[ChoobacKY]

I quit going to gun shows years ago. Too crowded with Rambo wannabees in camo and mall ninjas looking for the latest in cheap martial arts weapons. Not to mention the sellers who seem to think their guns are made of gold judging by the asking prices. In the past 15 years the ratio of guns to crap at the average gun show has gone up in favor of the crap. Wouldn’t bother me a bit to see every modern gun show in the US just disappear. Support your local dealer so you have someplace to find ammo without having to search high and low.

[Myrddin]

My local dealers often have more guns for sale in the store than are offered in the whole of a typical gun show. Most are new and offered at favorable prices. That is especially true when I'm a regular, cash paying customer. My FFLs keep a watch for special firearms that they know are of interest to me. I agree that the "shows" look more like weekend swap meets full of crap. The last SLC show I botherd to patronize was easily 1/3 swap meet crap. That's a poor return on a 400 mile round trip and $20 entrance fee. I "rescued" the trip by using a 40% off coupon at Borders and enjoyed a nice Brazilian BBQ dinner. The nearest Borders is 110 miles away from my house as well.

[elcid1970]

I agree, gun shows have become showcases for cheap ninja cr@p and airsoft replicas. As for the actual guns on display, I greet them like old friends, with the sky high asking prices and the resentment at any attempt to dicker.

As for ammo, since it’s not yet Obamacized and can be ordered direct, I ply the internet. Most dealers also think their stock ammo is loaded with bullets of silver and gold. But online, there is at least some competition.

[steamroller]

I’m a no compromise gun rights guy,but strangely enough I’ve never been to a gun show.I am a war veteran and shoot a range with many other war veterans-you can usually tell us by the fact we’re mostly dressed in ordinary casual stuff.The Camo Rambos are mostly harmless people who just want to go broke blazing away with all sorts of fancy “black guns”.I have one,hardly ever shoot it because I don’t like long arms much-I am basically a revolver guy-I do own semiautos just out of common sense,but on the range I just like wheelguns-kind of like my friends who fly fish.(I’m WAY too clumsy).
I can’t stand Obama ,Holder and all the other gun grabbers trying to intrude into my life.Can’t they learn to leave well enough alone?