Gun shows dying?
- Thread starter Ale-8(1)
- Start date
bobski
Hunter
you know its time to stop going when every 3 months its the same vendors and the same guns.
once i traveled out of state to go to one.....and go figure, it was the same vendors i just saw 300 miles away last weekend. these guys are gypsy's.
once i traveled out of state to go to one.....and go figure, it was the same vendors i just saw 300 miles away last weekend. these guys are gypsy's.
Paul B
Hunter
The last gun I bought at a gun show was an Oberndorf M98 Mauser custom in .35 Whelen. That has to be at least 15 or more years ago. I didn't even quibble on the price as it was definitely worth more. I've been offered $3K for that rifle. I gave $900 when I bought it.
Before that it was a1909Argentine Mauser someone had started and died before the rifle could be finished. Fellow was asking $600 for the barreled acton and the plank of walnut meant to be the stock for the rifle. Not sure of the quality of the work I offered $300 which he refused. The next day I saw he stll had it on his table so I said my offer of $300 stands. He took it. By the time I was done with that rifle, I had a little over $3K tied up in the neatest .280 Rem you ever saw. The plank that became the stock was done by Sterling Davenport and it's abslutely gorgeous. Sometimes I do win, albeit rare.
Paul B.
Before that it was a1909Argentine Mauser someone had started and died before the rifle could be finished. Fellow was asking $600 for the barreled acton and the plank of walnut meant to be the stock for the rifle. Not sure of the quality of the work I offered $300 which he refused. The next day I saw he stll had it on his table so I said my offer of $300 stands. He took it. By the time I was done with that rifle, I had a little over $3K tied up in the neatest .280 Rem you ever saw. The plank that became the stock was done by Sterling Davenport and it's abslutely gorgeous. Sometimes I do win, albeit rare.
Paul B.
I've found myself going to them less and less over the last 10-15 years.
One reason is because in my county, vendors are no longer allowed to bring in and display large selections of powder and primers. Some ordinance was implemented that caused vendors to have to comply with residential or business fire code requirements (I think). I heard that a local businessman, a gun store owner himself, used his influence to get that enforced. I don't have first-hand knowledge if that's true, but the effect was that some of his competition was eliminated. At any rate, one of my main reasons for going to a show was to stock up on reloading supplies, and except for bullets, that source dried up.
Another reason is that the prices don't seem any better than what you can find anywhere else. There used to be decent deals, if not a few bargains, but those seem to be fewer and fewer. It can still happen if you are looking for something a bit rare or out of the mainstream.
The big reason I'll still go now and then is to just see what's out there, old or new, in person instead of in a magazine. And I usually see a bunch of my old friends. I'm near 70 myself (but feel 55!)
One reason is because in my county, vendors are no longer allowed to bring in and display large selections of powder and primers. Some ordinance was implemented that caused vendors to have to comply with residential or business fire code requirements (I think). I heard that a local businessman, a gun store owner himself, used his influence to get that enforced. I don't have first-hand knowledge if that's true, but the effect was that some of his competition was eliminated. At any rate, one of my main reasons for going to a show was to stock up on reloading supplies, and except for bullets, that source dried up.
Another reason is that the prices don't seem any better than what you can find anywhere else. There used to be decent deals, if not a few bargains, but those seem to be fewer and fewer. It can still happen if you are looking for something a bit rare or out of the mainstream.
The big reason I'll still go now and then is to just see what's out there, old or new, in person instead of in a magazine. And I usually see a bunch of my old friends. I'm near 70 myself (but feel 55!)
GasGuzzler
Hawkeye
Beef jerky, ninja star, roasted nuts, kettle corn, jewelry, handbags, soap, hot sauce, and cheap knives. Y'all left out all the "essential services" ... weirder than buying a purse is signing up for some oddball service or a petition of some sort.
I surely don't expect free admission and charging for parking is usually only in the big city where the venue and promoters don't own or have rights to the parking facility (in my part of Texas at least). But expecting to find guns better than 85% condition is a must. I won't consider something worse than about 92.496754321% unless I am after a project specifically (uncommon).
I surely don't expect free admission and charging for parking is usually only in the big city where the venue and promoters don't own or have rights to the parking facility (in my part of Texas at least). But expecting to find guns better than 85% condition is a must. I won't consider something worse than about 92.496754321% unless I am after a project specifically (uncommon).
That one is very common at out little bitty show here. There's a guy with dare I say tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of very old Winchester levers, Browning automatic shotguns, Ruger #1's, and all manner of very old long guns ... not a single handgun and the even the tags are the same as 2007. He rents out 5X the number of tables as anyone else with the same size inventory and spreads them way out taking up both side of half a row and I bet he sells two guns a year. Another guy with a bunch of first gen Colt SAAs used to always have the first booth coming in and would talk but wouldn't deal a bit. He was there to display. He wasn't there this past weekend so I have to guess he's gone for good.
selling your personal firearms with no FFL in not a crime. its personal property, and we have no sales tax. thus, we've done nothing wrong.
OP
Gun shows are an experience. People are involved, thus a cross-section of types. There is seriously an entertainment issue, as well, again due to the people. The AR15's and black plastic pistols have changed the atmosphere and clientele somewhat, I'll admit. But it's still possible to find interesting stuff at semi-reasonable prices if you look around with reasonable expectations. True, however, it's not 1980 anymore. JMHO 
Correct. Not even here in Illinois.
GasGuzzler
Hawkeye
Who is "we". And my comment was regarding the sales tax someone else mentioned being mandatory not the legal selling of personal items (something that is obviously not always true by the law).
I almost forgot the "eye glass cleaner" guy. Selling little bottles of eye glass polish or whatever that 
is.
Some gun shows are like a carnival full of "carnies"
is.Some gun shows are like a carnival full of "carnies"
I go to gun shows not to look for "fantastic" prices but just to look around (especially the parts bins) and see who has what and what they are selling for. That way, if I see someone actually selling a lot of firearms I can get a good idea what people are willing to pay so that if I decide to sell something I can price it so that I am happy and the buyer is happy. At the Jan 2025 Huntsville show (ROCS gets invited to display our Rugers and the promoter is fantastic) I found a guy that had a 18x18x12 box just about full with box cutters. pocket knives, and such. Rummaged around through it and found almost new Kobalt (Lowe's Brand) folding box cutters and some Cresent brand folding knives, again like new. Picked out 2 box cutters and 2 knives and asked what he wanted. He said he needed to get rid of them so $20 for them. Could not get my money clip out quick enough 
Like Contender, I've found some great buys over the years, enough that even with paying for parking and entering, I'm pretty far ahead monetarily.
Oh, the another reason I go, especially the more local shows is to see and watch the other people at the shows. I run into a lot of friends and I have even seen dyed in the wool liberal Democrats (that I know) wandering around and have to wonder what they are doing/looking at/noting/discretly videoing (yes I have seen this and told the promoter and they were promptly escorted out after making sure the video was erased).
Like Contender, I've found some great buys over the years, enough that even with paying for parking and entering, I'm pretty far ahead monetarily.
Oh, the another reason I go, especially the more local shows is to see and watch the other people at the shows. I run into a lot of friends and I have even seen dyed in the wool liberal Democrats (that I know) wandering around and have to wonder what they are doing/looking at/noting/discretly videoing (yes I have seen this and told the promoter and they were promptly escorted out after making sure the video was erased).
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How long before the younger guys on this forum ask "What's a gun show?".
Gopher
Blackhawk
There is a show in the D/FW Metromess almost every weekend somewhere. City politics ran them out of the Convention Center downtown, and the little shows in Richardson and Allen are gone for the same reason. The big show at Market Hall is now gone after the usual suspects had a rolling firefight in the parking lot. 
Mesquite is the hot place for shows now, and Ft Worth still has three or four a year. I'm not sure if the statute of limitations is up for me there, so I don't go to Ft. Worth. 
It is fun to still go and look but they have just about priced themselves out of my range.
Mesquite is the hot place for shows now, and Ft Worth still has three or four a year. I'm not sure if the statute of limitations is up for me there, so I don't go to Ft. Worth. It is fun to still go and look but they have just about priced themselves out of my range.
Jayhawkhuntclub
Buckeye
Haven't gone to a gun show in years. Can't bring myself to pay $12 to see if they have anything that I want and at a price I'm willing to pay. Just doesn't seem like the odds are worth it.
GasGuzzler
Hawkeye
I am one that mentioned prices being stupid high. I also gave examples and no one commented, especially those who sort of defended the high prices. Who really would pay $1600 for a boat paddle stainless .30-06? How about $450 for a stainless Marlin M60 or Ruger MKII tapered 6" ... all okay used without box? $30 per 50 rounds of FMJ 9mm range ammo? No one.
Someone mentioned working the Saxet shows ... ever realize that's Texas spelled backwards?
There WAS a gun show in DFW nearly every weekend. Look a a few posts up and you'll see I researched and found Mesquite and FTW are the only ones left for the most part. Plano/Allen was okay the one time I went. Lewisville was always the best balance of big enough without being too big. It got cancelled for a while but is back with a new venue at Vista Ridge ... I mean Music City Mall. Went to the Market Hall one more than the Will Rogers FTW one. Didn't know it was gone.There is a show in the D/FW Metromess almost every weekend somewhere. City politics ran them out of the Convention Center downtown, and the little shows in Richardson and Allen are gone for the same reason. The big show at Market Hall is now gone after the usual suspects had a rolling firefight in the parking lot.
It is fun to still go and look but they have just about priced themselves out of my range.
Someone mentioned working the Saxet shows ... ever realize that's Texas spelled backwards?
I started going to gun shows when I was 20, I am now 83 and since 1995 have only missed one Tulsa show. I go twice a year and if you have never been to Tulsa show you have never been to a real show. Very seldom if you are looking for something you can find it at the Tulsa show. If you want something for free you will just have to go somewhere else. PARKING IS FREE.
OP
Wow, first post from an eight-year member! Welcome to the party!
Your observations and reactions ring true with me, too . . . and I'm considerably older than you.
RPM Enterprises
Buckeye
Our show here is almost extinct. I served on the BOD for 12 years and vice president for 2 terms, In those times I ran the display committee and was in charge of operations for couple years. An example when I ran operations before covid Washington Arms Collectors had about 24000 members currently i would be surprised if its 800. Not sure about other states but our libtard elected government has destroyed shows with thier frivolous laws. This state is not gun friendly. Another thing I see is alot of the old timers are dying off and this new generation really don't have an interest in our hobby. We too did have limitations to what can be sold such as non gun related items. But now it has changed almost like a flee market but I really don't care about that anymore. The way I see it now those vendors are helping to paying the bills and help us to continue having shows. Example we have a lady who sells Sensy products for those who don't know what she sells it's these warmers that that you put a waxy scent that is for inside your house. She gets 4 to 6 tables and the wives and some of the men love her products. So I don't have a big problem with non firearm tables. When W.A.C. was in it's prime we hade 22 shows a year. Now they are lucky to have 4 a year. I sure miss those days. Fortunately I have several other collectors throughout the country who look for guns for me when they are at their shows.
GasGuzzler
Hawkeye
And there you have it. All comes down to money ... but it has to. Lights and AC aren't free for the promoters and venue owners.
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contender
Ruger Guru
I was told by Miss Penny I needed to decompress after the week we've had.
So,, today,, I'm going to a gun show.
So,, today,, I'm going to a gun show.
I had chance to get my old table bak at Tulsa. Calving set heifer's this Fall so wasn't planning on goin. I hav 30yrs exp at Tulsa. But when I was told tables had gone to $220 and that is too high. IMO. You do not see nice old S&W, BHP's, OM Rugers walking in the aisle's. The crowd is not there like 10yrs back. There is more paperwork there every year. Told them I would pass on my old table. I'll go back from time to time (just 4 hrs away) but its a shell of the show it used to be.
Captain America
Hunter
Here in SE PA I could go to a gun show every month, four times a year the Oaks show regularly has 1500 tables with at least a dozen ammo vendors having price wars…I still enjoy going to gun shows.
contender
Ruger Guru
Well, today's gun show was fun.
I saw a few fair gun deals,, but not any models I needed or wanted. One was a Virginia Dragoon, stainless,, in .44 mag. I could have gotten it for $500.00.
I did buy 100 pieces of once fired ,45 Colt brass,, Federal,, for $10.00. And I found a Dillon toolhead holder,, that holds (3) 550 caliber conversions for $15.00, and (10) steel AR500 plates, 3" diameter for $40.00, and a box of .17 HMR Hornady ammo for $10.00.
Those things I felt were worth the time & expense of going to the show. I also added an empty first aid kit bag to make another emergency kit for $9.00, an EGW case gauge that will gauge 50 rounds at a time for $60.00. My buddy bought a Crimson Trace Red Dot with 2 mounts for $40.00. I would have bought it,, but he needed one worse than I did.
So,, while there were several junk, or flea market types of tables,, black gun stuff, and other things that didn't interest me,, there were also enough items to make it worth my time to relax,, be social, and hunt out a few deals!
I saw a few fair gun deals,, but not any models I needed or wanted. One was a Virginia Dragoon, stainless,, in .44 mag. I could have gotten it for $500.00.
I did buy 100 pieces of once fired ,45 Colt brass,, Federal,, for $10.00. And I found a Dillon toolhead holder,, that holds (3) 550 caliber conversions for $15.00, and (10) steel AR500 plates, 3" diameter for $40.00, and a box of .17 HMR Hornady ammo for $10.00.
Those things I felt were worth the time & expense of going to the show. I also added an empty first aid kit bag to make another emergency kit for $9.00, an EGW case gauge that will gauge 50 rounds at a time for $60.00. My buddy bought a Crimson Trace Red Dot with 2 mounts for $40.00. I would have bought it,, but he needed one worse than I did.
So,, while there were several junk, or flea market types of tables,, black gun stuff, and other things that didn't interest me,, there were also enough items to make it worth my time to relax,, be social, and hunt out a few deals!
While most I have recently gone to were anything but great, I still go when they are close. Most around this area let veterans in for free. Parking generally isn't a problem. That way if I do see something 'special' it was worth the trip. If not all it costs was time and gas.
Huskerguy72
Single-Sixer
I am not a dealer but frequented the show for several years in the spring and once retired, the year after Covid my wife and I returned in November for the first time. I could count on certain dealers being there and in the same places every year until after both covid and the original person passed away. There were several open tables and lots of grumbling about the costs of tables. Many of the mainstays I shopped with didn’t return or hadn’t at that time. As I stated above in this thread, additional table costs, travel costs and picky buyers looking for bargains combined to really hurt the Tulsa show. For a newbie it still might be like a kid in a candy shop but not so for those that recall the “glory days.”
If it's a half decent gun show I don't mind paying a higher price at the door. Heck, what's it gonna cost you these days to go to a movie theater and buy popcorn and a drink, and I think a gunshow is way more interesting than most movies are these days. My reason for not going much anymore is age related. I'm sure that if I was 20 years younger I would still be going to several each year.
Larryburford
Blackhawk
- Joined
- Jul 13, 2024
- Messages
- 517
- City & State/Province
- LA - Lower Arkansas, USA I use to be Crazy Horse
Gunbroker is the gun show for me. I quit going to shows 20 years ago, I use to go to shows all the time, but they go to where there were no reloading supplies and just the usual old guys trying to screw you over on old Winchesters and Colts that had been refinished, and they claimed they had not. It two hours driving time for me, entry fees and then buy lunch so it's just not worth it .
Busterswoodshop
Hunter
The last time I was at , what I would call a " good " gun show , was in Las Vegas in the 80's.
They had some great shows back then.
I haven't been to one in quite awhile , but now days when I do go , I look for the people walking around with guns and stuff for sale. That is where the decent deals come from.
They had some great shows back then.
I haven't been to one in quite awhile , but now days when I do go , I look for the people walking around with guns and stuff for sale. That is where the decent deals come from.
Crockett12
Blackhawk lover
- Joined
- Jan 20, 2017
- Messages
- 206
My local gun club is made up of mostly older and retired men! In my state of Oregon we recently had a gun club in the next city let everybody know they wouldn't be putting on their yearly gun show because of lack of helpers! I'm also involved on a number of AKC dog clubs and they all are mostly consisting of older members and we've see some of them go belly up because our youth aren't joining clubs! My AKC parent club used to have 75 member clubs around the nation and now we're down to about 62 clubs because of members getting old and dying -- without younger people taking their place!
GasGuzzler
Hawkeye
Dang, pipe down Crockett. Sad scenario though.
