Chantilly, VA 5-29-07

Pics: 1) The NRA seal; 2) fully functional half scale 1866 Winchester (the guns hanging up behind are full size); 3) Winchester pre-64 model 70 with radio-circa 1950's 4) circa 1800's 20 gauge flintlock double fowler presented by Napoleon Bonaparte (emperor of France) to a general in his army; 5) a 1620's Pilgrim rifle

5-29-07 - Tuesday - 67476 – 000 – Chantilly, VA – Mostly sunny - low +59 - high +90

Well, everyone had to return to work, except us. We used the morning to track down a gunmaker in West Virginia who had made a flintlock muzzle loading rifle for the NRA years ago. We'll go see him on the way to Ohio later in the week. Meanwhile, we spent the afternoon at the National Rifle Association, in their National Firearms Museum. There were so many interesting exhibits that we could go back again and learn even more.

We saw examples of firearms and firearm technology from when gunpowder was first made through today. There was a gun the Pilgrims had used in the 1600's, arms from all the various wars (Revolutionary, Civil, Spanish American, WW1, WW2, Vietnam, Gulf) as well as examples used by frontiersmen, hunters, explorers, sportsmen and showmen (and women like Annie Oakley). There were famous gunmakers highlighted as well as many examples of their guns. There were fun things like the amusement park's moving target arcade and a 50's kid's room. There were examples of lawmakers' weapons, movie props and even fully functioning 1/2 scale guns.

The evening was fun, too. We had dinner at a restaurant called "Coastal Flats". The calamari was served with a sweet and sour sauce and was very tender, as were all the main dishes. Afterwards we walked around the blocks in the area and found an REI store. There were many interesting shops and a 14-screen movie theatre in the area, too. We finished the night with everyone enjoying the season finale of "House". We said our Goodbyes this night because everyone would be gone to work in the morning when we will be leaving. Thanks very much Uncle John and Diane for having us we had a great time.