General gun show gripes

[walton6467]

I had the BEST time at the most recent Bill Goodman show. Like others here, I go to fondle guns I don't own but like the looks of, then end up buying elsewhere.

However, this time my enjoyment came from a different source. My wife made a typical female snide comment about the pictures of the "Sniper Babes" who were set up in the center of the floor. Unbeknowsed to her, the Sniper Babe she was being catty about was standing RIGHT THERE within arms reach. She spent the rest of the afternoon dodging this girl and at the same time trying to take a pic of her to send to her friends. Funny stuff. I was well entertained.

[DRM]

^^^^^^^^^ THIS

And it's not just about gunshows. There are people who gripe about everything.

What about people who gripe about the people who gripe?

[mav]

What about people who gripe about the people who gripe?

+1 I haven't still figured that one out.

The title of my thread included the word "gripe." It would seem to me that if you didn't like to listen to (read in this case) people complaining then why read the thread and respond.

In my case, the only complaint I had with gun shows is there is hardly ever any higher end guns or knives. They would be nice to see from time to time instead of buying sight unseen online.

[Oh Shoot]

This is the shocking part about going to a gun show. They are not gun-friendly. I have a carry permit. I can't carry in to a show. ..

Gun shows have statute complaint postings? Geez, I guess I've never really noticed that.

- OS

[alingo2001]

With these big shows being out of state, how do you get your firearms back to TN? Do you still have to pay them to ship them to a local dealer?

[Garufa]

With these big shows being out of state, how do you get your firearms back to TN? Do you still have to pay them to ship them to a local dealer?

What shows are you referring to?

[Fivestring63]

This is the shocking part about going to a gun show. They are not gun-friendly. I have a carry permit. I can't carry in to a show. However, I can walk into the show unarmed, buy a gun and in the adjacent booth buy ammo and load up and start shooting. Instead, "security" offers to keep my $35 magazine loaded with $15 of high-end ammo but not willing to give me a receipt for it.

"It will be here when you come out."

"What if it isn't?"

Crickets chirping.

"It will be."

"Give me a receipt for it."

"We don't do that."

I took it to the car (that's really safe). I put my gun back in in my holster with no mag and they still had to put a tie-wrap through the mag well. Umm, I have a pocket knife and again, access to both magazines and ammo once in the show…

This little charade is about as silly as anything I have ever seen…

There were really no deals–most things I found were above list price. The internet is the new "gun show" when it comes to getting a great deal on stuff.

I just do not see a reason (for me) to go back to a gun show.

You got off lucky then. I went to the last one at the Expo, and swore I read all the rules on the door, but I guess I missed one about loaded mags. He proceeded to unload the rounds in a box and handed me back my mag. Didn't give me the option of taking them back to the truck. Good thing he didn't ask to see my second and third mag that was also loaded.

[Oh Shoot]

With these big shows being out of state, how do you get your firearms back to TN? Do you still have to pay them to ship them to a local dealer?

What shows are you referring to?

Mention of Tulsa show a few posts above. Billed as "world's largest gun show":

TULSA ARMS SHOW!

At any rate, you can buy long guns (from FFL only, not individual!) out of state, IF they are willing to sell to you. Handguns, however, would have to be shipped back to TN FFL for you to take possession of here.

- OS

[Oh Shoot]

You got off lucky then. I went to the last one at the Expo, and swore I read all the rules on the door, but I guess I missed one about loaded mags. He proceeded to unload the rounds in a box and handed me back my mag. Didn't give me the option of taking them back to the truck. Good thing he didn't ask to see my second and third mag that was also loaded.

Why did he even see the first one? User error?

- OS

[Lumber_Jack]

Are the postings at gun shows "legal", the last one I went to just had a sign that said "all firearms must be unloaded" that doesn't qualify, does it?

[Jonnin]

Mention of Tulsa show a few posts above. Billed as "world's largest gun show":

TULSA ARMS SHOW!

At any rate, you can buy long guns (from FFL only, not individual!) out of state, IF they are willing to sell to you. Handguns, however, would have to be shipped back to TN FFL for you to take possession of here.

- OS

If you can find a TN dealer AT THE SHOW, the seller can transfer it to him (they may or may not charge you for this) right then and there, and proceed as if you had mailed it back to TN. At the really big shows, you can find a TN dealer usually to do this, some will and some will not provide the service.

I am not sure about the legal issues here, or if this can be done in all states. The dealers both said it was ok to do, so I let them.

[DaveTN]

Are the postings at gun shows "legal", the last one I went to just had a sign that said "all firearms must be unloaded" that doesn't qualify, does it?

No, but the guy asking me if I was carrying was a real Police Officer; no way around that.

You can carry, you just can’t carry loaded.

[Caster]

What's the big deal with carrying at a gun show anyway? You really think you'll get robbed at a place filled predominately with middle class white folks, hell bent on protecting what is rightfully theirs? pppffft. One thing I can say; I have never seen ghetto trash act more respectful toward others than at a bible belt gunshow. I'm sorry if that's a little racist, but it's just one place where thug mentality ain't gonna cut it.

[Fivestring63]

Why did he even see the first one? User error?

- OS

No, I just handed him the gun. He asked to see the magazine.

[Fivestring63]

BTW, I wasn't too cordial with him after he took my rounds. I'm surprised he let me in. His name was Officer Chicorone.

[Guest HvyMtl]

In general, guns shows are in fairgrounds, armories, meeting centers, etc. In many cases (fairgrounds, parks, armories) state laws do not allow carry. (Just think if our idiot Mayor had his wish, you would be trying to have a gun show in Hickory Hollow Mall, posted no firearms...) In other places, the centers have a policy against it.

I do not agree with it, but it can be an issue. There may be the insurance issue as well, as I have had to deal with insurance companies and their belief all are criminal...

As for the Gun Shows. $10 to get in. Too expensive. Small shows - the only Big show I saw here was at the Al Menah Temple, and you could not see a thing, the lighting was so poor. Selection? Random at best. But then, I am looking for more than a Hi-Point. Yes, there are those with higher prices at the show than at the store. They have to recoup the $ they paid to be at the show, plus their time away from their store, or for their representatives to be there. That excuse aside, some are there to gig the inexperienced and make a big profit.

Have I been successful at a gun show? Yes. Several times. Does it make it worth it? Not so sure...

The one show I went to when I was out of state was the one held in Panama City, FL, on their fairgrounds. $5 to get in. About the same size as the Al Menah Temple show, with good lighting, great selection, and prices comparable to shops. Wish RK would go down there and get a tip or two on how to do it better.

Oh, one more thing, the "food service" they have with the really crummy sanitation, that has GOT to go. I will say the Goodman Shows have RK beat with their concession stand's cleanliness. (I do not go to those places to eat, but man, the flies and trash and dirt just do not help me get into a buying mode...)

Edited March 28, 2011 by HvyMtl

[luvmyberetta]

I love going to shows, but skipped about 8 gun shows over the past year, mainly because the nearest show (Expo) is over 70 miles from my house. I went to the latest Expo show and sold a rifle, a pistol, and made a trade, but I rarely sell or trade guns. It was worth going that day because I had already set up a trade with another member from TGO, but it's hard to say it's worth 3 hour round trip, gas money, $10 at the door, + food, just to browse & hope to find a deal on a normal day. I'll still go to shows, but not as frequently as I want. There are some shows closer to me in KY, but you can't legally buy a pistol across state lines.

[Guest GunTroll]

I've never been to a TN gun show since my move here. Seems like I'm not missing much. Not sure what I would want to see/buy at a show anyways. I do like the books, wood, and misc parts that I have seen at other shows. I already pay for internet so window shopping is done at ease at my desk in my shop. I'm into custom bolt guns and in my experience with gun shows folks who have those tables are in the minority and are pricey. Plus I'm still not a buyer...just a fan and one who is looking for ideas for my own builds.

Last show I went to in Denver CO there was a ND just a few booths down the way from me while I was holding my two year old. I left immediately and have never been to another show since.

[Oh Shoot]

If you can find a TN dealer AT THE SHOW, the seller can transfer it to him (they may or may not charge you for this) right then and there, and proceed as if you had mailed it back to TN. At the really big shows, you can find a TN dealer usually to do this, some will and some will not provide the service.

I am not sure about the legal issues here, or if this can be done in all states. The dealers both said it was ok to do, so I let them.

Well, did the TN dealer do the 4473? How, if he were just attending?

- OS

[Oh Shoot]

BTW, I wasn't too cordial with him after he took my rounds. I'm surprised he let me in. His name was Officer Chicorone.

He's not an officer. He's a security guard. And an azzhole.

- OS

[Guest Ae-35]

Really, since the demise of the, " gunsmith- dealer" ,gun shows have been a waste of time. If ya think back, ( at least 10 - 15 years ), almost all the really good deals were from the very small dealers, most of whom were also smith"s. Now, what few that are left, sell or do most of there sales, via the internet. Still ,very good deals to be found, just not at gun shows. SAD !!!

Edited March 29, 2011 by Ae-35

[Oh Shoot]

If you know what new gun you want, you're generally going to find it within 5% of best walk-in dealer price around. At least in Knoxville area. Great place to see and fondle guns -- you'd have to go to 4 or 5 area gun shops just to see the same guns you will from a couple of the larger dealers there.

And of course, THE deals are in all the private sales. Yes, of course you can do that at any time, but where else but gunshows can you peruse 500 non-dealer folks' guns in one place that are for sale or trade?

- OS

Edited March 29, 2011 by OhShoot

[dlm37015]

a local dealer is having a portable range built in a 53 ft trailer should be done soon

[Guest GunTroll]

a local dealer is having a portable range built in a 53 ft trailer should be done soon

Serious?

[strickj]

I like cheap knives, beef jerky and people watching.

I hate having every Tom, Dick and Hairy hassle me in attempts to buy the gun(s) that I just bought from the table that they're scouting for... for a fouth of the price I paid, nonetheless.