Gun Show Gack

[PapaG]

Did you say they’re selling singles of shotgun slugs?

Yes. And buckshot.

 

[tws3b2]

People like you and I are a dying breed. We won't be around much longer. In 20 years, our collectible, vintage, blued and wood guns (Colt revolvers, Pre-64 Winchesters, etc.) will be worth pennies on the dollar simply due to changing consumer preference that values plastic, tactical aesthetics (ARs and Glocks). This is reflected in the guns being offered for sale. Sellers and manufacturers are simply trying to meet market demand.

People like you and I are a dying breed. We won't be around much longer. In 20 years, our collectible, vintage, blued and wood guns (Colt revolvers, Pre-64 Winchesters, etc.) will be worth pennies on the dollar simply due to changing consumer preference that values plastic, tactical aesthetics (ARs and Glocks). This is reflected in the guns being offered for sale. Sellers and manufacturers are simply trying to meet market demand.

Hate to say it, but I think you are right.
And I hate to say that I think this preference for the plastic, tactical aesthetics (ARs and Glocks) will Eventually lead to the downfall of the 2nd amendment. You walk into a gun store and all you see are the walls lined with black tactical ( Assault rifles to many people ). Add that to the growing gun violence. Add that to the number people carrying open in public. Add that to a (so called) news media and politicians that has learned that preaching Hate, Greed and Envy draws attention, $, And votes.
I really don't see a very bright future for the 2nd amendment.

 

[doubleh]

Never been to a gun show.

With all the reports of ho-hum items and high dollar prices, I think I’ll continue to pass.

Stay safe.

They aren't completely bad, at least in this area. Due to the area's population they aren't large affairs. Yes there are gougers, and the inevitable knife, trinket, junk of some kind sellers but you sometimes find a rare gem and also at a good price some of the time. We had our first area show since covid hit two weeks ago. Taking the long way because of picking up a grandson in the town south of me it was a 94 mile drive one way and we basically went just to get out of the house and look at guns. He insisted on going in his vehicle so his dad and I kicked back and relaxed for the ride both ways. I found something I wanted and the son-in-law did too and neither was overpriced. It was an enjoyable day and the BBQ we had for dinner was great.

It was announced last week there will be one in my town this coming weekend. If I had known there was one coming here I would have passed on the previous one and missed what I found at it. I plan on attending this coming one. There might be a rare gem at a fair price just waiting (tax time was nice to me this year) and the only way to find out is to go and it only involves a 4 mile drive to get to it. Either way, gem or no, I'm out of the house for awhile and should see some interesting firearms and we have an excellent Tex-Mex cafe to dine at.

 

[unspellable]

I agree with most of the above. Estate sales are what I have stopped going to. Over several years I have not bought anything at an estate sale. Always the junk the relatives didn't want and sky high prices on stuff I wouldn't take for free. In the past made a few scores at garage sales, but even they don't seen to be what they used to be.

 

[starnbar]

Hate to say it, but I think you are right.
And I hate to say that I think this preference for the plastic, tactical aesthetics (ARs and Glocks) will Eventually lead to the downfall of the 2nd amendment. You walk into a gun store and all you see are the walls lined with black tactical ( Assault rifles to many people ). Add that to the growing gun violence. Add that to the number people carrying open in public. Add that to a (so called) news media and politicians that has learned that preaching Hate, Greed and Envy draws attention, $, And votes.
I really don't see a very bright future for the 2nd amendment.

I wouldn't be quick to say that the continued popularity of the black guns is a sign of the time but the reason to own one has not changed and that is to be able to defend yourself in your own home and in public. Only a citizen can own a firearm the rest are subjects of the government. I personally am not a fan of plastic but the right to own and defend yourself at least for now is still a right.

 

[tubeshooter]

Things like that cleaning kit for your milsurp or some rather obscure mag are items that I can possibly get from the show that you definitely won't see at any chain store. And you won't know unless you go. I got to fondle a Taurus 3" 856 in stainless for myself, among many other guns if desired, instead of just asking about it here. No amount of internet is going to give you that.

As other have alluded to, I have spent more on a trying a plate at some new restaurant or a couple of beers at the game that I have in entry fee. But duly noted that it factors in to the total overall cost. I don't really go there for that once in a lifetime deal - but it can happen.

All shows are definitely not created equal. I won't go so far as to use the word "podunk", but I can see how somebody might go to a smallish show with limited scope and maybe write them all off based on that. I'm also not advocating for anybody to drive several hours if they don't want to, or explore something they don't want to take a chance on/waste time on. But I agree that you should maybe visit one or two just to see for yourself instead of letting others make your mind up for you.


If online only works well for you, then that's great. I am fortunate to have decently stocked and regularly scheduled shows nearby. I can only imagine how nice the shows were before my time...

 

[Shanghai McCoy]

Not a gunshow but there was a fellow selling muzzle loader gear at our club shoot over the weekend. I was amazed at some of the prices that he had on BP revolvers and rifles. Percussion caps,what he had, were very pricey as well.
So it looks like it's kinda across the board as far as cost increase goes for our hobby these days.