Gun show report

[ACORN]

We went to the Washington County show today and it was like going back in time. The place was packed. Couldn't walk down the aisles. I honestly didn't see an empty table. I spoke to one vendor that told me she tried to rent another table and was refused. None available. For a while there's been many empty tables. Now if the prices would come down. I did see CCI SPPs for $85/K. Not $29 or $39 but better than $150.

 

[M29since14]

I think when we see the prices of quality firearms come down substantially the price/availability of other things more important on a day to day basis (like food and energy) will be of a lot more interest. Time will tell. I'm not holding my breath.

 

[quikdraw67]

What kind firearms? Any Smiths of note? How about prices?

 

[kozmic]

Our local gun shows of late have reiterated the definition of "insanity". Repeating the same procedure and expecting different results. Just not worth the time, money or effort to either see nothing or see laughable pricing.

 

[ACORN]

What kind firearms? Any Smiths of note? How about prices?

Pretty much everything from A-Z. Of course a TON of black plastic.
I honestly didn't pay much attention to the EBRs.
Smiths were just run of the mill revolvers. One guy had a mint 8-3/8" nickel 27-2 in the case. I think his price was optimistic @ around $2500.
I mainly go looking for grips, reloading and various other "smalls"
There was a nice set of convex K frame convex service stocks tagged at $60.
Another guy had a new Ruger stainless SBH hammer for $30. Should have bought that one.
Only thing I bought was a set of like new Ruger SP101 factory grips with checkered wood inserts for cheap.
I was really encouraged to see the tables full of gun related gear, and the aisles full of visitors. Not too long ago there were probably 20% empty.
Yes there were many knives.
But there were no pickles, beef jerky, Beanie Babies, or jewelry.
Maybe it was because the Steeler's game is Monday or cabin fever.
It just reminded me of the old shows.

 

[BKLooney]

The Knoxville show about a week ago was an utter waste of time. Pricing was 10 to 30% higher than practically any gun show you'll walk in on new pistols & revolvers. You want decent looking older P&R Smith revolvers, add $300 to $500 above what they are selling at auction...

The place was packed on Saturday and I didn't see very many filling out 4473's...

On the upside, you could get your wife a good deal on a purse, some sunglasses, or a bag of jerky..

 

[oldman10mm]

I've heard good things about that Washington show, it's on my list to do it sometime.

 

[M29since14]

Our local gun shows of late have reiterated the definition of "insanity". Repeating the same procedure and expecting different results. Just not worth the time, money or effort to either see nothing or see laughable pricing.

My sentiments exactly.

 

[ACORN]

I've heard good things about that Washington show, it's on my list to do it sometime.

Next one is April 13-14.

 

[Yaworski]

Next one is April 13-14.

There's one today.

 

[quikdraw67]

I have no desire to go to a gun show.

I don't need anything.

It would be interesting to people watch, that's about it.

But I can go to Walmart and watch for free

 

[Yaworski]

I've grown more and more disappointed by gun shows over the years. I used to be able to go to a gun show and find parts and accessories galore. There were also guys who'd get tables just to show off their collections.

I recall a guy that used to be at the big gun shows who was just there to show off his collection of Automags. The was another guy who showed off his Colt SAA collection.

Now it just seems to be guys selling overpriced ARs and the "salesmen" seem to be more interested in chatting with their buddies than selling.

A few years ago, I went to a gun show for the express purpose of buying an AR lower. No one wanted to talk about their products. I'd ask about lowers and they'd just grunt and point. I wound up buying one at a gun shop for less than the gun show prices.

 

[drgbike]

Saw new ARs for $450..at wash show. Quit a few other temptations. You have to adjust your thinking to what things are now, not what they were. If you want or like it get it, most likely its never going to be 4or5 hundred dollar N or K again.

 

[deadin]

I've pretty much given up on gun shows. As mentioned too much plastic, "tactical stuff", and high prices. In most cases I can do as well on-line where the selection is much better for the stuff I'm interested in. Nobody wants to do any trading unless it's my pound of copper for their pound of gold.

 

[Bib]

I'll probably hit the April show. Didn't really need anything in particular and didn't feel like being out in the cold today.

 

[ACORN]

There's one today.

Yes. It's a 2 day show. Sat and Sun.

 

[Yendor357]

I went to the NRA show in May of 2023. That ruined me. The local shows look like a trailer park flea market in comparison.