Raleigh C&E Show June 18-19?

T

Tiberius

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Is this show even worth going to anymore? Every time I’ve made the hour drive, I’ve been disappointed. Someone please tell me it’s changed for the better.
 
When was the last time you went? What, specifically, disappointed you and what are you looking to be better?
 
Tiberius said:
Is this show even worth going to anymore? Every time I’ve made the hour drive, I’ve been disappointed. Someone please tell me it’s changed for the better.
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So you pay $10 ($9 with coupon) to get in … not bad for a couple hours walkin’ around entertainment BUT factor in $25-30 at least for fuel and unless you really have a need to go youd likely be better to take your money and go see Top Gun Maverick, dinner or such.
 
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Too many purveyors of beef jerky, cheap imported knives, and plastic jewelry. I go to gun shows to buy and sell guns, not to shop at a flea market. I understand that it’s a symptom of the times, but gun shows used to be better across the country - it’s not just a Raleigh problem.
 
Tiberius said:
Too many purveyors of beef jerky, cheap imported knives, and plastic jewelry. I go to gun shows to buy and sell guns, not to shop at a flea market. I understand that it’s a symptom of the times, but gun shows used to be better across the country - it’s not just a Raleigh problem.
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Not sure of what your ideal gun show is.

I have been to the last three in this state and all are the same thing.

1. Americans doing local retail operations in the 2ndA space.
2. Gun dealers selling guns
3. Mom-pop home based companies selling a wide assortment of goods
4. People kicking tires and seeing guns not in the local gun store.
5. Selling product = ammo, guns and accessories

This mix of activities has not changed in 30+ years. What has changed is the internet and on-line sales. It's easer to sell on Gunbroker and have weekends free as a dealer. Plus you do not have to engage with people, just deal with the attitudes in a e-mail.

If you want to create the ideal gun show, tables are $75 each for the weekend.

John
 
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I've been going to gun shows for 40 years. Ive gotten some of my best buys on firearms and ammo at them, and almost never miss one. In my opinion, unless you have a very friendly and well-stocked LGS that you frequent regularly, guns shows are one of the only places you can satisfy your curiosity about the feel of a wide variety of makes and models of guns in your hands by politely asking to handle them, and assess whether the price you're seeing on-line or at a LGS is reasonable. They're also one of the few places (other than friends and forums like this) where you can ask and maybe find a rare part/mag/ammo you haven't been able to find elsewhere.

Are they as great as they were in the 1980s? I don't really know, but my impression is that with the price of everything rising, including fuel for the dealers to travel to the show with a bunch of inventory and with the prices of guns and gear way up, we're lucky to have a few gun shows still in the area. Frankly, I'm happy they're still happening at all.

If you like guns, go and support the show organizer and the sellers that travelled there and have a fun few hours. Like a high school date, maybe you'll score, maybe you won't.
 
I'm going. I hardly missed any of the Raleigh shows (for good or bad) until Covid hit. I'm reasonably close, have a car that doesn't burn much gas, and like @NCFubar said, $9.00 is cheap entertainment. Yeah, sometimes I've been disappointed. I don't get as much walking exercise as I should, and if I'm going to do it, walking around a gun show is good motivation. :)
 
The mate and I will be there Saturday. We've been doing this since the 80s and it's entertainment for us. We do tend to spend a few bucks to support dealers we like and know and occasionally we run into friends we haven't seen in a while so we run out to lunch to catch up. I always have a list of things to pick up to "justify" the trip. Besides, after a week outside in the heat it's a good excuse to spend a day in the AC.
 
I'm at the gun entrance waiting to get inside wearing my official CFF name tag.

Children 12 and under FREE with adult
Saturday admission is good for Sunday with stamp.

Nice pricing on Heritage revolvers. Lots of full tables and plenty of room to walk around.
 
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Button Pusher said:
I'm at the gun entrance waiting to get inside wearing my official CFF name tag.

Children 12 and under FREE with adult
Saturday admission is good for Sunday with stamp.

Nice pricing on Heritage revolvers. Lots of full tables and plenty of room to walk around.
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Raleigh show was significantly smaller than in the past. ammo prices looked slightly less retarded than usual and clearly one can negotiate more than last year. Scored some H110 so I can load some 44 mag and there was amazingly a guy there with CCI large rifle primers. For reloading components the $9 admission fee is less annoying as theres no hazmat or shipping costs at the show.
 
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I also saw SPP for $150.... I rarely buy anything at the shows but love going and it's something the wife and I like to get out and do. People watch, listen to totally ignorant conversations and we enjoy it.

This one was not crowded, Venders were better that previously but it wasn't full by any means.
 
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