Gun Show Archive

[wildhawker]

updated; gamma, what shift?

[DedEye]

MrNiceGuy, what shift do you want?

PM me your numbers if I don't have it already.

[DedEye]

MNG is down for all day Saturday.

[SJgunguy24]

I'm in for a Saturday late shift. I'm still catching crap about spending the entire fathers day weekend at the San Jose show back in June.

[ivanimal]

Originally Posted by jdberger

I'm in.

Pair me with Ivan.

We work well together. Like peas and carrots.

(I get to be the carrot this time)

Like chicken and corn!

[GammaRei]

Originally Posted by wildhawker

updated; gamma, what shift?

Saturday and Sunday I believe, But I will have to let you know what my work schedule is when I get back to work incase they schedule me for saturday or sunday. . .

- G

[trautert]

That's the only weekend I have to scout X-10. Sorry.
Tom

[DedEye]

Current crew schedule:

Saturday: Stormfeather (all day), MrNiceGuy (all day), GammaRei (all day; tentative)

Ivanimal (8-12), JDberger (8-12), Ghost (12-3), SJGunGuy24 (12-5), Librarian (12-5)

Sunday: Stormfeather (all day), GammaRei (all day; tentative)

TheDrickel (12-5), Oaklander (12-5)

In but shifts unscheduled: VladButsky, Lateralus, QuarterBoreGunner (tentative), Steyr_223 (tentative), Dr. Peter Venkman (tentative).

I'm pretty sure I'm forgetting a person or two. Please post if you can make it and what shift you want to take.

[oaklander]

Me too! Me and the Drick, we are like THIS!

Originally Posted by thedrickel

Put me down for the late shift on Sunday

[oaklander]

Can I bring my AK pistol?

[jdberger]

Originally Posted by oaklander

Can I bring my AK pistol?

Why not...

I can't wait for the Sgt at the front checking weapons says, "Oh, another one of YOU guys....".

That was friggin precious.

He didn't respond when I asked if he meant a person with a rifle...

[DedEye]

Originally Posted by oaklander

Can I bring my AK pistol?

Please do. I was going to post a request that people bring sample OLLs/firearms, but you beat me to it .

Please bring examples of various off list rifles and pistols that demonstrate the unique features of California compliance. We've already got at least an AK pistol on its way on Sunday, as well as a couple ARs (MMG and dedicated .22), and at least one AK with fin grip on one day. If Ivan brings a selection of his rifles, we'll probably have plenty on Saturday, at least in the AM .

If you are comfortable leaving a rifle with us either while you attend the show, or know someone well enough that you can loan them a rifle to keep at the show one or both days, that would also help. Post or PM what you have to offer, as we will be best served with variety. Unique stuff like AK and AR pistols draw crowds, as do any other random and off the wall goodies (anyone got an AOW or C&R SBS they can bring for demonstration purposes?). We can keep your guns "hands off" if you like, but it would help tremendously if you're willing to let people handle them.

Also, if you are planning to bring one of your firearms, a sling is a great thing to have as well. Actually holding the rifle and getting it off the rack to make it more visible is a fantastic conversation starter, as anyone who saw the January show can attest. This will also help if you have a loaner rifle you don't want us to leave unattended, since we can keep it with us at all times.

[wildhawker]

One suggestion for a presentation concept that has worked beautifully in other areas: you may find you reach a greater cross-section of attendees if other types of firearms are represented at the table as well as the AR/AK platforms. That said, AR/AK pistols are less common and could incite serious interest from those who've just seen 300 rifles at Cold War but nothing that looked like *that*.

Having 20 variations of EBRs at the table may be interesting to some, but how about a slow bolt, lever, python and 1911 (maybe an IPSC open gun?) being there as well?

Last thought- holding an AR rifle may be intimidating for some of the wives/girlfriends who attend with their gun-loving significant other. I'd really like to see us have a less-imposing option for those females interested in something they can use bedside, for plinking or whatever their needs. I'm thinking along the lines of a CZ75/Glock/XD.

[sierratangofoxtrotunion]

PM'd DedEye, count me in on the Sacramento show.

[Librarian]

I have my old Marlin bolt-action .22

DedEye has recruited me for Sat 12-5.

[marshaul]

I can work a shift. Send me a PM.

[DedEye]

Originally Posted by wildhawker

One suggestion for a presentation concept that has worked beautifully in other areas: you may find you reach a greater cross-section of attendees if other types of firearms are represented at the table as well as the AR/AK platforms. That said, AR/AK pistols are less common and could incite serious interest from those who've just seen 300 rifles at Cold War but nothing that looked like *that*.

Having 20 variations of EBRs at the table may be interesting to some, but how about a slow bolt, lever, python and 1911 (maybe an IPSC open gun?) being there as well?

Last thought- holding an AR rifle may be intimidating for some of the wives/girlfriends who attend with their gun-loving significant other. I'd really like to see us have a less-imposing option for those females interested in something they can use bedside, for plinking or whatever their needs. I'm thinking along the lines of a CZ75/Glock/XD.

Agreed. Showing something for everyone will get us mass appeal. As for pistols, it would be great if people could bring some off roster stuff to show people what isn't available for sale from dealers to non-LEOs (Pink Mosquito, anyone?). A tricked out 1911 or two will be nice for demonstrating to competition folks what they are missing out on, and give them a reason to want to donate. As for the crazy unique stuff, I wonder if PRK will be able to loan us anything as well...

I would also suggest that not everyone carry their rifle in a sling, or carry anything at all (except perhaps pamphlets). As Brandon said, it helps with the approachable factor. At the same time, having at least one or two people holding a firearm where it can be seen and touched also lets the folks not carrying them start conversations with the curious looking onlookers and passersby.

Still, options are always good to have, so we'll have to bring lots of goodies.

[DedEye]

Current crew schedule:

Saturday: Stormfeather (all day), MrNiceGuy (all day), GammaRei (all day; tentative) Lateralus (all day)

Ivanimal (8-12), JDberger (8-12), Ghost (12-3), SJGunGuy24 (12-5), Librarian (12-5), VladButsky (Saturday afternoon preferred)

Sunday: Stormfeather (all day), GammaRei (all day; tentative), Lateralus (all day)

TheDrickel (12-5), Oaklander (12-5)

In but shifts unscheduled: QuarterBoreGunner (tentative), Steyr_223 (tentative), Dr. Peter Venkman (tentative), DanTodd (tentative), Movie_Zombie (tentative).

I'm pretty sure I'm forgetting a person or two. Please post if you can make it and what shift you want to take.

[DedEye]

If even half of our tentative members can make it, and everyone else that said they'll come shows, we'll have an amazing team working this booth.

[wildhawker]

I'll be damned - DedEye has to go and turn this into a frickin whos-who of Calguns

Awesome group all! This should be an amazing show.

Speaking of amazing, who's up for sushi?

[DedEye]

Originally Posted by wildhawker

I'll be damned - DedEye has to go and turn this into a frickin whos-who of Calguns

Awesome group all! This should be an amazing show.

Speaking of amazing, who's up for sushi?

You know I am! Saturday night?

[DedEye]

Lateralus said he'd like to spearhead the booth in Sac, so mark him down as Coordinator.

[wildhawker]

Coordinator added, will update vols when crew/schedule develops

[DedEye]

I should be able to work all of Sunday, by the way.

Better list me as tentative for now just in case things change.

[bwiese]

Unfortunately I'll prob not be able to make it this weekend.

Thanks to all the great folks for signing on, we'll be well-represented.

[thedrickel]

Ha . . . seems like DE's got some pull around here!

I'll bring one of my fal para's and an S12, and whatever else that's cool that I can find around here.

[Librarian]

So, is there an FAQ for the newbie booth-babes?

I know things like 'business casual, no camo'.

Probably deserves its own thread....

[MrNiceGuy]

Yah! FAQ for booth noobs (me) please.

Besides the AK I "might" bring a "complete" LaRue AR.
It the LEO at the checkpoint coo with all the AR/AK/EBR come through the gates (legally configured)?

I don't want my baby getting taken away for no good reason.

[Librarian]

Is there electrical power at the booth?

A laptop running some of the firearm animations might be amusing.

And I think I can collect the whole Calguns Foundation Wiki and run it locally; maybe - haven't tried it yet. -- Yes, with a little fiddling it works fine, if a bit less pretty than the real thing.

[wildhawker]

We tried the laptop at the first show, had ~10 or so signups right there the first day. All in all it's tough to work with and talk to people, tend to make your back turn to audience unless you have a separate monitor/tv you're running to.

The FAQ is [still] in the works (I know, I know, it's taking longer than the AR/AK memo...). Until then, please PM a Calgunner who's worked a booth (such as DedEye, Ivanimal, JDBerger, Lateralus, Vladbutsky and SJGunGuy24 from this bunch).

[DSeifert]

I have a prior committment in the early evening of 9/26, but would be very willing to help earlier in the day or anytime on 9/27.

[Bobula]

I'll be available all day sunday. I get off work at 6:am on the 27th in jackson and can drive right out there. Already committed through dedeye.


I have a calguns shirt ready to go.

[DedEye]

I've spoken with Tman, he's planning to work on Sunday as well.

Same goes for 762Cavalier.

[DedEye]

Tgriffin is another tentative yes for Saturday and Sunday.

[DedEye]

Current crew schedule:

Saturday: Stormfeather (all day), MrNiceGuy (all day), GammaRei (all day; tentative) Lateralus (all day), QuarterBoreGunner (all day)

Ivanimal (8-12), JDberger (8-12), Ghost (12-3), SJGunGuy24 (12-5), Librarian (12-5), VladButsky (Saturday afternoon preferred)

Sunday: Stormfeather (all day), GammaRei (all day; tentative), Lateralus (all day), Marshaul (all day, tentative)

TheDrickel (12-5), Oaklander (12-5)

In but shifts unscheduled: Berto (tentative; needs ride from Berkeley), Steyr_223 (tentative), Dr. Peter Venkman (tentative), DanTodd (tentative), Movie_Zombie (tentative).

I'm pretty sure I'm forgetting a person or two. Please post if you can make it and what shift you want to take.

[DedEye]

Originally Posted by MrNiceGuy

Yah! FAQ for booth noobs (me) please.

Besides the AK I "might" bring a "complete" LaRue AR.
It the LEO at the checkpoint coo with all the AR/AK/EBR come through the gates (legally configured)?

I don't want my baby getting taken away for no good reason.

Bring that AR .

The door LEOs are used to seeing EBRs. After all, Cold War Shooters tends to work this show and PRK has made at least one appearance in the past. You'll have plenty of support even if you do somehow managed to get hassled.

The booth FAQ is really simple, and can be learned in the 15 minutes before the show. I'm not kidding when I say that it mostly consists of doing what you do here on Calguns. Point people in the right direction to find out about CA gun laws, encourage them to donate to CGF and get active locally and nationally.

It's more about what not to talk about than it is what to talk about. If you can avoid it, try not to talk about non-gun politics. Obviously if someone brings it up and wants to vent you can listen, but you may not agree with them and probably don't want to engage in a protracted debate.

The last Cow Palace show I worked we were set up right next to a Truther booth, so we got a few people with their tin foil hats screwed on tight wander over to us. You don't want to call someone a nut and discourage involvement based on their other views and opinions if they're willing to help fight for the 2nd Amendment with us. Likewise, if someone wants to push for legalizing medical marijuana or gay marriage you don't want to get in a debate and turn away a potential ally from that end of the spectrum either.

In short, do as Bill Wiese advises and avoid mixing issues. We have a hard enough fight as it is to defend our gun rights without distractions and internal strife and disagreements.

Finally, there are certain gun related topics you may want to avoid bringing up due to the sensitivity of the topic or due to the complexity and difficulty explaining it in a 5 minute gun show conversation. Unloaded open carry is a prime example. If someone is interested in the subject, point them to the forum and the wealth of information available on the subject here.

[DedEye]

Oh and a PS of great news I keep meaning to add:

Bill Byrd, owner Bullseye in San Rafael, has generously agreed to sponsor the Calguns booth at the Cow Palace gun show.

If you're stopping by there, make sure to thank Bill for his support!

[hoffmang]

I'm in for a few hours on one of the two days. I'll get back to the thread as we get closer on which day is better. The next week is going to be crazy!

-Gene

[Arteel]

Count me in if you guys need any help.

[Lateralus]

Thanks for the kind word DedEye.

I just sent Brandon a PM. At this point, if anyone would like to volunteer to work the booth, they should contact wildhawker or myself and we will work you in. Believe me when I say it is a ton of fun to help out at these events.