My snapshot of a gun show today
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Trey Veston
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I've been to one gun show in 40 years of gun ownership. It was in my hometown in Idaho, had probably 50 tables, half were nazi/jerky/knife/Native American crap. Was in 1986 or so and they wanted $4 to get in the door, or about the same as a movie ticket. Or about what I earned at the time per hour. I reluctantly paid my money, wandered around for 20 minutes, saw the boxes of overpriced crap and tables of overpriced guns all with cables looped through the actions and attached to the tables.
I thought the whole thing was dumb and decided I wouldn't go to another one. And I haven't.
I can see how large ones can be helpful for folks looking for parts for old guns they are trying to fix, or even today with powders and components hard to find, you might get lucky.
I thought the whole thing was dumb and decided I wouldn't go to another one. And I haven't.
I can see how large ones can be helpful for folks looking for parts for old guns they are trying to fix, or even today with powders and components hard to find, you might get lucky.
Lennyjoe
Member
I’ve been to at least 5 gun shows since Jan here in Ohio and havent purchased much. I don’t mind paying $10 to browse through gun stuff and yes, there are the occasional jerky sellers, cheap knives and what not but that doesn’t bother me. Never know when I’ll find a decent deal on parts, mags or even reloading stuff so I’ll keep going to them for something to do.
gyp_c2
Member
The last real gun show I went to was at a state fair building.
They had a Browning 50 trainer hung from the rafters with full belts of ammo draped from it.
There were whiskey barrels of surplus ammo...sold by weight, scooped out with a big nail shoveler.
Don't know WHAT these things are they call gun shows nowadays...
They had a Browning 50 trainer hung from the rafters with full belts of ammo draped from it.
There were whiskey barrels of surplus ammo...sold by weight, scooped out with a big nail shoveler.
Don't know WHAT these things are they call gun shows nowadays...
WestKentucky
Member
Gun shows are typically one of three things.
1. Dealers who mark up prices to cover their travel expenses and booth rental
2. Collectors looking to sell sky high and offer you a fraction of what you have if they want it
3. A flea market of gun stuff where people are trying to move their low value stuff or odds and ends that are otherwise not easy to move.
1. Dealers who mark up prices to cover their travel expenses and booth rental
2. Collectors looking to sell sky high and offer you a fraction of what you have if they want it
3. A flea market of gun stuff where people are trying to move their low value stuff or odds and ends that are otherwise not easy to move.
Roknstevo
Member
Ridiculous....never been to a gun show. Never felt the need. If they won’t allow legal carry, I won’t be going, but I doubt they’ll miss me.
Roknstevo
Member
Most responsible ccw holders keep it in their pants. I know that I do. Just saying.
Most diseases can be fatal in the right circumstances. I went to the local show last Sunday. Maybe 3 people there wearing masks and it was packed. Most people around here, including myself, have already had Covid though, so we pretty much have "herd immunity" if that's even possible to attain with this disease.
Same reason you'd carry anywhere else. Habit and in case you need to shoot someone or something. Can't imagine why you'd assume that everyone at a show is "on your side". How on earth could you possibly know that?
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AlexanderA
Member
In spite of all the negative comments in this thread, gun shows are indispensable to a serious collector. And if you go to a lot of them, you quickly learn to filter out all the extraneous stuff.
You must have more friendly, safer dealers than we did in Ohio. Most of them there were grouchy old curmudgeons were amongst the worst when it came to pointing guns at people (and there was a ton of that) and treated customers like they were a PITA.
It seems like prices are more reasonable (?) at shows.
Auctions seem to bring out the Alpha male in bidders, last week I saw (1) pound of H322 had a bid of $150.00 12 bidders and the auction was not over. About a month ago, I saw what was called an FBI gun case (no gun) for an 870 shotgun go for $4,000.00!
Auctions seem to bring out the Alpha male in bidders, last week I saw (1) pound of H322 had a bid of $150.00 12 bidders and the auction was not over. About a month ago, I saw what was called an FBI gun case (no gun) for an 870 shotgun go for $4,000.00!
whughett
Member
I’ve attended gun show as a pass time for close to 50 years. Bought some stuff here and there,a few guns and observed them going from a mainly male thing to more and more a family thing. Judging by their attendance they are still popular. Oddly enough my main interest was in what I call accoutrements. Back in the day before the internet they were a ready source for all the “extras” gun owners have need of or want. All those dealers in one location. EBay has changed our perspective of value perhaps.
For those that don’t like them, well to each his own, I don’t attend any of the quite numerous craft shows, flea markets and numerous and sundry events around any given state as I have no interest.
For those that don’t like them, well to each his own, I don’t attend any of the quite numerous craft shows, flea markets and numerous and sundry events around any given state as I have no interest.
eastbank
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i have three flea markets i hit every week their open, most people know me and what i like and also know i pay pretty well for items i want and will save it them for me. what else would a old retired man do with his time early in the morning(home by 9:00 am.
swg1
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Exactly!
Commader47
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I still go to the shows. And, I do enjoy them. Some, more than others. To be honest, I don't begrudge some of the non gun venders.
My wife and I like to shoot together, and she has been a target shooter all her life. She has a couple of pistols for self defense, and knows her way around a shotgun. When she was a little girl, the city would pay her .10 Cents a bird to keep the pigeons out of the clock bell tower. They trusted her to not shoot up the bell tower. And she never did. She had a single shot .22 for that job.
To make a short story longer, my wife enjoys looking at the custom jewelry some of vendors make and sell. At the last show a few weeks ago, we were in Conyers Ga, and met an eccentric couple that made everything from custom jewelry to leather holsters, belts and concealed carry CANES. The husband was dressed sort of like Daniel Boone and was just a hoot to talk with. I ended up buying a pistol belt that he cut, died, and stamped right there for only 25.00. Nice heavy leather. He custom builds Canes that are really pretty incredible. Twisted, knotted wood that twists up and he hollows out the handle to hold a concealed Bond or any other Derringer you would like. Nice, custom fitted and cut to length.
I don't care for what we call the "Hong Congolese" vendors of cheap imported crap. I am also not a fan of the endless tables of the same glocks, AK's, AR15's and smith and wessons. I do like to go by them for a quick look and keep moving. Because....well...you never know.
We go to the shows around here pretty regular. Not because we are necessarily looking for a 'good deal', but more for the day out. Kind of like going to a Carnival. It is what you make it.
My wife and I like to shoot together, and she has been a target shooter all her life. She has a couple of pistols for self defense, and knows her way around a shotgun. When she was a little girl, the city would pay her .10 Cents a bird to keep the pigeons out of the clock bell tower. They trusted her to not shoot up the bell tower. And she never did. She had a single shot .22 for that job.
To make a short story longer, my wife enjoys looking at the custom jewelry some of vendors make and sell. At the last show a few weeks ago, we were in Conyers Ga, and met an eccentric couple that made everything from custom jewelry to leather holsters, belts and concealed carry CANES. The husband was dressed sort of like Daniel Boone and was just a hoot to talk with. I ended up buying a pistol belt that he cut, died, and stamped right there for only 25.00. Nice heavy leather. He custom builds Canes that are really pretty incredible. Twisted, knotted wood that twists up and he hollows out the handle to hold a concealed Bond or any other Derringer you would like. Nice, custom fitted and cut to length.
I don't care for what we call the "Hong Congolese" vendors of cheap imported crap. I am also not a fan of the endless tables of the same glocks, AK's, AR15's and smith and wessons. I do like to go by them for a quick look and keep moving. Because....well...you never know.
We go to the shows around here pretty regular. Not because we are necessarily looking for a 'good deal', but more for the day out. Kind of like going to a Carnival. It is what you make it.
You seem to enjoy gun shows in much the same way I do.....a day out, cruise by every table because "you never know", and don't begrudge the jerky merchants. Here's another thing__I've attended the Tulsa Gun Show around 25-30 times in the last 15-20 years and have learned that EVERY SHOW IS UNIQUE. I understand guys who say they see the same thing from the same guys year after year...it's true. But, stuff shows up every show that I've never seen before. The Wanenmacher show promises and delivers about 90% of vendors are for guns and knives and related product vendors. I love gun shows for the immense amount of entertainment for a mere $10. But, I draw the line at rain-gutter salesmen
gyp_c2
Member
I've heard the OKC show is still special. I'd like to make that one...
If the powers that be allow it...
You know, good Lord willin' and the creek don't rise?
If the powers that be allow it...
You know, good Lord willin' and the creek don't rise?
Trey Veston
Member
I forgot that I was actually going to go to a local gun show last summer.
There was one going to be held in the local high school of a small logging town and the leftists lost their minds and tried to shut it down. They failed to force their values on others, so planned to show up and protest. I was going to go to show support for the gun folks, but it was on the days I worked 12-hours shifts, which is every weekend.
There was one going to be held in the local high school of a small logging town and the leftists lost their minds and tried to shut it down. They failed to force their values on others, so planned to show up and protest. I was going to go to show support for the gun folks, but it was on the days I worked 12-hours shifts, which is every weekend.
vintovka
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I have witnessed some serious stuff over the years where an armed dealer had to draw down on a jerk. In one case a thief made to make off with and expensive handgun right in front of me. The dealer had secured each gun with a tether secured to an alarm. Thief grabbed it and quickly passed it to a 2nd thief who was waiting nearby. First dealer chased down and confronted first thief. Some minutes later another Dealer spotted 2nd thief making for an exit with the tether trailing on. When confronted 2nd thief the thief drew the stolen weapon only to have a CCW immediately shoved up his nose. Yes there was time to load the stolen weapon in those few minutes. Just one of many incidents supporting my view that ccws have their place at shows.
One of the absolute best aspects of the Wanenmacher show in Tulsa is when everyone welcomes us with open arms. I stay at Embassy Suites which greets us with a huge "Welcome Gun Show" banner, free drinks and snacks during happy hour and great friendly service at local restaurants. At the hotel, guys walk in with a gun over their shoulder, a pistol hanging out of a pocket and no one even seems to notice: it's the way life should be. The show itself is 11 acres off tables under one roof. It is a true sight to behold.
SwampWolf
Member
Well, no, it's decidedly not the same reason I'd carry "anywhere else", habitually or otherwise. If you can't distinguish the difference in the threat level posed against your personage that exists between being in a high crime urban environment and being at a gun show where most people share the same ethos as you do, you need to revisit your imagination threshold.
One of the biggest gun shows in America is sponsored by the Ohio Gun Collectors Association (OGCA). Anyone entering the show carrying a gun has to have it zip-lock tied to insure it is unloaded. Dealers also have to have the guns they're exhibiting zip-lock tied. Over the last several decades where hundreds of thousands of fellow firearm enthusiasts have visited hundreds of shows, no one has shot anyone else maliciously. My guess is that most, if not all, attendees at most, if not all, gun shows can attest to the same thing. However, there have probably been some unfortunate incidences over the years involving a negligent shooting or two when visitors to gun shows are not prohibited from carrying a loaded firearm.
No, I don't have a crystal ball but I think the odds are pretty darn good that a fellow enthusiast is not going to shoot me on purpose at a gun show. I'll take my chances over that happening as opposed to being at a gun show where hundreds of people might be carrying loaded guns when the very premise of the event is to show each other unloaded guns.
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Not everyone tries to predict when they'll want to have their sidearm with them. Some of us just carry habitually, every day. Besides,
I completely agree. I just don't think that being a dealer should make any difference. I've observed more dealers handling guns in an irresponsible manner at gun shows than anyone else. Certainly no reason to give them special privileges that other people at the show don't have.
I can also understand the perspective of those who don't think anyone should have loaded guns at a show, given the extremely high level of incompetence exhibited at these events, by both attendees and exhibitors.
Anyway, I'm sure our opinions expressed here won't make any difference. I'll continue to carry at shows, just as many others do.
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Lennyjoe
Member
We usually beat the gun show threads up pretty regularly. There are those that appreciate them while others don’t. Those that say it’s nothing more than a craft show (jerky, jewelry and shirts) while others find utility to support their hobby.
In the end, it’s you’re choice to go or not. No need to ridicule those who still do.
In the end, it’s you’re choice to go or not. No need to ridicule those who still do.
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