Went to a gunshow today -- first time in a couple years

[Dave DeLaurant]

Anything good (preferably, relevant to rifes) show up in your local gunshows lately?

Didn't find much to interest me at this one held at the Fresno Fairgrounds -- my only purchase was a NIB Lee bullet mold for the 8x56R Hungarian (.329" 200 grain) @ $30. My buddy bought an aftermarket magazine for his M1903 Colt Pocket Hammerless, plus some mildly overpriced cast pistol bullets.

I spotted a 7x57 Remington RB military rifle in nice exterior condition for $750, but the breach was zip-tied shut so bore inspection was a no-go. I would have preferred a carbine anyway, but I thought pretty hard about it for a few minutes.

Not many other classic arms; I was mostly seeing new rifle/pistol magazines, AR accessories, very high-priced ammo and 80% kits. The guy I bought the Lee mould from had the only reloading gear for sale in any quantity, including some processed brass and a narrow selection of powders.

On the upside, everyone we talked to seemed pretty friendly and welcoming.

 

[SwampWolf]

I haven't been to a gun show in a couple of years due to health reasons and, of course, the pandemic. Looking forward to attending one soon; everyone always seems "pretty friendly and welcoming."

 

[earlthegoat2]

Honestly, these days I look for things that are a few subjects removed from firearms specifically. I like collecting bullet molds, reloading manuals, vintage reloading gear, vintage scopes, and just looking at the guns.

I treat it like a firearms museum. Once I started adjusting my expectations a bit I found gun shows to be a lot more enjoyable. There are often custom knife makers at the ones around me too and I enjoy looking at the different knives and the leatherwork for the sheaths.

 

[Jonny2guns]

Last gunshow I was at, a guy shot his buddy "accidentally" with a pistol he just purchased, like 5-10min after I left the show.
I like going to the shows, but maybe safer finding deals elsewhere. Just my experience.

 

[Archie]

Ah! Some realists posting finally! Gun shows in general are places to find items no longer in manufacture. They are not where to find the latest variation of some trendy firearm or ammo at a bargain basement price.

As for the accidental shooting: I'd rather be at a gun show that in that dork's basement with him.

 

[ducky123]

I am scheduled to hit peak immunity around May 1 and then I go to the shows again. (gun, horse, home, boat, car, etc)

 

[Hangingrock]

I have not gone to a Gun Show since Obama was elected President. I have not missed much!

 

[Riomouse911]

I've never been to a gun show.

Based on the above I haven't missed much recently.

Maybe after sanity returns I'll head to one.

(I know they're not the same, but I got my fill of trade shows working for a boat dealer for years on the side and taking boats/exposition equipment to and from boat shows in LA, Anaheim and San Diego. )

Stay safe.

 

[earlthegoat2]

(I know they're not the same, but I got my fill of trade shows working for a boat dealer for years on the side and taking boats/exposition equipment to and from boat shows in LA, Anaheim and San Diego. )

Stay safe.

No, not the same thing at all. I also worked for a boat dealer and boat shows patently suck for those of us who have to bring the boats to the show.

 

[ducky123]

I also worked for a boat dealer and boat shows patently suck for those of us who have to bring the boats to the show.

I feel sorry for the spa and hot tub dealers.

 

[jaysouth]

I went to a small local gun show in Cadiz, KY this morning. Good selection of gun. PSA lowers for $89 and complete lowers for $199.

However, powder was $70 per lb and primers were $1,000 per case of 5K.

 

[Cornhusker77]

Last one I went to was in February.
Primers were bringing $350/1,000.
Guns were a little high but not crazy.
Ammo was cheaper than adoption but not much

 

[loose noose]

I went to several gun shows at the Mohave Fairgrounds, and the Bullhead City, Chamber of Commerce, AZ about a year or so ago. Got a great deal on a Savage Model 99 in the .300 Savage, as well as a Ruger #3 in the 30-40Krag at the Bullhead gun show, and a Lyman Lead Mold in .311 as well as Lyman Lubramatic (spelling) from the one in the Mohave Fairgrounds, and a few odds and ends related to firearms. There ammo was outrageously priced as were there new firearms, with the exception of the Ruger #3 still in the box. I'm kind of looking to go to one around here in central MO. in the near future.

 

[Howland937]

I've found that I do better going to gun shows with a specific item in mind. That way I'm less tempted by the "good deals" I run across.


I've been to 2 shows this calendar year. One I'll go back to any time they have it, the other I wouldn't attend if they had it in my back yard with free admission.

 

[theotherwaldo]

All of the gun shows in my area have been cancelled since the couf hit.
Maybe in August... .