doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com First time going to the Southern

This will be my first time attending the Southern in NC. I am driving with my son 2150 miles from Utah. For those who have been there is it better to sign up for events now or when you get there? Who else is going? Would love to meet some of the people in person I have been interacting with over the last decade on this forum. Any tips or suggestions you can give me would be great. Thanks!

12boreman;

Signing up for shooting events now is OK, and will save you a little time at the event. Hotels near the shooting grounds are scarce and you should make reservations, and you may have to stay as much as 15-20 miles away, but that is not a problem as the drive is very quick. The shooting grounds (Deep River) has very limited parking and parking of vehicles is mostly on the country road; however, someone has organized a parking areal across the road under some high voltage transmission lines and I parked there last year and found it worth the cost.

Nearly each year the shooting grounds is "hit" by a heavy rain and thunderstorm and afterwards the area where the exhibitors are located is turned into a muddy mess; bring along some shoes/boots in case you need them after the rain. The rain did not happen last year. Bring clothing for 85F degree weather and 55F degree weather, it could be either on the same day.

If you think you may buy a SxS gun at the event, buying at the very end of it usually gets you a better deal.

Others here will have some thoughts for you.

Stephen Howell

You are in for a treat. I would just sign up when you get there.

It truly is Candyland for the sxs crowd. You can drop 6 figures on guns if so inclined. Lots of folks stay at the Hampton Inn or Comfort Inn. Two very good steak places nearby and also a good BBQ place downtown. Couple of fried seafood places as that is a big thing. If it ain't fried it ain't cooked is a common phrase.

There is another very good clays course within 20 miles that many folks also shoot at. Can't recall the name, but it is very good and not nearly as crowded. There will be food served by various food trucks at the event. That said having a cooler full of bottled water is a good thing.

There are sometimes some vendors drop their prices the last day.

You will have plenty of time to sign up for any event. I will be there all four days as I am a member there.

Keep in mind that some Side by Side events are shooting events and some are check writing events. The Southern is a check writing event with shooting.

Thanks for all your help guys. This is a bucketlist event for me. My son is going with me and he is only 23 years old. I can't imagine there will be many shooters there his age. It will take me two days to get there. Looking forward to shooting 10 bore and 8 bore events as well as 12, 16, and .410. I may even bring my 32 gauge.

Yes, bring the 32. We need more competition in the odd gauges. Let us know your itinerary and we may suggest some visits along the way.

Bring water, boots, plenty of shells, a camera. Don't be afraid to ask and handle guns you have dreamt of, most dealers are willing to let you pick up and examine their stuff.

12boreman, glad you’re making the pilgrimage. I think you’ll be impressed. Lots of great vendors and friendly folks. Stop by and see me at the Lionstone/Guyette & Deeter booth. I’ll be the fat guy sitting in the Cabela’s directors’ chair (not very mobile anymore). I have a spare chair if you want to rest your legs. Joe from Charlotte will be there with me a good bit, though I think he’s planning to shoot this year. He might be interested in joining you for a 32 gauge round - he has a beautiful 32. Hope to see you there.