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going to Friendship...MAYBE

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newtewsmoke

45 Cal.
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might be going to SC this spring and might be able to go in June and hit Friendship on the way back, question is can an ordinary joe such as myself find something to do there? I love to shoot but don't do that much, just have 2 perc. guns, Lyman .54 and a Ped. 12 dbl, don't have any authentic gear at all, never been to any kind of shoot ever. Just gathering some input as to whether it'd be worth going for a guy like me. It won't be much out of my way on the trip home. Been reading all the posts here about all the negatives of Friendship and the NMLRA, I personally haven't a clue about any of that. If I go I definitely want to shoot and shoot ALOT! What is a ballpark $$ as to what this all costs to show up, register and shoot?
Thanks guys for your help!
Scott
 
You have to be a member to shoot. Membership is $40 by mail or $35 at the shoot. Unless they've changed it recently.

Shooter registration is $5 for one day or $20 for the week.

I'm not sure what the camping fee is outside the primitive area. At the fall shoot the primitive camping was $15 for one night or $50 for the week.

Each match costs $2.50 to buy the target. Some matches cost a little more.

Even if you didn't want to shoot it would be worth your while to spend a day there just looking around.
 
Just the shopping opportunities would be worth the detour. And come to my range (Running Boar). It's a ton of fun, So is Woodswalk. (Shady, especially nice if it's a hot day). And as a member, you have access to the powder magazine, where several brands and grades of black powder are available. And Gunmaker's Hall and the Trade Blankets and the demonstrations and meeting friendly like-minded folks and seeing some of the best shooters in the world do their thing (and many of us somewhere below "best in the world").

yeah, you better plan on stopping by.
 
www.nmlra.org has pdf of June program. We have a classification system ln place on offhand along with novice matches for new shooters. Contrary to what you read most who come there leave with a huge smile on their face. You will not be able to shoot all that is available in the 8 days of the event. Please look me up if you decide to come,I am usually shooting or working on the offhand line and camp on site K-2 in 6 acres.
 
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You must go.

Modern camping area I think is either 15 or 20 bucks a night. We tent camp in the modern area.

There are people that camp next to us that come for several days and do not bring a gun to shoot. They like wandering around and shopping.

Hook up with someone that has been coming for a while. The social aspect is what really makes it fun. The shooting is great, but hanging out in camp with a bunch of friends you get to see once a year is a lot of fun as well.

Let the range officer know that you are a first timer. They will help you and keep an eye on you.

The weather can be really hot, humid and strong storms.

Fleener
 
Scott,
I only echo the others opinion about going to Friendship. You will hear good & bad about the place but until YOU go you will never truly know.


In addition to shooting there is hawk & knife throwing & archery. Not to mention the great classes that are offered. But its the friendships you make during the spring & fall shoots that last a lifetime.

I camp not too far from the education building at site #713 across from Trent...you are welcome to stop by or join us the campfire.

Who knows...we might just make a flinter out of you!

:)
 
Let the Nay-sayers sit by an drivel,

While my experience with the org may not have been my cup of tea, the guy's that squab the most just got involved with the politics of it all.
The same thing can happen at a Church bazaar social!

You should go if your near, it would be a shame to let the opportunity pass when you've traveled that far to begin with.
 
If you do your homework using last Years Shoot program and make yourself a shoot schedule you can definitely shoot until you probably have enough of shooting for a while.
And there will be special forum matches as well, like the Forum woodswalk which is always nice and informal.
For most matches, there is no period clothing etc. required. You can get most supplies at Friendship, but only for most standard calibers which you shoot anyways.
Also plan some time for the gunmakers hall. Great place to hang out and watch. When it comes to shopping, check the primitive area out first, then go to commercial row, then make your buying choices. This may save you some dollars. The best days for shopping are Saturday to Monday. But be aware, you can bankrupt yourself there easily :wink:
Don't pack your schedule too tight, because a lot of times your plans may change because you just spend more time somewhere else. Hope to see you there!
 
if you enjoy a good drink, walk around the camps with a good bottle of something. You will be surprised on how many camps you get invited into.

Fleener
 
Keep us posted if you go, would love to hook up with you.

Fleener
 
It is an experience that is not to be missed. Don't miss the shotgun area and be sure to sign up for one of the matches at Shaw's Quail Walk. Lots of fun. Don't worry about not being good enough to shoot in any of the matches that suit you. Nobody pays any attention to how well you are doing, they are concerned with how well they are doing. Also, be sure to squirrel away some extra money because you will find many ways to spend your money. Also be sure to visit the magazine and pick up several pounds of powder. Friendship is Mecca for muzzleloaders. If you have time, make a trip through the flea markets that are run in Friendship separate from NMLRA functions.
 
I have been there several times over the last several years, and can highly recommend going. I don't normally shoot, and go more for the shopping and self-education than anything. Don't put it off too long, however. While it is still a large event, the aging of the majority of the participants has taken it's toll, and I note with sadness a certain amount of decline in attendance each year. It gets harder and harder to get younger people interested in this sort of thing with the constant drumbeat of negative information about firearms and our historical traditions they get at school (and don't assume your school district is an exception-it probably isn't) and through electronic media. All that aside, definitely go and have fun, and take a kid or two with you if possible.
 
Stop up on Primitive Hill and ask for Grizz or Many Klatch. We will be glad to see you.

PM me if you need any information.

Many Klatch
 
The last time I was at Friedship was 1963. I expect things are very different. :grin:
 
You will have a great time there and if you have any questions the people on the primitive side fall all over themselves to help shooters who are new to Friendship.
 
This will also be my first year to shoot at Friendship so I'll also be learning just how to get around to the different shoots. Is there a flyer for the Forum Woodswalk at Friendship, or will it be announced here on the forum. The advice on using the last years schedule for planning was a great help. :hatsoff:
 
Send a note to Denise for what you need, she and the other lady's are nice folks and will all they can do to help you.
 
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