Lancaster Gunshow

[Sned]

Is it worth a 1 1/2 hour drive? The site search function doesn't work on my phone, so apologies if there is already a thread about this.

Notes to consider:

- I've never been to a gun show.
- I'm a handgun noob.

[50 Shooter]

I would hate for this show to be your first, save your money. No need for a three hour round trip up here and back. Wait for the next Costa Mesa show and then drive down there.

The 20 min round trip for me is bad enough, not to mention the drag around the inside looking at over priced guns. Who knows, I'll find out tomorrow morning when I stop in.

[Capybara]

Since you are a gun show and handgun newbie:

1. California used to have GREAT gun shows in the 80s and even into the 90s. Gun shows in California today rarely have very many guns, are considered basically a swap meet with Chinese toys, beef jerky, cheap jewelry and other junk. If you are a C&R guy you might stumble across a decent deal but they are looking more and more like Unicorns these days.

2. For new guns, go to a good gun store over any California show. If you want to see a real gun show, attend Reno or Phoenix, those are real gun shows. For ammo, you can sometimes get an okay deal on reloads from Miwall but usually nothing that you can't also get from gunbot.net

3. Remember, you usually have to pay parking and admission and the last half dozen California shows I attended, prices were nothing special so I was money behind at the end of the day. If you are bored and want to kill time, go for it. If you are looking for good deals on quality guns and gear, you won't find it at a California gun show generally.

[captain america]

A lot of Chinese knock off crap there. 11-11 firearms has some great ar15s priced 700-$1000. Good ammo deals at show. That's about it though.

[mabilis_matulis]

Wait for the costa mesa show..

[hambam105]

Easy to get to local gun shows are great entertainment.

I live 400 miles north of the Costa Mesa show and I hear it's great.

[cudakidd]

Ignore the nay Sayers, local gun shows still have great deals if you know what to look for.

The antis have tried to kill them, they are still a great social catering, place to meet fellow gunners, and a fun way to kill a couple of hours...

Going to the Ventura fun show next week and looking forward to it!

[Monster]

Easy short answer is NO

[BigPimping]

Go to Reno show.

[Sned]

Thanks for the responses. I decided to plant trees (not huggable) today instead.

[AnchorTactical]

Just got back from this show. 5 bucks for parking and 10 for admission. Prices were not bad: g19 and 17 were available at around 549. Saw a glock 43 for 1200. I'm not into paying that for the off roster stuff, but a free market is a free market.

I was looking for black powder stuff and got a cool Hawken rifle for 150. I also picked up a few parts I wanted.

.22 was everywhere at about 10/15 bucks over retail per 325 and 550 boxes.

Ammo was plentiful in all calibers.

Saw a few friends and enjoyed myself just bullshirting with them. Those who don't like these small shows will probably scream when they're all gone and wonder what happened.

Support your local gun show.

[AnchorTactical]

Just got back from the show. Like all shows AR-15 is the feature. I only saw really 2 vendors selling just a handful of handguns. Ricks Pawn and another guy from Ventura (not Island View).

Take our advice and save your money for the bigger shows because you won't be disappointed.

Anyone see the lady at the NRA booth.....what are you opinions? LOL

I've seen her before at this show and I believe she is a firearm instructor at a local range. She is going to have back issues that's for sure...

[Pearlpower]

I live nearby so it is easy for me to drop by for support. However, not much in reloading, actually nothing but 10 year old primers and some dies. No powders at all. Surprised they sold Tannerite there.

Ammo is OK, not great. A ton of crappy AR15 off-name stuff. Not much in AR10/DPMS10 items. Prices for most of the stuff is higher than what you can get including shipping online but they have to pay for the booths mind you. If you have something modern such as a VP9, P320, FNX, etc, forget about getting anything except ammo. Mags are plenty of the usual suspects.

Polymer80 was there which was pleasant, won't say if and what I bought but that was a win, even though the guy lied or just did not know his own website prices which were lower than the show. I asked.

There was once a time when guns shows were known for availability and price. Not anymore, in Cali.

Overall, go to support the cause but it is nothing special by any means unless your intention is stay off the radar and pay cash for stuff. Good family time though and that is my primary motivation.

[cookieman]

Wait for the costa mesa show..

How does the costa mesa show compare to the old Pomona show? have not been to gun show since L.A close the show.

[onelonehorseman]

Ignore the nay Sayers, local gun shows still have great deals if you know what to look for.

The antis have tried to kill them, they are still a great social catering, place to meet fellow gunners, and a fun way to kill a couple of hours...

Going to the Ventura fun show next week and looking forward to it!

I have found some very good deals at Costa Mesa, but it's always a crap shoot as to what you will, or won't, find. That said, I wouldn't drive 150 miles just to check. I'd wait for a more local show if I were you OP.