Mention “Gun Show” and what comes to mind? Do you envision a slick Detroit Auto Show style event with glamorous booths lined with glass showcases full of the latest firearms? Perhaps you see a dark seedy hall filled with underworld characters whispering to you while looking around to see if anyone is paying attention. Or do you envision a crowded gymnasium sized room full of tables surrounded with everyday people enjoying a passion they share for firearms and accessories?
The truth is that most guns shows are like the latter, and attended by honest law abiding citizens that work hard for their money. They hope to find a bargain to stretch their shooting dollars or a particular gun to fill out their collection. Think of it as a craft show or garage sale for things that make noise. I am not making light of a serious subject with items that require great responsibility, but to many shooters the ownership of firearms is both a hobby as well as a source of protection. I prefer the small to medium shows that contain a mix of licensed dealers, collectors, and what can only be described as a bizarre mix of miscellaneous vendors.
Let’s get something straight, a licensed dealer participating in a gun show must follow the same rules they following in their stores. Guns purchased from a dealer require a NICS (FBI Instant background check). Here in Michigan a person cannot purchase a handgun without a Permit to Purchase issued by Law Enforcement or be in possession of a Concealed Pistol license (CPL) .
I rarely purchase a gun at a gun show, the reason is that pricing is often the same or more than can be found at a store. I have seen beat up used guns going for more than if purchased new. A savvy purchaser must know the value of their quest.
At a collector’s table the guns are owned by the person at the table (not a dealer) and usually selling some of their collection. Sometimes they have a specialty like old lever-action Winchesters, or guns from a certain manufacturer. Long guns such as rifles or shotguns are transacted with no background check; current law allows these private person to person sales. A “permit to purchase” or CPL is required for private sales of handguns and then a “Pistol Sales Record” must be turned in to Local law Enforcement and forwarded to the Michigan State Police.
My favorite part of the show is the other stuff you can find, my wife would call this “Junk”. I have come home with a stack of old gun magazines from the 60’s that I bought for $5, or an old part “needed” like an authentic rifle sling to fit a vintage Russian WWII rifle. There are tables full of gun cleaning tools and supplies, new and old holsters, scopes and for whatever reason medical equipment like forceps, pipettes, dental picks etc…
I sometimes find used reloading equipment and old bullet components from an estate sale, a book or a unique pocket knife. Usually there are tables of passionate people signing up members for the NRA, Second Amendment Foundation, or Ducks Unlimited.
Mostly what I see is a group of people enjoying a few hours of enjoyment looking at guns they may have only read about, or finding a part for an old gun in their collection. People are friendly and polite to each other, horseplay and dangerous behavior is not tolerated
I would recommend attending a Gun Show soon (while you still can). For only a few dollars admission, the experience is worth the price. If you happen to find a rear sight spring for a 1942 Czech VZ24, let me know!