Ideas to encourage new displayers

[Charlie1022]

I was just thinking that we need to encourage new displayers and was wondering if it would help if we created a new category for guns made after a certain date. This might encourage new members to bring out some new types of Ruger's to display and create more interest in our passion for collecting to find that next new piece for our collection.

So lets hear your ideas as we grow our membership and help inform/educate the public at shows about the many very interesting models that make collecting so fun and interesting.

Charlie1022

[d findley]

A lot of collectable, later models out there. How about a category for SA New Model Rugers? Post 3 screw.

[Charlie1022]

Double action guns
10/22's old models
10/22's Laminated
New model single actions
Mark 2 and 3 auto
Shotguns
#1 rifles
Other ideas???
These are some ideas I can think of for different categories to display in to encourage new displayers. What do you think?
Charlie10/22

[SteveRuger]

At the Boise Show in January. In the past there has been many displays of Double Actions, New center fire autos. Old Army's, New Model Vaqueros. In fact Hank Green Won 1st place from Joe Wannamaker years back with his Vaqueros Display & many Awards at other shows. J/S

[Ruger No.1]

I'd like to see someone come up with "shooter" type displays. We are pretty much all collectors, and we think like collectors. The average guy at a show looks at our displays and is probably impressed, but is not something he's in to and goes on down the isle.

Perhaps if we created different categories and rules for judging displays that aren't focused on collecting we could broaden our appeal and get more attention from shooters - that might grow into collectors.

[Coogs]

Dave, ya musta missed that one Harrisburg display where I did "just some shootin' No.1's" Encouragement is the key to new displayers. Also, and I am one of them, as I think most of the "old guys", if you have one in the Masters class, go to non judged. Gives the opportunity to new displayers to win something. Back in the day, the RCA was very good with prizes and other handout stuff, that was when Steve Vogel was involved. Also a good promoter, such as, once again, back in the day, Bill Goodman shows in Louisville and Detroit, Bill donated quite a bit of "additional" prize money. If new guys can get something for their effort, it is additional encouragement. And there is always the fun of it all. That is what I enjoy the most, the friendships will live with me forever, Good Bless Coogs.

[ElNumeroUno]

Do not forget that b1buddy won at Tulsa with "Shooting Flattop .357's"!!

[contender]

I've displayed for many years, and while I've never won any "Advanced" catagory display awards, I DON"T CARE! It's not about winning awards or whatever, it's about enjoying what YOU have, what YOU find interesting, and collectable. The most fun I get is from the people attending the shows & talking Rugers with me. Some of the guns I display are not NIB types & have seen use. So what? My long running, (and kinda boring to the regular displayers) is titled; "Ruger Handgun Collecting Terms 101." It is built around getting new people to join us. To get the average guy to stop & discuss THEIR Rugers. The guys who do the judging know a lot about Rugers & rarities. I have judged a few, and I know my display doesn't have the stuff it takes to win our awards. BUT,,, luckily, our awards are more for bragging rights vs profit. I think by keeping the awards low key helps a lot. By doing as we've done in H'burg for years, (giving "stuff" to ALL the displayers) is a much better way of rewarding the folks who do display.
I decided to do a second display just because it was something different. My "Patches & Pins" display was well received by both the public & the other RCA collectors. I've been asked to write an article for the ROCS Digest about it because it was different.
Folks who want to display and who THINK they don't have something to display are wrong. We just need to encourage them. Right now, I think we are doing a good job of it by breathing new life into it with ROCS.
Talk to anyone & everyone who even remotely enjoys Rugers & owns a few. Get them to realize they do not have to have the rarest, oldest, consecutive, Bill Rugers personal one of a kind stuff.

We have to keep it FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Coogs]

Contender, +100 I also agree it's not about winning, but, human nature is human nature, and everyone wants to be a winner. I will say, at least in the Ruger realm, it is not as bad today as it once was. Back in "the day" to some, winning was everything. I could tell you stories, but why beat a dead horse. Encouragement is our best tool. I use it as often as possible.And besides RR and I may be able to convert a few to the use of GJ as a tool of encouragement!!! God Bless, Coogs.

[radicalrod]

Well most new guys are intimidated...I know I was the first time out....it is really hard coming up with unique ideas....

Once you have done a display you find it much easier the next time....no one is picking your stuff apart(except Jacks stuff)

We all started somewhere and you can take it as serious as you want......I don't think we need a bunch of new classes just need more encouragement ( or more GJ right Jack ) for those on the fence....RR

QUOTED from Tyrones post....
"Talk to anyone & everyone who even remotely enjoys Rugers & owns a few. Get them to realize they do not have to have the rarest, oldest, consecutive, Bill Rugers personal one of a kind stuff. "

"We have to keep it FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!
contender"

Tyrone, I wish you had told me this before I bought all the stuff you have listed......RR