Dixon Gunmakers Fair - expectations?

I hope this is the correct forum for this...

I'm headed to the Dixon fair in PA this year, and have been setting some money aside for a new flintlock (sighted .62 fowler or a .36 - I could go either way for a gun in hand to leave with). This will be my first time at the fair, so I am excited. But, I am wondering if there are many flintlocks for sale there, or if it more of a show and shine? I'll also be cruising for some accoutrements, like a nice hunting bag.

My plan is to look around the fair and, if I don't find something there, come home and get a gun build in the works somewhere. I've been putting it off too long.

:thumbsup: Baron you won't be sorry,a trip well worth it.You shouldn't leave empty handed.Griz

I'd worry about breaking the bank and coming home with the .62 and the .36 plus a couple of shooting bags and of course some new powderhorns and Lord know what else!!!! :rotf:

Dave

Hey Baron your not to far from me.You should come over and shoot with our club sometime.Great bunch of guy's.We average 16 to 24+ each shoot.We shoot every 3rd Sunday of the month.Take care,good hunting at Dixon's.Griz

Sorry i ment 58 caliber.Come over and shoot with us sometime.

Hi,
I urge you all to come visit us at the ALR tents on the hill behind the food vendors where we will be doing demos. Check the seminar schedule for details.

dave

Griz, thanks for the invite. I was up a few years ago. Very nice range. It is hard for me to drive up there the 30 + miles when I have my own personal range right here in town 5 minutes away.

Dave

Hey Dave.The invite is always there.I think i remember you.You shot with us on the lower range.Think you were there for a poker shoot.Griz

Oh, I thought I was invited. I'm only 4.5 hours away. :haha:

:metoo: 4.5 hrs away,your invited.LOL

Look for Tip Curtis he usually has some rifles & stuff with him.

My wife and I will be up there on Saturday. If you spot a guy with a french braid, that's me.

Check out Ken Gahagan's incredible fowling pieces. I have one of his in 12 gauge with a 56 inch barrel. Not cheap, but incredible quality and his creations are easy to mistake for an original antique.

There are lots of gunmakers and I doubt you would have trouble finding a .62 that's ready to buy on the spot. But you also might find a gunmaker whose style is just what you like, but find that they are only taking orders, not selling ready made. This is the case with many. Don't hesitate to go that route, as you will get exactly the style you like best.

You will also find a huge assortment of shooting bags, horns, straps, 18th c clothing, ball molds, knives, tomahawks, and other accoutrements for sale by true artisans.

Also lots in incredible stuff inside of Dixon's shop itself. Part museum, part store...

See you there!

You'll love it there. Anything you want, it'll be there.

There's guns for sale. Many are high level, but there are more than a few humble offerings.

Don't pass up on the seminars. There are so many good ones.

Dave had a nice one with hands on engraving. Still drooling over his star of Bethlehem rifle.

If you don't buy one, handle many of them. Take lots of pictures, ask lots of questions.

Get a T-shirt right away, they sell quick. Powder sell quick.

Local interesting stuff, Crystal Caverns, Hershey park is nearby. The have a really cool zoo all with north American only animals. Don't quote me here, the Kutztown smokehouse is worth stopping by.

Unfortunately, I have to work. On the flip side, I'm working double time on my gun because I am missing it. Was really hoping to get it done for this year's builder contest.

Unfortunately Tip Curtis is not on the confirmed vendor list. He has not attended for a couple of years at least. He always had lots of good stuff with him.

Dave

Tip might be there,

There's a seminar on selecting wood by someone from Dunlap wood products. Isn't that tip's business?

Thanks for all the replies. Just a couple days to go - I'm getting excited.

There's a FB web page for the Fair, and they posted a warning yesterday that they've had a lot of rain so parking areas may be wet and/or changed.

Any more suggestions for places to eat or historical attractions? I've seen the name Lehigh Valley in reading (and of course the patch lube bottle) and just realized I'll be in it. I'll have Thursday afternoon free to see some sights.

Dunlap Woods is not Tip's business to my knowledge.

Dave

If i recall Tip stopped comming when his wife passed away. Griz

The Lehigh Valley has some very historic sites. Main Street Bethlehem, Pa has many historical buildings that pre-date the Revolutionary War. You can have a drink at the Sun Inn (1758) where Washington, Franklin, Adams and many others stayed. Visit the Moravian Book Shop oldest book store in the US. There is the new museum of industry on south side of Bethlehem on the former Bethlehem steel site. Long rifle wise there is the Henry Homestead and Museum of the Pa Long Rifle at Boulton (Belfast, Pa). Also Martin Gutair in Nazareth, Pa. The church in Allentown, Pa where the hid the Liberty Bell. The Mack Truck museum, Wheels Across America and the list goes on and on.

Thanks, ehoff! :hatsoff: