I still like gunshows!

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My dad and I used to hit every gun show we possibly could make in the area we lived in. I still love going because it's a fun experience. I just wish I could spend all day at one again.

I love pawing through boxes full of various bits and parts looking for some obscure thing of no real importance. The knife guys bug me more than beanie babies or necklaces. I never have had much use for decorative knives or tables full of $5 pocket knives. Sometimes guys take up 4 or 5 tables with knives. At least the indian headresses don't take up so much floor space.
 
Even here in PDSR California, I enjoy the gun shows. I know a number of folks and I'm more interested in older guns than newer ones. (One does not find 'old' guns at gunshops here in Los Angeles County.)

But I find the occasional 'old gun' from time to time. I can find fancy and useful grips that suit my taste. One table usually has old pictures which I collect and frame for my man cave. I nod politely to the jerky people and usually kick five or ten bucks to the pro gun associations who are there.

Back when I had a significant other, I would pick up a nice bit of jewelry as a surprise gift.

The prices on primers and such are about the same as local gunshops, except I can buy them by the thousand or five thousand.

And, as mentioned, it is a very pleasant way to spend a morning or day. But wear comfortable shoes and take enough money to deal if you find something special.

Like someone said, "To find a beautiful princess, one must kiss a lot of frogs."
 
I have only one complaint: entrance fee. It's too much. At the last show, $8 for parking and $8 to get in per person, and I came out empty handed.
 
All I can do is look, unfortunately, but I like going to gun shows as well, just for something to do. Here, between the various promoters and venues, it isn't hard to find one once a month. Eight, ten or even twelve dollars is cheaper than a theater movie.
 
I have only one complaint: entrance fee. It's too much. At the last show, $8 for parking and $8 to get in per person, and I came out empty handed.

It only costs $6-7 to get in to local shows and they are not really worth it for me. The guns are mostly overpriced and believe it or not I am not looking for new guns since I am not a collector. When I want another I go to my dealer and get a better price than I can get from a gunshow. And he will be there tomorrow. Ammo is cheaper on the internet and the overall variety is poor at the show. There are only a very few non-dealers that have the interesting odds and ends. Gunshows have been more numerous lately and I go to fewer of them. Long before the events that sent everyone to buy guns I had already purchased what I want and will spend my money on training , ammo, and accessories all of which are better obtained of the net.
 
People watching at the shows can be interesting. Everyone from the Mall Ningas, Real Gangstas, Cival War guys, etc. Plus I always enjoy seeing new products to spend cash on.
 
I think I caught a cold from the gunshow. Went yesterday and that evening (and this morning) I have a headache and stuffed sinuses. Bunches of people handling guns, I'm sure someone had some sickness.
 
I get annoyed for the same reason I get annoyed when I go to Hamfests (Ham radio shows), there are always a bunch of usually older guys with nice stuff that's overpriced to insane levels and they refuse to come down to anything close to what it's really worth.

I was trying to make a deal on a decent, but not great pinned and recessed S&W 28. It had holster wear, and the grips looked like the cop who carried the gun hit it on something and took a small chunk out of the bottom. But it was just cosmetic, it locked up great and was in good shape. He wanted about $100 more than any of the 28's in better shape on Gunbroker, and about $200 over what similar ones were priced. He refused to budge from his $600 asking price, and got belligerent when I just asked him what he would take for it. He just pointed at the sign and said, "Can't you read?". I said, "Sure I can. I just can't believe what I'm reading!" A guy next to me laughed, and the old guy told us to get away from him. Another old guy had a used EAA Witness with carry wear on the muzzle end, full sized, in "wonder finish" for over $100 more than a new one cost ($389) two tables over. A friend of mine offered him $325, and he got very angry, so we left, and my friend bought the new one instead.

I don't get this. Why put stuff up for sale when it's so unlikely you're going to get anyone to buy it?
 
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