Are gun shows LESS fun for you nowadays or are they just as good as they used to be?

[TrickyRick]

Living close enough to Tulsa now, April 6/7 I'll be going to the Tulsa Gun and Knife Show (Wanenmachers). Only gun I am looking to find is a Stevens 410 side by side. If it's like the show I remember should be a lot of knife sellers there also.

[Rockingkj]

Here in Nebraska we still have some decent gunshows. I agree that the offerings have changed significantly in the past 20 years. We sure don’t see lots of tables loaded with old Winchesters and the like anymore . Buyers tastes have changed too the younger folks have a greater interest in the plastic stocked guns. However entry to a show is around $5 and free parking. Setting up, tables are $25-40 a table so it’s affordable to set up and have a base of operations. I don’t remember going to any show that was not worth going to. I usually find a worthy sharp object or something that goes bang I consider a bargain. Next one coming up is a Kearney NE and it’s a good one in April. I will set up there, so stop and say howdy. Also selling good old knives I don’t do evelbay anymore and haven’t for years.

[robpa]

lotsa gun shows within 60 miles here. lots of knives, good stuff too. In fact there are 3 in 2 weeks on the same weekend. Lots of Queen stuff.pretty good prices especiall when ya bundle.

[OLDE CUTLER]

Going great here. Last weekend was the Dakota Territory Gun Collectors Gun Show in Sioux Falls. One of the biggest in this part of the country with 1300 tables. I walked from 9am til 4:30pm to see all of them once.

[Wudidiz]

Most of them are way overpriced and full of wonky vendors selling goofy crap like homemade table lamps and pseudo knives gimmicked as "black ops".

[enuf]

So, a friend and I will have a table at the Wanenmacher Gun Show in Tulsa. Before I was working a table, I would pay off the street and at that time the entry cost renewed your annual NRA membership, good if you are an annual member. On a side note, I have been off and on an annual member for two reasons. 1) is if they tick you off, like I have been the last couple of years, you can show it by nonrenewal and 2) if the political leadership is pro 2nd Amendment you can let it lapse and when the anti 2nd Amendment gets in - renew sending an increase in membership to send a message. Sorry for the rabbit trail.

Anyway, back to the Wanemacher's - there are lots and lots of good knives there to be had, and when you think it is too expensive, if it is even remotely close and you want it, you better snap it up, same with guns. Is it difficult to maneuver around in and see everything - yes, it is. But if you are looking for something in-particular, especially if you are a touch and feel person it is just one of the things you have to figure to deal with.

If you are really looking for something particular - wear a sign on your back or carry a stick with a sign up high. You'll lose much of your negotiating part of the deal, but it may help you find what you are looking for. Is there junk there too - yes. Is there beef jerky - yes. But I do say the Wanenmacher folks really try to keep the show from being a garage sale.

[GSPTOPDOG]

I have not been to one around here for years.... Just not fun anymore .... the deals have all sprouted wings .... and flown away.... ✈✈✈✈