Gun show morons
- Thread starter zonker5
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This year I attended shows in towns of 60k, 30k, and 10k people. The small-town show was a private event, and it was the best of the three.
I saw ALL the folks you all described, but I'm a bit surprised no one has mentioned (unless I missed it) my biggest peeve: the ubiquitous, rude cell phone user. I watched several of them text a friend or pull up GB while they were talking with the seller. A few of the bolder idiots even told the seller, "This gun is only $XXX on the auction."
I wouldn't do well behind the table. I'd say, "No, this gun is right here. You can see its exact condition and feel the mechanics. But I think you should buy the one from the auction and hope the seller has been honest about the gun's condition."
I lament that they're necessary, but I really appreciate the intent of the following signs:
At each teller's window at my bank: "We cannot serve you if you're using your cell phone."
On the front door at a nearby pawn shop: "Turn off your cell phone before asking for service."
I saw ALL the folks you all described, but I'm a bit surprised no one has mentioned (unless I missed it) my biggest peeve: the ubiquitous, rude cell phone user. I watched several of them text a friend or pull up GB while they were talking with the seller. A few of the bolder idiots even told the seller, "This gun is only $XXX on the auction."
I wouldn't do well behind the table. I'd say, "No, this gun is right here. You can see its exact condition and feel the mechanics. But I think you should buy the one from the auction and hope the seller has been honest about the gun's condition."
I lament that they're necessary, but I really appreciate the intent of the following signs:
At each teller's window at my bank: "We cannot serve you if you're using your cell phone."
On the front door at a nearby pawn shop: "Turn off your cell phone before asking for service."
Promoter COMPETES with those who buy his tables ...
Recent show at Cadiz Kentucky - during Friday set-up time -
Fellow with a table started putting BARGAIN-PRICED gun on his table.
The promoter* stepped in and quickly bought over half of them as soon as they hit the table.
During the show these guns were on his two tables at HIGHER prices.
* Robert - Midwest Promotions LLC
Bekeart
Recent show at Cadiz Kentucky - during Friday set-up time -
Fellow with a table started putting BARGAIN-PRICED gun on his table.
The promoter* stepped in and quickly bought over half of them as soon as they hit the table.
During the show these guns were on his two tables at HIGHER prices.
* Robert - Midwest Promotions LLC
Bekeart
Capitalism at its finest . . .
I agree that gun show etiquette is important. I don't get to many shows anymore...occasionally I'll make a trip out to Tulsa but mostly at local shows around here I go for ammo, mags, and accessories. I can't tell you how many times I've cringed at some of the behavior fellow "gun people" exhibit at shows. From downright dangerous practices to irresponsible questions (I don't mean honest newbie questions), to "know-it-all" attitudes.
In the NJSSR, gun shows aren't held to the best of my knowledge. Up until about 15 years ago, I had never attended one. However, round about 2002, I was in New Orleans attending a Kiwanis Convention, and there happened to be a gun show that weekend. I decided to go in to take a look, and I was never more mortified in my life.
The deputy at the door asking if I had any guns with me, and it generated a false sense of security. I walked in to the auditorium, and my eyes were opened! People were walking around with Garands and Carbines with for sale signs stuck in the muzzle, actions closed, and bandoleers draped around their necks. Then I hit the tables. Some had bona fide junk, which was to be expected. I found a few tables that had nice Smiths, and I took an interest. At one table, run by a mom and pop, the mom was pushing to make a sale. I explained that I was from out of state, and couldn't legally purchase without a permit. She said that is ok, we don't do background checks since we are not selling out of our store. As much as I was tempted (they had a nice Model 34), I couldn't wait to get out of the show. After that experience, I have never had the desire to return to a gun show.
The deputy at the door asking if I had any guns with me, and it generated a false sense of security. I walked in to the auditorium, and my eyes were opened! People were walking around with Garands and Carbines with for sale signs stuck in the muzzle, actions closed, and bandoleers draped around their necks. Then I hit the tables. Some had bona fide junk, which was to be expected. I found a few tables that had nice Smiths, and I took an interest. At one table, run by a mom and pop, the mom was pushing to make a sale. I explained that I was from out of state, and couldn't legally purchase without a permit. She said that is ok, we don't do background checks since we are not selling out of our store. As much as I was tempted (they had a nice Model 34), I couldn't wait to get out of the show. After that experience, I have never had the desire to return to a gun show.
the ringo kid
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I hate it when they take up ALL the space in an aisle-just bsing away caring not to allow traffic to flow.
the ringo kid
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I didn't have that problem with Sabrina. She and I went to one show together last August--just before all the cancer stuff came out in the open. Anyway, we spent about 4 hours there and she learned a lot. It was then when I bought my Colt .45 Italian made jobbie-and when I bought Sabrina (unkn to her) that 10/22 that is now hers.
Two of the worst faux pauxs ive seen:
1) I had a mint unused Walther P-38 softshell holster stamped-1943. A dealer wanted to see it-I handed it over and the D/A, not only dropped it-but it skidded on the concrete floor and had a scratch on its flap. I was furious, picked up my holster and left his table.
2) At another show elsewhere. I was with an Army/vet/friend at a show. We were approaching a table with several P-38s on it for sale. I was about to pick one up-with dealer permisso--and some _______ grabbed it and pointed it in our direction and dry-fired it several times. I grabbed the gun from him saying how inconsiderate he was-while my friend basically read the "riot" act--instead of clobbering the jerk.
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the ringo kid
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So what this thread tells me is that a lot of gun owners and would-be gun owners are boobs, total boobs and even, maybe morons.
Go to a public indoor range on a weekend and you will probably
find the same people as at a gun show.
That should be frightening to even the staunchest. no
compromise Second Amendment proponent.
Which leads me to the open carry issue.....how's that for thread drift?
I cant stand the sight of those Green Beret/Navy SEAL/Ninja wannabes. MY APOLOGIES TO BKREUTZ. I don't mean to belittle you guys in any way, shape or form.
the ringo kid
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When I went in uniform, I got in free-dunno if that still happens here or not?
Faulkner
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I know a guy who's wife stopped him from going to lingerie shows because he couldn't figure out the whole touching the merchandise etiquette thing.
the ringo kid
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Seen that too. One lady even managed to drip some Italian ice gelotto? on one.
Dealers face reddened so fast I thought he was going to have a heart-attack.Aw heck, ya talk about sellers flying mad, that would do it. Or the dude eating tater chips and figerin every gun on the table with his salty hands.Seen that too. One lady even managed to drip some Italian ice gelotto? on one.
When I see something I wanna look at, I always ask and then try to only touch the stock, etc. in the effort to limit fingerprints unless it involves closer scrutiny. Civilized people just need to act that way.
Doesn't sound very open-minded to me.
italiansport
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What irritates me the most are kids with parents who think it's their right to pick up everything on your tables and get their fingerprints on your guns. When I've asked them to stop the parents just look at you with a "What do you expect they're kids expression"! Even when I've told them they have to be at least 18 to handle firearms it doesn't seem to register with some of them. On a couple of occasion I've asked them to just move on.
Jim
Jim
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What does the uniform of a maroon look like?
(Just kidding. The title and your comment go so well together.)
Some (most) of the promoters of the local shows around here allow free and/or discounted admission using an ID or commission card. Same applies for FD, EMS and military ID. One local (Tulsa) promoter of smaller but frequent shows doesn't give anyone anything like that, and to my knowledge not even when in uniform.
What does the uniform of a maroon moron even look like???
This post reminded me:
Years ago when I was in the machinery export business, a good customer from Venezuela was in New Orleans on business. He wanted me to take him to a gun shop to look at revolvers. He spotted one he liked and asked to see it, the clerk handed it to him, he raised the revolver over his head like a drunken cowboy and started dry firing it, as he did he was making loud "pa pa pa" noises, seems in Venezuela guns go "pa pa pa" instead of bang bang. Everyone in the shop stared, the clerk didn't know what to do, I grabbed the gun, handed it to the clerk apologizing, and got us out of there. Luckily it was a gunshop I never needed to go back to.
Whether I'm at a show or in a shop, I only handle what I'm interested in and I handle as if it were my own! If a rag is handy I'll even wipe it down before I hand it back. If I'm handling something it's a sure bet I'm buying.
I've had many a dealer thank me for my respect of their wares!
I just hate it when the morons have to push in on you when you're working a deal!
I've had many a dealer thank me for my respect of their wares! I just hate it when the morons have to push in on you when you're working a deal!
