Lakeland "Big Show" Report Grrr

[pharmer]

Oh man, I am thoroughly torqued with the “Big Show.” After an hour and 15 mins of driving, I get in a line to park! What? $8 to park?!?, was free last time. Didn’t help that the horse show is also there so I had to sit with the smell of horse insideout wafting up my nose. That’ll be $12 (?!?) to get in. What, bumped ticket a buck and I’m down $20 and I haven’t seen a gun. Phew, OK so within 5 minutes sold a “garage sale $1 bayonet” for $40, I feel better now. Bumping and stopping, “scuse me padner” so many guys I thought it was some kinda football scrimmage. Everybody had something in hand or slung over the shoulder to sell. If you ain’t paying attention you catch a 30” shotgun barrel in the forehead. Seemed like 50 guys wanted to unload a 30-30 lever gun for enough to pay juniors Spring tuition. Heard said by tire kicker "What's it worth?" Table response: "It's worth thousands but I'll take $750." Some very nice Smiths on the tables but not nearly as many as days past. $600 model 36’s, $8-900 model 19’s and Nframes from $600 (28’s) and up. A pretty nice pre-27 for $900, 6 or 61/2” , would have been nice except somebody cut a relief in the non-relieved diamond targets, Ugh. A K22 4” for $675 was tempting, good mechanics but maybe 80% finish. A model 34 4” nickel in 99% condition was $650 and another flat latch was $700. One of the Orlando “non-dealers” had a pre-war M&P on his table for $299 around 85%, probably could have gotten it out the door for $275. I didn’t try. I saw the nicest pair of smooth N frame targets for $110, could have gotten them for $100 and when I went back, gone. I went with the intention of securing one more Ruger MKII for under $300. I failed but I did get this one from an FFL for $355 OTD (sorry for yet more lousy pix). Took it apart and cleaned it already, looked like it was shot once and forgotten, zero dirt or wear (or lube). I’m beat, that is a hike. I told the parking lady I wouldn’t be back. She said “Everybody has been saying that, today.” I think it’s time to quit, when I smell the horse****. Joe

[LVSteve]

What's wrong with the smell of horses? It's a good fresh country smell.

As for the charges, sounds like the shows at Cashman Center here in Vegas. $3-4 for a parking ticket that says your vehicle is in no way protected followed by $14-16 to get in. I have not been to one in years.

There is an "antique" gun sale at one of the casinos this weekend but I am staying away. I have to get a car serviced Monday and I am likely making another big purchase so there is no gun money this month.

[357-RevolverGuy]

Nice looking Ruger. I like the Mark's in stainless too.

I would probably send an email and complain about the parking fee and horse show. A few years ago they did a show around here with a similar incident. Planned it the same weekend of a car audio systems show. The entire place was resounding with thumping from all the speaker bass. People complained and it never happen again.

[JustinL]

I was surprised by the parking fee too.

I did think there were some good deals to be had.

I scored a very nice Interarms Walther P5 for $500.

I also bought some J-frame target stocks from a member of the SWCA (or at least a guy who had the shirt).

The chicken sandwich from the concession stand was not bad, but wish I tried the pulled pork. Maybe next time!

[pharmer]

I don't mind the smell of horses if I'm out at a friend's ranch. But If I'm already cranky, I'm looking for complaints. Most folks agree, the city of Lakeland would rather the show folded. Trouble is, it is a really unique show unlike any others I attend. You can find anything gun related, no matter how odd or old, as long as you take the time to search. Joe