My first gun show experience...

[Oldgungeezer]

I enjoy the heck outa gun shows.....................been going to em since I was a kid...............even used to do a table at several small ones back in the day.

Years ago, there was a lot of camaraderie among the sellers (at least at the shows that I participated in).........I enjoyed all the good natured cracks, comments, bantering, jokes, laughter and the all important "education".

Of course, it's always great fun to find a treasure that's priced "right" (seems far less frequent these days) and they can still be educational, even today. However, what I really enjoy most, is occasionally making a new friend......there's still some good folks out there...........like many of the members here, on the forum.

Indeed, today's gunshows can be packed with people that for any number of reasons, just aren't in sync with my thinking. On the other hand, once in awhile you can meet somebody.....a like minded individual, that becomes a friend.

People never cease to amaze me.......and the folks that are drawn to gunshows can be quite an interesting group to watch.........and some are still fun to interact with.

Best Regards,

Geezer

[1911]

I mentioned in post #6 that I liked to cruise the local shops. I had a lunch thing today. After lunch, I decided to drop by a LGS. I found a NIB SA Colt 6" barrel that said "take me home". I did the deal for low 3 digit numbers.


I like it. There are always stuff available. You just got to look around.

[1av8r]

I enjoy wandering around gun shows. I'm always up for a good buy if it's something I wan . . er . . need. What irks me are the "astounding" prices and the reluctance to deal. And, then, I never fail to leave before overhearing the magic reply to, "How's business, going?" The reply is always, "Nobody's buyin'. Just lookin'."

[19and41]

I like gun shows. I can usually find ammo for slightly more than the prices in SGN and get it withought the shipping charges. If there is an accessory I need, many times I can find it. The gun stores in my area are inflexible in their pricing and it seems like they go the shows to move product. I sometimes wish they could have the same motivation on their own turf. But patience pays when the next show comes to town.

[Triplelock]

I'm a fan of double action revolvers and the last few shows I have been to are heavy with bottom feeders, and ultra light on classic revolvers. So I have been disappointed somewhat, although it is good to look at some of the booths where I see a few of the old timers, who have a few classics with advertised prices that sort of discourage bargaining. But then you never know sometimes a few walk in sellers occassionally have a jewel. I used to go to a show with great expectations, but not anymore.
Hank

[Widetrack55]

I go to every show I can. Many times I just spend time BSin' with the dealers. If you take the time to get to know them , you'll find some to be very well versed in what they are selling. After all, they got into the game because of their love of guns. I really like small shows and seem to find my best deals at them. With that said I have to say that if you ever get the chance to go to Wannemacher's show in Tulsa it is a must see event. It is one place where you don't have to worry about too many black gun or toe ring vendors!