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Miscellaneous => The Water Cooler -- General Discussions => Topic started by: MikeInTexas on September 21, 2020, 08:37:47 PM

Title: Gun Show this past weekend (9/20)
Post by: MikeInTexas on September 21, 2020, 08:37:47 PM
Finally got to a covid/riot/election panic show in Pasadena a suburb of Houston on Sunday.

I had a few reports from a friend at the collectors show across town, which was dead on Saturday.

It was a Premiere promoted show, more for the general public than the serious gun collector.

Got there 10 minutes before opening, line out the door, around the front and 50 yards off the back of the building. Friendly crowd that was happy it was not hot.  Very few folks bringing guns in to sell, only saw a few rifles in the line, one an AR in an off caliber, rest was either a hunting rifle or a .22.  Normally there is a good group of folks wanting to sell stuff in the lobby and by the doors.  Not today.  Guessing 60% wearing masks outside.  (95% once inside) Line moved as fast as they could take the money once they opened.  No limits on number of folks inside.

Quickly walked the show and talked to a few vendors I know.  Saturday had been busy and everyone made money.  No moderately priced ARs, everything $850 and up, when you saw one.  Handguns that are popular self defensive or concealed carry orientated were priced way over MSRP.  Only saw a couple of AKs, which is unusual for this show and they were over $1,100.  Times have changed regarding the prices of AKs compared to ARs.  Found two Gen 5 G19 pistols on dealer tables, one priced $825 the other $995! That is quite a price jump for a normally $550-675 handgun.  Not making a negative statement about capitalism and the free market, just observation.

I was fearing I had made an error last week in purchasing a new handgun from Academy for MSRP.  Normally do the internet and FFL thing, but got worried and picked up a new pistol.  Did not see a comparable model for less than $150 over what I had paid for mine.  So a little more satisfaction with my purchase. (at least that is how I am justifying it to myself)

There was a mixed crowd and everyone seemed courteous and friendly.

Lots of bare space on some tables.  People were buying. Ammo sales seemed brisk.  Magazine guy was having a good day.  Knife sharpening guy had a good size pile of work in front of him.  Not as much survival supplies as I've seen in the past. (and that is three days from TS Beta arriving in the area)

Saw a gunsmith buddy of mine and we chatted as I was about to leave.  Conversation trended toward what people were buying and I decided to bring in a rifle I had brought.  Dropped off a very basic ($400) AR-15 with him at his table on consignment.  Headed out after about an hour.

After spending sometime with herself, eating some of my favorite fish tacos on the bay watching the storm come in, I headed back to the show getting there about an hour before closing time.

At 3:00 a number of vendors were packing up.  Still a pretty good number of folks walking around shopping inside.  Made a quick loop and went to check on the rifle.  It had sold for $800.  Had previously told my friend I needed $700, so I was happy and he made a $100 so he seemed happy.  Coincidentally that just about covered my new purchase, lol.

They are having another show at that location next weekend with a different promoter, High Caliber Gun Shows.

Across town, this promoter will be in Humble next weekend.  Second weekend in a row where Houston area is having two shows.

Talking to a buddy who is going to try and get a table in Humble, might bring some extra items to see if the buying spree is alive and well.  Got an AR pistol in .300 BLK that might be sold if the price is right.  Might take a few other guns as well.  We will see.  Figure to get some pocket change to fully accessorize the new acquisition.  Or at the very least cover another AR project.



Final observations:

Hate the panic from the pandemic and the social unrest.

Glad to see gun orientated small businesses making money.

Like the diverse nature of the crowds at the show, hope they vote the correct way in November.

Happy to see the convention center letting as normal as possible show occur.

I'm glad I went, looking forward to this coming weekend.



.





Title: Re: Gun Show this past weekend (9/20)
Post by: MikeInTexas on September 21, 2020, 08:39:02 PM
double tap...................
Title: Re: Gun Show this past weekend (9/20)
Post by: tracker on September 21, 2020, 09:06:30 PM
Thanks for your very astute and informative observations.
Title: Re: Gun Show this past weekend (9/20)
Post by: PhilZ on September 21, 2020, 10:00:20 PM
Definitely a seller's market right now.
Title: Re: Gun Show this past weekend (9/20)
Post by: MikeInTexas on September 21, 2020, 10:26:39 PM
Couple of things I forgot to mention.

It seems premium firearms are not being treated the same way as the more common flagship guns.

Saw a Sig P210 target model for, IIRC, about $1,500 and a standard model for a few hundred less.  Thought those were priced decently.  Those CZ race guns seemed to be the same price as earlier this year.  Folks seemed ok paying almost 2x for a Ruger, Glock, etc. but not for a pistol that was expensive to begin with.  Did see a few Tokarevs on one table, for about $250.  Surprised no one was paying attention to those.  Unusual, foreign and ammo issues may not be the answer for the general public.

Hunting rifles, Weatherbys and the like, seemed to be priced the same as they were last year.  Season is approaching, usually it's time to sell/buy these.

Did not see a single surplus parts kit.  Usually one or two sellers have Sten, Uzi, FAL, Sterling, AK kits.  Usually covered in grease and well worn.


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Title: Re: Gun Show this past weekend (9/20)
Post by: backupr9 on September 22, 2020, 10:01:52 AM
Missed our local show a few weeks ago....don’t buy much anymore, mostly moving a few rifles out of the safe.  I’m still a bit leery of crowds anyway as my wife and I are rather fragile health-wise.
Title: Re: Gun Show this past weekend (9/20)
Post by: tattoo on September 22, 2020, 09:07:08 PM
Mike went Saturday at about 930. Saw the line around the building and said I don’t think so.  🤷‍♂️
Title: Re: Gun Show this past weekend (9/20)
Post by: MikeInTexas on September 22, 2020, 10:22:55 PM
Mike went Saturday at about 930. Saw the line around the building and said I don’t think so.  🤷‍♂️

You got another chance this weekend.  It only took 10 minutes or so for me to get in.  It moved faster than I would have expected.

Good time to sell if you have any extras.

Title: Re: Gun Show this past weekend (9/20)
Post by: MikeInTexas on September 27, 2020, 06:22:22 PM
What a difference a week make.

Reports from the Humble (Premiere Gun Shows) reported less than expected sales.  Friend walked the show with 2 ARs, only one person asked about them.

I went to the Pasadana (High Caliber Gun Shows) both Saturday and Sunday.  Dropped off three guns with a friend on his table.  Picked up two of them, an AR and a Browning target pistol this afternoon.  The third he thought he might have a buyer for tomorrow outside the show.  No interest.  Medium sized crowd, few folks sitting filling out paperwork, but on the whole a disappointment for many of the dealers.  Most everything available, still inflated.  One seller put up a $100 off any gun sign this afternoon.  (IMHO he needed to :) )  Not much interest.

I did see a H&K P7M8 at a table.  Guy said $1,500, but when I started to walk away he quickly went into sell it now mode.  Don't know how low he would have gone as I was afraid to make an offer.  Motivated seller on that gun.

Looked at a few CZ Shadows, I like those but not wanting one for $1,300.  I think that is reasonable and not inflated, but just not a gun near the top of the list.

Ammo prices are out of my reach as well.  I'm an optimist in this regard and think the days of reasonable priced practice and defensive ammo are coming back. (At least I hope so, otherwise I've got to get some more dies, and work out the right arm.)

Didn't see much interest in the tables that had body armor.

Not a lot of folks carrying guns to sell this weekend either.

They have another show next week, hope to pick up a little cash for the .22 I left, but not near as excited as I was during this past week at the expected opportunities.

Might be a bit of show over-saturation in this county on the part of the promoters kicking in and overcoming the panic. Supreme Court justice choice might have alleviated some fears as well.

Still have a polite and diverse crowd.

We will see what the future holds.


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Title: Re: Gun Show this past weekend (9/20)
Post by: tattoo on September 27, 2020, 07:22:55 PM
Mike I am looking to buy a snub revolver. But zero chance I am paying above msrp for ANYTHING
Title: Re: Gun Show this past weekend (9/20)
Post by: MikeInTexas on September 27, 2020, 08:20:37 PM
Unfortunately I don't have one of those Mike. 

Let me check around and see if any acquaintances do.  The good news is that they seem to be a few at the shows, not sure on the pricing as those are not normally something I look at.  I probably should, as a couple of folks I know would be better served with a DA revolver than the semi-automatics they currently rely on.

Saturday opening of the show is my target time to be there next week.  So give me an idea about what you would like.  If I see something I think you would be interested in I will text you.


I did find this near you, Pasadena has one (it says).  https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/smith-wesson-model-642-38-special-p-revolver#repChildCatid=126616

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Title: Re: Gun Show this past weekend (9/20)
Post by: backupr9 on September 28, 2020, 02:51:34 PM
Damn!  I dumped two 642CT’s last December for $300 each, barely used and perfect...wish I’d known you wanted one Tattoo.
Title: Re: Gun Show this past weekend (9/20)
Post by: tattoo on September 29, 2020, 05:24:37 PM
Damn!  I dumped two 642CT’s last December for $300 each, barely used and perfect...wish I’d known you wanted one Tattoo.
that would of been perfect. Lol.
Title: Re: Gun Show this past weekend (9/20)
Post by: MikeInTexas on October 04, 2020, 02:41:43 PM
Must apologize to Mickey (tattoo), called him Mike in an earlier post.  I texted you a few pictures of the snub nose revolvers that were (IMHO) reasonably priced for our current times today.

Lots of folks, not a lot of sales.  It was a High Caliber promoted show.

Got lucky and sold a .22 pistol from John Dixon's table.  Proceeds will fund a project that needs a $200 permission slip (stamp).

T R Graham was there.  For those that don't recognize the name he is one of the premiere Glocksmiths in the country.  Haven't seen him in the Houston area in years.  Normally he is in Ft. Worth.  Picked up an extended slide stop for my G19 from him.  Should aid in accuracy due to more precise barrel lock up.  Internet says it's good and I like a little extra length when disassembling the pistol.

Also had a guy make me a IWB holster for the Glock 19. Leather and Kydex, single clip.

Kicking myself over what might have been an awesome trade.  Gentleman walking the show had a BNIB Sig P210, wanted $900.  Remembered I had an AR to trade after he walked off, could not find him again to see if interested.

Gun Panic seems to be gone, people still profit taking on ammo.

All in all a good day at the show.

Picked up some thick rib-eyes for later on the way home, so the day will get even better.




.
Title: Re: Gun Show this past weekend (9/20)
Post by: backupr9 on October 04, 2020, 05:31:17 PM
Mike, sounds like you had a great day with ribs on the grill yet to come!  No gun shows here for now, but I got to the shotgun range for a round of sporting clays, shooting only true pairs and shot really well....then to the indoor range where I shot the two pistols I’m taking on a driving trip with my wife in a a couple of weeks to Northern Virginia to visit family and break the monotony of 7 months of relative isolation.  Life is good!
Title: Re: Gun Show this past weekend (9/20)
Post by: MikeInTexas on October 04, 2020, 05:45:39 PM
Damn backurp9, wish you lived close.  I've lost both of my shotgun buddies and haven't been in a year or so.  Used to go Skeet shooting twice a week with one of them.  Good times, and 50 straight was the norm.  Never got 100, but got to 96 :(

Cleaned up the yard of tree debris for kindling.  Split some pecan and got a nice fire started.  Steaks heavily dusted with mineral salt and at room temp waiting on the fire to catch up.  I'm about to beat some potatoes and add heart attack amounts of cheese and butter to them.  Might make a salad so we can at least counter the herb butter I'm going to lather on the steaks at the flip.  Herself wants a flavored stogie for desert, so after the steaks we will probably pour a hefty glass of Jane Walker (not Jonnie, but Jane) and smoke up the yard.

Good luck going to VA, I bet this is an outstanding time to go and see the colors.

Yes, life is good and I hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful fall weather in good health.






edited to add the picture for clarity :)



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Title: Re: Gun Show this past weekend (9/20)
Post by: cargaritaville on October 04, 2020, 06:26:21 PM
Mike, sounds like you had a great day with ribs on the grill yet to come!  No gun shows here for now, but I got to the shotgun range for a round of sporting clays, shooting only true pairs and shot really well....then to the indoor range where I shot the two pistols I’m taking on a driving trip with my wife in a a couple of weeks to Northern Virginia to visit family and break the monotony of 7 months of relative isolation.  Life is good!
[/color]

Is Virginia a reciprocal state with Florida?
Title: Re: Gun Show this past weekend (9/20)
Post by: MikeInTexas on October 04, 2020, 08:40:38 PM

Is Virginia a reciprocal state with Florida?

This shows yes, with restrictions.
https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/resources/ccw_reciprocity_map/




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Title: Re: Gun Show this past weekend (9/20)
Post by: backupr9 on October 05, 2020, 12:00:04 PM
I will be traveling through Florida, GA, SC, NC, TN and VA with a Florida CCW permit.  Should be OK.  Knives are an entirely different matter.  Florida allows residents with CC permits to carry switchblades.
Title: Re: Gun Show this past weekend (9/20)
Post by: backupr9 on October 05, 2020, 12:06:35 PM
Of current interest:
I can legally carry a concealed firearm in Georgia, but can I wear a COVID 19 protective mask while carrying concealed?
Based on our most recent research, the USCCA has identified just two states with statutes against carrying a concealed firearm while wearing a mask: California and Illinois (although sheriffs and county prosecutors in Illinois have made statements indicating that wearing a mask to protect others from COVID-19 while carrying a gun isn’t illegal as long as the wearer isn’t wearing the mask while committing a crime). Due to the large number of inquiries, some states have publicly addressed their laws regarding wearing masks, clarifying that they actually refer to individuals concealing their identity with the intention to commit illegal acts or to specifically hide their identity, and do not address wearing a mask while legally carrying a concealed firearm. Although § 16-11-38 makes it illegal to  wear a mask, to conceal the identity of the wearer, on April 13, 2020, the Governor issued Executive Order No. 04.13.20.02 related to the COVID-19 emergency, ordering that § 16-11-38 shall not apply to any person wearing “a mask for the purpose of complying with the guidance of any healthcare agency or to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

If you have further questions, we recommend that you reach out to your local law enforcement office, or district attorney.
Title: Re: Gun Show this past weekend (9/20)
Post by: tracker on October 05, 2020, 01:29:03 PM
That sounds like a sticky wicket.
Title: Re: Gun Show this past weekend (9/20)
Post by: MikeInTexas on October 05, 2020, 03:22:59 PM
For those interested in Glocks, this is the part I purchased this weekend.  After reading reviews on the internet I hope it works as well as they say.

Title: Re: Gun Show this past weekend (9/20)
Post by: tracker on October 05, 2020, 04:11:57 PM
Is that an extended slide stop? Here is some 7 year old anecdotal discussion on it.
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?138423-TR-Graham-Match-Grade-Slide-Lock-(for-Glock)
Title: Re: Gun Show this past weekend (9/20)
Post by: MikeInTexas on October 05, 2020, 08:50:13 PM
Ugh, thanks for that link tracker. Not good to see unreliable parts out there.

I got the barrel lock, not the slide lock.  It's the part that you use for take-down, locks against the barrel when it goes into battery.  Not the piece that holds the slide back when the last round fires.

(I mis-wrote that in a previous post.  Sorry for the confusion.)

However, if I encounter any issues, that will be the first part returned to original setup.


Looked last night and saw a lot of positive stuff about it lately.  Hopefully it's resolved.

He is an interesting guy (can be a bit grumpy) got a history lesson about the Glock and all it's individual features.  Nothing Gaston did was new, but his genius was putting together a group of folks that made this thing work.

He recommended a book about the history, may have to check it out.  He talked about the two pieces of the trigger safety, came from a revolver made in the late 1800's.  The main designer did not get the credit he deserves for his work and is now working for another company doing innovative things there.

.
Title: Re: Gun Show this past weekend (9/20)
Post by: tracker on October 05, 2020, 08:55:28 PM
Thanks; I thought that it was interesting that he now calls it a "Match Grade Barrel Lock" instead of an extended slide stop.
Title: Re: Gun Show this past weekend (9/20)
Post by: MikeInTexas on October 05, 2020, 08:57:43 PM
I think a lot of folks (me included apparently) get the names confused quite easily.

Edited my previous post while you typed in your last one.

https://www.ar15.com/forums/handguns/Anyone_install_the_T_R_Graham_match_grade_barrel_lock_/13-144430/

Title: Re: Gun Show this past weekend (9/20)
Post by: MikeInTexas on October 05, 2020, 09:03:48 PM
I got the part to aid in disassembly.

If I get a boost in accuracy it's just a bonus.  If reliability suffers then it becomes a liability and will be taken off.

However, I am well aware that the stock pistol probably shoots better than I can, and an increase in accuracy might go unnoticed..

.
Title: Re: Gun Show this past weekend (9/20)
Post by: tracker on October 05, 2020, 09:14:16 PM
Why would he change the name of the part?
Title: Re: Gun Show this past weekend (9/20)
Post by: MikeInTexas on October 05, 2020, 09:41:16 PM
Don't know.  Maybe for better understanding what the part does to the general public?  Possibly because it primarily interacts with the barrel and not the slide?

Slide stop vs. slide lock will get some of us speaking/posting incorrectly on occasion:)

One other thing I noticed, sometimes manufactures call the slide stop a slide lock.

In that thread you posted, it seems to be like a lot of things discussed in the gun community.  Some see no point, some love it, some hate the idea of it.

.
Title: Re: Gun Show this past weekend (9/20)
Post by: tracker on October 05, 2020, 09:47:14 PM
There is a big difference in"Match Grade Barrel Lock" and slide stop or slide lock nomencature. It almost sounds like he changed the name because of some bad press on his earlier version. It just looks like a solution in search of a problem with some possible downsides.
Title: Re: Gun Show this past weekend (9/20)
Post by: MikeInTexas on October 05, 2020, 10:32:27 PM
Might be right on that.

He does have a large presence on youtube and other places.  It's his livelihood, so getting rid of a problematic part and keeping the improved version away from the tarnished name might have been a business decision.

IIRC from going down the rabbit hole of the thread you posted, it was originally designed for bullseye shooters needing an improvement in barrel lock up. 

I remember when Briley made a barrel bushing to help 1911 shooters with the barrel to slide fit.  Their part worked great in keeping those parts tolerances tight and greatly improved accuracy.  IIRC it was a ball and socket type thing.  However, when the gun got hot from shooting at a moderate speed, those parts locked up and would not budge.  Not cool in a match, even worse in a serious situation. They got over it and are still pretty well thought of in the community, especially with shotgun shooters.

I'm ok with giving it a shot, would not be the first $30 part of mine to hit the trash bin if it shows any sign of trouble. I will then get the less expensive option, as I want the extended feature.  Some need(want) an extended mag release, some need(want) extended slide releases, on other guns some need(want) extended safeties, etc.  I know guys that can't shoot without a speed bump on their 1911 grip safeties, know one who instead of getting that just used electrical tape to tape it down.  The beauty of this firearm is that you can make it fit each one of our unique requirements.  Not going to fix it until it's broke though.
I see most aftermarket parts like magazines, sometimes you just have to give up and trash em' if they give you trouble.

It will go through at least 250 trouble free rounds before it finds itself into the carry rotation.


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Title: Re: Gun Show this past weekend (9/20)
Post by: tracker on October 05, 2020, 11:05:26 PM
 I went to Briley with a Kreighoff K-32 minor issue and they fixed it post haste.
Title: Re: Gun Show this past weekend (9/20)
Post by: MikeInTexas on October 05, 2020, 11:19:58 PM
Nice shotgun.

I try and visit the showroom when I'm on that side of town.  Gotten a barrel ported by them on a Beretta semi-auto, lots of choke tubes, some work taking auto-safeties off O/Us, tube sets and accessories.  Even had them put a mercury weight in the stock my primary shotgun and a bunch of stuff I can't remember, LOL.  Taken care of quite a few friends as well.

If it's shotgun work, they know their stuff.  Pretty good pistol-smiths there as well.
Title: Re: Gun Show this past weekend (9/20)
Post by: MikeInTexas on October 08, 2020, 09:06:29 PM
Anybody check online prices for 9mm lately?

Cheapest I can find is $25 a box for Wolf!! 

Going to dust off the reloading press if I can find small pistol primers.