Worst gun show ever...What happened?

[Sayoc01]

$5 to get in!!In Fl we pay $12.....same deal as to gun shows going downhill.I used to set up at 2 shows & sell Kukri's & other knives.....not worth the time anymore.Used to love setting up in Tampa....guys from Mcdill would drop by buy say hi or Jim....can you get me this special blade.Spent time with friends & my brother.Quit going when it stopped being fun.
Jim

 

[islamoradamark]

lots of shows lots of junk like u said beef jerky, toys, ladys clothes and hand bags, how bout the guy selling Hawyian shirts for conceal carry and proud of it, not even made in U.S.A. and yes all the knives and swords and stuff that looks like it came from star trek oh and the many T- shirt booths thought i was in Key West

 

[4barrel]

I went to Big Town in the Dallas area yesterday. WIN 296 $29 --WIN primers $27--Tula primers $105 a case. Lots of people & guns. Lots of buying & selling. Used pistol scopes were high in demand as well as older 1911s. It was a very good show. We were looking for a model 25-2 45acp but all were LC. $800-$850 were the selling prices on a clean one for this area. Then we spent a while at Red Lobster.

 

[kozmic]

Was just at the good show in Charleston today.

People still gouging on ammo...not that I care, buy mine online.

People still gouging on firearms, and don't want to negotiate much. One guy got upset with me because I pointed out that I could get the same AR online, delivered, pay FFL fee, don't pay sales tax for more than $200 less than his "lowest" price. Told me that people like me are "screwing over the gun shops".

Well, then get your "gun shop prices" under control. Not my problem, sorry.

Crud like that continues to drive me further and further away from even trying to do business locally.

While I share your frustration, we still need LGSs. At least in my case, I don't mind paying a bit more for the service and relationships developed. I pick and choose what and where I buy my stuff. Cost is only part of the equation.

I'd hate to see the day I wake up and see a nail salon in the space that used to be a gun shop.

 

[Donn]

This is just me, but "show and tell" is one of my favorite parts of any gun show, watch show, or whatever other type of trade/collectible show one might attend. It's also a time honored tradition. Just last week at the Lexington show, we were all oohing and aahing over the boxed, near new prewar 38 M&P target model that Rburg brought just for this purpose.

It seems to happen to me more so at watch shows than at gun shows, but I tend to bring a lot of show and tell items. Most aren't out on the table, but under the table to show to specific people, or anyone else that I may get into a conversation with about a particular item.

Nothing annoys me worse than when I'm showing an item to a friend and someone else has to nose in and start pestering me for a price on an item. I never mind someone nosing in to learn more about something(in fact I love it when that happens)-I mind them nosing in and then trying to buy something that I've made perfectly clear is not for sale. Many of these type of folks don't realize(and don't care to learn) the significance of the piece I'm showing off and wouldn't even been interested in buying it for anything close to fair price.

To each his own, Ben. I figured that's how some dealers stayed fit, lugging their inventory to and from shows. I still attend shows on a regular basis, so I'm familiar and in some cases, acquainted with several dealers. I've been looking at the same rifles, display and on sale, for the last 3-4 years! Seems to me if it ain't moving or it's display only, why go thru the trouble of bringing it. MHO you understand.

 

[scooter123]

Went to a show Friday evening and while it wasn't the best it was productive.

Came home with a 300 lumen Duracell flashlight that a co-worker asked me to pick up for him when he saw the one I keep in my office. For 10 bucks they are a good buy and are well made in China. BTW, I'm also a big fan of anything Streamlight but their prices do pinch a bit so for knockarounds the Duracell's are just perfect.

Also came home with 2 lbs. of Alliant 2400. If I had the need and more cash with me I could have come home with 8 lbs. kegs of Titegroup, and 1 pound bottles of Varget, HS-6, Bullseye, and Power Pistol. Last months show yielded Accurate #7 and #9. Hint to reloaders, Gun and Knife shows can be an excellent resource for finding powder. Yeah, prices tend to run around 28 buck per pound but add in Hazmat shipping and you'll likely pay that much. Powder in the locker sure beats the stuffing out of lower prices in the Net for powder that is out of stock.

As for the knife part, lately cheap knives and fantasy swords seem to be taking up too much table space. However, I do see tables dedicated to quality brands such as Case, Buck, Benchmade, Spyderco, and others. So, not a total waste on the knife side of things.

On the gun side of things the choice many times is either old junk or new firearms.

However, hiding in that old junk you'll occasionally find some gems like a really decent 30-40 Krag underpriced at 450 bucks (sort of wish I had bought it) an occasional Garand, and a boat load of Mosin Nagants for 169.00 still in cosmoline. In addition there is my 1892 Winchester that dates to 1904 that was totally refinished with A grade Fancy Walnut and re-barreled in 357 Magnum using a Winchester made octagon barrel. Yeah, the re-finish and re-caliber killed the collector value but it's a real sweet shooter and only cost me 600 bucks.

As for highly collectable handguns, those have almost totally disappeared. Fact is I don't believe that any of these Gun and Knife shows ever featured highly collectable items at bargain prices other than by someone completely ignorant about what they were selling. If you are looking for something special I would recommend you start attending Estate Sales and Auctions, because the odds of a big find are much much better at these venues.

If you are looking for a run of the mill older revolver or semi at inflated prices these shows are just the ticket. Because dealers who are overly fond of their stock do attend these shows.

As for the dealers in new guns, the prices at these dealers tend to be lower than what you will find at any of the Big Box stores carrying the same item. My first SR1911 only cost me 624.99 at a show dealer when all the local shops were charging 699.00. Also picked up a Rossi M92 at a recent show for 499.00, which is pretty much 100 bucks less than what Dicks charges for the same rifle. BTW, about 1/2 hour work cleaned up the action of that Rossi to Winchester smoothness and some wet sanding and Tung oil on the stock has it showing a very nice satin finish.

Now, the odd thing is that I happen to like beef jerky and like to try out some specialty beef jerky from time to time. Why I do not know but the Beef Jerky vendors seem to have vanished from the Gun & Knife shows in my area and I for one actually miss them. About 2 1/2 years ago I got some Habenero Chilli Beef Jerky from one of these vendors and thought it was just great and would really like to get more. Unfortunately it's been Zip, Nadda, Nothing since then. So, to the gun show organizers could you please just say NO to one of the cheap fantasy knife vendors and replace him with a good old Gun & Knife show cliche, the Beef Jerky vendor with all that mouth watering smoked variety.

 

[Jessie]

I don't mind a food stand here and there. Hunting guns makes me hungry.
I would think that if the dealers set their price and added the equivalent shipping amount it would work to everyone's favor.
The dealer would make a little more and the buyer wouldn't mind since they'd have to pay that for shipping if buying online.
Prices have to be reasonable though. You can't ask 25%+ more for something and expect to make many sales.
You have to be competitive.
I think the demand would be there if people wouldn't price themselves out of business. Gun buying folks would rather handle the guns and I, myself, would be happy to fork over the equivalent cost of shipping to be able to.
That being said, I think sales would tend to increase driving out the "tables-o-garbage" making room for more gun tables.
That's my take on it at least. YMMV

 

[Deuce Caboose]

As others have said, more "show", less "gun". Bargains? Not likely. But, I'm shocked that they still allow them here in Massachusetts. I still attend them, but for a different reason. Entertainment. Sure, it would be great to find the diamond in the rough, but, the odds are lousy. People watching however, is in unlimited supply. Perfect the art of haggling, since it is a good skill to have. Ever watch the clientele at a gun show? These are my "peeps". That having been said, I still go to them, look at all the firearms related tables, and watch and listen to this marketplace in action. You get a lot of entertainment value for your dollar. I'm just thankful that they still happen at all.

 

[pharmer]

This was more like 50% firearm related and 40% arts and crafts and 10% miracle cures and who knows what insurance or home gadgets.

Don't forget the "secret room" couple. The shows have steadily gone downhill since the 80's (around when Class III guns became unobtanium). I go because I have a friend that insists, it's better than a movie, it's fun to listen to the stories and once in a great while something comes along that is worth buying. Joe

 

[Grayfox]

Sounds a lot like the poor excuse for a gun show we have here. Been steadily going down hill for many years now. But that's what I hear from everywhere else too.
Got one coming up next weekend. I will go, I always do. I usually don't buy more than a Dr. Pepper. But once in a great while I do get lucky. Hope springs eternal.
Besides, it gets me out of the house for a few hours.

 

[CatboatWilly]

Yes, it's same thing every where. I'd rather spend my time developing a great relationship with the gang at my local gun shop. They see quite a bit of worthy Smith Revolvers (my interest) come across the counter and when they find a nice one, or know of a nice one - they give me a call.

With the money I save by not going to gun shows, I buy them lunch every now and then. There are really a great bunch of guys with common interests and it's always fun time.

We never run out of things to talk bout and I usually learn something interesting. Thanks for posting . Have a great Holiday,

 

[gregintenn]

I've about quit going to shows. They sure ain't what they used to be.

 

[df06]

What happened to gun shows? The internet.
You can buy anything that available in the world from your couch.
I still go to a few gun shows, but they consist mostly of over priced military **** and as you noted, beef jerky, trinkets etc.

 

[jframe]

I've noticed a predominance of cowheads and "Dances with Wolves" motif women's purses and trinkets at the shows in North Alabama over the past ten years or so.

 

[Muss Muggins]

I've bought tables at a couple of our local shows over the last year to liquidate the "stuff" from my dad's collection. Tons of holsters, gun books, speedloaders, stocks, magazines, etc. No guns, and the stuff is priced to sell, so I look a little like a garage sale. I've always felt a little guilty about being there, but the stuff is selling, and I've enjoyed reconnecting with many of dad's friends.

 

[just jim]

Gunshows still have the social aspects and there is always something to learn at them. Lots of informed collectors that can tell you things you don't know.

They are kinda like the "Lounge", some gun talk but a lot of BS too. Lol lol.

 

[Arik]

Next up.....bear thread!

Similar here in SE Pa too. I like the holster guys cause I hate ordering online. I like to see them first this was I have a comparison to what I already have. When you order and it comes in and you realize you overpaid for what it is or its not comfortable. .....yea I hate that.

Hot sauces, jerky, jewelry and duck calls I've learned to just ignore. Interesting that you mentioned stocks. I noticed a lot of these gun show complaints have to do with people who miss the old days when these shows were basically swap meets. Lots of parts, some guns and haggling. None of which I'm interested in.

I'm almost never disappointed and usually find a deal or two. My firearms interests are broad so there is usually something for me. Between AKs, ARs, FALs, Glocks, HK, Sig, S&W. ...and all their respective ammo and accessories. ..I find something. Like during the panic I managed to get $5 AK surplus mags and $6 boxes of ammo. How everyone else managed to miss this table in the middle of everything I don't know. On the other hand if you are looking for that one specific gun or gun part in excellent condition and great price. ...well you'll be looking for a while

 

[federali]

The Internet Changed Everything.

I've had the same experience with model train shows. During the 60s, the shows were hosted by model train clubs and virtually all the tables were used merchandise being sold by hobbyists either modernizing or getting out of the hobby.

Gradually, dealers with resale certificates, working from their garages and car trunks, muscled out the old timers so that a train show now consists almost entirely of new merchandise at full retail price. Finding an old treasure is a rare treat indeed.

The so-called gun shows here on Long Island are nearly just as bad as the state adds a layer of its own bureaucracy to the event.

 

[bamabiker]

I try to go even if I just pay admission and walk around and look and talk.
If we don't support them...

 

[kaaskop49]

If you want to get a new gun then the shows might be a good place to go. The more common stuff can be bargained for. The dealers can be competitive.

Sometimes good stuff can show up, generally on private party tables. I used to get a table sometimes just for fun and to sell a few items. Way too expensive now.

The time of year also makes a difference. The holidays can slow things down as people need money for different things.

Good post. Never know when a diamond-in-the-rough may surface like a loose slot machine! I bought my minty 640 from the "junker" table of a dealer, from whom I also bought my cased Arizona HP commemorative 66. One day, two unfired 642s on that table. Last show, I noticed a Colt Agent there, the Parkerized job from the 80s. Looked unfired. Just might pop on it. Only wonder which of the 2 shows on the same weekend that dealer might be at.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

P.S. Always pays to not be a stranger at the local LGS. We need these folks.

 

[M3Stuart]

I went to Big Town in the Dallas area yesterday. WIN 296 $29 --WIN primers $27--Tula primers $105 a case. Lots of people & guns. Lots of buying & selling. Used pistol scopes were high in demand as well as older 1911s. It was a very good show. We were looking for a model 25-2 45acp but all were LC. $800-$850 were the selling prices on a clean one for this area. Then we spent a while at Red Lobster.

That's interesting to hear that news. I'd given up on the gun shows around here some years ago. Had not heard anything good about all the ones I skipped in a looonnnngggg time.

I brought a nice 36 to sell/trade to the last one I attended. I got reeeaaallly tired of being offered something like "a hundred and a half" for it by a bunch of "dealers". But it got worse, of course I'd just turn and walk away and they would say something like "just think of it; one hundred and fifty DOLLARS! Just think of what you could do with ALL THAT MONEY!" Yep, that was it for me....bunch of (fill in the blank)s.

Glad to hear something good. Like they say; 'never say never'. Maybe in 5 or 10 years I'll try going to another one.

 

[the ringo kid]

Went to a show today with my best friend, was looking forward to selling an old Winchester and seeing what would come up for sale. I suppose it's kinda like fishing, you never know when you're gonna get a good deal or find the perfect holster or parts (etc) that you needed.

Had enough money on me to buy a decent Smith if one turned up and was kinda keeping my eyes open for another Model 36 or whatever came up that I just had to have.

Attendance was waaaaay down to start. Ok, not necessarily a bad thing, it's kinda nice to be able to walk down an aisle while not being sideways.

Get a few steps in, sure enough, there's a few blue cardboard boxes floating around. Good sign. I stop and ask a gentlemen what he has for sale, it's a Model 36...great! What are ya looking for? $700.00. Wow. Ok. Next.

It really surprised me, there were so many people that had tables that were selling a bunch of homemade stuff. I mean, literally, one guy had sauces, beef jerky, etc. Next table had poorly handmade holsters (to be fair they weren't expensive though). Next guy has 4 tables...get this...of wool socks. Are you kidding me? This is a gun show right?

I'm gonna guess and say another 10 tables were arts and crafts. And not interesting to say the least--one guy was selling deer toes for $ 0.50 a piece. Yep. That's right, I said deer toes. Wow. What in the world would ya do with that.

Ok, i'm trying to have fun (and am enjoying spending time with my long-time hunting buddy) and we get to about another 8 tables that were all air soft guns. This guy must have spent 6-8 hours setting up all these things. Wow...

Eh, i'd guess a half dozen or so tables of 'fantasy swords', i'll call them. Like what Conan the Barbarian would carry.

Sorry for what could be possibly my longest post, but come on. I was looking forward to enjoying the show and all I could think of was this was more of an Arts & Crafts show than a gun show. As an aside, this show was put on by a promoter and regularly holds shows all year round. It had been 90% firearm related and slowly up to 10% arts & crafts, etc. Unreal. This was more like 50% firearm related and 40% arts and crafts and 10% miracle cures and who knows what insurance or home gadgets.

Not sure what to do when it seems these were the last spots to find a decent price on a firearm or parts. An anomaly? Or the new norm?

Sadly, they all seem to be heading i that direction to fill the hall. I rememebr when they only had guns and gun related stuff at the shows here. We also used to have a few machine gun dealers here too. First the MGs disappeared and toys and stuff took their place.

 

[the ringo kid]

Afraid it's the norm these days. To make matters worse, there are very few deals to be found. What really tickles me are the dealers that bring rifles, shotguns and handguns tagged "Not For Sale." Guess they're playing the "I've got one and you don't" game. That, and they don't mind lugging that stuff back & forth from the show and back home.

Twolike that usually come to the CC/Robstown show. One has an STG-44 lon a back table leaning against th wall.Not for sale and nobody can touch. That guy is an over-priced such and such too. Another at least twice--brought two Johnson Rifles both with proper bayonets.Not for sale but at least he was nice enough to let me drool all over them for as long as I liked. I LIKED--a long time too. ) He also had a civilian Johnson rifle--which I THINK?? was for sale??

 

[the ringo kid]

Around here gun shows are an excuse for friends from different towns to meet for breakfast before the show and catch up on events.
We always run into other folks we don't see anywhere else too.

The stuff at shows are pretty much the same old same old, but the visit with friends is sure worth the price of admission.

Sorta like that here--I mean, I go to the shows to paw over stuff, buy a few things occasionally I cna afford a new gun--but best of all--seeing friends/dealers and a few LE types I know there. Lots of vets at shows here--so nice to rub elbows with real Americans for a change.

 

[the ringo kid]

While I share your frustration, we still need LGSs. At least in my case, I don't mind paying a bit more for the service and relationships developed. I pick and choose what and where I buy my stuff. Cost is only part of the equation.

I'd hate to see the day I wake up and see a nail salon in the space that used to be a gun shop.

$5 entrance fee--free parking of course. However--overpriced food and drink--soI bring my own when im not restauranting afterwards. .75 cents just for ice in an 8 oz cup---thats all their food venders get from me--well--cept my Jerky lady and Salsa Verde lady.)

 

[hangnoose]

I SKIPPED THE ONE THIS WEEKEND

First time in years I haven't gone. The price to get in keeps going up & ANYTHING you might want keeps going down. The big dealbreaker for me has been the NO PRIVATE tailgate sales on the premises. Soon I see, not being able to carry in items for sale without paying for a table, NO THANKS, I'LL stick to a smaller 10$ table with a smaller venue, like gun club swap meets, and 3$ to get in and free parking.

 

[Ματθιας]

I go to gunshows for two reasons; to renew old friendships or make new ones and to buy.

I go halfers on a table just so I can buy before the show opens and pick off people coming in with stuff to sell. I've gotten some good deals with that strategy.

 

[drgbike]

Remember. Use it or lose it. We can complain but what if they do go away. One more win for the Antis. I will attend as long as they continue.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

We have our share of fantasy swords and jerky, but the gun shows here are still generally 90% or more guns and accessories.

 

[Sconnie]

I've bought tables at a couple of our local shows over the last year to liquidate the "stuff" from my dad's collection. Tons of holsters, gun books, speedloaders, stocks, magazines, etc. No guns, and the stuff is priced to sell, so I look a little like a garage sale. I've always felt a little guilty about being there, but the stuff is selling, and I've enjoyed reconnecting with many of dad's friends.

Sounds like gun related stuff to me.

Went to a different gun show today in the TINY town of Juda, WI (pop. 357). At the fire department which was surprisingly good sized. Almost as big as the show I went to on Friday night at a fairgrounds location. Very rural area and the long guns were plentiful. Very few AR types. Not a hunter so I can't speak to what all was there and if it was well priced but the camo outfits on the patrons were also plentiful. And quite a bit of reloading stuff. Felt like a gun show should feel. Well attended too.

Fair selection of handguns although nothing priced so I just had to have it. My list for wanted handguns is pretty small but it is fun to look. No jerky and shockingly, NO deer toes. A few MRE's but the fire department's kitchen offerings were more to my liking. How about that, maybe there is still hope!