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 . . .
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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