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It took me one hour to make three laps around the Tyler Gun Show today. Parking was plentiful and free. I was the one not wearing a NRA cap.

Other than some small pistol primers for $35/m and a NIB CZ 452 American for $400, everything else I actually looked at was too steep for my shallow pockets. I saw WWB .45 acp's for $54/c and some WWB .380 for $59/c. There were some Win Bulk .22 LR for $25/550. I saw a NIB Nikon Prostaff 2-7x32 for $160 and a whole slew of overpriced used scopes. Do these Vendors not know that there are Wal-Marts aplenty in the Pineys?

Handguns and EBR's seemed to be the main draw for most folk. While I was kinda' lookin' for used .22 rifle bargains, I did buy some targets for my .22's on the way out. I sure would like to find an old Marlin M39 or 39A or an older 10/22 that wasn't connected to Wall Street.

I don't know why I bother..... Oh well, there's not another one until the Fall.

Oldgringo wrote:It took me one hour to make three laps around the Tyler Gun Show today. Parking was plentiful and free. I was the one not wearing a NRA cap.

Other than some small pistol primers for $35/m and a NIB CZ 452 American for $400, everything else I actually looked at was too steep for my shallow pockets. I saw WWB .45 acp's for $54/c and some WWB .380 for $59/c. There were some Win Bulk .22 LR for $25/550. I saw a NIB Nikon Prostaff 2-7x32 for $160 and a whole slew of overpriced used scopes. Do these Vendors not know that there are Wal-Marts aplenty in the Pineys?

Handguns and EBR's seemed to be the main draw for most folk. While I was kinda' lookin' for used .22 rifle bargains, I did buy some targets for my .22's on the way out. I sure would like to find an old Marlin M39 or 39A or an older 10/22 that wasn't connected to Wall Street.

I don't know why I bother..... Oh well, there's not another one until the Fall.

Good luck on finding a reasonable Marlin 39. Just remember, like us old gringos we're better and worth more as time goes by. At least I've convinced myself that's so, just need one more to make it a consensus.

from the ammo prices you noted it looks like the hoarders are still trying to recover some of their "fortunes" invested in artificially induced supply shortages... I hope they.......never mind

Funny thing... the same stuff is on the shelves at many of the WM stores again for about 30% less than the gun show hawkers

surv

puma guy wrote:Just remember, like us old gringos we're better and worth more as time goes by. At least I've convinced myself that's so, just need one more to make it a consensus.

I stand by my opinion that gun shows are no longer a place to find good deals. Now it is a carnival of firearms and firearm accessories and the dealers at these shows have no intentions of making anything less than top dollar for the trouble they go through to honor you by allowing you to shop at their booths. Maybe the problem is the cost to exhibit at one of these shows but what ever the reason, any deal you find can be bettered at academy or even your local gun shop. Not to mention the benefits you gain by supporting your local gun dealer.

mr surveyor wrote:Funny thing... the same stuff is on the shelves at many of the WM stores again for about 30% less than the gun show hawkers

surv

My sentimiments exactly. It was not only the ammo but other items; e.g., the 2-7x32 Nikon Prostaff Scope as well. I won't go to another one...before the fall.

I went to the gun show in Port Arthur yesterday, very disappointing. They had a fair supply of rifles and shotguns, a ton of knives; most of the handguns were used and way overpriced.

I was considering going to this, but instead I went to my local WalMart and left with 200rd of WWB 9mm, 100 shells of 12GA, and a brand new Mossberg Maverick 88

Gun shows started downhill the moment they became "shows" produced by "gun show producers". Those shows almost always draw from the same pool of traveling professional dealers (whether they deal in guns, or beanie babies).

Good gun shows were hosted by local gun clubs, collector societies, civic organizations like Lions Club, etc., etc. Those very-very local shows were where you used to see the good bargains and fair trades.

chabouk wrote:Gun shows started downhill the moment they became "shows" produced by "gun show producers". Those shows almost always draw from the same pool of traveling professional dealers (whether they deal in guns, or beanie babies).

Good gun shows were hosted by local gun clubs, collector societies, civic organizations like Lions Club, etc., etc. Those very-very local shows were where you used to see the good bargains and fair trades.

I think you are right. Now the deals just aren't there. I have had dealers at these shows get mean with me because I ask them if they will take a few bucks less then what is on the tag. Bachmans where some of the rudist most arogant guys I have ever met in my life. My son in law saved me from going to jail at a show over those guys one time. He still teases me about how mad they made me. It all started because I ask if they would take 25 bucks off the price of a hand gun they had over priced by 75 bucks. They got smart mouth about the price being what it was and if I didn't like it I could move on. All they had to say was no.

Then I get at the Dallas gun show and ask for five bucks off a 65 dollar holster. That sells at Bullet trap for 49... by the way. The guy grabbed the holster back and walked away, leaving me standing there looking like a boob. Yeah... I sure love me some gun show clowns! It sure isn't what it used to be.

I was looking at a 26" Browning Citori o/u bird gun (kinda rare length) at the Tyler show a couple of years ago, and after finally getting the attention of the dealer (leaned back in his chair drinking a cup of coffee), he grudgingly got up. I asked his price on the gun, and his instant response was "it really shouldn't matter.... you probably can't afford it". I don't know what gave him that idea as I'm an average looking guy, mid-fifties, decent clothes, and WAS actually looking to buy another bird gun, and 26" barrels WAS what I had been looking for. I still go to gun shows, but NOT for the vendors' guns....maybe magazines, parts, etc, but if I buy a gun it's off some guy's shoulder before he gets into the front door. I'd much rather give my local guy an extra 10-15% if I have to.... whatever it takes to keep his shop open. That's my home away from home.


surv