Arrived about 20 minutes before doors opened. Stayed Friday night in Claremore, about 30 minutes northeast because our hotel was close to the Will Rogers Race Track and Cherokee Casino. My brother in law came with me, but he was more interested in the simulcast room at the track and opted in for a cheap road trip.

Long line to get in, but moved quickly. Staff was selling tickets in the line for exact change to speed your entry. Once inside, the line diverged to those checking firearms, those needing a bag search, and those who earlier didn't have exact change. Once the line started moving, I was inside in about ten minutes.

Wasn't really looking for anything in particular, just there to experience a monster show. Saw a lot of great old Smith & Wesson revolvers in conditions ranging from beater to pristine. The only thing I really learned was that I have truly undervalued my collection. Saw a U.S. Navy Victory model, within 2,000 of my serial number, in worse condition, priced at $1,295. Saw several 66-2's again in worse condition than mine, priced from $700 to $900. Nothing that I saw, including the new stuff, was under about $450.

Lots of AR uppers and lowers of every configuration and color, multiple custom knife makers, lots of steel target makers. Pythons seemed to be the standard $2,000 or so. Never saw anybody walking around with anything too impressive. Lots of kinda odd things that took 5 minutes to read the sign on the dowel rod sticking out of the muzzle. Saw a fella wearing a revolver on a lanyard around his neck with the story duct taped underneath. Saw several M1 Carbines selling for north of $1,000, and multiple Garands selling for north of $2,000. Talked to a couple fellas selling Nambu pistols like the one my grandfather brought back from the Pacific, and compared notes on value and history. Amazed at the prices being asked for Sharps Buffalo rifles, and for Lugers and P38's.

Too many Rascals and Hoverounds to count, and my toes got tired of being run over by about 10 am. Also, I'd like to brachial stun the person who told everybody to bring a backpack. At one point, I announced that the next backpack that jabbed me in chin was going to learn to fly. Please, people. Never move in a direction you're not looking . . .

Saw people lined up three deep at the NICS check stations, so I guess business was good. Also overheard many "If that price is out the door, I'm buying."

This was my first experience with those selling "solvent traps." I can't believe there's not a federal indictment in several people's future over these. Also got to handle a Mossberg Shockwave, and at $419, I think there's one in my future. I was looking to handle one of the new Kimber revolvers and a Kel-Tec CMR, and didn't see either one.

Met S.P. Fjestad and got the new Blue Book signed. $45 show special, which when combined with my entry fee amounted to what I'd pay to get an unsigned version at Barnes and Noble.

Lastly, met with the Big Gorilla and Lee Barner, and both were pleasant and gracious. All in all, I had a really great time. Six of the biggest show footprints that I've previously attended would fit in this venue at the same time. I don't pretend to have seen it all. Other than what I stated above, I saw what I wanted and really enjoyed myself. Will be back next spring . . .

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

FYI the next show is November 11, 12.

Yup, that'd be opening day of deer season around these parts . . .

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

I looked for Muss and Lee, never found them at the location given. As for all the people there, they could of been standing in front of me. Sold my model 19, made a few $$ on it and brought home another holster. By 11am I was looking for the door but all I could see a was a sea of people. maybe better this fall.

Thanks for the report Muss. I have never been, but I've been to a lot
of smaller shows. Those backpacks are painful. I also hate it when a
group of guys clog up an isle having a pow wow. Those prices, typical
of shows I've been to, are vastly over-priced. I think they are priced
for negotiation.

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In Omnia Paratus

I've been to the Tulsa show a bunch of times but missed this one due to a planned weekend motorcycle ride in the Ozarks. Even though the Tulsa show crowd is large and you do get poked with the occasional backback I have found the folks who attend to be polite. If you recognize a good deal when you see one there are deals to be had there, I've made a number of negotiated deals at that show.

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- Change it back -

I learned a long time ago to ditch the backpack and go with single shoulder strap carry. The one I have isn't very big but holds 7 fullsize handguns, has both handle and removable shoulder strap and not only is less cumbersome but is also easier to manipulate in confined/close quarters. I call it my pistol purse (murse???) Walmart- $16.
Glad you enjoyed the show.

A trip to Tulsa will likely have to wait until I retire. Even if I went, there would be the fun and games of getting stuff back to NV.

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Release the Kraken

You do know the biggest gun museum in the world is in Claremore, right?

Forgive my ignorance, but what is a "solvent trap"?

Was not familiar with the term, lo and behold... a "solvent trap"
the hi tech answer to a drip rag at the muzzle. I'm sure use only as intended is implied.
The "TITANIUM BLACK MAMBA" Solvent Trap Cleaning System. ***ULTRA HEAVY DUTY***.

Attachment of a car oil filter onto the muzzle of your gun to catch the solvent you use when cleaning your gun. If you leave it on by accident you may discover it works as an ersatz suppressor. Oh gosh, how did that happen?

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Release the Kraken

There was more than one table that offered "solvent traps" that seemed to resemble suppressors, with removable plugs on what would be the muzzle end. They had detailed instructions absolving them from liability if you happened to open up the business end and pull the trigger without first obtaining a tax stamp . . .

Tis junk like that that gives us all a bad perception.

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

Yeah, we decided to forgo the gun museum for the simulcast ponies and cold draft beer at the Will Rogers Downs/Cherokee Casino. Only so many hours in a weekend . . .

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

I really like the Tulsa show and usually attend spring and fall. I'm thinking they may have narrowed down some of the aisle to get in a few more tables. Some were so tight if you stopped to look at anything everybody on the row stopped. I felt a little sorry for dealers on those rows. To make that problem worse are the goobers that load up a wagon or cart and deal right in the middle of everything. Another thing that drives be crazy are the guys with long arms over their shoulder swinging all around clearing the aisle with the barrel.

But the positives definitely out weigh the negatives. I'll keep going as long as I can.

I would have bought it on the spot at that price. I've had one on special order through a local LGS since January 28.

Did you have better luck at the casino or g-show?
JM Davis is open most days, catch it next time. Wanenmachers only comes twice a year. Priorities...

Hickok45 was there!

It's the only thing I went back to look at twice. I didn't have my LGS buddy's FFL with me (which I thought about as we passed into Oklahoma) or I would have, and he's out next week, which would have complicated the process.

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

You really should stop in on that museum. Budget 4-6 hours.

There are more guns there than one can look, I think. The only thing I had against it, was that they will have a case full (maybe 30-50 samples) of every variable in existence for a model of weapon.

"...this one has the angled fore-end, this one is curved. This one has the curved fore-end with the black spacer in the stock. This one has the angled fore-end, white spacer, and smooth trigger...."

It leads to sensory overload. After a while, they all blend together.

However, there is no entrance fee. They merely ask for a donation if you are willing.

My bride and I made the trip for the fourth time in the last five years. I enjoy it each time. She helps me look for certain things I am interested in and has a good eye. She found a Dan Wesson for me that I didn't buy and while she doesn't know all of the models, she can tell a Colt from a Smith and a Dan and all the knockoffs. We also very much like the specialty stuff that people bring. One guy had a huge collection of "mini's" that have their roots in the former guild system. Craftsmanship was amazing. A pistol that works with all moving parts the size of your wife's little finger. Also love the muskets, derringers, Indian artifacts and civil war finds. I had posted on here about going to Little Big Horn this summer and picked up lots of info and a good book to read.

Didn't buy any flashlights or the cure all bracelets but did find some really good beef sticks we are still enjoying and priced very reasonable.

The isles lined up as usual but we can never figure out the difference between the white numbers on the metal beams like 8N (I know it is isle 8 and north but the numbers in the middle didn't correspond. The isles were irregular which caused the problem - one would be nice and wide and you could really move and the next was tight and slowed you down. I don't get bothered by back packs (have one myself), lots of guys with carts on wheels, motorized carts, etc because I am glad those people can get get out and enjoy the show as well. It is all part of it and who knows when we will be the ones who inconvenience someone else in our later years. I do mind the family reunions in the isles. Did see one older lady behind a table ask a mother with stroller to move so people could get to their table. The double wide strollers are difficult to work around but the upside is I like families being together and getting them started really young!

The Snake guns are out of the safes and I think every table had at least one! Many collections and you had your pick. I didn't see many moving. Prices were all over the place up to mid 3's. That is a market I don't dabble in.

Smiths were very high I thought. Found a 66 no dash for $925 and it wasn't all that clean. 27's were all well above $1,200. 19's could be had around $750 for a shooter to $1,500 and more for others. I thought things were about 1 - 3 hundred higher than last year. I only found three Dan's and one worth looking at and it was $800.

We cover the floor pretty well and take good notes so we go back and forth on things. A lot of things I looked at on Saturday early were still there Sunday. In most cases guys were willing to deal on prices so I don't always let the high numbers scare me. I picked up a very clean 28-2 in the box although I would like to have a four instead of a six but his gives me something else to look for now.

My biggest pet peeve were the empty tables, way more than usual. Guess people just didn't show up. Then others had stuff covered most of the day and worst of all, many people starting packing up at 10:00 on Sunday. We get there right at 8:00 both days and we felt sorry for those coming to the show and forking over 10 bucks on Sunday at noon only to see a large number of dealers closing shop. I think that is really bad form and something they will need to address.

Have a friend who gets a dealer pass to go on Friday and that is where the money is made for dealers. That would be fun someday. Having a wad of $10,000 cash gets you some neat stuff I hear.

Bottom line is stuff was high but if you looked and took some time, there were deals to be made. I find this true each year but it is work and you need to be prepared to walk. Thought maybe numbers were down but my friends thought it was packed so what do I know. I do want to go in November just to see what is different. Heard they have a different set of dealers and not as many people attend because of the weather.

Where was the S & W Forum booth?

Wish I had seen you there.

I've got a really sweet Spesco .38 revolver I would have (and still will) sell you for considerably less than $450.
Excellent bluing, very good fit and finish....

There was a guy selling a S&W "Model 8" snub-nosed .38 Special for $395. It was really a pre-Model 10 Military & Police with the half moon front sight, worn grips, and most of the original finish. There was an "8" on the frame not associated with the serial number, hence "Model 8." Since the wife's car and the dryer had just crapped out, it didn't go home with me.

The problem with backpacks is that people turn sideways thinking they're thinner that way, not!

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CPT, Armor (Ret)
Luke 22:36