Gun and Knife Show Information

Virtual Gun Show

DACA's Mission Statement

Club Officers

Club Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Useful Links

DACA's Book Store

Club Resources

Home

Highlights: 1998 NRA Convention

Following are some of the highlights from the 127th NRA Convention held in Philadelphia, Penn.

Honorary Life Member Val Forgett, Ridgefield, NJ, was nominated as the Handgunner of the Year at the 26th Annual Outstanding Handgunner Awards Foundation breakfast. Mr. Forgett , along with many other accomplishments, is the founder of Navy Arms and the President of the National Firearms Museum. Even with his excellent accomplishments, he was not selected. Mr. Massas Ayoob, a staff writer for Guns & American Handgunner received the award. He wrote In Gravest Extreme.

At the Awards Luncheon, The Dallas Arms Collectors were presented the 1997 NRA Outstanding Gun Collector Organization Award for being active in gun shows and setting the trend in gun show safety, standing up for the Second Amendment by participating in public forums, providing diverse activities for its members, community outreach for youth and supporting NRA programs. We also received much recognition at the Gun Collecting Special Session and Award Program. The D.A.C.A. won the NRA Gun Collectors Committee trophy. Our display was "Thompsons: The American Legend." This display presents the history and development of the Thompson Submachine Gun.

Mr. Traci L. Hill, honorary D.A.C.A. Life member Newark, Ohio, created the display. Our perpetual trophy consists of a sterling silver bowl which is awarded for the display judged best of each year's annual meetings and exhibits.

The Blish Pistol part of the Thompson Exhibit won one of three Related Arms Groups Within a Display Awards. This pistol is the working prototype used by Capt. John Blish to demonstrate the Blish Principle to the U.S.A. Patent Office and later to the Engineers for Auto-Ordnance. The Blish Principle simply stated is, That certain metals set at particular angles, of themselves and without mechanical aids of any kind, become alternately adhesive and repellent under alternating high and low pressures. The other two arms related awards were won by the Pennsylvania Antique Arms Association for their Italian helmet circa 1570, and The Delaware State Pistol Club for their collection of dueling pistols manufactured by London Gunsmiths.

The 1/2 scale Auto-ordinance manufactured Thompson submachine gun won the Best Miniature Arms Award, a sterling medallion. Only three medallions are awarded each year for miniatures.

Each year, a maximum of 10 sterling silver medallions are awarded to those collectors arms judged best on display. Firearms are judged on their quality, condition, originality, collector importance and historical value. The D.A.C.A. received a silver medal for the Thompson Submachine Gun, s.n. 2059, the personal property of General John Thompson.

The Honorable Trent Lott, U.S. Senator from Mississippi spoke at the 127th Members Banquet, the final event.

-Rod Wright