What Is Happening To Local Gun Shows?

[14daMoney]

I eagerly planned to attend a local gun show in Gettysburg, PA hosted by Eagle Arms with my sons this weekend. The small number of firearms dealers / sellers who were there was beyond disappointing. The event was advertised as "250 tables", but probably the majority of vendors were selling knives, jewelry, food products, etc.. more of this stuff, than firearms! Is the Internet just destroying the enjoyment of wandering the aisle and tables and making deals? We were out of there in about an hour. Somebody has to making money; I guess Eagle Arms! Maybe this show was too small scale to be bothered and I didn't know it. There were virtually no deals to be found. Lots of vendors selling ammo and not having to ship or deal with hazmat ($) was a plus.

 

[Greyman50]

Been going to shows since the late 60’s. Times change. Largest issue IMHO is there are WAY TO MANY GUN SHOWS. Seems any and everyone thinks they are show promoters. People dont have the money when there are 4-6 shows every weekend( Florida). Online sites also attract more buyers. The good ole days are about over for gun shows.

 

[GypsmJim]

When I tell my buddy I went to a gun show, he always says "did you find a good deal?" To him a "deal" means cheap. There is no cheap stuff at a gun show.

I can go online and find "stuff", or go to Cabelas (all the LGSs are basically gone) and find other "stuff".

At gun shows they have primers and powder and new firearms that are over priced. So, we don't buy those things. But every once in awhile we find something at a gun show that can't be found anywhere else, and even though it may be a little over priced, we come home with a true gem.

Even if we buy nothing, we come home seeing items we already have selling for $695, that we only paid $19 for 20 years ago. THAT's worth the price of admission.

Even if you don't see the things that make you feel good, what could be better than window shopping on a cold, snowy Winter afternoon? The option is playing on your tweeter or watching TV. I'd rather shovel snow....

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

I bought lots of bangers & stuff at the SC gunshows in 70's-80's-90's.............Now the prices are too high and too much junk there.

it BURNS ME to have to pay to park and some "moan backer" telling me where to do it.

 

[.357magger]

I've been going to local New Orleans area gunshows for 40+ years and yes they've changed. So have I. So have you. (well, most of you anyway )

But 2 things I'd like to share as observations.

One, what else would I rather be doing than fondling guns for a couple of hours? Uh...let me think...not much. If I can snag something cheaper online, I'll do that, but I don't get mad at the seller at the show. I just think they're not smart business persons.

And two, it's in the corners and glass cases of the smaller sellers, or the items traded in from the larger sellers, where I find items interesting to me. It's sometimes pure gold in the former and underpriced in the latter (see smart business persons comment above). For example, this Colt 380 Model M was listed @ $425 because to the seller it was "an old gun" and he was trying to be a high volume Combat Tupperware salesman.

And if I don't find "a deal " that show? Well then I refer you to my first comment.

Just my $.02, YMMV.