Another show - by the post originator
It’s been great to read all the responses to the initial posting. I do see a common theme throughout the replies, that is, that the older guys have good memories of gun shows and the wheeling and dealing that you could do, not that many years ago.
I have been to several more shows since the original post and today went to the Midwest Gun Traders show in Fort Wayne.
As usual I was able to get some really good deals on all the reloading supplies I wanted, and the atmosphere was very friendly and I spent a very enjoyable afternoon chatting to many of the Sellers.
Among some of the finds, 3 one pound cans of Winchester WST for $30, (Yep that was $10 A POUND!) Also got some .357 158 SWC, 250 for $20. Large Pistol Primers for $22/1000.
I saw a Lee Enfield MK 4 in very rough condition and the guy had it marked at $375. He admitted that he had had it in his inventory for a long while and asked me for an offer. I said that I knew what it was worth but I didn’t want to insult him with an offer that low. I own several Mk 4s in great condition and have never paid more than $125. We talked about it and he admitted that he had probably paid way too much for it and that it was a lot more than the figure I was talking about. He actually asked if I knew much about the Enfield’s and I said mmm so so! I started shooting them in the army cadets in the UK a million years ago. He asked why I would say the gun was in poor condition and I went over the rifle with him and we had a very pleasant conversation. No hard feelings on either side, I felt sorry that he had that much invested in it. Had the price been good I would have taken it.
So all in all I will continue to attend only the Midwest Gun Traders show here in Fort Wayne. $3 admission and no parking fee, but will NOT attend another CCI show, to expensive to get in and park ( $4 parking and $6 admission and no one deals.
In conclusion, Yes the deals are still out there and there is still some good camaraderie out there too. Go to the smaller shows where the sellers aren’t paying a fortune to sell at a Very Expensive venue, such as the Memorial Coliseum
Happy loading and shooting to all and thanks for all the responses and viewpoints offered
Roger