, I'm in! :thumbs:

 

[tdd]

I was gonna say we need a range to shoot at, but.....

Through April, we could just meet at the Harrisburg Hunters & Anglers Woods Walks on a given Sunday morning and shoot the course there. A little bit of a drive for Berks and I, but I've done it before and don't mind giving Berks a ride, either, if he'd like.

 

[BuckStalker]

Thanks for the photos Rusty! I didn't get to make it down cause of the weather.

I would come down for an HPA shoot. :smile2:

 

[USAF_SP]

Once again, an excellent show. Picked up a few items for future small projects and another belt bag from The Leatherman. Talked to Knob Mtn Muzzleloading about ordering a stock in July at Dixon's Gunmakers Fair in July.

 

[Allen Martin]

Thanks to all the brave folks who made it out the our show .. it was fun ...

My son Ted is sorta the unofficial show shutterbug and has a great eye for capturing detail through his lens .
You may click on the Contemporary Makers Blog for more shots of the show .... with more to come I presume .

Contemporary Makers

Sincerely ... Al Martin