Went to the show today at Camp Jordan. Dissapointment would be the key word here.
As has been noted by many lately the abundance of 'marginal' gun related items was depressing at best. Many vendors with clothing, some with holster displays (some were well done, others displayed obvious shoddily made wares), some ammo vendors with the attendant astronomical prices attached, one guy selling some kind of unidentifiable tool: I never could figure out what it was or did but he sure talked up a storm.
Overall a waste of time and money.
Looking of course for high grade Smith's I came away with an acheing back and a monster headache. Few were to be found.
I counted around 10 N frames, 3 of which were 629's with $700+ price tags, no box or paperwork, maybe 20 to 40 K frames, most of which showed much blueing wear but where still priced north of $400 and a quite a few j frames, some actually had the boxes, but again, most were worn and way overpriced.
I took a fine nickle plated 27-2 with display case in hopes of finding a 24-3 to trade outright. Result? My left arm hasn't quit shaking yet from toting that thing, weighing around 4.5 pounds at the start it came away feeling like I was carrying a Coke machine. Happily it is back in the safe now.
Of course everyone who spotted the display case wanted to know what was in it, how much I wanted and could they look at it. When told I had brought it for trade only the reactions ranged from funny looks to downright rudeness. One dealer insisted i put a dollar value on it, when i told him $850 I was quickly told it was too much. Pointing to a well worn run of the mill M10 he had on his table priced at $550 i let him know that the apparent disparity between the condition of the two left him little to complain about. Needless to say he was not happy with having obvious greed pointed out in front of others.
Happily my day was cut short by a call from my Wife who had locked herself and the dog out of the house. Being worried about the dog I headed home, boy was I glad to see him.
It's my opinion that the happy days of productive gunshows and hopes of coming away with a nice old Smith & Wesson are a thing of the past. Actually it seems that gim-crack plastic semi-auto's rule the roost now. Those were there in abundance in all thier polymer glory.
Can't wait to see in years to come how they've held thier value.
'Hey Buddy, care to look at a classic Taurus .40?'
Don't think so.
RD

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Got a Phd from Hard Knocks U

I am not finding these outrageous prices some here are complaining about at the local shows. If anything prices are the lowest I have seen in years.

The guns I buy are priced in ounces of gold and silver. Many are also priced in tons of hay and gallons of gasoline and diesel.

If you want to convert these hard currencies to IOU paper from the Federal Reserve Bank, it equals buying brand new guns today for half what the same model sold for new 20 years ago.

I just picked up a nice 4" M-15 for 2 tons of hay. 10 years ago that same used gun cost more than 3 tons of hay. From where I stand prices are dropping.

Note: If you are storing wealth in "dollars" you are losing 10 to 15% of its value annually (this is after that generous interest payment you get from your bank).

I have been to that show. I think it's a RK show. We have them where I live and they all suck. The only show I go to is the one in Murfreesboro and that is just to meet and talk with friends. I don't go to it all the time even though it's only 3 miles from my house. Don

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"Don't worry be happy"

LOL! Sorry to hear about the disappointing show.

The internet has many positive attributes, like me posting at this forum.

The internet has also destroyed gun shows, flea markets, thrift stores, auctions etc.

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Doesn't hasta call me Johnson

"The internet has also destroyed gun shows, flea markets, thrift stores, auctions etc."

I agree

There have always been HIGH prices ...

Remembering thirty years ago at Tulsa - Being offered well used and well worn S&W revolvers for $50 - $100 more than the price asked for new ones offed at some tables.

Some sellers would have the same merchandise at same high prices show after show. The only thing they seemed to get was exercise carrying the same merchandise.

Bekeart

I wasn't so much ranting about the high prices as much as poor quality at high prices. The gall of someone telling me I was asking too much while at the same time asking a ridiculous price for a well worn, common firearm was what irritated me. Did he think I couldn't read, or perhaps do some quick math?
Just once I would like to go to a show that was a true GUN show. I don't know anyone who belongs to the SWCA but would love to attend one of those shows.
I don't think I'll waste my time on another show, I used to set up back in the late 80's and the whole attitude is just different now. I can't really explain it, just seems the caliber (ptp) of people has changed. Maybe I'm just getting old and suffer fools less gladly, I don't know.
RD

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Got a Phd from Hard Knocks U

Hey neighbor.

I was thinking about running by there today... but I think I'll skip it and take Pugsters for a walk.

Smithhound, sent you a pm.

I too have noticed the gun shows here in Chattanooga draw the worst sort. I had one vender tell me that he thought I wanted too much for my TrailBoss, said he meant no disrespect. I felt his obvious hostility and thought he was a "Sphincter Man". I still got ripped off by a dealer who did not let me know S&W made an economical M&P and traded me that TrailBoss plus $100 boot for a rifle worth $300.I guess I shouldn`t have Volunteered for the screwing. I dislike these gun people here in Tenn. Jerks to the max. I still resent S&W making these 300 dollar AR`s. I will eventually get another TrailBoss 629, but these gun dealers at these Chattanooga shows can all go to Hades!!! Treat people like garbage. Great places to be ripped off by people with attitudes.