There is a lot of negative talk about gun shows lately, and, I don't disagree. I have the same issues with the small local shows I go to. But I am getting the impression that the L'ville show might be worth seeing. I am not looking for a specific gun or thinking that I am going to find a steal, but I would like to see some guns I normally don't have the opportunity to see. It would be a three hour drive from my mother's who I go see every two weeks. I would drive over early, get my fill, and drive back to her place. I have been to the Expo center, the drive would be I-64 all the way. How large are the crowds? Any of you guys going? Is it worth it?
Tell me about the Louisville gun show.
- Thread starter LazyKB
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Magnum-Krazy
Member
I'm there every time they have one.
Easy drive for me, just about 25 miles though.
That gun show is always packed, elbow to elbow.
As far as dealers and private sellers, I believe if theres a certain revolver, semi-auto, shotgun, AKA or rifle ones looking for, theres a darn good chance you'll find it there !
Plenty of ammo, holster, book, you name it dealers, their there.
Knowing all about Louisville's large gun shows (and I mean LARGE), if I did live several hours away, I would make the trip.
No disappointment -------------------
Ernie
Easy drive for me, just about 25 miles though.
That gun show is always packed, elbow to elbow.
As far as dealers and private sellers, I believe if theres a certain revolver, semi-auto, shotgun, AKA or rifle ones looking for, theres a darn good chance you'll find it there !
Plenty of ammo, holster, book, you name it dealers, their there.
Knowing all about Louisville's large gun shows (and I mean LARGE), if I did live several hours away, I would make the trip.
No disappointment -------------------
Ernie
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elwood
Member
I've been plenty of times and always enjoyed it. Lots and lots to see. Plan to get a room and spend the weekend...well worth the trip. Actually, what we've done a few times is rent a table just to have an "oasis" in there. We take a cooler in with some grub and drinks and lay out a thing or two that we really don't care to sell and take off. Start on Friday and leave noonish on Sunday. Can't see it all in one day. Go and have fun.
Elwood
Elwood
Marksman
Member
Lots of guns, on the tables, in the aisles and out in the parking lot. Opportunities to see plenty of guns and perhaps make a deal abound. The aisles are about double the width of many gun shows, seldom is there gridlock even when it is crowded. Wear comfortable shoes and take a small notebook as the aisles are lettered and numbered should you want to go back for a second look at a particular gun. When entering the show you want to turn to your right and proceed to the wall and commence going up and down the aisles. The higher quality collector type guns seem to be comcentrated there, as you work your way accross the hall the quality dimishes. More currently available guns, ammo, reloading and accessories.
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doublesharp
Member
The Feb show is the best one. It's in South wing C and that's the newest and best venue at the fairgrounds. There will be dealers from all over the eastern US and buyers from all over the world. We locals look forward to this show all year. Come on down!
Here's the email letter Dickson sends out to his mailing list:
Exhibitors and Attendees,
It won't be long until it is "Gun Show Time"!!!!!! February 25, 26, 2012, is just a few weeks away. This is our big 25th Anniversary Show at the Kentucky Fair and Expo Center in Louisville, Kentucky, and I look forward to seeing you there. The show is really looking good and larger than last year. I added another row of tables, so if you don't have a table reservation yet, now is the time to get them. They won't last long, gettem while you can!!!!!! First come, first serve! Collectors are coming from all over the world to this show and they won't be disappointed. If you have never been to the February show, it is truly an event you will never forget!! Exhibitors, make sure you bring your "parking pass", we may not have any extras because of the size of the show.
See you soon,
Ron and Hildegard Dickson
Here's the email letter Dickson sends out to his mailing list:
Exhibitors and Attendees,
It won't be long until it is "Gun Show Time"!!!!!! February 25, 26, 2012, is just a few weeks away. This is our big 25th Anniversary Show at the Kentucky Fair and Expo Center in Louisville, Kentucky, and I look forward to seeing you there. The show is really looking good and larger than last year. I added another row of tables, so if you don't have a table reservation yet, now is the time to get them. They won't last long, gettem while you can!!!!!! First come, first serve! Collectors are coming from all over the world to this show and they won't be disappointed. If you have never been to the February show, it is truly an event you will never forget!! Exhibitors, make sure you bring your "parking pass", we may not have any extras because of the size of the show.
See you soon,
Ron and Hildegard Dickson
rburg
Member
Its as big or bigger than OGCA, which is also a monster but you need to be a member for that one.
Most people can't really walk it in a day and see all there is to see. Its a good mix of commercial tables and private tables. On top of all that, sometimes the crowds prevent you from seeing whats on one table. You do have the usual group that wants to travel together and just stops and clogs things up. The new danger are the old guys (like us) on motorized wheelchairs. They stop and everything stops, they start and you might get run over.
As with all gun shows, you may not get to see the best guns in the show. Those often reside under someone's tables and aren't brought out except for preferred buyers. Some stuff is just there for show and tell, not really to be sold. I've done that many times over the years, and I still have my prizes.
While the selection of great guns is worth noting, the chances of you buying something from a fool are pretty low. There is a large population of knowledgeable buyer and vendors. They have ready cash and know their guns. They also get in early (during setup) and roam the aisles just looking. For many of us, most transactions occur before the doors ever open to the general public. Kind of a sour kind of thing if you don't have a table.
A lot of folks carry along some gun to sell. You might even get your best deals from walk in folks. But be aware if you carry along a gun, it will be checked at the front desk on the outside. It can take another half hour to hour just to get in the door.
The line for paying customers will be long. It always is. You have a choice, get there early and find a good place to park, but stand in line forever. Or get there late and park out past the horse barns and walk for an equal length of time as if you'd gotten there early. You can't win.
We always have our complainers. Nothing will ever suit them. There is a place called the Jerky Hut. It does a brisk business. If you can't stand jerky places at your gun shows, stay home. And we have some surplus places on the north end of the hall. There are some civil war tables, and if all you go for are black rifles, those ancient guns will disgust you. Even if the promoter says there aren't Tshirts and jewelry, you'll find them if you look. Some pretty nice items, too. Some of the vendors (me included) have sold coins and bullion. I've even sold housewares! Yep, sterling silver dining services.
Its an everything show for everybody. This cycle we'll even have our own Charlie Sherrill and son in attendance. He usually only comes up for Saturday.
And we have top end tables. David Carroll usually buys about 7 tables and displays some nearly impossible to find guns. If you want something to complain about, complain they aren't at give away prices!
Some other rules: Cash rules. If you're from out of state, you might want to pre-arrange a home state dealer to receive your purchases, or at least don't leave your C&R at home. Don't expect Bubba to run your credit card. Food quality has deteriorated dramatically over the years. There was a time that you really looked forward to lunch, with my all time favorite being the ham and cheese croissants. Long gone. Now we have surly and slow help with sometimes terrible food. At least the soft drinks are the same as everywhere, except more expensive.
Most people can't really walk it in a day and see all there is to see. Its a good mix of commercial tables and private tables. On top of all that, sometimes the crowds prevent you from seeing whats on one table. You do have the usual group that wants to travel together and just stops and clogs things up. The new danger are the old guys (like us) on motorized wheelchairs. They stop and everything stops, they start and you might get run over.
As with all gun shows, you may not get to see the best guns in the show. Those often reside under someone's tables and aren't brought out except for preferred buyers. Some stuff is just there for show and tell, not really to be sold. I've done that many times over the years, and I still have my prizes.
While the selection of great guns is worth noting, the chances of you buying something from a fool are pretty low. There is a large population of knowledgeable buyer and vendors. They have ready cash and know their guns. They also get in early (during setup) and roam the aisles just looking. For many of us, most transactions occur before the doors ever open to the general public. Kind of a sour kind of thing if you don't have a table.
A lot of folks carry along some gun to sell. You might even get your best deals from walk in folks. But be aware if you carry along a gun, it will be checked at the front desk on the outside. It can take another half hour to hour just to get in the door.
The line for paying customers will be long. It always is. You have a choice, get there early and find a good place to park, but stand in line forever. Or get there late and park out past the horse barns and walk for an equal length of time as if you'd gotten there early. You can't win.
We always have our complainers. Nothing will ever suit them. There is a place called the Jerky Hut. It does a brisk business. If you can't stand jerky places at your gun shows, stay home. And we have some surplus places on the north end of the hall. There are some civil war tables, and if all you go for are black rifles, those ancient guns will disgust you. Even if the promoter says there aren't Tshirts and jewelry, you'll find them if you look. Some pretty nice items, too. Some of the vendors (me included) have sold coins and bullion. I've even sold housewares! Yep, sterling silver dining services.
Its an everything show for everybody. This cycle we'll even have our own Charlie Sherrill and son in attendance. He usually only comes up for Saturday.
And we have top end tables. David Carroll usually buys about 7 tables and displays some nearly impossible to find guns. If you want something to complain about, complain they aren't at give away prices!
Some other rules: Cash rules. If you're from out of state, you might want to pre-arrange a home state dealer to receive your purchases, or at least don't leave your C&R at home. Don't expect Bubba to run your credit card. Food quality has deteriorated dramatically over the years. There was a time that you really looked forward to lunch, with my all time favorite being the ham and cheese croissants. Long gone. Now we have surly and slow help with sometimes terrible food. At least the soft drinks are the same as everywhere, except more expensive.
doublesharp
Member
rburg says:
"There was a time that you really looked forward to lunch, with my all time favorite being the ham and cheese croissants. Long gone. Now we have surly and slow help with sometimes terrible food."
Hey Hey Hey!!! Watch what you say!!!
The Kentucky Pork Producers Association sell one of the best pork chop sandwiches you'll ever eat at a gun show. You got a thing against swine Dick or just too cheap?
And don't forget the high end, small batch ice cream they sell. Good stuff!
Life is short ~ eat more ice cream
"There was a time that you really looked forward to lunch, with my all time favorite being the ham and cheese croissants. Long gone. Now we have surly and slow help with sometimes terrible food."
Hey Hey Hey!!! Watch what you say!!!
The Kentucky Pork Producers Association sell one of the best pork chop sandwiches you'll ever eat at a gun show. You got a thing against swine Dick or just too cheap?
And don't forget the high end, small batch ice cream they sell. Good stuff!
Life is short ~ eat more ice cream
I also plan on attending. Only live a couple of miles from the Fairgrounds, and will be walking to it. Also, the Carl Casper car show is that same weekend. The place will be packed. Like others said, arrive early.
1 old 0311
Member
I have a friend who drives from Bloomington Indiana to hit the shows. H is a HIGH end S&W wheel gun guy and also sells top quality grips.
Jim sure don't give it away but ALL his stuff is top shelf.
Jim sure don't give it away but ALL his stuff is top shelf.
I don't know. I didn't go, it is to far from me.
_____
James
_____
James
doublesharp
Member
If you are a friend of J R I expect you and I would get along fine.
rburg
Member
rburg says:
"
The Kentucky Pork Producers Association sell one of the best pork chop sandwiches you'll ever eat at a gun show. You got a thing against swine Dick or just too cheap?
And don't forget the high end, small batch ice cream they sell. Good stuff!
That's not even in the show. You've got to hike outside to get it.
Worse than that, there's not a decent place to eat now that the 5th Quarter closed down.
doublesharp
Member
I miss the 5th Quarter big time. No place has filled the void yet. Ruby Tuesday's is my favorite salad bar and they have good booth seating but it's still a fern bar. Nothing that can match the red brocade wallpaper and black pleather booths of the 5th Qtr, let alone the world famous steaks, seafood and that massive salad bar displays served on those cold metal plates. Old school class and cool. Always reminded me of what I thought a high end cathouse should look like.
kimporter
Member
i heard parking at the fairgrounds is now 8.00 getting in the show is 12.00 i think,also the same weekend they have the ohio valley military "show of shows" for collectors of military items,so the parking lot will be packed
Joe in SC
US Veteran
I wanna go. Can someone tell me a good, clean motel, hotel for the wife and I to stay at that's not booked up and dosen't require a loan to stay there. It doesn't have to be next door but it shouldn't be over an hour away. TIA
Joe in SC
Joe in SC
rburg
Member
You're late to the party. The time to make reservations was 2 months ago.
The hot ticket, if they've got rooms, is the "Crown Plaza", formerly the Executive West. Its closer to the gun show than the parking lot inside the fairgrounds. Unless you're handicapped or afraid of a small walk, its the hot ticket. You can still call them, they might have a room one of the nights, or a cancellation for both. Then you just eat down stairs, walk into the venue, and save the $12 parking. Your car sits safely where you parked it at the motel (but be sure to put the paper on the dash.)
There probably are others near the fairground. I belive there's a Holiday Inn on the west side, but its beyond walking distance.
As discussed above, probably no great places to eat. The Crown Plaza inherited all the problems of the Executive Inn. They excelled at slow service and bad food.
You can get good food in-town, or east on the Watterson (Ruth Chris).
Magnum-Krazy
Member
You might do a search for Motels in Clarksville and Jeffersonville Indiana and see if they have any rooms.
Both just a small jump to the Kennedy Bridge into Louisville, KY.
Theres also New Albany Indiana which is also pretty close.
Ernie
