Last of the Summer Orlando Gunshow Report

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If you don't count the $75/brick, $140/2brick, $25-$30/100 MiniMag .22 prices it was a cornucopia of "previously unseen" stuff. I counted probably 300+ S&W pre lock mostly P or P&R revolvers. I can't recall all of the details. Prices were all over the place. Reasonable as in 99% 10-5 with Tyler T, in the box for $399. Almost got that one. A nickel long barrel 57 for $800 with wiggle room if you like that caliber. Surprisingly, Khalid at Shoot Straight had many desirable .357 and .44 N frames in nice shape. A half dozen model 19's at $695 and a "matte blackened" 2" 34 at $695 also. They were "Khalid priced", meaning if he knocks off 10% and the tax, you might think you got a deal but really he did. All of his "4473 chairs" were full so money was flowing. The usual "middle of the big room guy" had an outstanding assortment of very nice (not rare or unusual) guns but I'm not ready for $700+ J frames, $800+ k frames and 4 digit N frames( although they all had boxes etc). I saw a commercial 1917 in very nice shape for $1200. At no less than 4 different tables at 4 corners of the room, 3" model 65's were $795, sort of like a gas war without the competition. AR prices are normal, I saw a S&W M&P15 flat top for $859. Not the "Sport" but the real thing. You had to "shop." One table had the Sig M400 in FDE for $1449 and across the room the exact same item at $1100. Since I got the Colt last week for my Bday, beside the $18 to get in for my son and I, spent $12 (!) for 2 lemonades. Half a lemon and 2 oz sugar but it was hot and the drink was cold. The "chicken on a stick" stand was banging. Since they changed the layout, you gotta pass them to get to the big room. I'm done till Lakeland (oh yeah it's the next show). We packed it in before 12, had mexican for lunch and it might be time for a short nap. Don't want to push it as I'm "officially not gonna die young" on Monday. Joe
 
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About how many tables at that show? I'm getting back into visiting a few shows a year after a multi year hiatus, and I'm trying to get an idea of which Florida shows are the largest. I know the Lakeland show is a big one, but how do the other shows and promoters rate?
I thought about driving down to this one, but not having visited it before, I was unsure if it would be worthwhile.
 
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They expanded the Fairgrounds show recently. I'd guess 500 tables maybe in 2 buildings. If money is no object, it is a relatively good show. You would be able to purchase any but the most exotic firearms. The Lakeland show in Sept is the largest of the 3, with jan 2nd and April relatively lame. Lakeland has more 1,2,3,4 table vendors, a very small Shoot Straight presence and lots of esoteric militaria and collectible oddities. Also Lakeland has better walk in action drawing from Orlando, Tampa and some south Florida folks. Joe
 
Dang Joe, I have been looking to trade my 3" 65-3 for a dash 2 or earlier P&R and they had many, huh? Sorry I didn't make it, but I guess you guys figured that mother nature once again took a toll on my being.
 
None of the 3" 65's were P&R Dick. I don't believe very many were made, I've never seen one in person. I also have a 3" 65-3, had it almost 30 years. It's one of the "last to go" guns. Hope you feel springier next month, Lakeland is a little closer. Joe
 
None of the 3" 65's were P&R Dick. Hope you feel springier next month, Lakeland is a little closer. Joe

I'll make Lakeland even if I expire on the way home. :D
I'll get springier, my two boys are coming down Thursday through the weekend.
Take care my friend.
 
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