lacon

While Knoxville did not get the snow that was predicted, everywhere else around us did.  I help a vendor who always has 3 tables.   My guess would be that about 20% of the vendors did not show up.   The crowd was off on Sat, but we did a respectable amount of sales.  Not great, but much more than we expected because of the weather.  We had high expectations for Sunday with a sunny 40 degrees, but it did not happen -  it was slow.   Seemed like the Sunday shoppers were more casual strollers than the more serious shoppers that got out on Sat.   There was a fishing show at the Expo - maybe it drew some of the attendees over there?   Smokey Mt Gun Collectors at Kerbela in 2 weeks for those interested.

At the Kerbella Temple in south Knoxville.  9 to 5 on Sat, 9 to 3 on Sun.  General public admission has been $6 per day, or annual membership of $15 for two shows per year.  100 or slightly more tables - mostly individuals.  Only guns, knives, or closely related items allowed.  Google "Smoky Mountain Gun Collectors Association" for more info.

Sounds interesting.  I like the idea, but I'm skeptical of Gander Mt. allowing their meeting room to be used for actual gun trading between individuals.  If you go, be sure & post what's going on.  Guess I'm thinking that part seems "too good to be true".  Wonder what the format will be?  

Looking it up, the SMGC moved from the Kerbella Temple to the Holiday Inn in 1982.  I guess right after the World's Fair. At some point after that, I think it may have been the Shriners themselves that started their own semi-annual show at Kerbella & it ran for several years. I don't remember when Mike Holloway started the Jacobs Building show.  As you know, he recently sold out to R.K.

You probably did.  It dates back to 1959.  It was big when it was at the lower level of the Holiday Inn at the World's Fair site.   http://smokymountainguncollectorsassociation.org/

at the Kerbella Temple in south Knoxville. 9:00 am both days. I think this will be the 3rd show (semi-annual) at this location. Only about 100 tables - restricted to guns, knives, or related items. A few dealers, but mostly hobbyists having a good time. (Meaning probably not the best place to shop for bulk reloading supplies & ammo) Usually an ad in Thur. & Fri. Knox News Sentinel with a coupon. This is a non-profit show - previous show profits went to the Wounded Warrior Project if I'm not mistaken. Can't find my mailer right now. If you want more details, feel free to ask.

It's been $6 in the past, with a $1 coupon in the Knox News-Sentinel towards the end of the week before. Don't know for sure this time though. Not a big show - about 100 tables, but it is a collector's show, so all guns & knives or closely related items.

Illegal? Yep. But how is anyone who cares going to know? Are you going to buy it, then go to the ATF & file a report on your friend? Just saying.

New Location: Going to be at the Kerbela Shrine Temple, 215 Mimosa Ave, in Knoxville. 9/29 & 30, Opening at 9:00.

Maybe take a Glock & ask for an autograph?

It's at the intersection of 321 & 70, well to the west side of Lenoir City. At some point 321 becomes 95 - maybe right there? Anyway, heading east on 40, exit on 95 & head south. Heading north or south on 75, exit on 321 & head west. Heading west from Maryville, just continue through Lenoir City, cross I-75, & continue on a mile or so. It will be on your left. Lynn

Glad I've got other plans for Sat, or I would probably end up going. The last one I went to several years ago had the same type of fee structure. What impressed me was that the bidders seemed to ignore the add-ons & ran the bids up to what I thought was full market value & maybe more. Like they got caught up into a crazy buying frenzy of sorts. Those who go, post a report so I can see what I missed.

I'm planning on going over to the Expo today as its only about 6 miles away for me, however, if I were in Nashville & thinking of driving a 400 mile round trip, I would hold off & head to Birmingham next week. No comparison between the two shows.

Also, If you are into Garands, there are always a lot there - I'll bet at least 50 per show. Because it's so close to Anniston they are a big deal there, & a lot of people go over & get their annual allotment. Better know your stuff though - not good for newbies unless you have someone along who can advise.

I agree with Leroy on the Birmingham collector shows. Actually it's 3 times a year. The reason is because it's a collector association show. A person (or dealer) wanting to set up has to be a member, & new members have to be sponsered by existing members. Also what is offered for sale is restricted to gun related items. Quality knives are O.K, but no "fantasy" type ones. Parking is free under the interstate if you get there early - otherwise there are a couple of parking garages. Never thought about trailers or motorhomes. I'm sure parking for those is very limited & so they know they have you there. Lynn