buying at the big tulsa show in april?

[Jon Coppenbarger]

Thought about posting in meeting area but do not plan on meeting anyone.

I have never been to the show in tulsa and from what I have heard and read it is BIG!!
My questions range from best place to park to make it easy to get into and back out to your car.

I guess a back pack to carry something if you buy it?

Are there decent deals on used handguns and the such?
Its about a 10 hour drive and really kinda plan on attending both days or would one day be enough? The big question for me is for the folks who have been what is your plan on getting around the show and the such?

thanks jon

 

[Larry Ashcraft]

Jon, if you want a good parking place, get there really early. There's plenty of parking, but the late arrivers may have to walk a 1/4 mile or so.

Take a backpack or cart if you plan on buying much, or better yet, get the seller to hold it until you are making a trip to the car. Speaking of which, take a pad and pencil and write down the row number of any deals you want to go back to later. Trust me, you'll never find them again if you don't.

The real deals are Friday night of course. I've heard that you can get in Friday night for $50, but I'm not sure. Most of the guns I've seen are priced right at Blue Book, mainly because there are so many of them (lots of competition). When I was looking a for a 28 ga 870, I found at least 8-10 of them.

If you're an annual NRA member, pay your renewal at the door. That way you bypass the lines, pay $25 for the membership, and get in free and get a nifty hat to boot.

 

[Jon Coppenbarger]

Thanks Larry as that is exactly the type of info that I need.
Jon

 

[Larry Ashcraft]

Forgot to add; there are shuttles serving the outlying parking.

My brother had a table a few years ago, so we got to go in for the magical Friday night.

We always plan on doing both days, but after one day of trying to cover 11 acres and nine miles of aisles, we're always too beat to go back Sunday.

 

[lightman]

A small pocket note book is a must.A small back pack is nice,and a few friends bring eats and drinks.The concession is kinda pricey!It also helps to pick a good landmark when you park.This place is huge!Its a great show,and there are still a few bargins if you look close.We usually go on both days,however we've never gone on friday night.Usually there is some collectors association there,and they are worth the price of admission.We usually get motel rooms on priceline,and save 20-30 dollars on the room.Rooms can be scarce,so get a reservation of some kind.There are lots of good places to eat at night.Western Sizzler and Casa Bonita are just down the street.Texas Roadhouse and The Silver Flame are across the freeway,and many many more.Plenty of bars,if you are into the nite life.Its a good show,I'm sure you'll enjoy it.Since LA was closed down,its the biggest.Oh yeah,I almost forgot that they usually have a celebrity of somekind there.I have met James Arness,Bill Jordan,General Tibbets(Enola Gay),and Mike Ratigan(bench rest shooter),to name a few. Enjoy, Lightman

 

[Jesse Heywood]

Haven't been there, but have a friend who has been selling there for 30 years. His advice, you can't cover the entire show in one day. And in recent years sales have been good enough that if you see a deal, buy it then or it won't be there later.

 

[cencrunner]

If you are planning on buying ammo or bullets or anything heavy or bulky, arrange to have the seller hold it for you or go back and buy it just before you leave. You really don't want to be hauling around a bunch of weight. A note book to record table locations is a must.
Have fun, wear comfortable shoes.
Frank

 

[mag1911]

Realize there are two levels to the bldg. I don't think the lower level is visible from the entrance on the upper level. Some have entered, started at the west end and discovered they were only half way thru the show when they thought they were done. Also, the aisles are wide enough it's difficult to see both sides at once. A good look means walking both sides of the aisle.

There are portapotties along the north side outside the bldg. Good to know since the restrooms fill up often during the day. Also water fountains next to most restrooms if you don't want to buy the expensive drinks.

The best way in is on 21st St from the west. Cross Harvey and turn north at the antique locomotive a blk or two down. North about 2 blks and then east gets you into the new parking lot west of the bldg. Parking isn't as bad as a few yrs ago as they tore down a small amusement park and turned it into parking but early is better.

You can buy a badge Friday but I don't remember the particulars.

 

[Shanghai McCoy]

We were regulars there when we lived in Tulsa. It is BIG and can be very crowded. Wear your most comfortable shoes and, if Tulsa Red Castle Gun Club has a booth, tell them "Hi" from a former member...