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I finally got my poor tired feet out of ICU so I'll post a few thoughts on running the gauntlet at the Knoxville Gun, Mall Ninja and Hot Tub show today. I was looking to get rid of some dreck that had accumulated over the past few years. I'd held on to it much too long and it was mostly a buyer's market, since America's No. 1 gun salesman is about to retire in less than 40 days. I suppose we're in that awkward period where gun seekers know the economy is gonna get better but it hasn't shown up on the paycheck yet. It's a lot easier to turn stuff when the customers are thick at the tables and fighting like it's Black Friday at the Walmart towel rack. This time I had to walk the show three times before I was willing to come off my dream price. Baked-on stupidity is hard to scrub out. First I had to run the gauntlet of lowballers in the parking lot and near the door. Anyone open carrying is subject to interrogation: What ya got? What do ya want for it? What will you take? (As if the second question doesn't matter.) It's easy to shake off the dealers masquerading as civilians. You give them a ridiculous price, such as full retail, and they know they're wasting their time talking to a fool who is unclear on the capitalist concept. But if you're haggling with someone without a FFL, you have a better chance of a tax-free sale. In Tennessee, gun show loopholes are pretty wide but you still should check state ID and frisk for ski masks. It costs the equivalent of a box of cheap 9mm to gain entry. Sometimes the cops hired for security will make an offer as they zip-tie your gun's action. Many are on the lookout for a bargain throw dow......I mean, backup pistol or revolver. It's best to eat before you arrive. There's usually a food vendor ready to take your money, if the health department has given them their license back, but you're still paying steak prices for a mystery meat burger. I remember ordering one time and just happened to see my doctor standing behind me staring at me like I was a sheep-killing dog. I told him that the patty makes for an excellent gun lube and actually attracts wild carnivores. Good for me he was one of the 50% of doctors who finished in the bottom half of the class. The first lap around the building is for show. You want to give the tightwad dealers behind the tables the impression that it isn't your first rodeo and you know which end of the horse smells worse. To set the proper mood, you should dress accordingly. I wore my "Deplorable Lives Matter" t-shirt to declare that I was someone to be reckoned with. When I lived in Texas I was topped with the usual Stetson with all kinds of shiny few-faws dangling off the crown. In East Tennessee, the well-dressed expert has at least 70 ball caps in his closet to choose from, but at the tables he's adorned with a lid which sports at least one Confederate flag and a witty saying, such as, "I Call 1911, Not 9-1-1." On the second time around, you should have your game face full on. The dealers now know that you carried all those slung rifles and pistol boxes for a full mile and they're looking for signs of weakness. Some will venture a "No luck, yet?" comment to drain your resolve, but they should be parried with an air of patience. "I may just hang on to 'em while the price goes up." is the only fitting comeback I've learned. Your mileage may vary. Take a minute to lean over their table and give their merchandise a hard look if you didn't do it on the first round. It's not that you're really interested about the same gun you've seen all over the show, but it gives them a chance to scan for all the intricate details of your pride and joy that you desperately want to disown. Caution: Make sure you keep the dinged side against your body--secrets are for serious lookers only. And don't knock over any Tupperware or other arts and crafts displays. It quickly spoils the mood. A third time around is for God-fearers only. You're praying every step of the way that a miracle will happen and someone will buy for cost plus the price of admission. There's no use putting on any airs. The self-respecting peons have long since headed to the barn. At this point, anything you've got to trade is even-steven with an RG revolver that the dealer euphemizes as "German made." If you're lucky, he'll do the deal and then beat you over the head with both guns. I must have been living right because I found a guy who bit on my rock-bottom price. I like to think he took pity, but I suspect he was afraid I'd heave up that hamburger on his chrome-plated throwing stars. I took his cash and hitched a ride from a handicapped scooter driver headed for the door. God moves in mysterious ways.

eBay use to be a good deal (years ago). Now they are just another on-line retailer. I sure wish another service would start-up for private sales. Which has little to do with this; just a random thought.

Let me begin by saying that my Wife and I have both fed up with and ready to leave Washington State. As I'm sure you all know we are not alone and have had enough of the libtards and millionaire meddlers that are destroying the beautiful PNW. We are both NRA Life Members and tend to be somewhat conservative. We cherish our gun rights and our Constitution, all of which are not real popular beliefs in our area. We are not sure yet where we want to go but unfortunately no matter how hard we try our leglislature has been for the most part "bought & paid for" so it is a loosing battle and we are rapidly loosing our Constitutional freedoms here in the West. We are not sure if Tennessee is the place for us yet but you certainly have a beautiful State. We've been looking in White County and so far what we've seen there looks beautiful. If we do make the move we are definitely not looking to "change things" like the kalifornians have done here, but would rather assimilate and learn to be productive members of a Society we are are loosing here. Anyhow........enough of that. I'm looking forward to learning more about Tennessee............thanks for letting me rant........

You sir, have eloquently captured the essence of the gun show experience. But...what about the jerky?

Got this yesterday. Pretty cool. Says Dark Metal Art on the bottom. looked it up, they make some cool stuff. Very talented

See, that is a concept I don't grasp. An animal is not a human. They can't reason or understand emotion the way that a human can. Rehoming a pet is a very traumatic experience for them. Especially one with special needs and several years on them. Realistically, that cat will sit in a shelter for the next six months until it dies. I am being opinionated when I say this, so take this at face value. I think it is more selfish to rehome the cat, or attempt to rehome the cat, than to face the fact and put it down. I have raised my current pack/pride from underage. Moeko came to us as a kitten. My family is all she ever knew. She lived an exceptional life. My entire family was distraught at putting her down. But we all acknowledged it was the right decision. It hurt, but it was correct. Her quality of life was miserable, and it was taking a toll on her family to keep her going. We all shed a tear when we put her down. I brought her body home and allowed the other animals of the family to see her. So they would not search endlessly for her when they realized she was missing. I have raised Bandit from a four week old puppy. I hand fed her. I have trained her to rival trick dogs. Hand and verbal commands. Sit, stay, jump, fetch, catch, speak, shake, lay down... She is bell trained house broken, she is finger snap trained to come so an exact spot. She sleeps at my feet and understands her place in the pack hierarchy. She is three and a half years old now. I got here from here on this very forum and drove six hours roundtrip to get her. She is an exceptional dog. Exceptional. And that is said with only a modicum of pride. However, I would rather put her down than to see her suffer the pain of a shelter, of the confusion of a hasty rehoming. Bongo, our kitten (who is a year and half old now) is in the same boat. I pulled him out from under a car at possibly three weeks old and my daughter bottle fed him for a month before he pulled through. He is as spoiled as any other member of my family. He is Bandit's best friend and most dangerous co-conspirator. Bongo is stealth and cunning, Bandit is strength and destruction. Table scraps, eyeglasses, you name it, they handle it. Much like my wife, when I said 'till death do us part,' I meant it. Same as with my pets. Regardless of the circumstances. It is my duty as the provider to ensure they have the best possible life. I am sorry for the distaste in my post, but rehoming a twelve year old diabetic cat does not speak highly to me. However, if I am missing a massive piece of the puzzle, I apologize for my vitriol. However as stated above, even with Bandit in the prime of her life, I would choose euthanasia before a shelter. It would be the merciful thing to do. But remember, opinions are much like assholes, everyone has one.

Just got a phone call and one has been caught. We don't sell the fur. I looked in to it some years back and it just wasn't worth it. Prices were just too low. We do it to protect some sheep and other family pets. Any critter that cooperates will be turned loose with the exception of the coyote. BTW the worst animal to try to turn loose is a feral cat!

My first time at the Expo Show. My first impression when I walked in the door was wow big show, then I realized the high number of non gun vendors and empty tables. Was a worthwhile trip anyway I found a Beretta 21a in .25 ACP, that I have been looking for for awhile, in very nice shape with the deluxe wood grips at a good price. I now have the pair a .22 version I bought on TGO and the .25. Not sure why I wanted them other than they are neat design and the .22 version has been a lot of fund to shoot. Spent some time at one booth with many really old guns, really old, not really my thing as far as owning but I like to look. Also spent some time looking at a fellows Luger display, looks like he has every variation made, I had seen him at the Chilhowee Park show but didn't have time to look for very long. I didn't get to the show till around 11pm and the parking lot was close to capacity but the rows were wide enough in the show that you could still get around pretty well. Will probably go again, but not a must go for me. For those that go regular, is any one of the shows there bigger/better than the others? One of the shows I use to go to before I moved had two shows a year and the Spring show was nearly double the size of the Fall show.

Since you said this, come on down !!

Here's a nice Dan Wesson being auctioned. https://auctions.thegunrunner.com/lots/view/1-68LF7/dan-wesson-model-15-357-mag-cal-revolver-15-vent-rib-barrel

ah...........no. In fact, I just poured another cup of coffee and sitting in front of the fireplace watching my wife wrap Christmas presents. Yes, this will be my day today.

From your mouth (keyboard) to their ears House Republicans are re-launching a caucus with the goal of advancing pro-gun rights legislation on Capitol Hill. According to a statement from the office of Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., the congressman will be chairing the third iteration of the Congressional Second Amendment Caucus. Earlier versions were active from 2004-08 and 2009-13. –– ADVERTISEMENT –– “The recent election results present us with a new opportunity to advance pro-gun legislation and reverse the erosion of the Second Amendment that's occurred over the last few decades. I look forward to working with the new President and this determined group of conservatives to promote a pro-gun agenda,” Massie said in the statement. The caucus will include: Reps. Jeff Duncan, R-S.C.; Ted Yoho, R-Fla.; Brian Babin, R-Texas; Paul Gosar, R-Ariz.; Mark Meadows, R-N.C.; Ken Buck, R-Colo.; Alex Mooney R-W.Va.; Justin Amash, R-Mich; Jody Hice, R-Ga.; Dave Brat, R-Va.; Warren Davidson, R-Ohio; Scott Perry, R-Pa.; and James Comer, R-Ky. The group intends to lead efforts in the House to “pass meaningful firearms legislation” and protect against any infringement on the Second Amendment. "Preserving the right to keep and bear arms is essential to maintaining freedom and liberty in our country,” said former Rep. Paul Broun, R-Ga., who chaired the caucus during its second run from 2009 through 2013. http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/12/09/members-congress-to-reload-gun-rights-caucus.html

there's lots of options, none have the ebay clout though. the problem with ebay is their pricing - 10 years ago their listing/seller fees were reasonable. then they bought paypal to corner the entire market and just went insane. They subsequently had to break away from paypal again because of the conflicts, but not much has changed for the good since the day they initially merged.

Walt is probanly out riding his Harley right now in his underwEar. That guy is tough as nails.

Knowing that I'm out of place and will catch hell for this, I wholeheartedly agree with Murgatroy : I am sorry for the distaste in my post, but rehoming a twelve year old diabetic cat does not speak highly to me. However, if I am missing a massive piece of the puzzle, I apologize for my vitriol. However as stated above, even with Bandit in the prime of her life, I would choose euthanasia before a shelter. It would be the merciful thing to do. Assuming that said feline has been a loving part of your family for a few years, Yes it is hard waiting around for it's time to pass. BUT think if you were in it's place. Cast aside to spend what little time you have left in a cold dark place, scared and lonely, instead of the loving arms of the family that you call your own

Too cold for the retired dude, eh?

Lots of good choices at $30 and under. Some of my favorites are Evan Williams Single Barrel, Henry McKenna Single Barrel Bottled in Bond and Elijah Craig Small Batch. If you want to try other wheated bourbons, then Weller Special Reserve, Old Weller Antique 107 and Makers Mark are good choices. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

December 10th Great Smoky Mountains Wildfire Victims Fundraiser Buds Gun Shop & Range and Hickok45 raise money for the Dollywood Foundation's "My People Fund" - Buds will match all donations, up to $20,000 - Buds Gun Shop & Range in Sevierville, Tenn., will host a fundraiser on Saturday, Dec. 10, for the Dollywood Foundation's "My People Fund" to help local residents impacted by the recent Gatlinburg fires. On Saturday, anyone wishing to make a donation can stop at Buds Gun Shop & Range (2270 Two Rivers Road just off Winnfield Dunn Parkway and Knife Works Dr.). Please visit our Facebook page for more information on how to donate online. Buds Gun Shop & Range will match donations dollar for dollar up to $20,000. Fellow Tennessean Hickok45 and his son John will also be at Buds on Saturday, 2 – 4p to help in the fundraising efforts. Hickok45 currently has more than 2 million subscribers to his popular YouTube channel which features firearm reviews and educational videos which have been viewed over 500 million times. Hickok45 will give away a brand new DP-12 double-barrel, double-magazine shotgun from Standard Manufacturing Co. valued at over $1,300 in a free drawing during the fundraising event at Buds (must be present to win). "Everyone in Sevier County knows someone impacted by the fires," said Joe Murphy, CEO of Buds Gun Shop & Range. "We wanted to do something tangible for this community and the people who live here. We know Dolly Parton's foundation will have an immediate positive impact for those in need, so we're matching all donations we receive up to $20,000 this Saturday - it's an easy way for people to double their giving."

It's arguable that he should have been in the dock to answer for Constitutional violations while head of the NSA. He's the guy who sold warrantless wiretapping as an idea to Cheney and crew. My favorite photo of him:

Shut your dirty mouth.

It is probably best to euthanize. It is a painful decision, but it often best. I just put our family cat down at eleven due to quality of life issues. It hurt, but it was best. Better than finding her a new family. We were all she had ever known. It was the most humane choice. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using Tapatalk

If the federal govt can say we CAN....... then they can say we can't. Would i like to be able to travel to some "occupied" states and see historically significant stuff like in Boston and Washington DC and still carry a gun? Absolutely. But moving CCW which is a state issue under the purview of the federal govt leaves open some very unsavory possibilities in the future. Now, if it is simply a matter of writing a bill that does NOTHING other than compel states to recognize all licenses (like drivers, marriage, etc...) issued by other states then it MIGHT be OK. But I have real concerns with the unintended consequences that might come to light when that door gets opened.

The truth of the matter is this.... Some decisions are life-altering (...and in some cases life-taking...) actions... I've got zero sympathy for the "...they are just kids thing...." and the "...no amount of punishment is appropriate thing..."... The fact is that these two people have caused the loss of life, stupendous property damage, and misery on a gargantuan scale to folks they don't know and who have done nothing to them... Not many people can say they have accomplished such idiotic, and monstrous mayhem; no matter the age or occupation (...or lack of one...) in a whole lifetime of screwing things up and doin evil... That puts them in a very elite and despisable class... A class that i simply do not think you can tolerate out in the general population... These two are miscreants at best and monsters at worst... Those who believe that this is "...kids being kids..." are either intellectually challenged or intellectually dishonest as far as i'm concerned... Actions do have consequences, and this is about the worst action i've seen in a good while... I (...and i suspect others...) have friends and kinfolk, rich and poor, that have lost everything as a result of this monstrous action... This conflagration has touched thousands, if not tens of thousands of people... It is on the same scale as an act of war; no matter the original intention.... America seems to be the only place in the world where we have a pretty large subclass of otherwise intelligent people who dote on our young folks and do them the genuine disservice of lying to them by failing to tell our children that "actions have consequences"... I say that if you believe in "teenage irresponsibility"; you are part of the problem... It also baffles me that there seems to be a "cottage industry" of "experts" who would tell us that "kids will be kids", and seek to explain away and/or minimize this sort of monstrous behavior.... Kids should continually be told that all actions have consequences; from childhood thru adulthood... I don't wanna hear about "kids being kids" and "they didn't mean to do it"... This is not some idiotic video game that you can re-set; nor some goofy "alternate reality" where it don't matter... People have actually died as the result of these actions and property has been destroyed on a god like scale... This one aint gonna go away... If you want kids to be responsible, you have to continually teach them to act responsible; while being responsible yourself... Sometimes the punishment is not sufficient for the crime; and i suspect that is the case here... None the less, serious punishment needs to be passed out for this; right up to and including trial for capital murder... I say, let justice take it's course and keep the "they were just kids" things out of it... Thus endeth the rant... leroy....

While I believe that I should be able to carry anywhere, anytime, I don't believe this should be a matter of Federal Regulation...just make sure our Constitutionally Protected Rights remain intact and stay out of my personal business. And while we're at it, quit taking so much of my money and wasting it. But I honestly think the Law of Unintended Consequences is very strong with this type of a move. I just don't see this going the way some "gun rights" groups are painting it...

There are still many advantages to trusts, just being able to list multiple responsible people who can use the NFA items within the trust is worth the cost alone in many cases.

going to have to disagree with both mikeG and bubbiesdad on this one. What happened is terrible but to suggest they need "prison love" is over the line. IMO. Mark

Nice!

I'd keep the 308 if you can't have both. Especially since you say "it's the only serious caliber rifle I own." 5.56 can be a serious caliber too for some criters, but what happens when grizz starts to migrate to TN The 308 has a much wider range of definsive/offensive capabilities against everything in TN. With 3 acres outside the city limits, I think a 308 is required equipment lol. Personally, I'd keep that Saiga and consider selling something else if you're itching for an AR.

There is not a more versatile handgun than a 4-5" barrel .357 revolver. I'd go for quality. The Colt Trooper III or earlier models are still kind of reasonable. The Manurhin M73 was a pleasure to shoot. A bunch were imported a couple years ago. And a pre-1980 Colt Python is probably the best revolver made in the US. But prices on those are over $2000 for a good one.