WAC gunshows. (Puyallup, WA)

[BillyDa59]

Okay, so WAC is the organization that is having the gun show at the Puyallup fairgrounds near the end of this October and I've never been. So I have a few questions, for those of you who know.

1. Is WAC membership really worth it? It will cost me a total of $34 to join. Entry fee into the gunshow is free if I'm a member, otherwise it's $8. I plan to spend lots of money there anyways (an SKS+bulk ammo) so I think that it's probably worth it to join. You have to be a member to purchase anything there anyways.

2. What should I expect to see at this gun show? A family friend says it's 2 or 3 warehouses of tables and vendors. Is it all just private sellers? Is like at some gunshows where there's people there who are showing off military hardware like grenade launchers, RPGs, and M2s? I want to know about EVERYTHING I can expect to be there.

3. I thought I had a third question... forgot. I may ask later.

 

[9MMare]

I plan on joining at the show. WA St has reasonable carry laws/permit process and I want them to stay that way. I'd like them to improve. I think that WAC is a strong voice for that and would like to support it.

If any other Washingtonians know differently, I'd like to hear of it, as I only have public info on WAC to go by.

 

[alfack]

Every once in a while, I go to the one in Monroe to remind myself why I quit going to the shows here. The way I see it, you pay $8 for the privilege of looking at over-priced crap. There are no commercial sellers there. If you like beef jerkey, you can get some good deals, though.

Maybe I'm put off by the fact that you have to be a member to buy something, as well.

My opinion only.

 

[9MMare]

I was going to join WAC regardless of the free entry to shows or ability to purchase (doesnt that just apply to guns?). I think it's important to support an organization that looks out for our rights in the state.

That said, I havent read that much about the org (that was not written by the org). I hope they are doing a good job on our behalf and will be learning more.

 

[Rebel Yarr]

I go to the Monroe shows as often as I can. The Puyallup shows are 4x as large I understand.

I agree that many items at the show are overpriced, however that has a lot to do with the first half of 2009 and the inflated prices. I think we will see things come down to reality and you will start seeing better deals and inventory.

Great place to go and chat with other like-minded folks. There are plenty of private parties and plenty of "store" vendors. Good place to sell a firearm with no hassle - ammo is typically cheaper than ordering online and paying shipping - again, outside of the 2009 inflated prices/supply issues.

Of course you can go online I find almost anything cheaper, however many go for the private party sales and generally looking at a wide variety of firearms under one roof.

I would definitely hit the Puyallup if it is within range for you.

 

[9MMare]

Rebel, since I am new to guns, I am mostly going to see 'what's out there' in terms of night sights, holsters, carry purses, etc. I dont plan to buy another gun soon. I am still learning about everything.

I went to a small one in Mt Vernon and was fascinated by all the historical arms for sale. Like you said, I did enjoy chatting with people.

I will go to the Monroe show, it's too close to pass up. And probably go to the Puyallup show and maybe hit Cabela's the same day.

 

[kd7nqb]

I am hopefully moving to the Bonney Lake area very soon (job market willing) if by any chance I am up there by this show I can assure you I will be going. Looks like a ton of fun.

 

[BillyDa59]

9MMare, the Cabela's in Lacey isn't that bad of a place to go at all. They have a nice inventory of guns and a little room called the Gun Museum that I thought was pretty cool. I'm pretty sure they had lots of accessory stuff too. I thought it was interesting how many US M1903 Springfield rifles they had.

Anyways. People have yet to answer my question. Do they have military type stuff the the Puyallup gunshow? Not that I'm interested in a grenade launcher but it's always fun to look at that kind of stuff.

 

[TCOV]

It takes me 4 or 5 hours to go through the Puyallup show for serious shopping. There are private sellers, ffl dealers, and collectors selling anything firearms, military, survival, hunting and collector related. A little beef jerky also. Some outdoor art and craft works. Food vendors on site. You need to know what you are looking for as there are plenty of liars and overpriced stuff. If you don't do your research you can get taken anywhere so gunshows aren't any different. I can't remember ever leaving Puyallup show without buying at least one firearm and some ammo and reloading gear. If you don't have an attitude and look close you can find a fair deal and maybe a treasure you've been looking for. WAC is very active in WA for gun rights and the anti's go to any means to make them look bad. That's why the membership rule to buy a firearm. When you join they will run the background check. The Monroe show is small but ok. I go if in the area. Every club will have rules someone doesn't like but WAC is an important watchdog for gun rights at Olympia and needs our support.