Gun Show Observations & questions

[slowburninsteve]

Here in Southwest Virginia my gunshow pet peeves are as follows:

Too many food vendors-if I was hungry I would have stopped at McDonalds-I don't want to try your beef stew, peanuts, jerky, or anything else!

Prices at most dealer tables that make you think you are at an auction by Tiffany's! A beater model 19 is just not worth $700, sorry!!!

Guys who decided to hold off taking their monthly bath until after the gun show!

If I wanted to buy jewelry I would have gone to the jewelry store!

I do tend to enjoy the dealers who bring a scantily clad assistant with them with a low cut blouse who is constantly bending over to show a gun to the twenty guys hovering around their table asking dumb questions.

Yes, we have some dealers who bring their doggers with them, but being a dog lover I enjoy getting to visit with the dogs. I have found that most dogs are far better friends than most humans!

I have found that at local shows the best deals are found privately outside the front door. I have gotten to know most of these traders, and for the most part, they are pretty good guys that you can get a decent deal from, without doing all the government paperwork.

 

[Gary]

The thing that I miss most is the local guys that would bring in the stuff that they had accumulated to sell. I used to find a lot of bargains on their tables. I guess that the tables are too expensive for them to rent nowadays. I agree with a lot of the earlier comments but I still go. I haven't found many deals on guns recently but do enjoy the socialization and sometimes find a deal on a holster or something. I recently bought an El Paso Weaver K4 scope for $20.00 from a guy wandering the aisles. I also recently found an El Paso Saddelry holster that fit a Commander for $20.00. Neither of these items were big deals but they are enough to keep me coming back.

 

[The Highlander]

One of the recurring gunshows here locally is at a Fairgrounds. The last time I went, wifey and I walked through the entire place in about 10 minutes, skipping the collectible plate and jewelry tables.

On the way out, a man asked me if I had found what I was looking for to which I replied: "Nope, I was looking for a gunshow."

He didn't get it, or didn't care, they all paid the same to have a table there, so he got his cut.

The most recent show, I did as someone else mentioned, didn't really even look at the guns. But I did find a decent selection of .22 target ammo, some speedloaders, and assorted stuff.

I thought I had found a set of GP-100 grips I want, until the gentleman gave me his price...$45!!! This for the old rubber with wood insert grips! I can get Hogue wood for that, or a Hogue Monogrip for $25!

The Highlander

 

[NKJ nut]

I do tend to enjoy the dealers who bring a scantily clad assistant with them with a low cut blouse who is constantly bending over to show a gun to the twenty guys hovering around their table asking dumb questions.

Hmmm, I haven't thought about that. Maybe I should exchange my current get up for something a bit more revealing

 

[Cyrano]

I'm going to the Dallas show this coming weekend with a friend, who's getting along (he fought in the Battle of the Bulge), and walks slowly. We rented an electric scooter, and after we setup on Friday afternoon, we're going to try it out while the aisles are relatively empty. It doesn't really have any brakes: you let go of the motor pushbutton, and the contraption is supposed to stop. I think we're in for an interesting time; no toes will be safe. If you are at the Dallas show and you see someone roaring down the aisle, trying frantically to stop his scooter, run for your life.

 

[Bedrock]

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

 

[FlYFiShErMaN]

CAJ: Not seeing the four legged dogs at the local shows but the prices in NE FL are crazy. Low grade shooters priced at just under LNIB. I wont go back. If I wanted to buy beef jerky I would go to the grocery store.

 

[rburg]

Some additional comments. What drives gunshows is capitalism. Its an exercise in the free market. Those who write here they hate them and don't buy anything don't have a vote in the matter. Gun shows are organized by a promoter. He gets paying vendors to come in. He doesn't pick and choose, they either want to bring their wares or they don't, and they pay dearly for the honor. If they bring the wrong stuff it doesn't sell and they take a loss. Usually not to return.

The stuff you see is most often the kind of thing that has sold for them in the past. It doesn't matter if you like it or not, chances are someone has bought it in the recent past. None of the vendors are there to sell you something at a loss. Chances are the prices they're asking is pretty much in line with what other vendors are asking for the same items.

If you don't like the prices, don't buy. If you remember that same item for $100 10 years ago, it has no relevance to today. Prices change.

On the food issue...

I used to love the big Louisville show. They used to have a vendor who sold the best Ham and cheese croissants I'd ever eaten. I waited to get there just to buy them. Supper Friday, lunch Saturday and Sunday. Same sandwich, 3 days in a row. But they changed vendors. Soon it was ham hoagies. Not as big, not nearly as good. And of course more expensive. Now even those are gone, too.

 

[dnonac]

Houston is probably the gunshow capital of this part of the country at least. The quarterly Houston Convention Center and Summit gun shows are excellent and the almost monthly local Pasadena convetion center show is pretty good, each with many quality older guns and lots of new ones, but good used S&W's are not aleays cheap. There are always people who confuse outstanding with standing out.

Went to the Pasadena show on Sunday and was pleased to see more older Smiths than I've seen in the past 8 months. Not sure what happened, but the older guns came out to the tables. I had just about given up on the Pasadena show.

 

[moralem]

You guys don't seem to be very inclusive of others . . . (that's the new human resources buzz phrase these days).

Don't forget diversty.......HR guys always come up with this sensitivity crap. I agree gun shows lately have really gone down hill. There is a big one in Dallas this weekend but I expect to see the same as in the small ones, overpriced POS's and riduculously priced nice pieces. But I keep looking for that one item I just can't live without, but I haven't seen it yet. I need an original WWI slide for my orginal Springfield. Like looking for hen's teeth in a haystack.

 

[moralem]

Hmmm, I haven't thought about that. Maybe I should exchange my current get up for something a bit more revealing

Saw that this past weekend at a gun show north of Dallas in Allen Tx. A young but less than lovely lady wearing a mini denim skirt that all she did was tug at it to keep it from revealing way too much........needless to say she was surrounded by the lookieloos.

 

[H Richard]

My reason for attending gun shows is to find that old, no longer mfg. item. That part or accessory that is no longer available in any store. I don't go for any new merchandise (other than some reloading supplies). Unfortunately, with the economy there are lots of new vendors selling non-gun related items. Just ignore.

 

[Chop]

I have attended gun show for years mostly in the Atlanta and South Florida area. Now I live out west on the Montana/Wyoming border.
Just went to a small gun show in Livingston, Mt last weekend. The show's out here are much smaller, but I like that it is mostly used items. I bought two boxes of old stock Federal nylonclad .38+p's, several boxes of 30-30 ammo, and a 617-1 4" six shot. All of the price's were negotiable.
Chop

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

Went to an RK show at Camp Jordan Arena this weekend. Not a big show... maybe 500 cars. There weren't the types seen at other shows mentioned in this thread, though there was a blonde in a red summer dress that bent a lot of necks.

It was nice to see the price of powder and primers down but I didn't see anyone buying. For that matter, I didn't see folks leaving the show with much of anything.

 

[Joe Kent]

One of the reasons that I enjoy going to gun shows is to visit with friends that I only get to see at shows and to be around other gunners. Have you noticed , that if you find that one item that you are searching for that the show is a "great show". Also, ask yourself the question, "Would you sell your own guns for what you"want" to pay for the ones you are looking for?" I know I wouldn't.

 

[tripledipper]

I find no reason to go to Gun Shows any longer. I simply can't justify the time, energy and hassle involved to attend one. I know that some will not purchase a gun unless they see it with their own eyes and personally examine it, but the Forum is the on-line gun show that never ends and rarely are guns not exactly or better than advertised and most accessories are available as well. Very few members here are out to make a killing on a sale and most probably make little or no profit and some take a loss. The current economy has also created a larger trade market for members as well. As for ammo, Wallyworld works for me. Just my take on Gun Shows in general.

 

[dt3201]

I moved from NJ to TX in 1986, went to my first gun show that year, it was like going to disneyland for guns compared to NJ where there aren't any shows at all. Over the years I've seen changes both good and bad but it seems to go in cycles, the shows all got better approaching the 2008 election, yes prices got crazy but have calmed down over the last year. Whether you like shows or not I think the important thing is the freedom to have shows and be able to legally buy and trade guns and related items. I would hate to see NJ style gun laws everywhere so bottom line - VOTE in November!

 

[tomf52]

My two main interests are shooting and flyfishing. There is a world of difference between the clientel at guns shows and fly fishing shows. Begining to think I will pass on all but a select few of the gun shows. I just can't stand the smells, carnival junk, and rude behavior encountered too frequently at the gun shows.

 

[TheHobbyist]

The biggest surprise lately at a show I went to involved a model 19. Gentlemen had it on his table, it was a dash -3, in overall good shape but no box no papers; had light wear marks.

As there was no price on it, I asked him a little about the item to which he said is was made in the early 60's rolleyes and that it was $900.00!

 

[65kaiser]

I went to the Tampa show a few weeks ago. I had the urge for something but not really sure what. This show was so crowded it was uncomfortable just as others have said strollers, electric scooters etc. you couldn't even stand at a table without getting bumped around. I finally found a nice model 60 stainless in 357, when I asked the price I asked the vendor if he was confused it was stainless not silver. So I left rather bummed. Come Monday morning darned if the urge was still there, so I set out on a tour of the local pawn shops and low and behold within an hour I made a deal on a beautiful model 66 for a very reasonable price. He also had a model 19 but it was kind of loose.