Funny. Guess we each define "good" in different ways. Most gun shows I attend are good from my vantage point. I generally enjoy them, my strength allowing.
Any gun show where I find and buy something I wanted is a good one. It doesn't have to be a one of a kind gun at rock bottom prices. The street fair momma and I attended Friday morning was a good gun show to me. I bought a gun I've been seeking for a few years now. Its been a good one for the last 10 or so years, too. Last year I bought a gun and gave it to my son. He's wanted a 617 4" for a while now and couldn't find one. He's not bothered by the lock, or the fact its been shot a bunch. He'll shoot it more. The year before that I scored a 342 with CT grips. Sold the grips to another son's friend who had to have them, reducing the price dramatically. The year before that I scored a 396 no lock. Back a few years before that I managed a very early Outdoorsman (one of the lowest hundred serials.)
But from there we went to the NGD show we've been discussing here. I dumped 2 guns that I just didn't need any longer. Fine pieces, but needing new homes. One was a 629-1 which was replaced by the 629 no dash. I'm happy and it was a good show for me.
Some shows are good when I don't buy or sell anything. Just meeting old friends (often our posters here) and chatting for a while. Its a good time for me. Hopefully I don't bore them too badly!
Any show where I learn something new and interesting is a good show. Some shows have guns I can't afford (or won't). But I like looking at them. One show in particular a few years back had Winchester M70 #2 on display. The vendor was in our island of tables, next to us actually. I talked with the guy for a few minutes here and there, then realized what the gun on his end-cap was. So I invested about an hour looking at it. Later he let me handle it (carefully.) It made me feel really good, and makes me value #202 that I own even more. I don't care if mine does show some use, its mine and its a treasure.
And I enjoyed looking at Patton's Registered Magnum when it was on display a few years ago. I don't even want to own that one, but looking made the show worthwhile.
It could be my lower standards of what constitutes a good show is what makes me so happy. I have no intention of raising my sights. Y'all have a friend in a low place! ME!
