Shorted in Tulsa

[quinn]

Well, son and I finally ponied up the bucks for airline tickets and hotel to attend the "World's Largest Gun Show" in Tulsa this past weekend. Saturday was great. We covered one floor and added to our respective collections. Imagine our surprise Sunday morning at opening when we found a number of empty tables. The show was supposed to end at 4pm Sunday but by noon many of the remaining exhibiters were packing up and hauling their stuff out. This was a real disappointment. We were told that Wanemaker, the show's owner, did not let dealers leave early. Apparently, we were misinformed. That was a lot of money for what was really a one day show.

 

[blackdeuce]

That would be a bummer. I hope you found some good stuff, though.

 

[wundudnee]

I go every year, sometimes both spring and fall. I have never stayed for Sunday for one reason or other. I usually have my grandson with me and he has to get home and do homework before Monday.

I'm sorry you were dissapointed in Sunday, maybe I haven't missed much by not staying Sunday. I am glad you found some to take home.

I try to collect the Winchester boys rifles and have had very good luck at Tulsa. I got a couple this show. I have at least one example of every old single shot .22 Winchester except for a model 55, 58 and a 1900.

I also get to drool over all the S&W collectors fine revolvers that are there every year. I try not to get to involved in looking at revolvers for sale, as it is a little more dificult to buy when you are from out of state.

 

[Cyrano]

I usually pull out a litle early on Sunday afternoon; anyplace else is a long way from El Paso.

 

[the ringo kid]

Amend that with, anyplace in Texas is far from anyplace. Some leave early here too.

 

[VM]

Randy - I wish you had posted about this months ago.
Last year bamabiker and I and families met up in Tulsa for a fabulous long weekend.
The trick is to get there Thursday night and pay for an early pass on Friday off of a vendor friends table. There are numerous people from the Forum and Coll. Assoc. that will help.
Friday is fantastic while set up occures and no strollers, masses of people.
Get in again early on Sat. and by 2-3pm your feet/legs are burning and can't stir' em with a stick
I'm sorry about your story but give it another shot in future and start earlier.

 

[LVSteve]

Early bailers on Sundays are a pest IMHO.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

The Big Gun Show

Sadly that's the way it's been for a while, even at the smaller shows there. I guess it's the small vendors that leave early or don't even come in on Sunday. It seems like the big(ger) ones (& majority) stay until late on Sunday. Knowing this, I hit the top floor Saturday, too tired to even try the bottom floor. On Sunday I hit the (smaller) bottom floor where it seems to have more older guns & individual vendors. Then with the little energy I have left I spot-run the upper floor until my feet give out.

It's always a good time though & something I've looked forward to for most of the last 30+ years here.

 

[rwsmith]

I've learned.....

I've learned never to go to the last day of anything. I've seen this before.

 

[Frank46]

I have diabetic neuropathy and used to go with a buddy to one of the huston gun shows. Cover many tables and spotted one dealer with a bunch of empty chairs. Asked if I could sit for awhile. Sat there chewing the fat with him for almost an hour. Feets recovered somewhat and once more into the breech. All I can say is when you hit a show of that size bring money. Frank

 

[lawandorder]

and as that very wise man, Lee B., says, "Wear comfortable shoes".

VM's advice is also very good, that worked for me the last few times I attended.