That is very strange werewolf. I finnally found a post I disagree with you on. The last gun show I went to I saw many friends and neighbors (including both next door neighbors with booths) both buying and selling. Also I am not sure what a stereotypical gunowner is but it does not sound nice.
I'll be more specific: My only experience with gun shows are ones that come to OKC. 10 years ago they were a different experience than now. Maybe gun shows are different in other parts of the country - I hear the Wannamacher Show in Tulsa is pretty good - and if so y'all are lucky. The ones that come to OKC are an Indiana Jones adventure in shopping.
1. There are 3 gunshows that come to OKC on a regular basis. We average one every 90 days or so. Sometimes we'll get 2 in a month. Two of the three OKC gun shows are crowded, noisy, dirty venues. The idea that anyone would be shocked that that crowd would figure women and guns don't go together was a bit much to swallow.
2. Of the 3 only 1 is what I would call reputable. When setup the tables are clean, clear of junk, floors are swept and the vendors are all gun dealers with the occassional knife dealer. The venue is at the state fairgrounds but imagine how it would be if set up in a hotel.
3. The other two - well - think white trash flea market with a dash of carny and 300 pound, overall wearing without a t'shirt junk dealer thrown in for taste.
There's always at least 3 or 4 dealers there that are pushing NAZI memorabilia and not for historical collectors but because they're freaking NAZI's. Talk to 'em - you'll get the idea real quick. Toss in a few hard core right wing militia types for good measure.
Most of the rest of the dealers are pushing junk or trying to get rid of something they dug out of grampa's attic.
There aren't any deals unless you're lookin to buy a 9mm Hi-Point for $89. I've seen SKS' with bores almost shotgun smooth where the dealer wanted $200+. I've seen AK's where the dealers wanted $900 plus and when asked what made 'em so special almost always come up with some cock and bull story that just made me laugh. The only one that came close was one who said they were pre-82 (which meant nothing) but probably meant pre-86 or 89 whenever the rule about must have 6 or 10 US parts in it if imported. I understand those have some value to collectors.
Lots of new guns out on the tables but most of the dealers (meaning all but 6) are from out of town and their prices are way too high. Why should I buy from an out of town dealer when I can buy from a local for less.
As for the customers - well - they run the gamut from guys who are obviously recreational pharmaceutical reps, real bikers, biker wannabees, gang bangers, and billy bob rednecks, to middle class mainstreamers, dentists, bankers, doctors, etc. It's actually quite interesting to take a break at a concession and sit and watch the crowd. (in case anyone's wondering I'd fit into the middle class, looks like an over the hill, old ex bad ass crowd so I pretty much fit right in...
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Add to that that the bummers want to charge you $10 bucks to get in the door to buy the junk and well - I don't go very often.