Gun Show Observations & questions
- Thread starter CAJUNLAWYER
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Frank237
Absent Comrade
But..regarding the Reno Show; Three years back from an older Gentlemen who was moving part of his collection, I bought a 4" M-624, a 4" and a 6" M-657 all NIB with papers, tools, etc. I paid $450 for the 624 and $475 for the other two. So THAT Show was surely worth attending!
Then the next day I found a 1970's Browning HP LNIB for $500 with several factory hi caps, ammo and a nice set of Herretts walnut stocks. One of my favorite shooters now.
Despite having to endure the occasional unsavory character as well as laughable prices, unless you attend you will not find the occasional DEALS we all so enjoy posting.
Like Northslope snagging a nice older M&P. Ya gotta play to score.
As soon as I declare I'm swearing off these crazy shows...tired of the critters and the tacticool/military/survivalist crowd...I will stumble into something I really want at a decent price. Those occasional good deals keep the addiction going.
FN in MT
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OP
CAJUNLAWYER
Member
I wish you'd had the money to buy all four also
Seriously though-thanks for the kind words. It's always nice to put a face on the members and I enjoyed meeting you yesterday.
imjin138
US Veteran
I keep telling myself this will be my last show, but I always go anyway. It gets me out of the house and doing something I enjoy for the most part.
I usually take something with me wether it be cash or trading material, most times I am not looking for anything in particular. I do watch the people and the vendors.
I do get a kick out of the guys who are not vendors but meet people at the door and try to buy cheap. I watched one a few weeks ago at at show who stopped an older woman with a Brwoning shotgun and tried to finagle it away from her by telling her that because it was made in Belgium that it wasn't worth that much being foriegn made and all. She bit into his butt but good, she was a trap shooter and knew better.
Had a buddy of mine trying to sell a 03A3 and a guy told him they were no good because they had been double heat treated and the receiver would blow up. I told him where to go and to re-read the Brophy book.
Mostly I look at the S&Ws and cowboy guns and sometimes I find a decent price. Being in the near Milwaukee area I do see a lot of gangbangers or those who dress like them. Alot of guys wearing SEAL or Ranger T-shirts. No Blackhawk shirts yet, but a lot of Hitler clothing T shirts and hats and the like which scares me a bit.
I have noticed a lot more women lately as well as children so thats always good.
A lot of people bring their dogs and other pets, that I haven't figured out yet. Saw a guy selling live rabbits, a lot of beef jerky and jewelry, but the jewelry tables were usually connected to the hubby's table with guns.
Otherwise I will probably go to the next one too, just because its a habit and I see people I wouldn't normally see.
I usually take something with me wether it be cash or trading material, most times I am not looking for anything in particular. I do watch the people and the vendors.
I do get a kick out of the guys who are not vendors but meet people at the door and try to buy cheap. I watched one a few weeks ago at at show who stopped an older woman with a Brwoning shotgun and tried to finagle it away from her by telling her that because it was made in Belgium that it wasn't worth that much being foriegn made and all. She bit into his butt but good, she was a trap shooter and knew better.
Had a buddy of mine trying to sell a 03A3 and a guy told him they were no good because they had been double heat treated and the receiver would blow up. I told him where to go and to re-read the Brophy book.
Mostly I look at the S&Ws and cowboy guns and sometimes I find a decent price. Being in the near Milwaukee area I do see a lot of gangbangers or those who dress like them. Alot of guys wearing SEAL or Ranger T-shirts. No Blackhawk shirts yet, but a lot of Hitler clothing T shirts and hats and the like which scares me a bit.
I have noticed a lot more women lately as well as children so thats always good.
A lot of people bring their dogs and other pets, that I haven't figured out yet. Saw a guy selling live rabbits, a lot of beef jerky and jewelry, but the jewelry tables were usually connected to the hubby's table with guns.
Otherwise I will probably go to the next one too, just because its a habit and I see people I wouldn't normally see.
boneman
US Veteran
I agree with cajun regarding gun shows. I go to them now to get lead. Go in make a left walk back to the far wall buy the lead turn around and leave. The last time I went to look it all over I seemed to get around someone who had a serious gas problem, no matter where I went the smell followed me. I'm pretty sure it wasn't me for the most time I know when that happens. That was the last check it all out gun show. Thanks Larry
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I also remember gun shows from the late '60s-70's and enjoyed them. Aside from traditional warnings about staying away from the food.
Started back to them in the 1980's, had tables and noticed the start of some of the issues Cajun mentioned. Plus, if you wanted deals by then, you had to be there during setup and run around that night to find your stuff and close deals. When the doors opened to the public, reasonable prices largely went out the window unless, as stated, the seller didn't know what they had.
Several years back, I decided to see what a big gunshow was like in Virginia. Saw all the issues mentioned. There were a few tables with decent stuff, a lot of "collectables" that didn't go bang and the people had certainly become.....more diverse.
One thing that hasn't changed over the decades is that people seem to think that because they paid a certain price for something, that's what it's worth. Not in the real world. I can still recall a guy trying to peddle a SA M1A for list. I carefully explained to him that I wasn't going to pay retail for a used gun I could buy new for $400 less than he was asking. I don't think the concept got through. He kept repeating "But I paid --------!"
Possibly related, I haven't been in a pawnshop outside Virginia in 20 years. You used to able to find deals, I recall filling a pullman suitcase with empty .45 brass in Alabama for $30. Not in Virginia. They don't seem to grasp the concept that a used firearm doesn't sell at the same price it did new. I don't care what they lent on it/paid for it.
Started back to them in the 1980's, had tables and noticed the start of some of the issues Cajun mentioned. Plus, if you wanted deals by then, you had to be there during setup and run around that night to find your stuff and close deals. When the doors opened to the public, reasonable prices largely went out the window unless, as stated, the seller didn't know what they had.
Several years back, I decided to see what a big gunshow was like in Virginia. Saw all the issues mentioned. There were a few tables with decent stuff, a lot of "collectables" that didn't go bang and the people had certainly become.....more diverse.
One thing that hasn't changed over the decades is that people seem to think that because they paid a certain price for something, that's what it's worth. Not in the real world. I can still recall a guy trying to peddle a SA M1A for list. I carefully explained to him that I wasn't going to pay retail for a used gun I could buy new for $400 less than he was asking. I don't think the concept got through. He kept repeating "But I paid --------!"
Possibly related, I haven't been in a pawnshop outside Virginia in 20 years. You used to able to find deals, I recall filling a pullman suitcase with empty .45 brass in Alabama for $30. Not in Virginia. They don't seem to grasp the concept that a used firearm doesn't sell at the same price it did new. I don't care what they lent on it/paid for it.
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Texas1941
Member
I went to the Pasadena gun show yesterday, and it was just as the OP described. Narrow isles, strange crowd, and a lot of junk. I was looking for bullets, SP primers, and a can of SR4756. There was none of any to be had.
The HGCA show is still pretty good. There is enough room to get around, and there is always something cool to see (sometimes even a good deal). The down side is parking. It is expensive and you need to be up for a long walk in the sun. In Houston, in the summer, this can be a big deal. On the other hand, this may help to keep some of the scary people at bay.
The HGCA show is still pretty good. There is enough room to get around, and there is always something cool to see (sometimes even a good deal). The down side is parking. It is expensive and you need to be up for a long walk in the sun. In Houston, in the summer, this can be a big deal. On the other hand, this may help to keep some of the scary people at bay.
Went 129 miles to a gun show in Decatur IL yesterday. It should have been more appropriately called Decatur Knife and jewelry show with some guns & supplies. A 300 table show that I went through in an hour. Crowd was very light, and isles were clear. You could stand at one end of the hall and see every table the full length of the room. Did buy a lb. of powder I needed. There were probably less than 20% guns and maybe 1% S&W. The only thing my antenna went up on was a 15-1 4 screw. I was tempted, but couldn't get him down to where I felt the price should have been given the condition. Nice and tight, but lots of holster wear and a rough scuff mark under barrel (? dropped on concrete?). I was very disappointed. We had been to this show a year ago in the fall, and was a well attended show with lots of opportunities. Doubt if I head back to this one any time soon.
2 observations at the last 2 shows I attended with a friend who had a couple of tables.
1) Several older couples who don't seem to know a lot about collectibles are dropping some big bucks on mint guns. They seem to sense the approaching devaluation and want to convert into something that will hold its value. Probably tired of buying silver and gold.
2) About 30 minutes before the end of both shows on their respective Sundays, a wad of shady characters enter, split up and begin handling everything. At the same time, the vendors in the area share a knowing look and, under their tables, load up. I have watched this transpire at consecutive shows in different towns.
Ed
1) Several older couples who don't seem to know a lot about collectibles are dropping some big bucks on mint guns. They seem to sense the approaching devaluation and want to convert into something that will hold its value. Probably tired of buying silver and gold.
2) About 30 minutes before the end of both shows on their respective Sundays, a wad of shady characters enter, split up and begin handling everything. At the same time, the vendors in the area share a knowing look and, under their tables, load up. I have watched this transpire at consecutive shows in different towns.
Ed
Faulkner
Member
Well, let's go ahead and make gunshows illegal and be done with them then.
I used to go to the Goodman shows at Hara Arena in Dayton, Ohio and they were well run and great shows to attend. When I first started they were in a small hall and grew each year until they would fill the large main hall. I left in 1996 to work in Illinois and was not at a Goodman show until 2006. It almost sickened me, The show was back in the small hall and was so crappy I left after only 20 - 30 minutes.
Now I mostly attend the OGCA meetings. They are well run, members and guests only shows that enforce their rules on what can be displayed etc. My only (minor) complaint is that there are a couple of the scooter riders (out of many as there are a number of older long time members) that seem to go out of the way to stop in the middle of an aisle blocking it (they won't even try to move to the side so others can get by) and glare at the people waiting to get past like they're daring them to say something. It's amost always the same person. They are the exception though.
Now I mostly attend the OGCA meetings. They are well run, members and guests only shows that enforce their rules on what can be displayed etc. My only (minor) complaint is that there are a couple of the scooter riders (out of many as there are a number of older long time members) that seem to go out of the way to stop in the middle of an aisle blocking it (they won't even try to move to the side so others can get by) and glare at the people waiting to get past like they're daring them to say something. It's amost always the same person. They are the exception though.
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I often set up at shows here in Ohio, all of them seem to be shrinking in size and variety. It didn't help when Bloomberg sent his hired help to try and pull off illegal sales and get people to say (or do) things they shouldn't for his hidden cameras.
You see fewer people getting a table to sell their own stuff at the public shows and even the number of dealers is declining. New guns are in profusion (many discounted) but good used guns and collectible stuff usually has internet pricing. That includes most of the ones being carried around. The new catch phrase seems to be "I saw one on the internet for that price!"
Oh well, at least we are still able to have gunshows. Bloomberg and all his anti-gun pals would like to get rid of them all. I still enjoy them even if they aren't as good as they used to be.
You see fewer people getting a table to sell their own stuff at the public shows and even the number of dealers is declining. New guns are in profusion (many discounted) but good used guns and collectible stuff usually has internet pricing. That includes most of the ones being carried around. The new catch phrase seems to be "I saw one on the internet for that price!"
Oh well, at least we are still able to have gunshows. Bloomberg and all his anti-gun pals would like to get rid of them all. I still enjoy them even if they aren't as good as they used to be.
bigolddave
Member
I probably should keep my mouth shut, but the Princeton, IL show is a lot like the shows you remember. No charge to park, $2 to get in, and quite a bit of interesting stuff. It is far enough from Chicago to not draw the gangbangers, and there always seems to be a lot walking around. In the past four years I've picked up a .44 HE Second Model, a Terrier, a 15 no dash, a 15-3, a 22/32 target, a .38 Regulation Police, a Winchester 75 Sporter and a Savage 99T.
It can be a little crowded, but it is a polite and friendly crowd, and I have yet to see a dog there. Prices are not like you remember them from years ago, but not normally ridiculous.
It can be a little crowded, but it is a polite and friendly crowd, and I have yet to see a dog there. Prices are not like you remember them from years ago, but not normally ridiculous.
Wayne02
Member
It's a good day at our gun show when the hill people show up with clean sweatpants on.
Neck Tattoos = The original Public Service Announcements.
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jlrhiner
US Veteran
I quit going to gun shows when they posted them to stop CCW from entering. I don't patronize other businesses that do so, they're no different.
S&W-Keeper
Member
I don't really go to shows to buy guns,I bought my last one at a show several years ago, I usually buy ammo from Ga. Arms,grips, if I can get them at a decent price,and look for Tyler T's.
Thanks for the report H Richard, I am only 40 miles from Decatur and was tempted to drive down this AM out of boredom. Glad that I chose to stay home and wash the daughter's car. The Fall show in Bloomington may be similar, but it sure gets a huge crowd. If you should choose to come, I just might buy you lunch.
rburg
Member
I saw one of those instances maybe 10 years ago. The aisles were narrower than usual. Some young guy had his wife in tow. Really she was acting as his guard. No way he was going to enjoy himself if she could help it. She kept whining "lets go". She had the baby stroller and had strategically placed herself to cause the maximum traffic disruption. She was good at her task. Finally the poor husband moved forward.
Without looking, she pushed forward. Right into the back of a guy who had somehow managed to get around her roadblock. Hitting the guy in the back of the knees. He did what anyone would do. There was no referee, but she should have gotten a clipping penalty. He went down. Right into her stroller and on top of the baby! It was kind of ugly for a minute or two.
She of course was mad at the guy she hit. And started screaming at the poor husband that they should leave. He told her on no uncertain terms to go to the lobby! I misjudged him badly. I thought he would be a wimp, but he grew a set. It was good because she needed to know her little game wouldn't work, or she'd pull it over and over.
HOUSTON RICK
Member
Houston is probably the gunshow capital of this part of the country at least. The quarterly Houston Convention Center and Summit gun shows are excellent and the almost monthly local Pasadena convetion center show is pretty good, each with many quality older guns and lots of new ones, but good used S&W's are not aleays cheap. There are always people who confuse outstanding with standing out.
LVSteve
Member
I have stopped attending the big shows at the Cashman Center (appropriate name!) here for the following reasons
1) At least $6 to park
2) At least $12 to get in.
3) Stupid, stupid prices from most vendors.
4) Diabolical "food"... well, that's what they called it.
I only go to the shows at the casinos, and they are far and few between these days. If they have a show in Mesquite, Parhump or Boulder City I will go just to make it a day out.
1) At least $6 to park
2) At least $12 to get in.
3) Stupid, stupid prices from most vendors.
4) Diabolical "food"... well, that's what they called it.
I only go to the shows at the casinos, and they are far and few between these days. If they have a show in Mesquite, Parhump or Boulder City I will go just to make it a day out.
