I'm going to a gun show next month! (Have any of you ever been to one?)

[proteus_lives]

I've never been to one and it sounds like fun. My dad called today and invited me to come with him. It's going to be at the fairgrounds and I think it will be a interesting experience.

I go to sci-fi and comic book conventions often and I'm very curious how a gun show will play out. My dad is going for ammunition and shotguns. I don't have enough $$$ to buy any weapons but if I see any cool stuff, who knows? My dad said he wanted me to come along because he thinks President Obama will outlaw gun shows. (I don't agree but he's convinced.)

Right now I'm wondering about stereotypes. Will I see tables and booths filled with RW propaganda? If I buy a pistol (Which I may if some freelance checks come in.) will the seller offer to throw in a copy of the Turner Diaries with it? Will there be lots of Confederate/Nazi stuff? Or it be just a gathering of hobbyists avidly discussing/buying/trading about their selected interest?

I'm very pro-2nd Amendment and I don't make a big deal about of weapons. I was introduced to weapons and weapons safety at a very early age. They are tools and people who are responsible should be allowed to own and use them. As a law-abiding citizen I believe I have the right to own most types of weapons. (Ban certain types of weapons? Cool but let's have a very clear law on what and why before I support it.)


I'm also happy I get to spend time with my dad. I'm always looking for stuff to do with him. Weapons are one of our few common interests and I'm glad to go with him. I work a lot and his health is always going up and down. I worry sometimes that I don't see him or my mom enough. He introduced me to guns and how to use them. He's had a CC permit most of my life and taught me about safety, care and the ethics of gun-ownership.

So, have any of you ever been to a gun show, what did you think of them? What could I encounter? Thanks and have a great day!

(If this post belongs in a different area, I'll move it after I get home from work.)

[walldude]

1. Here this ought to give you an idea of what it's like

http://crooksandliars.com/david-neiwert/gun-toting-hatemongers-theyre-ba-ack

Good luck.

[tridim]

8. Perfect video. Thanks for posting.

Any DU'ers feel like defending these psychos?

[Raskolnik]

12. No, why would we?

What gives you the impression that anyone on DU would support white supremecist hate-mongers?

[tridim]

16. Check the gungeon.

Most of them think gun shows are wholesome family fun.

[Raskolnik]

20. That doesn't even remotely answer my question.

You didn't make a statement about gun shows in general, you asked "Any DU'ers feel like defending these psychos?" specifically in response to the Crooks & Liars video.

What makes you think that anyone one DU would "defend" the knuckleheads featured in the video?

[tridim]

22. If you defend gun shows, you must defend the vendors.

You can't just proclaim gun shows as wholesome while ignoring all the nazis, the racist assholes and the psychos selling the anarchist cookbook. It's all part of the culture.

[Raskolnik]

24. Really? So if a right-wing douche has a booth at the local flea market, flea markets must be

denounced or embraced as a whole? Your logic is just absurd.

Yes, you can probably find some real asshats at a lot of gun shows. Just like you can probably find some real asshats at the car and boat show. Adults acting in good faith are capable of picking and choosing what participants at an event deserve "defending" and which do not. If you are not capable of this discretion, please don't assume others also lack that ability.

Also, I suggest that if you have any evidence that someone on DU is defending white supremacists or other right-wing reactionaries, you take it up with them.

[tridim]

31. No, gun shows and flea markets are two completely different things.

[Raskolnik]

35. Yes, one is a bunch of nerds hanging out and indulging their hobbies, and the other

is...wait...how are they different again?

[ManiacJoe]

69. Maybe where YOU live....

[inkool]

27. My local farmers market...

has a stand that sells meat. Since I like going to the market and recommend it to friends I guess that means I am not a vegetarian any more. Bring on the bacon!

[tridim]

32. Try again, we're talking about psychos at gun shows, not meat at famers markets. nt

[inkool]

33. A psycho at a gun show...

does not make the whole gun show psycho.

[rl6214]

46. Have you ever been to a gun show?

Not all gun shows sell the nazi, anarchist hate mongering BS.

I think you just look for this type of shit so you can jump on it and bad mouth gun owners.

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

68. How about we just defend them as legal not wholesome or familial in anyway?

Of course I'm only referring to the Gun Shows that are conducted within the proper frameworks of permitting and such, not all activity that is conducted within the Gun Show as that would be impossible of any gathering.

David

[quiller4]

64. Most of the shows I've attended are wholesome and I've

certainly seen plenty of families in attendance.

[rl6214]

45. No, not at all

This isn't like any gun show I have ever been to.

[Raskolnik]

13. Is that the event the OP will be attending? n/t

[walldude]

29. Nope.. one just like it...

The OP asked for a liberal perspective on gun shows. I gave him one. I could have posted the story where the 10 year old shot himself in the head with an Uzi in front of his father and "instructor" but I thought that would be a cheap shot.

[Raskolnik]

36. First, you don't speak for "liberals" when it comes to this issue any more than I do.

Second, how precisely do you know that this event will be "one just like it?" Have you been there? Do you even know what event the OP is speaking of?

[walldude]

50. No you're right I am totally clueless. I'm sure THIS gun show will be different

than all the others. And I didn't claim to speak for all "liberals" I said he asked for a liberal opinion so I gave him ONE. One opinion not "all liberals". And frankly all I did was answer a question for someone who asked, if you have a different opinion take it up with him. If you have a better opinion of gun shows then post it. Attacking me is a really stupid way to express your views.
eally
Frankly if this hadn't been posted in GD you would have never seen a response from me as I could care less if Obama takes away all your guns or lets you have a nuke in your front yard. Whatever.

[Raskolnik]

51. You've seen one video on the internet that confirmed what you wanted to believe

so that's about all there is to it.

I could care less if Obama takes away all your guns or lets you have a nuke in your front yard

That about sums up the thought you've put into this, doesn't it?

[walldude]

54. ROFLMAO!!

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/2366037/2005_oklahoma_gun_show/


http://crooksandliars.com/david-neiwert/nras-big-show-arizona-paranoia-en-ma


http://crooksandliars.com/david-neiwert/nra-thrives-paranoia

Gee those took about 30 seconds to find. I'm sure I could come up with plenty more if I wanted to waste any more of my time with someone who thinks the be all end all of being free is gun ownership. You have your opinion I have mine. I shared mine with the OP and you felt the need to defend your position even though the conversation had nothing to do with you. :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: I love the anonimity of the internet. You meet the finest people.

[Raskolnik]

57. So the thought you've put into this is actually 30 seconds of Googling.

I stand corrected. You obviously have a subtle, nuanced understanding of the 2A, as evidenced by your references to "nukes."

Carry on.

[rl6214]

53. Oh boy

Here comes the well educated NUKE response to gun ownership again.

OK, whatever you say skippy.

[rl6214]

44. Not like any gun show I've ever been to

And I go to half a dozen a year.

[Tim01]

48. And almost all anti-2nd amendment people look like this.

[proteus_lives]

77. I know them!

I keep telling them to get off my lawn! :-)

[proteus_lives]

71. The video is a good propaganda piece.

Have anything with a non-biased POV?

[Arctic Dave]

2. Thay are like going to a carvival. Most stuff you can see

at your average gun store mixed in with a ton of cheap crap.

[onehandle]

3. Have fun with the McVeighs! nt

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

17. Save it for the farmer's market, Josef Stalin.

Think maybe that's just a little overboard?

[onehandle]

23. Uh... No.

For the five months following the Waco debacle, McVeigh worked at gun shows and handed out free cards printed up with Lon Horiuchi's name and address, "in the hope that somebody in the Patriot movement would assassinate the sharpshooter." He wrote hate mail to the sniper, suggesting that "what goes around, comes around," and later considered putting aside his plan to target the Murrah Building to instead target Horiuchi, or a member of Horiuchi's family.

McVeigh spent more time on the gun show circuit, traveling to 40 of the 50 states and visiting about 80 gun shows in all. McVeigh found that the further west he went, the more anti-government sentiment he encountered, at least until he got to what he called "The People's Socialist Republic of California." McVeigh sold survival items and copies of The Turner Diaries.

In the gun show culture, McVeigh found a home. Though he remained skeptical of some of the most extreme ideas being bandied around, he liked talking to people there about the United Nations, the federal government, and possible threats to American liberty.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timothy_McVeigh

[Raskolnik]

26. I'd actually be very surprised if Tim McVeigh was there.

For a variety of reasons.

[east texas lib]

65. I do believe you're right...

I think he's busy on the shoveling coal for all eternity tip.:evilfrown:

[proteus_lives]

72. As would I!

Good thing I also own a copy of the Zombie Survival Guide.
:-)

[onehandle]

87. Yes. I believe he's dead. But Gun Shows are his type of people's comfort zone.

For the five months following the Waco debacle, McVeigh worked at gun shows and handed out free cards printed up with Lon Horiuchi's name and address, "in the hope that somebody in the Patriot movement would assassinate the sharpshooter." He wrote hate mail to the sniper, suggesting that "what goes around, comes around," and later considered putting aside his plan to target the Murrah Building to instead target Horiuchi, or a member of Horiuchi's family.

McVeigh spent more time on the gun show circuit, traveling to 40 of the 50 states and visiting about 80 gun shows in all. McVeigh found that the further west he went, the more anti-government sentiment he encountered, at least until he got to what he called "The People's Socialist Republic of California." McVeigh sold survival items and copies of The Turner Diaries.

In the gun show culture, McVeigh found a home. Though he remained skeptical of some of the most extreme ideas being bandied around, he liked talking to people there about the United Nations, the federal government, and possible threats to American liberty.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timothy_McVeigh

[Raskolnik]

90. Oh, please. For every crank at a gun show, there are countless normal, hardworking people

that will never hurt a soul. If you really think that gun shows are ass to elbows with McVeigh clones, it shows that you place more credence in what you *want* to believe is true as opposed to reality.

[onehandle]

91. I never said "ass to elbows."

But the next McVeigh(s) are frequenting gun shows at this very moment.

[Raskolnik]

92. They're also eating at McDonalds, driving on interstate highways, and using shampoo.

Would you say "say hello to the McVeighs" to people engaging in any of those activities?

[onehandle]

93. Where are they more likely to be concentrated?

Wait... I know this one.

[Raskolnik]

94. So in your expert opinion, what is the concentration of "McVeighs" at an average gun show?

One in two? One in a hundred? One in a thousand? You obviously think you have a handle on the type of people that are found at a typical gun show, so you should be able to make some sort of prediction, no?

[onehandle]

95. I don't know. I hope the FBI knows.

They should be infiltrating these breeding grounds if they aren't already.

[Raskolnik]

96. You don't know, but that certainly doesn't stop you from making silly comments

like "Have fun with the McVeighs."

[onehandle]

97. I said I don't know how many.

I only know that they are there.

[Raskolnik]

98. Yup, you "know" because that's what you want to believe.

Your sum total of knowledge on the subject seems to be that you cut & pasted a Wikipedia article.

Since you already know everything you want to know about the subject, I'll bid you good day.


edit: I don't believe you were referencing the video

[onehandle]

100. I take it all back.

The next McVeigh will be at a Cat Show this weekend.

What the Hell was I thinking!?

[SteelPenguin]

4. I'm curious as well

I've never been to one but I need to get a new (or really a cheaper used) 20 gauge shotgun for small game season this fall. I'd be curious as to whether it'd be worth checking it out.

[rl6214]

47. To tell you the truth

You would probably be better off visiting some local pawn shops, in this economy you might find a great deal. Most guns at gun shows I have been to are priced higher than you could get them at your local gun shop.

[Name removed]

5. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

6. You don't have to be a donor to post in the gun forum

It's a topic forum, not a group.

[Raskolnik]

15. If you're going to be snotty, it helps to be right. n/t

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

25. +1

[ForrestGump]

7. Take a knife

They have to check guns at the door, so prove 'em wrong with that knife-to-a-gunfight thing. :D

[meegbear]

9. To fit in, wear a lot of fur ...

and an antler hat if you have one.

[datasuspect]

10. if someone is selling MREs

pick me a pallet of them please

[proteus_lives]

73. A Vet friend of mine is bringing those to our M-Day BBQ.

We're very interested in trying them!

[Raskolnik]

11. You will be instantly recruited to the local chapter of the KKK/NRA/GOP,

someone will try to sell you a kit to convert your AK47 to full-auto, and you'll be able to shoot a Welshman strapped to a tree, due to all the gunshow loopholes that encourage our nations criminals.

[DonP]

41. In our area Welshmen are out of season until October.

That made me smile.

[Euromutt]

56. Belgians are an acceptable substitute (n/t)

[proteus_lives]

74. Well I already worship the Great Old Ones....

So the KKK/NRA/GOP isn't so far of a stretch! ;-)

A Welshman! I hope it's Tom Jones!

[lpbk2713]

14. There is one in my mid-sized town about every month. But it's a rip-off.

It is held in the Civic Center auditorium that was constructed and is maintained by taxpayer funds.

Even so, it's five bucks to park and seven bucks to get in the door.

They can keep their silly-ass gun show as far as I'm concerned.

[Captain Hilts]

18. I find gun shops really, really interesting. Cool stuff, but the customers are often creepy. nt

[TheWraith]

28. That describes how I feel about Tractor Supply Company.

Seriously.

[ForrestGump]

37. Hey, I read it for the

articles....

[safeinOhio]

19. Here is what to do, I do it all the time

Dad is convinced that Obama is going to outlaw gun shows. Bet him $2,000.00 that gun shows will not be banned by Obama while he is in office. I've done that to all kind of Obama gun tin foil hat types. What ever they say he is going to do, I bet them a couple of grand that it won't happen. As sure as they are that it'll happen, no one has ever taken me up on the bet. Try it at the first booth at the gun show that is pushing the propaganda.

[TheWraith]

30. Oooh... now you've forced me to find the next gun show in my area!

:evilgrin:

[proteus_lives]

75. Not a half-bad idea....

My dad never welshes on a bet.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

21. I've been to gunshows at a county fairground

Bunch of geezers put old stuff on tables, then sit around drinking coffee and swapping lies. Once in a while someone buys something, but mostly just wandering around.

As for buying guns, all laws apply. eg if you're buying a pistol in MI, you need a concealed weapons permit or a pistol inspection card from the local law enforcement. Buying a rifle or shotgun, you only need money. If the seller is a licensed dealer, then he's required to use the federal form and make the call to the feds, just like in a gun store. Other states have different laws, some looser, some more strict.

Try the beef jerky.

:hi:

[rl6214]

49. Also make sure you check out the

table with the beenie babies, the silver and turquoise jewelry and the coin collections for sale.

[jedr]

34. Haven't been to one in years but here's what I saw;

Had a creepy dude in camo (para-military type) try to sell me a paper belt feed for my Remington model 11 duck gun....auto loading 12ga 3in mag with a belt feed....why? I also have found that dealers try to dump guns that they don't want to sell at their shops ie. bought a Ruger No 1 in 25-06 and found that it had a stock with high acid content and continuously rusted. Had to send it back to the factory and they replaced it. Also had a friend who bought a Remington 760 in a 25 Roberts, a rare gun ,but the safe didn't work and he damn near killed himself. So buyer beware. Better take a Zanex before you go , these guys are out there in the twilight zone with the right wing propaganda.

[ForrestGump]

38. Big gun show here in Las Vegas this weekend

We've got guns here, baby!

I bet it's interesting, even if I'd have no idea what most of the technology was or what it meant. Kind of an anthropological expedition, at least. I was almost tempted to check it out but it's $14 admission and I'm working the next two days, anyway. Besides, all sorts of exotic anthropological expeditions are free on the Strip.

[cherish44]

39. This is what I saw at the gun show

That guy also plays a mean jazz flute!

[DonP]

40. I go every few months - a no "attitude" answer

The laws and rules for selling guns are the same, at least for gun shows in Illinois and a lot of other states, as they are if you walk into any gun store.

The majority of displays are from FFL dealers selling the same guns and ammo and accessories they sell in their store with a few price reductions to keep folks interested. But at a show they can display more of their stock on tables than they can in the store. In other words you may have a S&W revolver in three different barrel lengths rather than one they have in their store case.

You might find an individual selling off part of a collection or a guy walking around with a sign on his back saying a "Browning BPS 20 gauge with 3 chokes for $300 ask me about it". They are pretty much the exception rather than a common sight. I bought an Enfield No. 4 Mk II rifle from an individual at a nearby show a few years back. It was in great condition and had all the original accessories with it.

You can find FFL dealers that make show circuit. I found a Lever action in .45 Colt, stainless with a 16 inch barrel that I had been looking for for two years at one. The dealer just sold at shows and had a small shop in downstate Illinois. All the normal waiting periods and rules that apply to an FFL in a store apply at the gun show. If a guy offers to sell you something to you "in the parking lot", he's probably an BATFE agent making a sting.

There are also a lot of places that clean out their old holsters, grips and accessories bin. One table I saw had nothing but USGI military surplus uniforms, canteens etc.

Most of the shows around here haven't allowed Nazi or any other offensive regalia for a decade at least.

It can be a good place to pick up reloaded ammo or components and tools if you're interested in that. Dies, scales etc are sold pretty cheaply and you can find good deals on powder in 5 pound jugs if you take the time to look for them.

There are also a lot of Airsoft tables and people selling the same Sham Wow type of crapola you'll find and at trade show or flea market. It seems any size crowd brings those people out of the woodwork. These are the people that Brady refers to in press releases as "unlicensed dealers" well, yeah because they are selling stuff that has nothing to do with guns.

You will not find "machine gun kits" to "convert any gun to full auto", you won't find grenades, RPG's or pretty much anything related to full auto unless you're going to Knob Creek.

You can also count on the NRA and your state rifle association having a table and usually a state cop or two near the door.

Once you've seen a few of them you get pickier about what you want to buy and how much you want to pay for it. They can be fun and are always interesting people watching.

Most of the folks that talk about them have never really gone to one and go by what they heard from someone, that has also never gone, say about them.

[derby378]

42. Sounds a lot like gun shows in Dallas

I used to see gun shows were you could buy The Turner Diaries, Fenton's Identity-approved translation of the Bible, and all that racist rot. Not anymore. You might see the occasional Nazi German dagger or pistol or maybe a captured battle flag, but that's it.

The big show at Market Hall every three months or so is probably your best bet. Pistols, rifles, shotguns, ammunition, magazines, scopes and optics, replacement grips, carrying cases, holsters, etc. There's usually someone offering to walk you through the process of legally purchasing a silencer if you are so inclined.

There's also lots of vendors selling various knives, gun cleaners, hydration backpacks, roasted nuts, beef jerky, gun safes, scale models of military vehicles, T-shirts, first-aid supplies, and all sorts of stuff. Buyer beware, but there's some good stuff among all the junk.

Just don't let yourself be dragged into impulse buying. Very easy to do in a gun show, especially a large one.

[east texas lib]

59. Try the one at Big Town Mall on 80 in Mesquite...

It's usually a good time.

[proteus_lives]

76. Thanks for the insight/info!

[rrneck]

43. You'll see

the same people you see every day, and a few you don't.

There's the guy with full combat camo, bloused pants in combat boots and a beret but no military insignia. There will be the guy with the sport coat looking for an "esoteric collector piece". Larry, Darrell and Darrell will be there. You will see signs that say things like "If you are found here tonight, you will be found here in the morning". There will be war memoribelia, including Nazi stuff. Gun shows always draw right wing idiots.

You will hear babies crying in strollers, kids saying "lookit that!" a lot of haggling and a whole lot of bullshit. There will be videos advertising impressive automatic weapons that nobody can afford, gun safes, second amendment propoganda, and anything else that might make the seller a dime.

The vast majority of people at gun shows are just people interested in guns. Or people interested in looking at people intersted in guns. Regular folks with a few idiots and a couple of nuts, just like the rest of the population.

I never bought a gun at a show, but they're good for parts. There will be zillions of magazines and other goodies for whatever you've already got.

The food usually sucks.

[virginia mountainman]

55. Hey Now!!!

I collect Nazi Memorbilia.... In the Form of K98k Mausers, Lugars, and P38's

I also collect British, American, Italian, French, Japanese, Russian/Soviet, Canadian, ETC...ETC... Arms and memorabilia.. :9

But I have a historical interest in WWII,I'm not some asshole skinhead.

You will see ALL KINDS, from the best, to the worst, at a gun show. As for the food, follow yer nose, I have found incredible vittles at the ones I have attended..

Like this one, held every Labor Day in Hillsville VA...

The Hillsville Flea market and Gun Show...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHLnmLKtsZY

Go ahead, move on Gun Shows, you will turn, many of the people you see in that movie, against whomever did it...I GUARANTEE..

[rrneck]

58. Absoultely.

I should have been more clear. Lotsa people collect all kinds of stuff. The collectors of things help keep the memories of our history alive - the good and the bad.

You're right. Gun owners are just people who own guns. No more, no less. Didn't mean to cast aspersions.

[virginia mountainman]

61. All good!

I know you didn't! ;-)

[proteus_lives]

81. Just like a comics/sci-fi con.

Just replace comics/movies/toys/etc with other words.

Thanks for the insight/info!

[proteus_lives]

82. Thanks Everyone! (I knew it be moved!)

Thanks to everyone for taking the time to post! I shoulda guessed it would be moved. Live and learn!

Oops. Wrong place!

[X_Digger]

52. I'll be going this weekend to one in Fort Worth, TX

Anyone in DFW going and want to have a mini-DU-gungeon get-together? *grin*

Seriously, though- lots of dealers with various guns- lots of handguns, lots of hunting rifles, lots of 'assault weapons' (based on various definitions.) There's usually a bunch of curio & relic firearms- from mustkets to foreign military surplus WWI / WWII rifles. Bunches and bunches of accessories vendors (scopes, laser sights, firearms components, magazines, gun safes, holsters.) Ammo vendors (though the pickings have been slim lately) and components, knives- both pocket and kitchen.

Then there's the coin dealers, the vinyl siding companies, the food vendors (yah, the jerky is good!), the guy selling electric pictures of a waterfall that appears to shimmer, someone selling leather products, furs, and tannery supplies, the guy with hemostats, dental picks, and scissors, etc. Oh, prolly someone offering knife / scissor sharpening..

I'm sure there'll be one table with offensive bumper stickers (offensive in _many_ ways, not just RW garbage) and someone else selling off german, danish, italian, french, spanish, etc military memorabilia that may or may not include something nazi.

Tip for a newbie.. if it's a big show, vary the pattern of which side of each aisle you look at- after a few aisles of just looking left or right, your neck will begin to ache. :)

[Paladin]

60. A Couple Of Things

First, notice the number of people with physical issues: the short-statured, morbidly obese, etc. Guns are still seen as great equalizers. Unfortunately.

Second, note a couple of gun displays. Stand around a table stacked full of pre-64 Winchester Model 70 rifles, or vintage, made-in-Belgium Browning shotguns. Notice the sort of people who show up and take a look. Now....do the same thing with a table filled with AK-47 assault-style rifles. Note the sort of people you see there. That ought to give you a pretty vivid idea of how the shooting sports in this country are going down the toilet, these days.......

[X_Digger]

66. These days..

they're the same people. The older generation who only liked _their_ military arms used as hunting / target guns (springfield 03, m1 garand) are being displaced by a younger generation who are looking at today's military arms used for hunting / target shooting as well as older guns.

That older generation forgets that their fathers bitched and complained at the kids using military arms for hunting back in the day. Today's remington model 750 would be abhorrent to them, but is perfectly acceptable to their kids (now our older generation.)

Lather, rinse, repeat.

[proteus_lives]

78. Interesting, thank you!

[quiller4]

62. Shows vary widely. I've been to a number of them and

perfer the small shows at the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds to larger ones in Puyallup. The smaller shows tend to attract fewer of the hard-right political nuts. They also tend to have more gun parts sellers. My husband is an amateur gunsmith and he is often searching for parts for his latest project.

We've been so put off by the vendors with Confederate/Nazi and militia stuff at the big shows that we no longer go to them.

[proteus_lives]

79. Thanks for the insight/info!

[east texas lib]

63. You'll love it!...

Just remember to take your three digit rotary combination locking wallet. That way, by the time you
get your cash out, the impulse to buy will have passed (hopefully).:D

[BigBluenoser]

67. Go and enjoy the show...

Be very aware of muzzle control if you handle any guns (many people around you will not be doing this, but fuck them, you do it).

I'm a 6' tall 220 pound man with a shaved head and mutton chops. I live in Texas. I go to a gun show a month. No one has ever tried to press any racist propaganda on me (maybe they assume I don't need to be converted?) and have only encountered one group of sellers I got the hard-core racist vibe from (they had a captured Nazi flag displayed a little too reverently) and I just steered clear. I tend to lurk around the Curio & Relic sellers though and tend to not even glance at the EBRs and semi-auto pistols. So I spend time chatting with these old geezers about history, the weapons, other weapons they wish they had for sale, world war two, tanks, how awesome the M1 is (and how the M16 sucks) etc.

As has been mentioned Nazi memorabilia is available. Most sellers display it in what I would consider to be "collector" fashion. Nazi shit is popular. Always has been, always will be. They are the one pure example of evil the world recognizes and have a sinister attraction (I kind of think of it how so many people love books/movies/TV shows about serial killers). And yes, some neo-nancy punks buy the stuff too (if they can afford it!).

Yes, most people at the show think more gun-control is coming. Most people did not vote for Presidet Obama (Although judging by the huge numbers of Hispanic folks and African Americans I assume many did). Even the people who voted for President Obama think more gun control is coming.

I have purchased guns via the dreaded "gun show loophole" at a gun show. I ask to see their drivers license to ensure they are a residents of texas & ask if they are the legal owner of that firearm (I am not required by law to do so) and even had one old coot write down my DL# in the rattiest old notebook I have ever seen :) I also go by my gut instinct on the person.

Enjoy the show, respect the guns, don't molest the guns, don't be surprised if some of the vendors are assholes, and you should wear a Hope & Change T-shirt or something :)

[proteus_lives]

80. Thanks for the insight/info!

I have a few Obama buttons, maybe I'll dig them out. :-)

[BigBluenoser]

84. Heh, you would take some shit for that...

And you might have to pay more too :) With the current climate that would be like walking through a PETA protest in a jacket made out of Panda fur. Oddly, the PETA folks would react more violently!

Glad I could help with the info.

[proteus_lives]

85. Too True!

It'd be like going to Trek con dressed as a Babylon 5 crew member, you're just asking to rumble!

I've been around guns and ranges all my life and I've passed by one PETA protest. I was scared of the PETA people! Those mean, skinny, un-humorous little hippie chicks take NO shit.

:-)

[Wickerman]

70. Haven't been to a gun show in years

When I went to them in Texas they always seemed to be full of law abiding people, and yes, the crowd always struck me as more right wing than even Texas usual, as evidenced by bumper stickers in the lot and what was vended in the booths. Amnesty International and PETA booths were notably absent.

Now days I go to auctions that will often have guns for sale. Again, when the guns are there so are the 'wingers. That is not to say that Dems aren't there to buy guns, too. Or, that Republicans don't come to the regular antique auctions. The differences aren't as evident in the non-gun setting. The pick up trucks in the parking lot are certainly more dominated by RW propaganda when the guns are out.

The biggest sale with guns I've been to this year had an Impeach Obama sticker across the pickup back window, with a homemade block letter sticker that screamed "Hillary is a Bitch" along with an assortment of NRA and Chucky Heston stickers.

You'll meet all kinds where guns are sold. Of course, you will meet some who are more vocally political as gun ownership is hugely political. Duh.

[proteus_lives]

83. Thanks Everyone! (I knew it be moved!)

Thanks to everyone for taking the time to post! I shoulda guessed it would be moved. Live and learn!

[NewMoonTherian]

86. I'm going to one next week, can't wait!

If you go to a large fair or carnival and they have buildings with booths selling motorized frisbees and air cannons, just imagine that, but with guns, knives, and a little political rhetoric thrown in.

Depending on where in the country you live, I predict you'll see two confederate booths(I enjoy those) and one nazi booth(I avoid those). They're history nerds. They're not going to try to propagandize. You'll also see a few racks of bumper stickers here and there, things like "Ted Kennedy's car has killed more people than my gun". The NRA shows up at a couple of shows around here each year offering free admission with a year's membership.

I'm glad you're going to give it a whirl, and I hope you'll let us all know how you like it!

[slackmaster]

88. Gun shows are a lot of fun

Just ignore anyone who is promoting political ideas or selling merchandise that you don't approve of.

Ignore the bigots in this thread too.

[Artie Bucco]

89. The most radical group I have seen at the Mesquite gun show is..

Texas secessionists. Gun shows are a fun the one in Mesquite draws a variety of people; many Mexicans and Blacks, I myself am Mexican. Every gun owner in my neighborhood is Black or Hispanic. I have heard some right wing talk from some of the visitors but not too much; last time I was there a guy in a booth stated "that any new assault weapons ban was unlikely." indeed, I look out of place at gun shows, hell I dress like a hipster and my favorite music types are Latin Ska and indie music.

[proteus_lives]

105. Will do!

I think it will be a lot of fun!

[Big Ugly Tall Texan]

99. I'm a gun nut but I don't much like gun shows

Not too fond of buying a pig in a poke.

If you don't really know what you are doing - such as if you don't know how to REALLY evaluate a used firearm, you probably should stay away or go with someone who can give you good advice. You can find some bargain, but then again...

You never really know what you are getting at a gun show. At least with a local dealer you have someone you know is going to be there when you go back.

For example, I shoot an 8mm Mauser rifle. The last gun show I went to, one guy had a bunch of 8mm ammo. But when I asked him if it was corrosive or not, he started hemming and hawing and never gave me an answer. I finally just walked off.

[proteus_lives]

106. I'm going with my dad, he knows what's what.

I'm going to follow his lead all the way.

Thanks for the insight/info!

[Spoonman]

101. The view from a gun show vendor

I own a small company that specializes in reloading supplies.
Mainly once fired brass, dies, primers, presses and accessories.
Our “enviro/eco” brass ideology is an environmentally friendly alternative to new brass, and to the travesty of shipping our natural resources to China for pennies on the dollar via “scrap”.

Brass can be reloaded up to 15 times depending on several factors, and then disposed of as scrap to be further recycled.

We have a booth at almost every gun show in and around Houston.
Are there some strange characters/freaks at gun shows?
Yes there are.

The same freaks you see at any shopping mall, concert, amusement park, or any other public venue.

EVERY show that is held around the Houston area EXPRESSLY FORBIDS any and all forms of racial hatred material, specifically spelled out to include KKK, Arian nation, Nazi (excluding antiquities) and skin head crap.

I see HUNDREDS of husbands and wives from every walk of life, fathers and daughters, mothers and sons, and all combinations of the same.

Two of my best customers happen to be a female couple that spend at least an hour or two in my booth with me at every show just hanging out and talking about reloading.

The only political “group” I have ever seen at a gun show are the Lyndon LaRouche cult freaks.
They are always set up outside the show, and not allowed inside.
These people scare me, if you ignore them or tell them “no thank you” they start SCREAMING crackpot conspiracy crap about world banking, assassinations etc.

I have never seen or even heard of a dealer sell a firearm without a NICS check (the mythical “gun-show” loophole dispelled), but I have seen and heard of many, many, many refusals to sell to gangbanger types and questionable “straw purchase” types.

Gun shows are no different that auto swap meets.

So for those of you that claim otherwise, you have either never been to one of these shows, or you are just dishonest hate mongers yourself.

[slackmaster]

102. California gun shows ban racist and hate groups as well

Some pretty interesting points of view manage to get in, but no KKK, Aryan Nations, etc.

[proteus_lives]

107. Thanks for the insight/info!

I go to a lot of comic book con and sci-fi gatherings. I can't wait to compare the experiences!

[guardian]

103. You should go

That way you can see first hand what many antis carp about from their 2nd-hand 3rd-hand information. You'll find lots of guns (new, used, antique) and various accessories on lots of tables. Personally, I find them boring unless I'm actually looking to purchase something. Then you can get some good deals.

[russ1943]

104. Could you let us know?

I'd be interested in your opinion and the answers you determine to be most accurate, your experience.
Any chance you could be persuaded to post your thoughts after you visited a gun show (and let us know which state it was in)?



Another view;
A guy who visited a bunch of shows in the southwest US posted this report.
http://www.livescience.com/health/070611_gun_laws.html

[proteus_lives]

108. I will indeed!

I hoping to have a lot of fun with my dad and I can't wait to have this new experience!

I'll be sure to post about it afterwards!

[Merchant Marine]

109. Have fun

Be sure to finger as many different types of weapons as you can. I love gun shows because I can enjoy the technical and engineering aspect of so many different designs of firearms in a single day.

[jeepnstein]

110. Do's and Don'ts...

1) Don't ask the guy selling jerky if he has any human flesh jerky.
2) Don't walk around with a copy of "Atlas Shrugged" unless you want to wind up cornered and bored to death listening to some wahoo talk "politics".
3) Don't listen to anyone who starts off telling you he was a Navy SEAL. This is especially true if he's the one selling the jerky.
4) Don't be surprised if the ammo you see being sold isn't originally from WalMart and is marked up for an obscenely high profit.
5) If someone offers to sell you a "conversion kit for full auto", run as fast as you can and hide your dog. It'll be a trap.

6) Take your time and don't pick up anything you want to buy the first time you see it.
7) Haggle. Those cranky old dealers do enjoy a bit of it even though they don't show it at the time.
8) Be reasonable. A legitimate FFL needs to make a living and pay costs that a guy dealing out of his trunk doesn't.
9) If you see something you like but don't want to buy quite yet, ask for a business card and follow up later.
10) Avoid guys who are selling tons of stuff out of their "personal collection" but don't have an FFL. Many horror stories about not getting what you bargained for start with these types.

Have fun. I don't go to shows because I never really find any good buys. I think I found a Bauer .25 at one once but that's about it.

[gorfle]

111. Here is what you will find.

Most Gun Shows are filled with booths occupied by vendors who have paid a fee to be there to sell things. The vast majority of those vendors are FFL (Federal Firearm License) dealers. Depending on the show, you may find some private individuals set up at tables also selling firearms, but my experience is that it is rare.

You will also find lots of booths set up with vendors selling military paraphernalia and military history items. This will include Nazi, Russian, and Japanese items, plus, of course, US military items. The people who peruse and buy this stuff are military history buffs, military reenactors, and nuts who are enamored with Hitler and the like.

You can expect the atmosphere to be mostly right-leaning, as, unfortunately, there are a lot more right-leaning pro-firearm folks than left-leaning.

Now is probably not an especially good time to buy firearms or ammunition, as prices are higher now due to the frenzied buying since President Obama was elected.

I've never found gun shows to be a place to find "deals" anyway - it's just dealers who have moved their usual gun store inventory to a show for the weekend.

[X_Digger]

112. Ehn.. some deals..

I've seen an in-town dealer mark down some of their stuff for a show. (Picked up a Springfield XD sub-compact in .40 today for about $40 less than what they were willing to bargain down to in the store last week.)

[Endangered Specie]

113. I enjoy a good gunshow, the ones in Raleigh are pretty good

I have found great deals in a gun show before, usually its the private seller who has the best deals... BUT you *must* know what to look for when looking at used firearms (which are what I tend to specialize in).

Even if you don't buy it, a gunshow is a great place to handle a multitude of firearms (such as pistols) to see which one is right for you.

Ammo at a gunshow, especially now, its *very* hard to find a deal, but they are a great place to stock up on ammo cans!

Alot of tables have nothing to do with guns (eye glass cleaner, beef jerky, coins, knives, shamwows etc...)

You will see swastikas, you will also see hammer and sickles, bout the only racist thing I have seen in probably a two dozen gun shows is "Only English to be spoken at this table" signs.

Personally my favorite "gun show" stereotype is the 'cool dude whose dragging along is scantily clad trophy girlfriend' around!

[The Green Manalishi]

114. First Aid kits, often a great selection of those.

Living in earthquake country like I do, a lot of the 'survivalist' gear and techniques are not right wing paranoia but a logical reaction to the fact that most of the nearest hospitals and police stations are quite near earthquake faults.