why i like gun shows

[NOTABIKER]

Went to the Costa Mesa gun show today, Not crowded at all. Walked right up and bought some 45 ACP new with brass cases for 16 bucks [ 50 rounds ]. I have been looking for a Arisaka type 99 Antiaircraft rear sight and found one complete ,
it was tagged at 45 bucks. I traded a Arisaka part i brought with me for the sight. Bought nice rose wood checkered dbl diamond grips for my RIA 1911. the asking price was 48 and he took 40. I did not want to buy them on line and these were nicer looking than others i saw at the show for 35 dollars. My 1911 has the long guide rod and i want to be able to convert it back to the short GI style. 15 bucks got me what i needed surplus colt 45
Bought gun oil,copper bore brush and cloth bore swab on a 6 inch rod with handle all for 14 bucks.
Plenty of things i was not interested in looking at so i ignored them. I know i saved money even with the admission price. Had fun finding what i wanted and talked to interesting people.. passed on the trinkets and beef jerky.

[alfred1222]

At gunshows where I'm from, we buy actual guns...

[T1R]

How was the Jerky selection? Any good deal on sheets and candles?

[Ponderosa2]

Went to the Costa Mesa gun show today, Not crowded at all. Walked right up and bought some 45 ACP new with brass cases for 16 bucks [ 50 rounds ]. I have been looking for a Arisaka type 99 Antiaircraft rear sight and found one complete ,
it was tagged at 45 bucks. I traded a Arisaka part i brought with me for the sight. Bought nice rose wood checkered dbl diamond grips for my RIA 1911. the asking price was 48 and he took 40. I did not want to buy them on line and these were nicer looking than others i saw at the show for 35 dollars. My 1911 has the long guide rod and i want to be able to convert it back to the short GI style. 15 bucks got me what i needed surplus colt 45
Bought gun oil,copper bore brush and cloth bore swab on a 6 inch rod with handle all for 14 bucks.
Plenty of things i was not interested in looking at so i ignored them. I know i saved money even with the admission price. Had fun finding what i wanted and talked to interesting people.. passed on the trinkets and beef jerky.

Sounds like a great day. I don't always find something to buy at gun shows, but I still enjoy going.

[I Swan]

I found squat today but helped a friend, talked to some people, plus found a lot of ammo yesterday so not a total wash.

[NOTABIKER]

I talked to guy i saw on a TV show about storage unit auctions, the show was the one in which one partner was called TON. the guy i talked to was a buyer of guns they found in storage units. He was very nice and knowledgeable. This is one reason i like gun shows. Why does it bother people here that some vendors sell un gun related stuff. Plenty of folks selling guns and gun products. I am only limited by my gun budget and it goes a long way at the gun show. My friends love buying on line and i bet 30 % of the stuff they buy does not fit and they do not return it.

[Merc1138]

I talked to guy i saw on a TV show about storage unit auctions, the show was the one in which one partner was called TON. the guy i talked to was a buyer of guns they found in storage units. He was very nice and knowledgeable. This is one reason i like gun shows. Why does it bother people here that some vendors sell un gun related stuff. Plenty of folks selling guns and gun products. I am only limited by my gun budget and it goes a long way at the gun show. My friends love buying on line and i bet 30 % of the stuff they buy does not fit and they do not return it.

That just means they're idiots. Lots of people buy things online without having issues with the items fitting, and definitely return things for a refund when possible.

[highpower]

The last gun show I went to, I had every intention of just picking up a couple trinkets. But then I saw a rifle I have wanted for while at a very good price. The next thing I knew, I was walking out $800 poorer.

I too, like fondle the things I buy before I lay down the cash. Nevertheless, I have bought many things online and have only had to send a few back.

[232_ray]

Yesterday (Saturday) I bought 1000 rounds of 38spl for my wheel guns for 220, new pachmyer grip for my colt 357 model for 10 bucks and a used safari land leather, but new looking lefty holster for a colt wheel gun in 4 inch for 15 bucks.
Today (Sunday) I bought 750 rounds of .45 acp semi wadcutter for my gold cups at about 180 bucks. I also started what I hope to be a multiple 1911's Colt 70's series buy for 3/4 guns in November I hope. There was some stuff I'd say.
--Oh and on my way home Saturday I stopped at Ammo brothers in Cerritos and picked up my 1966 Colt 4" Python that was jailed. I'd say it was a great weekend. And pretty good Costa Mesa show.

[johnny_boy02]

I paid pretty much that same price for 45 acp last week and it was dropped off at my door.

I buy my oil, patches, brushes, etc at a local family owned store. They know me and always treat me well.

I have never bought something online that didn't fit.

Gun shows near me are always packed, loud, and full of overpriced crap. I gave up on them a few years ago. Pay to park then pay to get in for the privilege of overpaying for products. No thanks.

[I Swan]

Yes I know the vendor you are talking about he is getting up there in years I think he is looking very soon to stop doing the shows. His wife always used to come with him I haven't seen her I fear she may be very sick or passed away. I've actually met Ton before as well and Darryl once from Storage Wars too.

[Doheny]

I paid pretty much that same price for 45 acp last week and it was dropped off at my door.

I buy my oil, patches, brushes, etc at a local family owned store. They know me and always treat me well.

I have never bought something online that didn't fit.

Gun shows near me are always packed, loud, and full of overpriced crap. I gave up on them a few years ago. Pay to park then pay to get in for the privilege of overpaying for products. No thanks.

This.

Figure in the parking fee, the admittance fee plus the crowds vs. online or even Wally World and its not worth it.

[sealocan]

I've come to look at gun shows is something fun to do on a Saturday or Sunday.
if you get something or find a good deal, great
but for me it's more about enjoying the day.

and to all the people who never go to gun shows anymore...

I think you or maybe future generations might miss them once they're all gone.

( just a little bit & probably only the beef jerky.)

[SB1964]

OP, glad the show worked out for ya! Ammo score & all. I often get weekdays off when friends don't & haven't gone in a long time. I'm very close to Del Mar, I think that's a smaller show these days. Fuel, parking & entrance just isn't worth it to me. The rednecks in overalls, half azz libs & crazy eyed people that have never shot a gun are interesting. Problem is I have a palate & a lot of those freaks stink, literally.

I can access most of the fishing/boating shows free...Del Mar/Long Beach & even Cow Palace, which I have been to. They seem to shower just a bit more, not sure why.

Not that I'm anything special, just an observation.

[x-007]

I sure miss the OLD gun shows, especially the "Great Western" at the L.A. County Fairgrounds! Imagine, 8 MILES of vendor tables....an all-day event, even if you're walking fast! There were always vendors who would bring their prices down, just so you'd buy from them, not the other vendors! LOTS of deals, but always crowded! I'd go with $1,000 in my wallet, and return home with "goodies" worth about $4,000 (by today's prices)! Those were the GOOD OLD DAYS!