Gun Shows

[erik_26]

Alright, I am prepared to take the on slot of harassment on this one.

I have never been to a gun show.

What are some of the major advantages to going to one, if any?

Is it just a swap meet for guns? Or are you able to buy things you can't normally buy?

[bruce381]

same laws apply at a show but getting a bunch of gun dealers in 1 room can make for some dealing on prices plus gets you out of honey do work for a few hours. Also some guys get tables to clean out ther stuff so you can get deals and find all kinds of old or not seen much parts and supplies, reloading and ammo etc.

[IntoForever]

I check all tables before even thinking of buying anything, nothing like paying too much. Watch out for the super crap items, high price doesn't always mean good items. Know your items and laws before buying, save yourself a hassle.

[vantec08]

Gun shows in CA used to be fun, erik, when they were real gun shows. The old Great Western and Orange Show Crossroads were great. Any more, you have to wade thru cookoo clocks and used books and peanut brittle vendors and such. It has changed significantly from "back then." The wake-up call to me was some years ago when a vendor I was buying some parts from was arrested in front of me for displaying an AK auto-bolt carrier for sale. I do my serious gun shows in AZ and NV.

[Ford8N]

Gun shows in CA used to be fun, erik, when they were real gun shows. The old Great Western and Orange Show Crossroads were great. Any more, you have to wade thru cookoo clocks and used books and peanut brittle vendors and such. It has changed significantly from "back then." The wake-up call to me was some years ago when a vendor I was buying some parts from was arrested in front of me for displaying an AK auto-bolt carrier for sale. I do my serious gun shows in AZ and NV.

This^^^^

SAR show in Phoenix in December is the closest good one anymore. In California, you really need to know your prices because a lot of the gun show dealers are ripping off the noobs and fools. The best prices are on the net....even with shipping added in.

[jptopz]

The only way to lose your Gun show virginity is to go to the Big Reno Gun Show. I don't waste my time and money on the sad Cal gun shows. Years ago you could find a good show in Cal, but I haven't found one in years. I do believe that there is going to be a Reno show in April. Make a weekend, and go to Cabelas and Shelds. I love to watch the look on a guys face that has never been to a real gun show walk into the Grand ballroom knowing that it's only two thirds of the show.

[Steyrlp10]

I attend to help educate the public about Calguns. It's more than having the ability to just buy stuff - it's about trying to reach other gun owners. Work a CGN booth and get free entry.

[rromeo]

Where else can you find beef jerky and NAZI belt buckles under the same roof?

[Uriah02]

I like them for the atmosphere. The prices are not very competitive to online, but it is nice to be able to see more merchandise than I'll ever own personally.

[bsg]

i have gotten some very good deals on ammo.

[Chester]

I only go for 5.56 at 30 cents a round and cheap surplus 7.62x54R.

Crossroads of the West is also good for picking up Spare parts (small AR springs), otherwise, like everywhere else in this country it's just Chinese crap... and beef jerky.

[edog11]

I have only been to one California gun show and twice for the Vegas. Its fun to go look around but I doubt you will save money if your paying for gas hotel food etc. Its difficult to beat the prices online even with the shipping charges. If you do go with the intention of buying a particle item do some research before going otherwise you will impulse buy and may not get the best deal.

[bruceflinch]

The only way to lose your Gun show virginity is to go to the Big Reno Gun Show. I don't waste my time and money on the sad Cal gun shows. Years ago you could find a good show in Cal, but I haven't found one in years. I do believe that there is going to be a Reno show in April. Make a weekend, and go to Cabelas and Shelds. I love to watch the look on a guys face that has never been to a real gun show walk into the Grand ballroom knowing that it's only two thirds of the show.

It's a neat show & all, but you also see way too much stuff you can't have in Ca. Like going to a strip club. Lots of pretty things to LOOK at.

I enjoy the atmosphere of even the small shows. Being in a room of like minded strangers is fun.

[CaliforniaLiberal]

One of the best things about gun shows is the cheap, bulk, reloaded ammo. Miwall has excellent ammo, I've never had a problem in thousands of rounds. Get there early, some stuff will sell out. They also have cases of mil-surp ammo, spam cans of ammo for your Mosin, and generally good prices on US manufactured ammo too. If you're serious, bring a hand truck.

http://www.miwallcorp.com/index.php?route=information/calendar

There are not a lot of bargains, if you don't have a general idea of prices you may get taken advantage of. Bring an iPhone and look up stuff online to compare prices.

It's not so much being able to buy things you can't normally buy as buying stuff you've never heard of and never wanted to buy before. Have you got a gas plug wrench for your M1 Carbine? You know you're going to own an M1 Carbine eventually.


The next Big Reno Gun Show is March 11-13th. http://www.bigrenoshow.com/ Stay at the Grand Sierra and eat in the nice restaurants, gamble and get drunk. Good Times! The Gun Show is huge. Really huge. Antique collectable Western and Indian stuff. Knives beyond your imagining, endless rows of old rifles and handguns. Military insignia and patches from every war there's ever been. Parts. Lots and lots of parts, old and new and tools. And new guns that you'll never see in California. And BATF undercovers and CA Buereu of Firearms folks sneaking around to see if you buy high capacity magazines (Maybe ) And ammo cans, surplus military and hunting gear, ancient Guns and Ammo magazines. And venison jerky and gun safes and guys walking around with rifles with for sale signs. Leather goods, bear traps, tasers, bumper stickers, ancient rusted up guns that look like they were thrown out by the Donner party. I saw a beautiful Civil War surgeons amputation kit. All sharp and shined up.

Anyway, you get the idea. Leave your credit cards at home and just bring as much cash as you want to spend.

[bplvr]

I attend to help educate the public about Calguns. It's more than having the ability to just buy stuff - it's about trying to reach other gun owners. Work a CGN booth and get free entry.

THIS ^^^^^^^^^