The wife insisted we go since she's from there and I couldn't say no. I haven't been since Orlando 2003 so it's been quite awhile. Linda ain't much interested in the going's on so she will probably dump me and drive off in the rental, at least after Thursday. I'll have my phone so PM me your # if'n you want and I'll come say howdy. I'm not lining up hours in advance for events and "after hours" ones are primarily fund raisers with Trump the big $$$ draw. Just gawking at the hardware and enjoying Dallas, maybe some BBQ (beef!). I've met a few dozen forum members over the last 20 years or so, never a bad experience. I'm hoping Dallas keeps the crazy away, I don't go to "crazy conventions" and try to act sane, seems disrespectful. Anyways, enjoy. Joe

__________________
Wisdom chases me; I'm faster

I’d forget about going if I was worried about “crazy”. I don’t do well with liars; people who don’t mean what they say. Bad information is worse than no information because it’s misleading.

Some day I'm going to make it to one of the conventions. It's on my bucket list.

__________________
So many S&W's, so few funds!!

The last NRA convention I attended was two years ago in Indy. The politest crowd you'll ever be in!

Around 2007 or 8 they changed the rules, the venders can actually sell stuff, instead of just take orders. In Indy, I decided to buy a night scope for my one of my rifles. I had the cash, they had the scopes, I just needed to decide which scope and take delivery! The booth had 5 salesmen, 4 sat drinking coffee and telling tall tales, and one kept work a guy that told him 3 times that I heard "I don't even own a rifle!" But after 20 minutes I took my money and left.

I got great deals at Berry's Bullets (orders only) I bought several thousand bullets I wanted a great Show Special Prices with free freight! I paid cash in $100 bills,. It was early and they had no change so I save another $27 when they rounded down the total!

I bought my wife an anniversary gift of jewelry from a nice husband and wife. They had forgot their cash bag and gave me a huge discount when I paid cash. The wife joked that they could have an overpriced lunch now.

Ivan

If you have never been to the YO Ranch Steak House, do yourself a favor and try it. My +1 loves the smoked gouda mac and cheese. I have never had a bad steak.

I've been to 2 NRA meetings in Philadelphia and one in Pittsburgh. At one of the Philadelphia meetings I got to wondering why this one gentleman kept addressing me as "Doctor." I figured out that because I was living in Frederick, Maryland at the time my badge said "MD."

Been there a couple trips ago. Bison done right. Took the DART from Plano, about let us out at the door. Light rail also done right. Joe

__________________
Wisdom chases me; I'm faster

I would go, except at my age it involves too much walking. I'm doing well to make a lap around Wal-Mart. And there is virtually no place to sit down in he Dallas Convention Center. I can predict with certainty there will be lots of protesters outside.

No place to sit has been an issue at every one I've been to.

A solution (sort of): use the map and find the concession area(s), Work your way to it, rest and repeat. Worked for me. I found others my age doing the same, and made some new friends.

Ivan

NRA was in Dallas in the 90's when I lived there. The statues of the Snortin' Bulls out front told the story. The Snortn' Bull is the emblem of TSRA (Texas State Rifle Association). I really enjoyed it but it take two days to see it all.