Dallas Market Hall Gun show 23Jan21

[CapnMac]

My bro was extra keen to get down to the gun show today. And right at Open, too. So it was up and at'em at oh-dark thirty for the half-hour drive into Dallas. A lot of other folk had the same idea--was about 45-50 minutes of snaking line to get in.

Ammo prices were about what's common anymore, if in some quantity, just not necessarily in wide selection. Did not see anybody buying large quantities, just a box or two at a time.

Handguns were moving, too, abut 6-8 to every long arm. Was a dealer from Beeville with a huge number of tables--whole aisle from cross-aisle to cross aisle; and he was hopping. The bought inventory was in great long line about four fathoms long, and they were working through the paperwork for each, one after the other--about an hour's wait.

A pretty good variety of stuff to see, and prices were up, but not necessarily crazy high. RIA 1911A1 in 9mm/45acp/.38super all right at $645, elevated, but not crazy.

Very few lever actions to be seen. Not a lot of wooden-stocked bolt actions, and in some odd-ball calibers. There was a concurrent militaria show, and it was good to see some of my old buddies in that trade in real life again.

Leaving the show about noon, there was still a line out to the parking lot to get in.

 

[FROGO207]

Thanks for the update. Good to know even with restrictions things are getting back to normalish. Our local one will be in March but will be about 20 vendors and 40-50 tables. Cant wait!

 

[redneck2]

As much as the majority opinion at THR seems to be moaning and groaning about gun shows, evidently a lot of the public disagrees.

I fail to understand the guys that whine about the shows. I’m 1,200 miles from you, and I can pretty much tell you what will be at the show from here.

Sounds like it was a good time

 

[Larry Ashcraft]

We're thinking of going to Tulsa in April. It's an 11 hour drive.

www.tulsaarmsshow.com

I just started reloading again after a five year break. Even if the components are high, I plan on taking a pocketful of cash and restocking, at least get enough supplies to last until things get back to semi-normal.

 

[CapnMac]

We're thinking of going to Tulsa in April.

The Wannamaker show is an experience. Worth getting a motel room and buying the full w/e pass to get in. If only so that you can just leave as you are wearing out, instead of trying to press on to the end.

 

[CapnMac]

Sounds like it was a good time

It was, mostly because I was not seriously looking for anything, so I wasn't under any stress.
And, apparently, I'm a touchstone for other folk looking for stuff.
Some of that will be down to my knowing the better places to park (having been to the worse ones), and knowing the better ways to "walk" a show (go to the back and wind your way to the front).

 

[Alte Schule]

Good information.

RIA 1911's for $645? That's 20 - 25% more than pre COVID. Always wanted one in .38 Super and actually passed on one that was listed at $600 a couple of years ago. Would definitely consider $645 now.

Just being curious but what if any COVID restrictions/requirements were in place and, if so, were they being enforced?

 

[CapnMac]

Would definitely consider $645 now.

Ditto. Gave it many second thoughts, really. Saw three at the show at that price (give or take $5). One of those was a dealer in Mesquite, so I could drive over and get the same price. Next Saturday is the FW show, and I may look a little harder.

Just being curious but what if any COVID restrictions/requirements were in place and, if so, were they being enforced?

Masks were required, distancing was "recommended." They made an announcement over the PA about every 30 minutes about requiring mask wearing. Compliance was pretty high, only remember a couple of noses out or chin-wearing. Market Hall only really has the one entrance the way they were set up, so that was shared (The City Vaccination area was set up under the Mezzanine, and blocked the entry doors at the Porte Cochre.)

Now, next week, at Will Rodgers, they'll have everyone come in on the interior Concourse, and exit out of the North entry, and require masks for their mass-gathering compliance.

 

[Larry Ashcraft]

The Wannamaker show is an experience. Worth getting a motel room and buying the full w/e pass to get in. If only so that you can just leave as you are wearing out, instead of trying to press on to the end.

The first time we went, maybe 15 years ago, my younger brother accompanied me. He wanted to show me the entire show, so we walked, and walked, and walked some more. After about ten hours, we gave up having only missed about three aisles.

A few years ago, I wanted a 28ga Wingmaster, even though I had never even seen one. We found SEVEN to choose from. I bought an early 70s one that looked almost unfired. And a sweet thing it is!

The one thing I like about Tulsa, is, there are so many vendors that they feel compelled to be competitive on prices.

 

[Loner757]

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