Just back from my “last” gun show!!!!!

[NYlakesider]

Just back from my "last" gun show in a small city in northern NY!

Well maybe not my last but probably the last time at this show!!!. The one good thing the tables were well spread out and looking was easy, if you stopped to examine something you did not shut down the whole aisle. Then again there were not too many people there. Possibly it was that way because of the time I was there, who knows! The shows hours were Sat 9-5 and Sunday (today) 9 -3.

Of course we are suffering under our new "Safe Act" and all its hoops and roadblocks but I was very disappointed. IMHSHO it should have been called a knife show with a few guns there just for the heck of it. Table after table after table of all sorts of knifes some were very nice with a few blade smiths in attendance. Plenty of the general EL Cheapo knife sellers there for the most part, but there were some much higher end knifes/swords/bayonets for sale occasionally.

I did not think to count but I would guess there were less than 40 revolvers for sale, but large amounts of bottom feeders most in glass cases.

A good selection of long guns (no AR types, see Safe Act mentioned above). Many new long guns you could get in any decent gun shop in the area anytime. A decent bunch of used long guns, but pricey!

Many older lever action Winchesters for sale at a few tables, and most of those dealers had signs up they were also looking to buy.

Lots of certain kinds of ammo for sale, but some requires you to get a second mortgage to have enough money to buy. If fact I would say a lot of anything at this show (Guns, knives, ammo, parts and just plain old junk) I saw was rather high in price.

A good chance this is my last time there and I will think hard about any shows in the future, it just aint worth it no more!

 

[the ringo kid]

I wish you could visit Texas and try a few of our shows.The shows here aint bad at all--though growing numbers of tables selling clothes,toys,SOME food stuffs and but--mostly you do see a good selection of guns for sure. A few years ago--I was afraid our shows would be turning into a gathering for those who have garage sales.Well,thankfully,aint happening.

One thing I am saddened to see--no machine gun dealers since early last year.

 

[Valmet]

Can only imagine shows in NY. I don't go to too many shows these days and when I do it's mostly for ammo and accessories. I'm headed to the Tulsa show in Nov and last time I was there in Oct 2006 it was absolutely awesome. The bigger shows out West kinda spoil the smaller shows for me.

 

[NYlakesider]

Can only imagine shows in NY. I don't go to too many shows these days and when I do it's mostly for ammo and accessories. I'm headed to the Tulsa show in Nov and last time I was there in Oct 2006 it was absolutely awesome. The bigger shows out West kinda spoil the smaller shows for me.

Lucky you! I have seen shots of that Wanamaker's <SPL> show a few times. It looks like if its not there its not been made yet!

 

[old bear]

Just back from my "last" gun show in a small city in northern NY!

Well maybe not my last but probably the last time at this show!!!. The one good thing the tables were well spread out and looking was easy, if you stopped to examine something you did not shut down the whole aisle. Then again there were not too many people there. Possibly it was that way because of the time I was there, who knows! The shows hours were Sat 9-5 and Sunday (today) 9 -3.

Of course we are suffering under our new "Safe Act" and all its hoops and roadblocks but I was very disappointed. IMHSHO it should have been called a knife show with a few guns there just for the heck of it. Table after table after table of all sorts of knifes some were very nice with a few blade smiths in attendance. Plenty of the general EL Cheapo knife sellers there for the most part, but there were some much higher end knifes/swords/bayonets for sale occasionally.

I did not think to count but I would guess there were less than 40 revolvers for sale, but large amounts of bottom feeders most in glass cases.

A good selection of long guns (no AR types, see Safe Act mentioned above). Many new long guns you could get in any decent gun shop in the area anytime. A decent bunch of used long guns, but pricey!

Many older lever action Winchesters for sale at a few tables, and most of those dealers had signs up they were also looking to buy.

Lots of certain kinds of ammo for sale, but some requires you to get a second mortgage to have enough money to buy. If fact I would say a lot of anything at this show (Guns, knives, ammo, parts and just plain old junk) I saw was rather high in price.

A good chance this is my last time there and I will think hard about any shows in the future, it just aint worth it no more!

NY welcome to my world. Now you know why I quite attending the local shows several years ago.

 

[Absalom]

It's an unfortunate trend I've noticed, particularly at more urban shows; trust me, it's not limited to NY, although your laws back there probably contribute.

It may have become somewhat of a self-fulfilling prophecy: Not enough dealers with good stuff consider it worth their while, not enough shoppers with cash looking for the good stuff attend anymore, and the two trends feed on each other.

Both groups find more customers and a better selection online.

Hard to say who 's the chicken and who's the egg.

 

[charlie sherrill]

My problem is not the lack of good shows or merchandise, it's the fact that the prices are too high. I've seen several dealers complain about a lack of sales and then mark their stuff up again. I very seldom buy off of a table because of this.

 

[Donn]

Me too, NY. The guys and I got together and decided on a one year gun show moratorium. Tired of seeing the same dealers, the same guns, but most of all, the same prices. If we miss something in the interim, oh well. I kind of doubt it.

 

[NYlakesider]

Me too, NY. The guys and I got together and decided on a one year gun show moratorium. Tired of seeing the same dealers, the same guns, but most of all, the same prices. If we miss something in the interim, oh well. I kind of doubt it.

Sounds like a carefully worked out plan!

 

[oldman10mm]

I've been to 22 shows so far this calendar year. Even though they're repeat of the same tables/vendors,never can tell what's gonna show up. Picked up a M57 1980 6" nickeled for 700 at a July show.

 

[JSR III]

I think the advent of the internet and online gun sales has tolled the death knell of the small local gun show. Why pay $80 a table times 2 days and sit there for 14 or so hours not including several hours of travel time, set up time and tear down time when you can put your guns online and have them viewed by 1,000 times more buyers from the comfort of your living room?

 

[SC_Mike]

I went to my last one here years ago. Crowded, narrow aisles, over priced stuff.

After $4 to park in the mud and $8 at the door $3 for a Coke, and not allowed to carry inside, I'd had enough.

 

[2152hq]

I think JSR III hit it with the internet angle. Most everyone looks at a price now and says 'I can get/sell that for xxx$ on the net.'
New laws & local restrictions make it worse in some areas than others.
More disrespectful people in the crowds than ever.

It can all add up to a less than pleasant experience at a long awaited show. Result,,'I ain't goin' back'.

I've x'd a whole bunch of shows off my calendar in the last 10,,12 years or so. Most were a day-trip, convenient and nearly always turned up something. But something happened to them all.
Most of the gunshows make you feel like you've spent the day chasing garage sales around and that 'nothing to show for it' feeling.

You get to know which aren't worth it anymore.
If it isn't fun like it used to be,,I got stuff to do at home,

 

[stumpie]

I went to my last one here years ago. Crowded, narrow aisles, over priced stuff.

After $4 to park in the mud and $8 at the door $3 for a Coke, and not allowed to carry inside, I'd had enough.

I Agree with you , just out side of Toledo there is a small town called Maumee, at there Rec center there is a show several times a year , you pay 3 bucks to park & 5 bucks at the door to get in , you see the same Vendors at the very same places set up with there over price goods , even the very few private set ups you see there stuff is mainly junk that is over price, and if by accident they have a nice item its way over priced and they will not deal , so I don't go anymore . I check Armslist and do find some good buys there , but you have to be very careful who you deal with , no ID no Deal is my motto

 

[ParadiseRoad]

...I went to a couple of gun shows this Summer...mostly ARs and Glocks...one was a small show...the other 700 tables...it cost me 18 dollars total...a bunch of miles and time to see about a half dozen old revolvers I was interested in...all priced from $600 up to about $900...none of them rare or unusual...went home empty handed...and disappointed...

 

[mauser9]

Sounding like they"re the same in most places. What gets me is the high prices on stuff like old Marlin 22s for $350. One mix-matched 98k had a price tag of $1500. Bet the dealers end up packin most of this stuff up and haulin it back home on Sunday nite.

 

[bamabiker]

I go to most of them around here. Usually don't have to pay to park, $8 or $9 to get in and don't buy refreshments.
I have not bought a gun in a while and with the prices I see it will probably be a while longer.
I do try to buy something, grips, ammo, odds and ends.
If we all stop going we won't have them to go to and the anti crowd would just love that.

 

[finesse_r]

Sounding like they"re the same in most places. What gets me is the high prices on stuff like old Marlin 22s for $350. One mix-matched 98k had a price tag of $1500. Bet the dealers end up packin most of this stuff up and haulin it back home on Sunday nite.

If you are talking about old Marlin lever action 22s, $350 is a great price!

 

[chaparrito]

We only have 2 a year, and increasingly, they stink. Between the radical preppers and the wannabe gangsters, the gauntlet of political tables wanting you to join this or sign that, the jerky hawkers, the chinese knife sellers and the absolute dearth of interesting guns, they're not worth the 6 dollar get-in fee. That and somebody let go a live .308 round two years ago. Big time fun.

 

[holeshot123]

You think it's bad in NY, try SF! Crossroads of the West shows up two or three times a year and it's technically in Daly City. Way to much stuff for sale besides guns and what gun there are are way over priced if they're any good. Seven bucks to park and another seven to get in. Used to go just to buy ammo but now that's even becoming over priced. Luckily my brother lives in Oregon and when I go to visit him I pick up some ammo at reasonable prices.