Another local gun show flop

[buck460XVR]

I adjusted my expectations of gun shows years ago. Used to be I went to look for nice guns for a good price or accessories that were unavailable from my LGS. Now I go to taste the latest flavor of Jerky(last show it wasTur-Duc-Hen, and see what new stuff the crafters/flea market folks have brought in. Last show the best booth in the building was the guy with the camo dufflebags/backpacks. I bought a three piece camo dufflebag set for like $35 and it was made very well. The smallest size made for a good range bag and itself was almost worth the $35. The problem with the gun shows the last half dozen years had been the same problem with your LGS and online gun vendors. Shortage of goods to sell. Used to be, gun show vendors were there to sell surplus stock from their brick and mortar shops or those that only did the gun show circuit had plenty of stock to choose from themselves. Lately, just like your LGS, there has been no surplus stock and little availability, except for known junk. This is why that is all you see at the gun shows. Folk keep saying the blitzkrieg on firearms and ammo is over and that soon we are going to see a big selloff as those that only bought firearms because everyone else was, move on to the next yuppie craze. If that happens, there will once again be something worth while to go to gun shows for, other than jerky. Till then, it's still a cheap way to spend an afternoon.

 

[CaptHank]

anyone go to the Ft Pierce show, it was in a different location, I naturally went to the location I have gone to a dozen times, and no gun show. There were paper signs in the streets that were washed away from torrential storms in FL.
Couldn't find a trace of it, if someone actually went please let me know and I will give it another shot tomorrow, thanks.

It's on Delaware Ave. at the Armory.

 

[Potatohead]

Try seeing the glass as half full.

For $5, you got an opportunity to look at a bunch of stuff you may have never seen at your LGS. And the opportunity to spend as much time as you choose to among like-minded people.

For Pete's sake, you could have gone to a movie, spent $11 (plus another $15 for popcorn and Coke) and given your money to a bunch of people who want to deprive you of your 2A rights.

Adjust your expectations.

When guns shows have been outlawed, and you can no longer legally buy FTF, cry to me.

Until then, enjoy what we have. These are "the good old days".

+1
I'm in total agreement with Orion, though much less polite unfortunately.

And geez, does anyone have a Kleenex for the OP so he can dry his eyes? Or a 5$ bill so we can help him recover from his irresponsible financial decision? Luckily he didn't opt for the weekend pass, as the catastrophe might have been insurmountable.


Twiki357,

What exactly are you expecting from your local gun show, tightrope walkers and a trapeze act? Maybe a lion tamer or sword swallower, just to make sure you get the full value?​

Of course it's ok to dream, but maybe you should adjust your expectations a bit...

Better yet, since it sounds like you may have some good ideas in addition to a keen sense of value, maybe you should organize the next show in your area.

Heck, you may find that you have a knack for arranging the various pieces that I'm guessing it might take to field such an event...finding a location, securing the location, finding vendors, securing vendors, advertising, insurance, legal matters, taxes, employees, and all the paperwork pertaining to the aforementioned.​

That is unless of course you'd rather just complain about it.

 

[Sunray]

Gun shows are just like that. Especially in September. Hunting seasons are getting started or are at full throttle in some places. In any case, $5 is cheap for 2 hour's entertainment. Cost you far more to see a movie.

 

[jrmiddleton425]

Spend a couple of years working a table at a gun show, and you'll get a feel for them. Walk the floor and introduce yourself so people know you, and people will start to approach you if they have stuff that they know you're looking for.

Bring a wad of cash and spend some time looking around...odds are you'll find something to buy. Odds are NOT good, however, that you will find a SPECIFIC thing at a given price.

 

[Ky Larry]

ColtPythonElite nailed it in Post#8. Same old bunch of coots with the same old bunch of guns trying to get your gun for nothing.

 

[FROGO207]

I figure it is how you treat the outing as well. If you are thinking it is a Sams Club for guns and you will be able to hit and run cheaply--yeah rite. If you want to sift through things to see if there is that one gem nobody else sees for a reasonable price while interacting with others that are doing the same it is a great way to spend the day. I like the touchy feely aspect of the shows with the many different firearms to inspect. I thought I might like several specific firearms (PARA Warthog for one), but after handling them in person the ergonomics or fit/finish/quality changed my mind and saved me from purchasing a pig in a poke. Pun intended If I find something I like there but it is too expensive I could look for it later on line if the vendor will not budge on price. Those guys need to make a living as well but not on one firearms sale however. YMMV

 

[Kynoch]

The worth of gun shows ebb and flow based upon the supply and demand of guns. I haven't been to a single show since the gun and ammo supplies have been tight. It's going to be another 6 months for me.

Gun prices (on new guns) are dropping and inventories are rising. Soon it will be worth my time to visit a show again.

 

[jrdolall]

I gave up on gun shows several years ago when this new thingamabob called THE INTERNET came along.
I have probably attended 250 guns shows in my life with all of them being fairly localized but I have not purchased a gun in more than 10 years. I enjoy the grazing and looking at old guns but probably the last 10 shows I attended were so full of "mall ninjas" looking to trick out their AR47/10/74/15 or their Glock that you couldn't even walk around. Even the vintage tables were crowded with kids who "used that sniper rifle in Call of Duty".
When my kids were young we spent many hours perusing the vintage tables and discussing the historical weapons with knowledgeable vendors.

 

[Twiki357]

Rock185: “Did the woman with the SUPER long (5"-6") fingernails take your money to get in?”…. Of course, she’s always there. Every time I see her I wonder how she goes potty.

FYI. This was at Yavapai Downs. There is a show at Tim’s Oct. 10/11 by Western Collectables. That’s usually a pretty good one. It seems like a lot of vendors are giving up on the Firing-Pin shows.

Potatohead: "And geez, does anyone have a Kleenex for the OP so he can dry his eyes? Or a 5$ bill so we can help him recover from his irresponsible financial decision? Luckily he didn't opt for the weekend pass, as the catastrophe might have been insurmountable."

Just disappointed. Four years ago the shows were 80% guns and elbow to elbow inside. The last few years they have been maybe 20/30% guns and supplies you can practically shoot a canon down the aisles without hitting anyone.

"What exactly are you expecting from your local gun show, tightrope walkers and a trapeze act? Maybe a lion tamer or sword swallower, just to make sure you get the full value?"

Nope, just guns and related items. I guess I just missed your trapeze act. I was really looking forward to seeing you in your pink TuTu.

 

[JeeperCreeper]

I am glad we have the right to have gun shows, and by default, the right to complain about them

Recent Central PA gunshow, it was just a bunch of dealers and store owners with the stuff that didn't sell over the years, at prices that causes them to never sell. I don't care if it is marked 15% off when it is 75% over priced. And a moldy, old Remington 700 is not worth $700, especially when it looks like it was used to chop lumber.

I just wish Gun Shows were a place to get great deals... like a LGS "firesale" or yearly liquidation sale. But I will continue to go, because it is fun and better than looking at gun pictures on the internet!!!

 

[Rock185]

Jeeper, I'll continue to attend too for the same reason. But I'd guess I attend about 1/10 as many shows as I did years ago. I can only stand so much Jerky, jewelry, Chinese "Tactical" optics and obscenely overpriced beater grade POS guns.....ymmv

 

[McAngus]

I don't understand why there are still gun shows. They are a complete waste of my time. Maybe it is better for a collector, but if you are patient you can usually buy a brand new gun for about the same price, sometimes even less, than what a used one goes for at a gun show. Of course this applies to the more common firearms, but my point is why go thru the hassle when you can buy brand new if you just wait. Keep an eye on sites like slickguns and enter in a keyword of your choosing.

 

[Deltaboy1984]

The Forth Worth one is fun , but our small home town one is usually same folks with 60-80 dollar bricks of 22. I just smile and keep on shopping.

 

[Blue Thunder]

I quit going 6 years ago when the price of components went thru the ceiling after the elections. That said the only thing I ever bought at a Gun Show was brass and bullets. Already had powder and primers, which I still do now. Glad I was not in one of the gun shows that had a ND from a vendor that should have not been let in. Someone was wounded with the ND and that is another reason I have not gone back. When powder is $40 a pound and Primers are $45 per K, it is time to get out of the building.

 

[oneounceload]

I just wish Gun Shows were a place to get great deals... like a LGS "firesale" or yearly liquidation sale. But I will continue to go, because it is fun and better than looking at gun pictures on the internet!!!

There is a big difference between asking price and selling price. If you know what you're looking at, then you make an offer you think is fair. It isn't going to be on new stuff, but I have found some good deals at both pawn shops and gun shows because I knew more about a particular gun than the seller

 

[lxd55]

also over the years the.gov has cut down on stuff coming in from other places, like all those surplus garands in s korea. check the price of sks's in Canada, they are half ours.

 

[stchman]

I like going to gun shows.

I don't go for the vendors as most are WAY overpriced, rather I go to see what is walking around for F2F transactions.

Also every once in a while you can score some decent prices on ammo.

It also gives me a chance to hang out with like minded 2A people.

 

[fallout mike]

Yep gun shows usually suck. Everything is mostly overpriced. Not many deals to be had. A lot of rude and price dilusional sellers. Still a great $5 worth of entertainment getting to look at and fondle guns.

 

[Potatohead]

Just disappointed. Four years ago the shows were 80% guns and elbow to elbow inside. The last few years they have been maybe 20/30% guns and supplies you can practically shoot a canon down the aisles without hitting anyone.

I hear ya Twiki.

 

[Maggie]

Well, I may have to attend one again. I need a new carry purse. The one I have is 20 years old. Still look s O:K. Payed 75.00 20 years ago at the Tulsa Gun show. Looking at the internet prices today it looks like I will have to dish out a lot more money!!

 

[Guy B. Meredith]

The Albany Rifle and Pistol Club in Shedd, Oregon (the people who bring you the Saddle Butte Machine Gun Shoot)



puts on a show each Spring and Fall at the Linn County fairgrounds. All vendors are required to do a minimum of 90% actual gun stuff. This year I worked as staff to pay down my club dues so did not get a chance to look around, but in the past everything up to suppressors and full auto have been on the tables.



The CCI Mini-Mag .22 lr I did price out in the Spring show were way overpriced. I did not check other ammo as I reload. Winchester WPS were at the same vendor as the Mini-Mags and pricey (better price at the club store).

I do not shop second hand firearms as I am not cluey enough on evaluation and pricing, but the new guns were selling for the vendor's store prices. In some cases that is not too bad.

 

[slumlord44]

Been going to gunshows forever. Spent 2 hours to and 2 hours back going to a show Sunday. Spent $9 for some cast lead bullets and almost sold a .22 rifle. A dealer tried to buy my $150-$200 Winchester model 12 military riot gun barrel for $50. Had a good time. Talked to a lot of people I got to know over the years. Better than sitting home watching tv with the wife. If you are looking for a great "deal" from a dealer it is possible but they are in business to make money. If enough of you quit going there will be no more shows to complain about. I buy most of my guns on the internet but pray that the local gunshow will not disappear for lack of interest. By the way a dealer I have known for years sold me a new NAA .22 Short revolver for less than I could have ever bought it on line(been looking for years) so there are deals there if you get to know people. They are great social events for me. A plus is I see some interesting women there on occasion and I still like to look.

 

[JeeperCreeper]

Been going to gunshows forever. Spent 2 hours to and 2 hours back going to a show Sunday. Spent $9 for some cast lead bullets and almost sold a .22 rifle. A dealer tried to buy my $150-$200 Winchester model 12 military riot gun barrel for $50. Had a good time. Talked to a lot of people I got to know over the years. Better than sitting home watching tv with the wife. If you are looking for a great "deal" from a dealer it is possible but they are in business to make money. If enough of you quit going there will be no more shows to complain about. I buy most of my guns on the internet but pray that the local gunshow will not disappear for lack of interest. By the way a dealer I have known for years sold me a new NAA .22 Short revolver for less than I could have ever bought it on line(been looking for years) so there are deals there if you get to know people. They are great social events for me. A plus is I see some interesting women there on occasion and I still like to look.

You mention not spending time with your wife and looking at interesting women all in one post. Let's hope your wife doesn't know how to use a gun, even if she deserves to....

 

[420Stainless]

We used to have some decent (not great) shows around here, but the organizer had a disagreement with the owners of the arena and now the nearest ones in state are 60 miles away. I didn't mind the entry fee for it when it was local, but am not too inclined to drive an hour for the privilege of paying the fee for these relatively small shows. I hope they can work out their differences.