NSSA Nationalsi

[treebeard]

I was walking around the NSSA Nationals yesterday in Winchester Virginia and saw quite a few Spencer's. Of course there
We're hundreds of other 19th century firearms.  Lot's of fun!

[Blair]

My first N-SSA National was in the spring of 1973. Was a member of the 1st. Florida Cav. CSA.
If you are ever visiting in the Winchester, VA. area the third weekend in May or the first weekend in October, and you enjoy shooting sports, I would highly recommend trying to arrange a visit to the Range.
My best,
Blair

[treebeard]

I was able to meet and talk with some of the vendors we see discussed on this forum . Met
Larry Romano and Bobby Hoyt. S&S , Lodgewood , Dixie Gun Works and a lot others were
Set up. Hard to not leave broke.

[Snakeeater]

Been there about three dozen times over the past 40 years. Bought my first musket there on a $75 trade for an Indian War saber, and got the musket (a Navy Arms Mississippi rifle) with sling, cleaning rod, bullet mold, and 75 rounds of pre-loaded ammunition so I could shoot it in the musket match on Sunday! And bought a couple of Spencers there over the years since. It's a great place if you're looking for parts, and over the past 40 years between shooting and everything else, I've contributed about $30K to the local economy!

[treebeard]

Been there about three dozen times over the past 40 years. Bought my first musket there on a $75 trade for an Indian War saber, and got the musket (a Navy Arms Mississippi rifle) with sling, cleaning rod, bullet mold, and 75 rounds of pre-loaded ammunition so I could shoot it in the musket match on Sunday! And bought a couple of Spencers there over the years since. It's a great place if you're looking for parts, and over the past 40 years between shooting and everything else, I've contributed about $30K to the local economy!

Good point about spare  parts. For instance Lodgewood had many Spencer parts such as original carbine and rifle rear sights.

[Blair]

N-SSA Nationals is a good place to buy parts for doing restoration work or custom builds.
The last time I bought parts for a custom build brass mounted M-1855 Rifle I had close to $900.00 invested in just the parts and pieces.

Many of the N-SSA competitors also participate in other shooting time periods other than Civil War. The Nationals can be a good place to find Post Civil War firearms both foreign and domestic. The folks in GAR might find some of the goodies they like?
My best,
Blair

[Walksfire]

Darn - I am local and missed it. Need to mark the calendar for October. Thanks for the heads up.

[Blair]

Tom Hunger(of The Winchester Sutler) introduced me to the N-SSA.
I met him late in December of 1972. I had just gotten back from what would be my last long cruse with the USN.
Tom signed me up. However, I don't think I received my membership card until after the Christmas Holidays, in January of 1973.
Tom is currently visiting with me as I write this message.
He and I have been good friend for more than 42 years.
I am still friends with many people I have met within the N-SSA. It is an organization well worth checking out, even if you do not have any real interests in the American Civil War.
My best,
Blair

[Snakeeater]

Blair,
My compliments to the Dragon Lady (Alice), from Slim.

[Blair]

Snakeeater,

When Tom and Alice were married at the Fall Nationals of 1973, I had the honor of giving her away at the Wedding on the front porch of the caretakers house at the Fort.
I will be happy to pass on your wishes when I talk to her next.
My best,
Blair

[Blair]

I have to kind of make my apologies to many of the SSS membership.
Many of you do not know or understand the connection between the N-SSA and the SSS.
Two Flints has managed to pull together, in this one CAS-City thread, some really rather influential and knowledgeable members. Many of which contribute to the forum.
I am now retired and do very little shooting, but, I enjoy being able to add any of my background experiences to the information base SSS has to offer any or all of its membership.
My best,
Blair