Well, I said I wouldn't do it again but I ended up going to a local gun show on Sunday morning. I don't really have any Wish List guns on my radar right now, and the local shows rarely have anything that I'm interested in buying anyway. But it was a beautiful day for a motorcycle ride and I decided to stop by and take a look around. I paid my $8 at the door and walked in with a positive attitude and anticipation of a great find. I started my first pass around the venue, and much to my chagrin I was greeted by several tables of jewelry with sales ladies biding their time with their knitting! Then came the black rifle tables and the plastic pistol tables, and table after table of cheap knives (it seems that the karambit is the latest knife craze). Then there was a huge display of modern air rifles complete with suppressors, and tables full of cheap imported optics. I did find a couple of tables with a few minty vintage Colts (mostly $3K+ Pythons) and a couple of pricey vintage S&W revolvers...but I think that they were there more for show than for sale. The show was rounded out by beef jerky, a few beat up military surplus rifles, some worn out shotguns and hunting rifles, bluetooth stereo speakers, and several tables of body armor, t-shirts and hats. Different strokes for different folks, I guess. I didn't even make a second pass around. I'm all for supporting the local shows and local businesses, and 2nd Amendment sales, but some of these shows are just a waste of time for me. Very disappointing.
Another disappointing gun show
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Txrevolvernerd
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Yeah I feel ya. Ever since Covid it seems like people mark stuff up at shows to ridiculous prices and do the ol “I know what I got Sonny” when you try and haggle. I’m in my 30s and have been shooting for about 15 years and it’s gotten harder and harder to find deals the last few years, even on “shooter grade” guns. Gets frustrating because I like supporting my small businesses too but you just can’t justify spending 50% more that what something is worth.
SnidelyWhiplash
Member
Many gun shows have gone the plastic fantastic route...with the vendors who sell only tacticool stuff...along with beef jerky, jewelry and other non-firearm related stuff. The issue seems to be in far too many cases the lack of firearms related vendors and the promoters end up renting tables out to anyone willing to lay out the cash. The promoters have to have a return on their investment or there won't be any shows...so I get that.
Add to that jurisdictions that enact onerous laws and regulations that chase vendors away in an attempt to restrict or even eliminate gun shows altogether. When I lived in Marylandstan one county tried restricting gun shows that were on private property...not county owned property. It cost the promoter a lot of money over several years to fight it. He won...eventually...but so many vendors stopped coming to the show he lost in the end and ultimately went under due to fighting the same in other counties within the state.
But...no matter disappointing a gun show might be otherwise...if you find that one firearm, part or accessory you've been searching for without luck...and at a fair price...it's a good gun show.
Add to that jurisdictions that enact onerous laws and regulations that chase vendors away in an attempt to restrict or even eliminate gun shows altogether. When I lived in Marylandstan one county tried restricting gun shows that were on private property...not county owned property. It cost the promoter a lot of money over several years to fight it. He won...eventually...but so many vendors stopped coming to the show he lost in the end and ultimately went under due to fighting the same in other counties within the state.
But...no matter disappointing a gun show might be otherwise...if you find that one firearm, part or accessory you've been searching for without luck...and at a fair price...it's a good gun show.
Ditto!
The past few shows I've attended were a joke, including The Big Reno Show in March, last weekend's Laughlin Show and a show this weekend in Vegas. Too much black rifle parts and accessories, t-shirts, knives, everything but good used, classic firearms. Get this, after I finished checking my guns with security, they whisked me past the ticket table and straight to the promoter's table. The promoter, whom I know, told me he wanted to buy everything I had. Things were going well until he offered me $1500 for my spectacular, 4" nickel Python complete with box and paperwork. As was walking away laughing, he proclaimed, "the Python market is soft." Not that soft, I replied. I ended up snagging two complete lowers for a couple orphaned uppers I have laying around. Next weekend's the Convention Center Show. With mostly the same vendors and $15 for parking, I'll stay home.
The past few shows I've attended were a joke, including The Big Reno Show in March, last weekend's Laughlin Show and a show this weekend in Vegas. Too much black rifle parts and accessories, t-shirts, knives, everything but good used, classic firearms. Get this, after I finished checking my guns with security, they whisked me past the ticket table and straight to the promoter's table. The promoter, whom I know, told me he wanted to buy everything I had. Things were going well until he offered me $1500 for my spectacular, 4" nickel Python complete with box and paperwork. As was walking away laughing, he proclaimed, "the Python market is soft." Not that soft, I replied. I ended up snagging two complete lowers for a couple orphaned uppers I have laying around. Next weekend's the Convention Center Show. With mostly the same vendors and $15 for parking, I'll stay home.
bananaman
Member
Most often lately I leave the gun show with absolutely nothing. Last November picked up a Colt Commander, .45 NIB!
My last win. Kinda miss the Jerky though as don't see it any more. Bob
My last win. Kinda miss the Jerky though as don't see it any more. Bob
Gun shows here are mostly flea markets with some shooting stuff thrown in .
The state laws keep most people away since you cant buy any thing without making arrangements to get your back ground check and FFL transfer and wait 10 days.
Whats the point ?
And over priced ammo the gougers are trying to off load .
The state laws keep most people away since you cant buy any thing without making arrangements to get your back ground check and FFL transfer and wait 10 days.
Whats the point ?
And over priced ammo the gougers are trying to off load .
pantannojack
US Veteran
I went to one Sat celebrating my second new hip bone job. I carried in a 66-4 snub and a 36-1, 3" for trade only. When asked by a table shark with noting out to to show himself "Can I see your pistol?". I answered walking away: "You wouldn't like it." When asked by another: "What are you asking?", I answer: "I am not asking, I am telling." Trade only, and money is no good here anymore." No more Mr Nice Guy for me when table vultures whisper together then size me as a sucker.
I don't see much beef jerky, all there really has been for years was one or two tables of it. Lots of ladies with husbands selling their crafts,ect...but they are mostly all in 1 aisle bunched together. So no big deal there. Black guns, fighting knives, polymer pistols here and there. Some military rifles, ammo sellers. Unfortunately revolvers are usually high priced but quite a few to look at. Owned by mostly old guys!
I like looking for better condition rimfire rifles and there are usually a few around. So I guess I don't mind the $10 to get in and look around. I usually see a few people I know. So overall a good way to spend a couple of hours, 2 times a year.
Ed
I like looking for better condition rimfire rifles and there are usually a few around. So I guess I don't mind the $10 to get in and look around. I usually see a few people I know. So overall a good way to spend a couple of hours, 2 times a year.Ed
I like those guys, they're good for entertainment...
...Ben
That's the way it's been around here since years before Covid. The last thing I found at a gun show was some reloading components about 8 or 10 years ago. There are a hundred tables run by local gunshop owners with the same plastic you can buy in any store. Oh, there was one piece of crap rifle that was obviously artificially distressed with a sign that said, "$14,000 - RARE!".
austintexas
Member
I assisted a friend at the Temple show, Not a bad show not a whole lot of dealers. My friend was a late addition and only had one table. All handguns and 2 Garands (mine). He is disposing of a lifetime accumulation of guns for a 91 year old gentleman headed for assisted living . Larry said he is not giving them away but setting reasonable prices. We were swamped all day Saturday and pretty busy Sunday. He guesstimated he moved 60 handguns, I sold my Garands (only two in the show). I was surprised at how many 1 and 2 table Mom & Pop exhibitors there were. We sold Probably half the guns before and during the show to other vendors. I've been pretty happy with the quality of gunshows in Central Texas/
SWCA 892
PS, I bought a mint Colt police positive in 32 new police for around $300. I don't collect Colts but it was too cute to pass up.
SWCA 892
PS, I bought a mint Colt police positive in 32 new police for around $300. I don't collect Colts but it was too cute to pass up.
I wonder if I’d find a good selection of N frame Smiths at a Beef Jerky market?
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Drove 6 hours to best friends in N.C. to help him with a militaria/ surplus weapons show. Used to set up at show but recent things have caused me to loose interest. Show was a Joke as everybody thought they were a dealer and wanted a “ deal deal” on everything. Friend has some once in a lifetime finds and only sold one group. He and I will never do show again. Might as well set up at flea market.
I will say the last Lakeland show was best I’ve been to in many years and will be going back.
I will say the last Lakeland show was best I’ve been to in many years and will be going back.
greenwellg
Member
Lots of veterans living close to me in eastern Virginia. K22 Masterpiece at the last Hampton show for a decent price, better shooter than the almost perfect one I found at an auction estate sale. Local Va Beach shop has a load of collectible military items. Like a museum but everything is for sale. They have an auction monthly and the last two have provided me with 3 guns for decent prices. A Smith 659, H&K45C and a stainless Walther PPKS for about 60% of the price new in virtually unfired condition for all 3. I watch the local auctions for deals especially estate auctions.
The circuit in Iowa is still pretty good. Not as many dealers as years ago but with careful shopping there are still deals to be had. I know most of the dealers anymore and have pretty good handle on their pricing strategies. My key is never go looking for any one thing in particular, just cruise the tables and see what strikes you. Yes, we have jerky tables and all the other nonsense. Just keep walking by, no harm no foul.
stringpicker
Member
It's been years since I've found anything I just had to have at a gun show...the last find is my trusty Bull-Hide belt i bought in 2012 for $69.00. Still pleased over that purchase, and wear it daily without sagging issues.
I went a few weeks ago in hopes of finding a decent used Mossberg 500 at a decent price so i could build anotherHD shotgun, this one for my son. That was a joke. Everyone thinks even the stamped receiver discount chain models are worth a mint.
The last time I went I took a couple guns for trade, I was insulted at the prices offered...$150 for a S&W 36-1 with box and paperwork. I put that back in my safe where it belongs.
I went a few weeks ago in hopes of finding a decent used Mossberg 500 at a decent price so i could build anotherHD shotgun, this one for my son. That was a joke. Everyone thinks even the stamped receiver discount chain models are worth a mint.
The last time I went I took a couple guns for trade, I was insulted at the prices offered...$150 for a S&W 36-1 with box and paperwork. I put that back in my safe where it belongs.
mscampbell2734
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It entirely depends on the local political situation. austintexas had a good experience because you can sell guns face to face in Texas. Here in the People's Republic of Kalifornia there are no private sales. All sales must go through an FFL, plus we have a 10 day waiting period. So anything "bought" at a gun show must be physically picked up later at the FFL.
While I can sympathize with those who bemoan the current state of gun shows, I still enjoy going to them.
Unless the show is a huge one I don’t go looking for anything in particular. Rather, I try to approach it like a treasure hunt, looking for hidden gems. I go fully expecting to come home empty-handed, but about a third of the time I’ll be pleasantly surprised.
A batting average like that will land you in the Hall of Fame.
Unless the show is a huge one I don’t go looking for anything in particular. Rather, I try to approach it like a treasure hunt, looking for hidden gems. I go fully expecting to come home empty-handed, but about a third of the time I’ll be pleasantly surprised.
A batting average like that will land you in the Hall of Fame.
After being disappointed at the last couple of shows I attended in the same venue, I skipped a couple of years and was strongly considering going to this past weekends show. After reading your post, I'm glad I decided not to go. Thanks for relieving my fear of missing out.
