I went to the "Big Show" in Reno last week. They have it 3 times a year. Been going to it for many years. I can't put my finger on it, but something was not the same about this last show. The prices were so outragious that all I bought was a brick of .22 ammo. There were dozens of old, worn out Model 94 carbines with 20% finish remaining for only $1200 (and up). If you are looking for a model 94 "rifle", with the longer barrel, and in the same worn out condition, why you can find them all over the show for only $2500. And lots of 1911A1's that have mismatched barrels, slides, and have otherwise been messed with for just $2500-4000. Of course most of the dealers will tell you that "as far as he knows" the pistol is 100% original, but of course he "is not an expert" on military .45's. I don't know what the dealers are thinking. Evidently they are perfectly content to pay travel expenses, and the high prices for their table spots, and just sit there and not sell anything. I am beginning to think that the major action for them is the dealer to dealer stuff that happens on Thursday, before the show is open to the public. They get a chance to tell each other how they stole a Navy Lugar, or a Colt single-action "Artillary" model from some poor guy who didn't know what he had. I looked at one "Artillary" model, and the guy only wanted $10,500 for it. There were not as many people bringing in guns to sell. There were more tables devoted to military, assault type weapons. There were far fewer M&Ps and Victories. And there were very few people buying anything other than ammo. Some of the dealers won't even look up at you and make eye contact. They are simply too busy talking to their neighbor dealer about their latest "score" (that they hope to turn around with a 150% profit), or reading a gun values book while they eat a hamburger.
Then there are the "museum tables", you know the ones with an engraved Henry rifle, for $65,000, perhaps a Colt U.S. Cavalry revolver for $20,000, or a matched paired of fancy duelling pistols for $220,000. These must sell like hot cakes.
There are more tables with knives, eyegalss cleaner, cheap silver jewelry, stuffed pheasants, repeating rubber band guns, and more people walking around with 20 tattoos, T-shirts that look like they have had the sleeves cut off with a weed-eater, and a burning need for another AK-47.
There was definately a change, and not a change for the better. It was a very subtle change. But I came away with the very unsettling feeling that a really good show that I have enjoyed for over 20 years is beginning it's slow disintegration, and that it won't be long before I just don't go anymore. Sad
