Nation's Gun Show in Chantilly, VA

[Wesson9]

Has anyone been to a recent gun show at the Dulles Expo Center? I was out last year at the peak of the scare and there was very little to be had at a reasonable price. I'm trying to get my hands on some powder for 9mm and 223 rem (which I haven't been able to find in Northern VA or elsewhere in over a year). It was so crowded and the prices were so high last time that I'm hesitant to make the trip. I don't want to waste my time again.

Thanks for any help.

 

[tomrkba]

Reasonable prices are long gone. Feel lucky if you save 5%, though you may find a bargain. Don't forget about the "Northern Virginia Tax"--sometimes you can peel up a sticker and see what they're selling the gun for in the southern portion of the state.

The reason to go is to find stuff and see guns that your local stores do not carry. There are many parts vendors and I managed to find rear sight screws for a 30/40 Krag rifle. It took two hours of searching through parts piles, but that was certainly better than the months wasted looking online.

If you do go, be there on Friday at 2:00 PM. The line will start around then if it's nuts, but 2:30 may be okay.

I'm trying to get my hands on some powder for 9mm and 223 rem

That is the question...good luck. I was there two months ago and there was NO pistol powder anywhere in the show. There was some IMR rifle powder, so you need to review which types work for 223.

Your best bet would be to shop online, get on product mailing lists, and keep the credit card handy when powder finally arrives. It will go quickly, so you need to monitor your email.

 

[Wesson9]

Yeah I've been looking online here and there. I've been trying to avoid the Hazmat fees but it might just be time to bite the bullet. I have off the Friday it starts so I might try to be there right at the opening bell.

 

[AlexanderA]

If you do go, be there on Friday at 2:00 PM.

They moved up the start time. It now opens at 1:00 p.m. on Friday.

 

[-Gadsden-]

I have been to the Nation's Gun Show several times (3 or 4) and it's nice to walk around but I rarely end up buying something.

However in the past I have bought primers, dies and my wife bought a gun, so there is some success to be had.

The Nation's Gun Show is really for people watching though if you ask me. Lots of characters

 

[HexHead]

If nobody else has powder, what makes you think it'll be there?

 

[Wesson9]

If you combine multiple vendors into a single building the odds go up. My logic any way. More likely, I'll spend $12 to fight a Disney World type crowd for a couple hours and leave empty handed.

 

[NoVA Shooter]

I've gone to the past 4 shows and have found pistol powder twice (and this was on Sunday). Some of the vendors do try to stagger their supplies over the three days but honestly, if that's the only thing you're gonna buy, take the $13 admission and put it towards the hazmat fee.

 

[627PCFan]

I went looking last time for a few 1911 parts but I think they had 2 reloading supply vendors there. Powder was going for $24 a pound, plus the entrance fee. Id order it online if you can find it or try Clark Brothers or Atlantic Guns in the Rockville location.

 

[tyeo098]

I go Sunday at 3pm.

People REALLY don't want to have to pack up all their crap and are willing to sell me USGI AR mags a 3-4$/pc

 

[blahpony]

I usually go. Even if I don't buy anything, it's still fun.

 

[Blackhawk30]

I have been to every show in Chantilly.Its definitely worth it.Driving to Richmond and back usually costs $50 +.I always find something to buy @ Chantilly..
There is a guy who sells powder in volume.He is usually at the Fredericksburg show.It is put on by sgk.Sometimes you can find him at Dale City.At the VFW on Minnieville Rd.

 

[jaysouth]

I must have an evil heart, I celebrate every day that goes by since I moved out of Northern Virginia 21`years ago. I have two local stores oriented toward reloaders who actually compete against each other. Last week I scored 8 pounds of Unique and Bullseye in a small local gunstore, at a sticker price of $24 per pound. He took $160 cash for the lot.

Eat your hearts out, some day you might lucky and get a chance to flee the 'beltway' and it's madness.

 

[-Gadsden-]

jaysouth - that's what I did

 

[Blackhawk30]

Here is a link to Virginia gun shows.


http://www.gunshows-usa.com/virginia.shtml

 

[Wesson9]

Jaysouth: If it wasn't for work I'd be outta here.

 

[MikeS.]

Parking for the show has always been a problem, it's even worse since Walmart moved in next door.

I prefer the show in Fredericksburg you might want to try that one.

 

[Wesson9]

Welp, today's the day. I'm going to hit it at 1PM and see how it goes. Wish me luck.

 

[AlexanderA]

I spent the afternoon there today. From what I could see, the ammunition situation has more or less normalized. There were no lines of buyers at the ammunition vendors. (I can't comment on the ammo prices.) There seemed to be fewer vendors, in general, than last time. The big book dealer at the middle of the show was conspicuous by his absence.

As usual, some of the gun vendors were grossly overpriced, although others were reasonable. As a buyer, you have to do your homework before you go. For example, I saw an AR-180 tagged at $2400. I asked to look at it. It was a black enamel finished, Sterling-made gun (the least desirable of the three manufacturers). I pointed this out to the vendor, but he insisted it was a Costa Mesa made gun (because that was what was stamped on the receiver). After I gave him a long explanation of the three manufacturers, etc., he seemed half convinced. Finally he asked me what I thought it was worth. I told him $1200, tops, and walked away. (I have one by each of the other manufacturers, and I really don't want a Sterling, at any price.)