Went to the Fort Wayne Gun and Knife show at the Coliseum yesterday. Parking and admission fee came to $11.00
I should point out that I used to attend pretty near all the Gun Shows around Fort Wayne and hadn't been to one for several years due to the crazy prices. I guess I was hoping sanity had prevailed. As soon as I got in to the show, I noticed that it was less than half the size it used to be. The selection of firearms for sale was not good and the prices were much higher than my LGS. As I already paid, I walked every aisle and there wasn't a bargain in sight. Much of the merchandise was tired and showed the signs of being dragged from one show to another. There was powder and reloading supplies to be had but checking the prices, it again was higher than my LGS.
I finally purchased a couple of .45 and 38 caliber bore brushes, They weren't any cheaper but I wanted to buy something! I walked every aisle and there were only a couple items that got my attention, One was a locally made Kentucky long rifle flintlock, it had been made for a woman shooter in the 1970s and was really a work of art. I was honest with the vendor and told him it was something I loved but would not buy and asked if I could pick it up to feel the balance etc. He said “Sure” It was a wonderful item and although highly priced, made my day. Not often you come across these treasures. Was it enough to make me want to attend another Fort Wayne Gun and Knife show? NO!
The other item was a blued SW model 19-4,( I am a fanatic about the wonderful Model 19) bit this one was badly worn and priced at almost $1300. I almost fell over. Are there really people out there that would pay that for a model 19 in very worn condition?
Overall the merchandise was way over priced and tired and new guns cost more than at my local dealer, NO thanks, I am finished attending these show.
I should point out that I used to attend pretty near all the Gun Shows around Fort Wayne and hadn't been to one for several years due to the crazy prices. I guess I was hoping sanity had prevailed. As soon as I got in to the show, I noticed that it was less than half the size it used to be. The selection of firearms for sale was not good and the prices were much higher than my LGS. As I already paid, I walked every aisle and there wasn't a bargain in sight. Much of the merchandise was tired and showed the signs of being dragged from one show to another. There was powder and reloading supplies to be had but checking the prices, it again was higher than my LGS.
I finally purchased a couple of .45 and 38 caliber bore brushes, They weren't any cheaper but I wanted to buy something! I walked every aisle and there were only a couple items that got my attention, One was a locally made Kentucky long rifle flintlock, it had been made for a woman shooter in the 1970s and was really a work of art. I was honest with the vendor and told him it was something I loved but would not buy and asked if I could pick it up to feel the balance etc. He said “Sure” It was a wonderful item and although highly priced, made my day. Not often you come across these treasures. Was it enough to make me want to attend another Fort Wayne Gun and Knife show? NO!
The other item was a blued SW model 19-4,( I am a fanatic about the wonderful Model 19) bit this one was badly worn and priced at almost $1300. I almost fell over. Are there really people out there that would pay that for a model 19 in very worn condition?
Overall the merchandise was way over priced and tired and new guns cost more than at my local dealer, NO thanks, I am finished attending these show.
