WENT TO MY FIRST GUN SHOW IN 5 YEARS THIS WEEKEND

[chief38]

Two of my good friends have gotten into the hobby recently and were chomping at the bit to go to a gun show (their first ever). They asked me to tag along and so I went.

The show was packed and there were many vendors. The only real thing I was personally interested in (usually available at gun shows) were some back up parts for vintage S&W & Colt Revolvers. Not a one! In fact the only parts vendor I saw at the show was selling USGI parts for M1 Garands and M1 Carbines, that was it! So for me it was a disappointing show. For them, they were like kids in a candy store. One of them bough a carry gun and the other ordered a gun from a vendor so they were happy campers.

There was plenty of ammo available but no bargains at all! Mostly what they had were newly manufactured plastic guns and AR's, not my real interest. There were almost no vintage Revolvers and very few vintage rifles and shotguns - just a world of plastic. So while a heavily attended gun show, it was pretty much just an exercise outing for me. Still had a few laughs......

 

[tlawler]

Bob, was that the Florida Gun Shows venue in Ft. Myers? If so, not one of the better ones, IMHO. It's a Shoot Straight sponsored event, so they tend to dominate. Not many private sellers or parts sellers. The one to go to is the Lakeland Rifle and Pistol Club sponsored event that usually runs three times a year in January, April, and September. I just went to the January show and there was a lot of parts and vintage S&W iron available.

 

[Breakaway500]

"Still had a few laughs......"

When that stops happening so will I..

 

[chief38]

Bob, was that the Florida Gun Shows venue in Ft. Myers? If so, not one of the better ones, IMHO. It's a Shoot Straight sponsored event, so they tend to dominate. Not many private sellers or parts sellers. The one to go to is the Lakeland Rifle and Pistol Club sponsored event that usually runs three times a year in January, April, and September. I just went to the January show and there was a lot of parts and vintage S&W iron available.

Thanks (yes it was) for letting me know Tom - I was not aware. I did think there was an overly large number of Gun Store vendors there and very few small guys but had nothing to compare it to. Might go to the Lakeland one in April. Thanks again!