NRA 2016 ANNUAL MEETINGS & EXHIBITS

At the NRA's Convention in Louisville, KY May 20-21-22, 2016  we represented the Winchester Arms Collectors Assoc. with our display.  The display was titled 'EXAMPLES OF THE WINCHESTER  "HOTCHKISS", PROTOTYPES TO SPORTING MODELS, 1876 TO 1915'.  At this convention the NRA provides a special section for displays put on primarily by Collector's organizations.  Setup starts on Thursday morning until later that evening.   Displays are judged for prestigious awards which are presented on Sunday morning.  Judging starts on Friday morning at 7:30 (the public arrives at 9:00) and continues throughout the day. In the Club's name we proudly won "BEST EDUCATIONAL EXHIBIT, ANTIQUE ARMS".  The show ended at 5:00 PM Sunday.  The show was attended by over 80,000 people and as you can imagine it is a very busy time for those displaying in our area and throughout the show.  Included here are some photos for your enjoyment.

   

Dakota Gun Collectors February 13 & 14, 2016

As usual the weather was very cold but doable.  We took our Lee Straight Pull display and had a great time talking to the public. Our display was rewarded by a tie for third place.  The 800 table show was well organized and very well attended. The Winchester Arms Collectors had a special invitation and we were represented by our President, 1st VP and 2nd VP and

about 60 members using 100 tables.  
We will be back next year.

SIOUX FALLS FEBRUARY 15 &16, 2015

We started off our 2015 year by attending the Sioux Falls, SD annual Dakota Arms Trophy Show.  It was a really good show with many displays in evidence.  We took a new display titled 'WINCHESTERS' 'SOME RARE, SOME SCARCE, & A HOTCHKISS PROTOTYPE'.  Our display was well received by the public and we were awarded second place.  Considering the competition we felt really good about that!  Many friends were in attendance.  Some we see regularly and some only at this show.  The Winchester Arms Collectors members were well represented including the President, 1st VP and myself, 2nd VP.  WE WILL BE BACK NEXT YEAR!!

 

DENVER SHOW May 17 & 18, 2014

The CGCA's Denver show was great as always.  It was nice to see friends we don't get to see and speak with often.  We took our one table 'Winchester Lever Actions in the Service' display which received much attention.  Two of our visitors were from Vancouver Island, CA. They were very surprised to see our collection of Canada's WWII 'Pacific Coast Militia Rangers' items which resulted in a very cordial and informative conversation.  We won an award but not one of the big ones. W

e had a great time anyway.  My wife and I agreed that Denver is not so far away from Illinois going out, but very far away coming back.

INDY NRA CONVENTION April 25-27, 2014

We went to the convention to help Don 'Duck' & Judy Combs set up and watch over their wonderful Winchester Model 42 display.  They were representing the Winchester Arms Collectors Assoc. this year.  One of the highlights of the display was John M. Olin's personal Model 42 with other personal items of his.  More that 75000 people went through the  convention and many of them stopped by to talk about their own Model 42 and ask questions of the very knowledgeable 'Duck' .  Next year the convention will be in Nashville.  The Winchester Arms Collectors will again be represented by a fine display.

SIOUX FALLS FEB. 8&9

We took our Winchester Lever Action display to the Dakota Arms show in Sioux Fall, SD. This is the same display we had lsat May at the OGCA show. We were awarded second place this time. Had a good time with all of our friends. As usual it was very cold. 5% and windy when we packed up Sunday afternoon and -17% when we left there Monday morning. Not sure if we will do this again.

OGCA/WACA Oct. 12&13, 2013

For the second year in a row the Ohio Gun Collectors (O.G.C.A.) asked us, the Winchester Arms Collectors (W.A.C.A), to join them at their once per year Cleveland, OH show.  W.A.C.A. showed up with 38 tables which included seven (7) great displays for competition.   There was a well attended reception Saturday evening where the O.G.C.A. attendees were thanked for inviting us to their show and display winners were awarded with plaques.  We all had a great time.
If you are not a member of either of these great clubs it would be worth your time to investigate doing so.
winchestercollector.org or ogca.org
Attached is a photo of Debby and I at W.A.C.A.'s business tables.