Gun show etiquette, ethics and manners...

[Club Gun Fan]

It is sad to go to a show that HAD quality tables. I was at a show in New York awhile back. One of the promoters tried to talk me into setting up at his show. He said "We don't allow flea market junk at this show. He had his back to two tables. One table was selling baseball cards, the other table was selling a coin and paper money collection.
I said "What are these people doing here?" He just walked away.

 

[JSR III]

14. "I've got more than that in it." Spare me. I've heard it before.

Just because you overpaid doesn't mean I should.

Being on the other side of the table as a displayer of my S&W collection, DO NOT come up to my table with the 4 DISPLAY ONLY PLEASE DO NOT HANDLE signs and pick up my prized trophy gun and spin the cylinder like some hollywood yahoo to impress your more ignorant buddy. Or for you semi auto guys, rack the slide on my 100% nickel model 39 that was presented to Fred Miller when he retired from S&W.

 

[franzas]

24. Beware of people speaking a foreign language who want to know if you are a dealer or if you are selling your gun privately. Insist on proper ID proving citizenship. Particularly observe this caution in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. The BATFE will bless you and not arrest you. And yes, Virginia, they ARE at the show.

I don't know what VA has become. It sickens me.

And yes, I have heard that a lot of the guns that get on the streetz here are from ignorant sellers at gun shows.

Thank you for your care, and respect of federal and state laws.

I would like everyone on this forum to pay special attention to this "rule."
(Hint: it's not just a rule, it's a law or set of laws)

Again, thank you very much John

 

[perrazi]

they print those "do not handle without permission" for a reason. and whoever you are, includes you.

 

[jframe]

Another good rule would be to try to limit swinging your shotgun or rifle muzzle around in an attempt to knock my damn head off. Hold the thing up enough that it doesn't do that.

 

[franzas]

Another good rule would be to try to limit swinging your shotgun or rifle muzzle around in an attempt to knock my damn head off. Hold the thing up enough that it doesn't do that.

These are the people who say "The gun went off, I don't know why."

 

[Rebel Soul]

HAHA quite a manifesto. I bet you're a blast at Christmas parties.

You make some valid points, but some are just anti-social.

Ever heard of the Soup Nazi?

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

#32. If you are selling guns, don't stick 8" into the isle!
#33. Don't ask me to take a check on a $8 sale!
#34. Just because it's for sale, I don't have to let your kid or you handle it.
#35. If your wife or girl friend isn't into gun's, don't bring her. If she is there to keep you from spending money, Don't come back until you grow a pair!

The good news was, In the 80's at the Columbus OGCA shows: The guy from Texas that brought his wife/girl friend in the tight black leather pants to every show.

Venting over. Ivan

 

[rfuerst911sc]

Like any other social activity you will get a percentage of society that you normally wouldn't associate with. I'm not talking race just folks you normally wouldn't pal around with. Whether it be the goofball with a cannon or the family that packs every kid to come along etc. it is what it is. I just shake my head and move on lifes too short to sweat the small stuff.

 

[sqhead]

if you do pick up a gun,replace it lightly and don't bang every gun around it.........ugggg.........I would recommend for your nicer " don't touch guns ",put them in the glass covered cases.It will keep your blood pressure down.

 

[YogiBear]

Aloha,

Slightly OT

Cholo, if you want a slightly used Russian sub,

Here's one for sale.

Submarine for Sale - Whiskey Class Submarine - Project Boats

Affordable too under $5oo,ooo

I think Delivery may be Extra

 

[Donn]

Hate to pick on the unfortunate among us, but guys on Rascals or electric wheelchairs are a PITA. They expect common courtesy but give none back. Most come sailing up and down the aisles like snowplows after a blizzard, looking at the tables, oblivious to how crowded the show might be, or what might be in front of them.

 

[Illini_Glock]

#28
And no, I don't want my glasses cleaned!

LOL! Had that guy yesterday get offended when I politely told him no. My next words weren't so polite!

 

[roarindan]

#32. If you are selling guns, don't stick 8" into the isle!
#33. Don't ask me to take a check on a $8 sale!
#34. Just because it's for sale, I don't have to let your kid or you handle it.
#35. If your wife or girl friend isn't into gun's, don't bring her. If she is there to keep you from spending money, Don't come back until you grow a pair!

The good news was, In the 80's at the Columbus OGCA shows: The guy from Texas that brought his wife/girl friend in the tight black leather pants to every show.

Venting over. Ivan

ESPECIALLY # 35.... people that are accompanying a gun nut that stand 4 ft. back in the isle with their arms crossed and a scowl a badger wouldnt challenge. I dont want to say "excuse me " as this might get them to whine" come on,,, lets go it's to crowded"
I was at a show in Barre Vt. this month,, man was making his initial walk around before any serious buying,, his female companion said " just what do you want #&* @&^ it" buy something and lets go!!!"

 

[Engineer1911]

#36. Fishing tackle belongs in your boat or go to a Fishing show. 50 year old non-functioning level wind reels are junk or a parts collection -- it is not a firearm.

 

[df06]

Lots of good comments here. Unfortunately, I believe the internet will make gunshows continue to decline. I go to many gun shows and can't remember the last time I bought anything. Just don't want to pay well over market price.

 

[Texas40]

Lots of good comments here. Unfortunately, I believe the internet will make gunshows continue to decline. I go to many gun shows and can't remember the last time I bought anything. Just don't want to pay well over market price.

The internet will not replace a gun show. For me it is about the seeing and handling part as for prices that is why you haggle with the people just like the flea market or buying a used car never pay the asking price.

 

[opaul]

Well its not just gun shows. For the most part, in any large event, there are going to be crude, rude and unattractive personalities lurking about. What to do about it? Stay home, endure it or go late on the last day. I think we will never see "the way it used to be" be again.

 

[blujax01]

Sounds like a couple of folks need to start their own gun show.

I like peanut brittle. It helps wash down the coffee.

 

[Harleystoo]

Great post Paladin. Having attended gunshows for 50 years, behavior has changed. But I do like the smoked food (better than the concession stand hot dog), and I do like the pretty women. Sitting behind my tables of 2 1/2 days, having the scenery change for the better (tight leather jeans) is always welcome.
My pet-peeve are the video-game soldiers that only handle your firearms to play with, and have NO intention of buying them. The wal-mart mentality.
And yes, the internet/and video youth are putting our shows out of business.