This weekend there is going to be an Antique & Military Gun Show in Largo FL. Guns from Vietnam Era and older only! It's been over a decade since there has been one near me and I am keeping my fingers crossed that it will be a success. I may finally find the FN 1910 I have been searching for. Militaria shows used to be pretty common here in Florida at one time but they seemed to have died out. Are any happening in your part of the world? I for one am getting tired of aisle after aisle of polymer wonders.
My kind of Gun Show coming this weekend in FL
- Thread starter Jimbo80
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NIGHTLORD40K
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There was a vendor at the Two Guys Sarasota show last weekend that had a prewar 1910 and a 1922. Hopefully he will make the Largo show too. Good luck!
GravelRider
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Lol. And guys a few generations ago were tired of aisle after aisle of cartridge gun wonders. Personally, I'm equal opportunity. I'd love to go to this gun show you mention. I'm also happy looking at polymer wonders.
Just got back from the show. It wasn't great but was worth going for sure. Tons of Garands and Trapdoors. I didn't find the 1910 I was looking for but did pick up a wall hanger French pinfire revolver. It's functional but missing the ejector rod. I probably paid too much at $150 but it will make a great paperweight. The grips are fantastic
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.455_Hunter
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I would enjoy a gun show where there is not a Glock to be seen.
indy1919a4
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I also did the show, a little on the small side (maybe 100 tables or so), but lots of heart. Now there were a few polymer guns, but not even a large fraction. And there were lots & lots of M1 Garands (not that that is a bad thing). Attended another show in Bunnell, FL. Seemed a little smaller. This one had more older pistols in it then rifles. And alot of the rifles were Japanese Mil Surp. Now the Bunnell show had lots of pretty nice Mil Surp gear and moocho bayonets and vintage military holsters.
Now to be fair with both shows, I realize that Florida is a big state and all. Plus the weekend before Thanksgiving is a great weekend to have a show. But 9 gun shows all over the state, all competing at the same weekend may have been a bit much.
Now to be fair with both shows, I realize that Florida is a big state and all. Plus the weekend before Thanksgiving is a great weekend to have a show. But 9 gun shows all over the state, all competing at the same weekend may have been a bit much.
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Speedo66
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Any consensus as to how WWII Carbine prices were trending?
I know there's been a tremendous uptick lately, just curious as to what was being asked if any attendees remember.
I know there's been a tremendous uptick lately, just curious as to what was being asked if any attendees remember.
BreechFace
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What were the prices on the M1 Garands?
Seedy Character
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Who is the Promoter.
The promoter determines who, what, when, where, et al.
9 at one time; different promoters set up their show, just happened others did the same thing, on the same date.
The promoter determines who, what, when, where, et al.
9 at one time; different promoters set up their show, just happened others did the same thing, on the same date.
The show was promoted by 2 Guys. Garands were priced from $1200 and up. Most all were CMP guns. I didn’t see one Carbine at the show.
I expected to see some of the Midway and Classic imports that people were trying to get out of but that wasn’t the case. While the Midway batch sold out rather quickly Classic has theirs “discounted” already which leads me to believe the $1500 prices for beat up guns is over.
I expected to see some of the Midway and Classic imports that people were trying to get out of but that wasn’t the case. While the Midway batch sold out rather quickly Classic has theirs “discounted” already which leads me to believe the $1500 prices for beat up guns is over.
BreechFace
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Yeah it’s crazy what M1 Carbines are going for these days!
Your Garand prices are what I see in my neck of the woods, same thing CMP’s being resold.
Your Garand prices are what I see in my neck of the woods, same thing CMP’s being resold.
hrt4me
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that pinfire blank is neat
Riomouse911
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Mine has been a favorite for years! Best gun buy I have ever made was a CMP Garand.
Stay safe.
AlexanderA
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The big Maryland Arms Collectors show is coming up at the Timonium Fairgrounds March 18-19, 2023. (The main restriction is no post-1898 handguns.) I always make it a point to go, but I haven't been since the Covid outbreak. Things are finally beginning to return to normal.
Appalachiannative
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Wish they would have a show like that near me. I too care not for aisle after aisle of Glocks and AR's
Seedy Character
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Show I went to Sunday was billed as a "Gun and Knife Show"
Around 20 - 25% of the tables were knives. 1 was swords and tomahawk.
A table of honey, another of fudge, of course jerky. Plus one of salsa.
Shriners were selling raffle tickets - 30 guns in 30 minutes.
The 3 tables of jewelry, 3 more of purses, one of Scentsy, and 1 of Christmas crafts.
Strange part, the Christmas craft show was NEXT DOOR!
The nice part, 20 - 25% of the tables were PRIVATE COLLECTIONS.
Around 20 - 25% of the tables were knives. 1 was swords and tomahawk.
A table of honey, another of fudge, of course jerky. Plus one of salsa.
Shriners were selling raffle tickets - 30 guns in 30 minutes.
The 3 tables of jewelry, 3 more of purses, one of Scentsy, and 1 of Christmas crafts.
Strange part, the Christmas craft show was NEXT DOOR!
The nice part, 20 - 25% of the tables were PRIVATE COLLECTIONS.
Appalachiannative
Member
Dang!! I've seen shows with maybe 1 out of 10 tables of crap that don't belong but not one that bad. Used to be my favorite show was the south Carolina arms and militaria collectors association but I haven't seen it in years. Land o sky at the WNC ag center 5 minutes from my house maybe had 5% non gun or knife junk 75% over priced Poly frame stuff 18% old relics and curios and maybe %2 private collections. The last of which is only allowed antiques and long guns thanks to our pistol permit law. I still managed to find two tables with the kinda guys I like to deal with. Old timers with odd ball vintage sporting arms they just don't want anymore.
Seedy Character
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AlexanderA
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Too much non-related stuff turns a "gun show" into a "rummage sale." But, strangely, "rummage sales" are good places to find sleeper guns. If a show gets a reputation as a rummage sale, "serious gun people" will stay away. But for those willing to sort through the junk, bargains (in guns) may sometimes be found. (The "arbitrage effect" kicks in regarding prices.) If you have time, broaden your horizons. You might find interesting gun-related stuff at flea markets, estate sales, etc. One of my successes was finding a WW2 machine gun cart at a jeep show.
In the year + since I started this thread I have been to 4 or 5 more shows. One thing I have noticed is that while marked prices are still high the sellers are much more open to negotiation. I have made some lowball offers lately that have been accepted both at shows and at the local LGS.
BRatigan
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The very best shows I attended were in the Northeast, Vermont, New York, New Hampshire. The biggest were the Springfield, Mass Show and then Empire State Plaza Show. Anything and everything you could want were on display. The Florida shows are smaller and don't have the range of material but it's better than nothing and I have found some deals over the past few years.
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