Working up a trip to Wanenmacher's Tulsa Arms Show next month . . .

Muss Muggins · #1 02-19-2017, 12:26 PM

Have hotel reservations in Joplin, as I have family there to see. Driving over Friday, heading to gun show Saturday, home Sunday. Any planning advice, besides comfortable shoes and lots of cash?

Kanewpadle · #2 02-19-2017, 12:28 PM

A good radio station.

Old Arkansawyer · #3 02-19-2017, 01:04 PM

It is about the only show I attend. If you have not been before, prepare to spend the whole day. Also, it has been said, ATF is watching for buyers/sellers who are not dealers, like yourself out of state.

Muss Muggins · #4 02-19-2017, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Arkansawyer

Also, it has been said, ATF is watching for buyers/sellers who are not dealers, like yourself out of state.

That's okay. I probably know 'em . . .

Farmer17 · #5 02-19-2017, 01:15 PM

It's really crowded so be mentally prepared for that and if you are planning on buying some things you might consider a small backpack if you are going to be there all day long. Its also handy for some snacks because the food and refreshments are pretty pricey. I would park in the neighborhood on the South side near the entrance and walk in. If you drive in you have to pay for parking and you might be in a 20 minute line to get a parking space.

Tom K · #6 02-19-2017, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Farmer17

It's really crowded so be mentally prepared for that and if you are planning on buying some things you might consider a small backpack if you are going to be there all day long. Its also handy for some snacks because the food and refreshments are pretty pricey. I would park in the neighborhood on the South side near the entrance and walk in. If you drive in you have to pay for parking and you might be in a 20 minute line to get a parking space.

I don't know what gun show you're thinking of but there's no charge for parking at the Tulsa fairgrounds. I know there is overflow parking elsewhere and they have a shuttle, do they charge for that?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Muss Muggins

Have hotel reservations in Joplin, as I have family there to see. Driving over Friday, heading to gun show Saturday, home Sunday. Any planning advice, besides comfortable shoes and lots of cash?

I'm not entirely clear on what your schedule is here - if I read that right you're driving to Tulsa from Joplin on Saturday? That's about a two hour drive.

I personally live in the Tulsa area so I arrive around 7:00am just to get a parking place reasonably close to the building. Doors open at 8:00am and by that time there is a line that stretches the length of the building, which is 11 acres under one roof and about 400 yards long. I don't really know what it's like if you show up at 9-10:00 or something like that, whether the line is still there or not.

Google Maps

WANENMACHER'S TULSA ARMS SHOW
This shows part of it:

Are you spending Saturday night in Tulsa? If so you should come to the Southwest Bunch dinner on Saturday evening. Chad Gripp will be creating a post to inform people about it nearer to show date. In the meantime here's his post from this past November's show: Southwest Bunch Barbecue RSVP It's always a highlight of the weekend and worth attending. Lots of good conversation, always a little auction to raise funds for the SWHF, and best of all, Show and Tell.

Toyman · #7 02-19-2017, 04:40 PM

You forgot ADVIL

bigchuck83 · #8 02-19-2017, 05:04 PM

I'll second the recommendation to bring a small backpack for some snacks and drinks. It's also helpful to have a place to stash items you purchase. I'm going and will be taking a couple guns I don't have much use for.

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jbull380 · #9 02-19-2017, 05:30 PM

Be sure and have a small notepad and pen so you make notes of items you're interested in and what isle they are on. It's easy to loose yourself at that show. So much to look at. I'm pretty methodical and walk every isle making notes then I go back for closer looks etc.

Muss Muggins · #10 02-19-2017, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom K

I'm not entirely clear on what your schedule is here - if I read that right you're driving to Tulsa from Joplin on Saturday? That's about a two hour drive.

Staying in Joplin both Friday and Saturday nights due to family obligations and the timeline for coming back through, since I need to try to meet a good friend in Springfield on my way home. I understand the distance, and Google Maps from my hotel to the show says an hour 35 . . .

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom K

I personally live in the Tulsa area so I arrive around 7:00am just to get a parking place reasonably close to the building. Doors open at 8:00am and by that time there is a line that stretches the length of the building, which is 11 acres under one roof and about 400 yards long. I don't really know what it's like if you show up at 9-10:00 or something like that, whether the line is still there or not.

Gonna try to get there as close as I can to 8:00 am. Looking at the parking options, but the shuttle from the racetrack seems to be a good choice.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom K

Are you spending Saturday night in Tulsa? If so you should come to the Southwest Bunch dinner on Saturday evening. Chad Gripp will be creating a post to inform people about it nearer to show date. In the meantime here's his post from this past November's show: Southwest Bunch Barbecue RSVP It's always a highlight of the weekend and worth attending. Lots of good conversation, always a little auction to raise funds for the SWHF, and best of all, Show and Tell.

I'll be back in Joplin Saturday night. I appreciate the offer, and may try to hang around late enough to attend for at least a minute. All depends on how much family business I can attend to on Friday night.

Muss Muggins · #11 02-19-2017, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigchuck83

I'll second the recommendation to bring a small backpack for some snacks and drinks. It's also helpful to have a place to stash items you purchase. I'm going and will be taking a couple guns I don't have much use for.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbull380

Be sure and have a small notepad and pen so you make notes of items you're interested in and what isle they are on. It's easy to loose yourself at that show. So much to look at. I'm pretty methodical and walk every isle making notes then I go back for closer looks etc.

I live with a backpack and notepad, both when I work and when I'm on my own. Just have to clean the backpack out occasionally depending on where I'm going . . .

Nightowl · #12 02-19-2017, 11:42 PM

We seldom arrive before 9:00 and there has been parking down by the race track. It a little walk, but there is a shuttle that I have never taken, due to it being at the wrong end when I was ready to go.

Have a great time! We weren't there lat November nor will I be there this spring. Hopefully this fall.

Muss Muggins · #13 03-27-2017, 11:38 PM

Still headed to Tulsa this weekend. Stand by for the show report . . .

two-bit cowboy · #14 03-27-2017, 11:53 PM

Lookin' forward to your report(s), Muss. I was talking last week with my neighbor (and lgs owner) about Tulsa. He had tables there for about 20 years straight. Said it was the best show he ever attended.

Enjoy,

Bob