Another disappointing gun show

I have had some "gunshow friends" over the years. In the '80's and 90's I used my FFL to dump trade ins and such for good saleable items. Later on met a few folks from here that helped me acquire revolvers that went away (had to have as many double stack 9mm's and magazines dontcha know) when the '94 AWB was foisted upon us. Over time folks "moved on" and now it's just me and "Doc." He insists on going whenever scheduling allows it. The Lakeland show is the last true gun show left in Central Florida. I am disposing of those items right where I found them originally. I enjoy the same look on a purchaser's face that I had 20+ years ago. I can close my eyes and describe just about everything and where they are at "Khaled's every 6 week flea market and Hidey-room convention." But, it is still a gun show :) Joe
 
I never attend guns shows anymore. Unless I'm looking for something specific. Then, there's only one local show I go to that caters more to the vintage crowd. The rest are just plastic, jewelry and jerky.

Even at that one show, there are more and more goobers on both sides of the table. More and more sellers seem to use it more as social time with there cronies, and seem to have little interest in selling their wares.

I used to go to every one, just to browse if nothing else. Now, the juice isn't worth the squeeze.
 
I kinda have been jonsing for an Ithaca 37 in 12 or 20 with less than a 30 in bbl.......May have to start going to a few shows again............When did go to all shows in 70's to the early 2000's.......We ALWAYS had a good eatery lined for afterwards.......High point of the day......Notice no one carries much used inventory theses day and that include pawn shops.........And that is SAD.
 
I haven't been to one since 2017 I think. I used to go to both shows at the Dome Arena in Henrietta. Spring and Fall. Between 1977 and 1996 I hit 40 consecutive, mostly by myself. It was fun to go to see what was available and for how much. The last one there was 3 years ago. Looks like I have to travel to Hamburg and Syracuse if I want half a chance at finding my Nickel Model 24. Never been to either place before. I'm stocked up on Primers, Powder, bullets and lead for casting. I can't think of anything else I might need.

Rick
 
I have been to some shows in my state and have never once seen anything i wanted especially for the price asked. So i have not been to one in a long time. I hear there are some areas where they are actually decent to go to but not in my blue state.
 
Fond memories is correct. One of the latest gun shows I attended, the seller knew what he was doing. He told me he was there to sell, not Show. I believe I did purchase something from him.
 
Have to join this in saying I drove about 400+ miles, spent the night to go to a show. What a JOKE!!!!! Might have been 15 decent S&W revolvers that were WAY overpriced. Mostly black plastic guns. Last time I’ll go to Any More of that promoters shows.
 
Have to join this in saying I drove about 400+ miles, spent the night to go to a show. What a JOKE!!!!! Might have been 15 decent S&W revolvers that were WAY overpriced. Mostly black plastic guns. Last time I’ll go to Any More of that promoters shows.
Any 6.5" Nickel model 24's?

Rick
 
No, saw a 5” M 27 but when picked it up had severe top strap cutting. Idiot shot only light weight hot loads, crying shame as rest of pistol was really nice. One table had 3 M29s and there was a M 14 6” but crazy price and young dealer didn't want to trade. Few M 36s and some worn out M 10s.
 
No they are certainly not 'like the old days'.
Fun to recall the good times, but I (we) didn't make or have much money either.

I still go and still seem to come away with something. Since I don't look for anything NIB or even near that, project guns are and always have been on the radar.

I still enjoy them and have way too many of all types. But still can't resist a good project piece. Doesn't matter if it's a long gun or handgun. My interests cover a very wide path but seem to end with guns made much after the mid 60's.

But not everyone would be happy with stuff like an H&R SxS 10ga, the hammerless made in the USA on the English Westley Richards patent. Complete w/ white line pad that my guess is, is not orig to the otherwise orig gun. We can fix that, hence,,it's a project gun and another gun for the duffer Skeet shoots every week..
Or a unkn 25cal cf single shot Maynard target rifle with a big dovetail cut into the bbl at the breech. Turned out to be 25-20Single-Shot cal which was my guess, but you never know.
May have been the ever popular 25-21 Stevens..
Perfect bore and chamber! Sitting right in with some com-bloc t-shirts, socks and genuine Chinese made US issue jungle knives.
..Or a perfect orig blue Chilean Mod 95 Mauser bbl'd action 7x57 sitting in a very nice preturned stock of what appears to be Euro walnut. Some nice grain. Lyman peep on the rear bridge. No holes in the ring, perfect crest. Mil Rear sight removed (unsoldered).
Never finished,,$250.
Like I need another rifle, but I couldn't just leave it there.
I'll get to it some day and finish it. Probably worth $350/400 when it's done!

Yes, it's quite different than it used to be.,
But it's better than nothing especially if you do happen to find something and you don't have to pay to park nor drive too far to get there..
 
I have found quite a few treasures (3" 1988 Python, a few interesting old Smith revolvers, Browning BL-22, etc) over many years but not much in the last 15 or more. A couple of older switchblades and trinkets in later years but not much. My local show has free parking and I get in free with LEO creds so I still go look around. Expectations are low so I'm not too disappointed.
 
Years ago I used to hit the show in San Antonio and Salt Lake City. Both were amazing. The Chantilly Gun Show is this weekend. 1300 tables in two rooms. I've seen nearly everything mentioned above however, no one mentioned pickles so add that to your list - the line is longer there than any other table :oops:.
There have been times I spent the first hour or more around just at a couple of tables - certain vendors are there all the time so I visit them first. Late last year, after having spent nearly 6 hours there and thinking I had seen everything, I stopped at a table I'd already visited when I first arrived and noticed a very nice Sako Vixen Hunter in .223 - perfect condition. I was smitten and brought that home. I have my list of 'wants' that I always hunt for but the few I seen are not in the condition I'm interested in. Recently, I located several M36 no dash on Gun Broker - flat latch, diamond insert grip, very light turn line, and several had a box. Since I hadn't seen anything similar at the gun show, I bought one (four-digit serial number!). Hoping to pick it up later this week. Bottom line, the Chantilly show is still pretty good. And who doesn't need a $6 hotdog, a $5 pretzel, or a $4 cup of coffee to top off the day! ;)
 
Many posters need some cheese?? I don't go to gun shows looking for anything specific anymore. I have things in the back of my mind (like a 13, 60, 66 etc) but I look at what is available. Us old timers need to realize that MOST of what is selling today is the plastic guns. We are slowly dying off and the revolvers are going to the auction houses. I still like to look and very occaisionally will find things I might buy. I DO HATE that the best buys are made by vendors and their buddies when setting up.
 
I only go to the big December phoenix show anymore.

In the old days, I'd go to the costa Mesa CA show. I made a few show friends there, one sadly passed (huge s&w collector with a bunch of triple locks), and another I haven't seen in years. The only 'local' shows left are Lancaster and ontario.. no thanks.

I cam find something neat every time in Phoenix almost. I've been paring down in recent years.. too much crap already and most of it the kids wont care about.

-Dave
 
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