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CLA Show 2005
By Jim Cummings
Lexington, KY - The Contemporary Longrifle Association held it’s Annual show in Lexington, KY on August 19 and 20th. Gunsmiths, artists, craftsmen, designers, blacksmiths, artisans of all types, tradesmen and above all collectors gathered for the event.
Along with the expected collectable guns there were knives, tomahawks, hand crafted leather bags of all sizes and shapes. You could pick up blank gun stocks, gun parts flints etc. It was a well done show.
The CLA Show reminds me of a great National Car Show. Everywhere you look you see classics. It is also a place to get answers to your questions. And you will get answers from some of the best in the USA.
It is truly a classic show. If you have never attended or are not a member of the CLA you should try to attend next year. It will give you a better perspective of the history of 18th & 19th century firearms and weapons. It attracts the masters of their craft. This show will spark your interest if you are involved in living history, re-enacting, black powder shooting, collectible firearms or even a history buff who wants to collect something as a reminder of the past - something that speaks of an ancestors struggle to settle this land.
Even if guns or knives are not your forte there is still lots of art to see. Painting and sculptures depict the period. And always at a place like this there are books. Books of history and books on firearms and books on collecting and collections. The members of The Contemporary Longrifle Association are the people with their pulse on what is happening in the crafting of fine firearms and accouterments. For more information go to www.longrifle.ws
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