Most Crowded Gun Show I've Ever Been To

[Air&Road]

I spent four hours walking the Fort Worth Gun Show today. It took a long time just getting off the freeway and into the parking lot. Then inside it was so crowded that you could barely make it down the aisles. The volume gun dealers had tables set up with clerks sitting with customers filling out the paper work. I never saw any of these chairs empty when I went by. Like Tom indicated in another thread, Obama has definitely stimulated the gun industry.

I wasn't there looking for guns or ammo and it was a good thing, supplies are low and prices are ridiculous. I fully expect ammo and component prices to go back down after this frenzy is over. For now I have plenty of both.

About 20 to 25 years ago I had a terrible coyote problem and did lots of calling them up and taking them out with my neighbors doing the same. After that we went through the normal fluctuation, but now it's getting crazy again. Scope technology has changed since I scoped my rifle 30 years ago, not to mention that the scope I mounted then was a cheap one.

I wanted to get a high quality illuminated reticle version. In the course of today's research I found that not only are there plenty of illuminated reticle choices with 30 year newer technology, but also that there are some quality and affordable night scope technology. I decided to experiment with an illuminated reticle for dawn and dusk first and got a one that was not terribly expensive to try. For not much more than a good quality optical scope I can get a night vision scope.

If it doesn't work out I will lay out $600 for a night vision IR scope istead of a high quality optical scope. Like everything else electronic gadgetry goes down in price as time goes along.

[t walgamuth]

Originally Posted by Air&Road

I spent four hours walking the Fort Worth Gun Show today. It took a long time just getting off the freeway and into the parking lot. Then inside it was so crowded that you could barely make it down the aisles. The volume gun dealers had tables set up with clerks sitting with customers filling out the paper work. I never saw any of these chairs empty when I went by. Like Tom indicated in another thread, Obama has definitely stimulated the gun industry.

I wasn't there looking for guns or ammo and it was a good thing, supplies are low and prices are ridiculous. I fully expect ammo and component prices to go back down after this frenzy is over. For now I have plenty of both.

About 20 to 25 years ago I had a terrible coyote problem and did lots of calling them up and taking them out with my neighbors doing the same. After that we went through the normal fluctuation, but now it's getting crazy again. Scope technology has changed since I scoped my rifle 30 years ago, not to mention that the scope I mounted then was a cheap one.

I wanted to get a high quality illuminated reticle version. In the course of today's research I found that not only are there plenty of illuminated reticle choices with 30 year newer technology, but also that there are some quality and affordable night scope technology. I decided to experiment with an illuminated reticle for dawn and dusk first and got a one that was not terribly expensive to try. For not much more than a good quality optical scope I can get a night vision scope.

If it doesn't work out I will lay out $600 for a night vision IR scope istead of a high quality optical scope. Like everything else electronic gadgetry goes down in price as time goes along.

He!! yes! The NRA is likely to vote Obama man of the year!

[Rollo MB]

Originally Posted by Air&Road

I spent four hours walking the Fort Worth Gun Show today. It took a long time just getting off the freeway and into the parking lot. Then inside it was so crowded that you could barely make it down the aisles. The volume gun dealers had tables set up with clerks sitting with customers filling out the paper work. I never saw any of these chairs empty when I went by. Like Tom indicated in another thread, Obama has definitely stimulated the gun industry.

I wasn't there looking for guns or ammo and it was a good thing, supplies are low and prices are ridiculous. I fully expect ammo and component prices to go back down after this frenzy is over. For now I have plenty of both.

About 20 to 25 years ago I had a terrible coyote problem and did lots of calling them up and taking them out with my neighbors doing the same. After that we went through the normal fluctuation, but now it's getting crazy again. Scope technology has changed since I scoped my rifle 30 years ago, not to mention that the scope I mounted then was a cheap one.

I wanted to get a high quality illuminated reticle version. In the course of today's research I found that not only are there plenty of illuminated reticle choices with 30 year newer technology, but also that there are some quality and affordable night scope technology. I decided to experiment with an illuminated reticle for dawn and dusk first and got a one that was not terribly expensive to try. For not much more than a good quality optical scope I can get a night vision scope.

If it doesn't work out I will lay out $600 for a night vision IR scope istead of a high quality optical scope. Like everything else electronic gadgetry goes down in price as time goes along.

The electronic "caller" technology has also improved significantly, still best to "old school" call them in the last couple hundred yards into range, just because it's easier to tailor the calling to their posture and attitude, but it's hard to beat a good electric call to get their attention from a mile away!

[Air&Road]

Yeah Rollo I was disappointed that I did not find much in the way of calls. I guess the gun frenzy took emphasis away from hunting gear. i still have the call that was successful back then and I expect it will still work. That said, a pilot friend of mine said he has an electronic call that cost $400. He says it is incredible and said I could try his before I buy one. I have no idea what it is.

[Skid Row Joe]

I'd like to go to a gun show, but I'm terrified of possibly getting shot accidentally by someone handling a firearm carelessly. Same thing with the gun range/skeet shoot. Too much possibilty of taking a round by someone's carelessness.

The other possibility is some guy going off shooting ppl on purpose, as what took out Chris Kyle.



Here's my niece and her boyfriend at a gun range in Houston, Texas last week.....yes, I think she's a cutey!

[Air&Road]

Originally Posted by Skid Row Joe

I'd like to go to a gun show, but I'm terrified of possibly getting shot accidentally by someone handling a firearm carelessly. Same thing with the gun range/skeet shoot. Too much possibilty of taking a round by someone's carelessness.

The other possibility is some guy going off shooting ppl on purpose, as what took out Chris Kyle.



Here's my niece and her boyfriend at a gun range in Houston, Texas last week.....yes, I think she's a cutey!

The last place an accidental discharge will take place is a gun show, at least the way they do them here. If you were to have ever been to one, you would know why.

I've shot skeet a LOT and trap a little and I have never even heard of an injury or killing on a shotgun range although the law of averages would indicate that it must have happened somewhere. Having spent years shooting skeet I can tell you that it is probably safer than playing baseball and I was a baseball player for about 12 years. I saw more carnage on the baseball field than I have ever seen on a skeet range.

[cmbdiesel]

Originally Posted by Air&Road

The last place an accidental discharge will take place is a gun show, at least the way they do them here. If you were to have ever been to one, you would know why.

I've shot skeet a LOT and trap a little and I have never even heard of an injury or killing on a shotgun range although the law of averages would indicate that it must have happened somewhere. Having spent years shooting skeet I can tell you that it is probably safer than playing baseball and I was a baseball player for about 12 years. I saw more carnage on the baseball field than I have ever seen on a skeet range.

5 accidentally shot at gun shows in North Carolina, Ohio, Indiana - U.S. News

Police: Vendor shoots himself in the hand at Knoxville gun show » Knoxville News Sentinel

Loaded gun discharges at gun show | WJTV

Negligent discharge at Illinois gun show

Gun goes off at the Puyallup Gun Show yesterday

mt clemens michigan accidental discharge of firearm



Mom kills son, then self at gun range - US news - Crime & courts | NBC News

Australian Twins Shot at Colorado Firing Range | Fox News

Man fatally shot at San Antonio gun range | abc13.com

Standoff at Tampa shooting range ends when gunman kills himself 4/13/07 | abc13.com

[cmac2012]

It's sort of a hoot the way gun-happiness can take off.

[Air&Road]

Originally Posted by cmac2012

It's sort of a hoot the way gun-happiness can take off.

Yes it is quite interesting.

[cmac2012]

Originally Posted by Air&Road

Yes it is quite interesting.

Thank God Oscar Pistorius had guns in the house with which to defend himself. God only knows what might have happened without them.

[jplinville]

For the last 20 or so years, the gun shows I go to has a booth before the entrance to the show where weapons are checked for ammo, then cable tied in such a fashion that it wont fire. The weapons on display at the shows are also cable tied in the same way. If there's an accidental discharge, it's generally not inside the building, it's in the parking lot or at the booth near the entrance.

Dealers will generally cut the cable tie for you so you can check the action and such, but always put one back on after you are done inspecting the possible purchase.

My last show, I was made to drop my mag, prove the chamber was clear, and my personal carry weapon was tied back. I dropped my mag in my pocket, re-holstered my weapon, and enjoyed the show. Although I hate feeling naked like that, I saw the number of off duty officers moonlighting as security for the show, and felt a little more at ease.

A gun show is the last place I would expect a shooting to happen, accidental or otherwise. I'm sure there's statistics out there to prove it...just as many as the studies to disprove it. I won't bother locating any, because the point is moot.

Anyway, back to topic of scopes. What are you scoping, Larry? It's easy to drop as much on optics as the rifle is worth. Today's "cheap" optics are light years ahead of where they were 40 years ago. I'd stay away from lighted reticles right now, as the price is higher than it should be due to demand...everybody is wanting to outfit their new purchases, and there are plenty of them.

[Air&Road]

Originally Posted by jplinville

For the last 20 or so years, the gun shows I go to has a booth before the entrance to the show where weapons are checked for ammo, then cable tied in such a fashion that it wont fire. The weapons on display at the shows are also cable tied in the same way. If there's an accidental discharge, it's generally not inside the building, it's in the parking lot or at the booth near the entrance.

Dealers will generally cut the cable tie for you so you can check the action and such, but always put one back on after you are done inspecting the possible purchase.

My last show, I was made to drop my mag, prove the chamber was clear, and my personal carry weapon was tied back. I dropped my mag in my pocket, re-holstered my weapon, and enjoyed the show. Although I hate feeling naked like that, I saw the number of off duty officers moonlighting as security for the show, and felt a little more at ease.

A gun show is the last place I would expect a shooting to happen, accidental or otherwise. I'm sure there's statistics out there to prove it...just as many as the studies to disprove it. I won't bother locating any, because the point is moot.

Anyway, back to topic of scopes. What are you scoping, Larry? It's easy to drop as much on optics as the rifle is worth. Today's "cheap" optics are light years ahead of where they were 40 years ago. I'd stay away from lighted reticles right now, as the price is higher than it should be due to demand...everybody is wanting to outfit their new purchases, and there are plenty of them.

As I said, the cheapest possible scope now is far beyond what I put on there over 30 years ago. I am hoping that upgrading the scope will at least partially compensate for the downgrade of my vision over that period.

I thought about buying something in a varmint caliber, but elected to stay with my .308. I still have my notebook with the hollow point boat tail recipe that has worked so well in that rifle over the years. .308 is not the perfect round for the task at hand, but there are certainly worse choices. I don't think I will be able to make the long shots that I used to be capable of anyway.

I got about halfway through this 1200 table show and very few optics vendors. The first guy instead of trying to talk me into buying one of the many he had on hand, he very honestly recommended that I go buy A Leopould LX R. He said it would be very well suited for my purposes. I was impressed with his honesty for doing the right thing instead of setting the hook on me.

I kept going and found a manufacturer that showed me some impressive scopes that were a brand I never heard of and it was going to take about $300 to buy one from him to experiment with. At that point I had been carrying a rifle that belonged to my brother that he wanted me to sell for him. I was tired of carrying it, so I went back to the highest bidder and got my money.

I then picked up the walk from where I had been, now knowing how to spot an IR scope at first glance. I saw one in a case that was higher power than I wanted but it was marked $150. I looked it over and it was in good shape albeit with a weak battery. I lifted the battery to make sure there was no corrosion and told the guy I'd give him a hundred bucks for it. He hesitated so i thanked him and started to walk off and he said okay. It is some off brand 4 to 12, adjustable objective, and is a one inch tube so I thought I might be able to use my existing rings.

I went a few more aisle and found optics vendors galore, wouldn't you know it? I asked a question about a night scope and got the rundown. In the course of the conversation I told him that I was gong to try what I had bought and then maybe catch up with him at a later show. He saw the price sticker on my scope and politely said I hope you didn't pay that for it. I told him that I had only paid a hundred. He showed me some of his cheaper scopes that were newer technology with German glass. They were quite impressive, and one of them even less than what I had paid.

I was impressed with the guy and got his card. If I find it necessary I will have to decide whether to upgrade the illuminated reticle or buy the night scope.

I got home and did some measuring and the large OD of the scope will prevent me from using my existing rings. They are too short. They are the old Leopould style so I will have to get taller ones. One thing leads to another but I will go ahead and get the rings and mount the scope to experiment with. Given the expense of ammo to zero it with, I am almost considering buying one of his cheap scopes and 30MM rings, but what the heck this way I get to enjoy some more shooting and I have enough components on hand to press out about 200 rounds.

Basically between the reading I did before the show and what I learned at the show I know that with some shooting and maybe some more money spent I can get where I need to be.

Like you say, the cheap stuff today is way better than what is now on the rifle. BTW the rifle is a Remington 742 that I've had for almost 40 years. I have been around some other automatics, but this particular rifle can shoot a group almost as tight as bolt. At least it could when a younger Larry was shooting it.

[t walgamuth]

Originally Posted by jplinville

For the last 20 or so years, the gun shows I go to has a booth before the entrance to the show where weapons are checked for ammo, then cable tied in such a fashion that it wont fire. The weapons on display at the shows are also cable tied in the same way. If there's an accidental discharge, it's generally not inside the building, it's in the parking lot or at the booth near the entrance.

Dealers will generally cut the cable tie for you so you can check the action and such, but always put one back on after you are done inspecting the possible purchase.

My last show, I was made to drop my mag, prove the chamber was clear, and my personal carry weapon was tied back. I dropped my mag in my pocket, re-holstered my weapon, and enjoyed the show. Although I hate feeling naked like that, I saw the number of off duty officers moonlighting as security for the show, and felt a little more at ease.

A gun show is the last place I would expect a shooting to happen, accidental or otherwise. I'm sure there's statistics out there to prove it...just as many as the studies to disprove it. I won't bother locating any, because the point is moot.

Anyway, back to topic of scopes. What are you scoping, Larry? It's easy to drop as much on optics as the rifle is worth. Today's "cheap" optics are light years ahead of where they were 40 years ago. I'd stay away from lighted reticles right now, as the price is higher than it should be due to demand...everybody is wanting to outfit their new purchases, and there are plenty of them.

Your comment that all the accidental shootings at gun shows happen in the parking lot does not make me feel any safer at a gun show!

I stopped deer hunting because of all the doofus's in the woods blowing stray bullets everywhere and I wouldn't expect the gun shows to have a much higher level of patrons.

[jplinville]

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

Your comment that all the accidental shootings at gun shows happen in the parking lot does not make me feel any safer at a gun show!

I stopped deer hunting because of all the doofus's in the woods blowing stray bullets everywhere and I wouldn't expect the gun shows to have a much higher level of patrons.

You probably have a higher chance of being shot at the range than you do at a gun show...Probably an even higher chance of dying in a car wreck on the way to the show instead of being shot at a show.

Grab a flashlight, a helmet, a bullet proof vest, and a book and hide in the closet in your basement...you may be safer there.

[Air&Road]

Originally Posted by jplinville

You probably have a higher chance of being shot at the range than you do at a gun show...Probably an even higher chance of dying in a car wreck on the way to the show instead of being shot at a show.

Grab a flashlight, a helmet, a bullet proof vest, and a book and hide in the closet in your basement...you may be safer there.

Yeah, it's really difficult to think of anywhere that someone could go and be safe. I consider the Dallas area streets and highways much more dangerous than our local skeet and trap club.