timonium Fairgrounds April 8 & 9

Bertfish · Apr 9, 2017

j_h_smith said:
Funny you should mention that. I was on another forum and the guys from PA were trashing the last Oaks show. They were upset with the prices, the selection and the jerky/socks vendors. Some said they were never going back.

I guess it's all up to your perspective.

I'd kill to have an Oaks quality show and they're tired of it and some said they wouldn't be back.

We're talking 2000 tables with maybe 50 not set up on Friday, add another 100-120 for non-firearm related vendors. I'll take the Oaks show any day!

The last Oaks show was great IMO. Different perspectives I guess. And if one bad show is enough for you to quit going to them all then whatever. If a pattern emerges then that's one thing but one "bad" show shouldn't drive a reasonable person away.

John from MD · Apr 9, 2017

Neot said:
I go to a MD show every few years to see if they have gotten any better. So far, they've gotten worse. This one was allllllll as bad as the last Annapolis Armory one I went to. Almost.

Now that show was really bad! :sad20:

John from MD · Apr 9, 2017

KJackson said:
I went on Saturday and as it was my first, I really have nothing to compare it to. I wandered around for a bit without seeing what I was looking for and was headed to the door when I saw one dealer I hadn't checked out and they had what I was looking for. I talked to one of their salesmen for a while and left with a decision to make about which gun to get. I hope to stop by their shop this week and order a gun.

I think that maybe there is a problem with shows in general. I remember years ago going to the computer shows at the fairgrounds, but I think that those are all but gone now. Also, I used to try to always hit up the Greater Baltimore Hamboree hamfest. The last few years that I went it was getting smaller and smaller. I remember a couple years they had so much tailgating going on that they filled up the main parking area at the fairgrounds and they were parking people on the infield of the horse track. I tried looking to see if they were having it this year, but it didn't look like it.

The internet has killed the good shows. Time marches on I suppose. :sad20:

RAF · Apr 9, 2017

My son was in the market for his first pistol, so we decided to go. Really sad compared to what the shows were 20-some years ago. About 45 minutes in & out. So decided to head over to Freestate where he found one. I won't waste my time going to one again.

lee2 · Apr 9, 2017

RAF said:
My son was in the market for his first pistol, so we decided to go. Really sad compared to what the shows were 20-some years ago. About 45 minutes in & out. So decided to head over to Freestate where he found one. I won't waste my time going to one again.

Did you notice freestate was at the show?

RoadDawg · Apr 10, 2017

lee2 said:
Did you notice freestate was at the show?

That's one of the problems... we have IPs at that show every time... They are there and need our support. Even if it is just moral support in the event that they have nothing we need when we go there... I've been to nearly every show and I've sent customer/show attendees to our IP tables when ever possible.

Yes, I saw some prices that are downright insults to anyone who knows... but I also saw some others which were not so bad. One just has to give it more than a cursory glance. Speed reading the tables is the fastest way to miss out on decent deals one may have.found to their liking.

MDRifles · Apr 10, 2017

kingfish said:
Anyone catch the table with both a Russian SKS and Swiss K31 for $900 each!!!

I thought I was the only one.. don't get me wrong it was a pretty sks and Russians are uncommon but for 900. I went there expecting not to see what I wanted and planned on getting ammo, targets and a ammo can. I actually was looking for a Chinese sks. I seen a couple norinco sks but for 450-500 that's classic prices. I just picked up a G19 gen 4 from Tyler's firearms for 550 and another table had used glocks for 650. I really don't get it

cantstop · Apr 10, 2017

I went on Saturday and was able to find an ok deal on 9mm PMC ammo ($0.23/rd). (Not the guy up front, although he had HST for $0.50/rd)

Maryland has beaten down the gun shops so bad that I understand the lack of handguns at less than list price. The rifle prices surprised me though. I guess now that Shooters Discount is gone, we won't have someone driving used Colt HBAR prices down to the $799 range at the MD shows.

I also agree that the Internet has killed off the parts and accessories vendors. I couldn't even find a universal pistol mag loader at the show. When I got home I ordered a Maglula from Amazon.

The Timonium show has had its history with vendors walking out on the promoter after selling out on Saturday or not selling anything at all on Saturday. These vendors are as much to blame (for not showing up on Sunday in the past) as the promoter for the show's decline in quality.

Vetted84 · Apr 10, 2017

iH8DemLibz said:
Until gun owners flat out refuse to attend these shows, they will remain awful.

And to those who say we must support the gun industry, ask yourself this. How much support are gun owners getting when gun shops are asking MSRP+++?

It's one thing to make a profit, but sucker pricing is inexcusable.

Send a message. Stop going.

I agree. I rarely any longer attend gun shows.

We should support the gun industry but the flip side of the coin is the gun industry should show some customer appreciation.

A previous post mentioned the fairgrounds computer shows. I used to frequent those shows. One thing you could find at the computer shows, as well as the home improvement shows, the train shows, etc. is vendors having show specials. There is apparently no such thing at the gun shows.

notfast · Apr 10, 2017

Vetted84 said:
I agree. I rarely any longer attend gun shows.

We should support the gun industry but the flip side of the coin is the gun industry should show some customer appreciation.

A previous post mentioned the fairgrounds computer shows. I used to frequent those shows. One thing you could find at the computer shows, as well as the home improvement shows, the train shows, etc. is vendors having show specials. There is apparently no such thing at the gun shows.

I saw a "Show special" range bag for $49 which is a $15 Amazon purchase.

I do know the ammo guy up front will give you a bulk deal especially if you set it up in advance.

Mr H · Apr 10, 2017

lee2 said:
Did you notice freestate was at the show?

So was Select Fire...

:shrug:

Copper · Apr 10, 2017

Just to clarify, SMA did have a consignment Russian SKS with an asking price of $900. The consignee figured that an all matching Russian in excellent condition with drop bag and a crate full of ammo was a good price. Apparently it was a bit high but I don't think anyone even made any offers to see if it was negotiable.....

Copper · Apr 10, 2017

And again with the K31, the gentleman had a nice K31 with bayonet, bag full of clips and a shit load of ammo with it. But instead of asking about the price folks just want to skoff about it on the interwebs.

Neot · Apr 10, 2017

I didn't notice them since I'm not in the market for either one. Did the tag fully explain the product or did it just say "Russian SKS"? I think your average gun buyer just sees "Russian SKS" and the price unless they are seriously intrested in an SKS or whatever the product is for that matter.

If it said "on consignment" then customers may not have thought the dealer had the ability to negotiate the price since they weren't his products.

Copper · Apr 10, 2017

Neot said:
I didn't notice them since I'm not in the market for either one. Did the tag fully explain the product or did it just say "Russian SKS"? I think your average gun buyer just sees "Russian SKS" and the price unless they are seriously intrested in an SKS or whatever the product is for that matter.

If it said "on consignment" then customers may not have thought the dealer had the ability to negotiate the price since they weren't his products.

Your right in at least one respect, some of the show goers just see "such and such" and the price and don't really pay attention to anything else on the tags. I have done that while car shopping and have to catch myself. Although people have to resign to the fact that everything has gone up and the 1980's deals are long gone. Try going to a WV pawn shop if you want sticker shock. As said earlier, the interwebs have done a number on the gun market.

Folks see the rock bottom prices at Buds gun shop or a super low price on a gun on Gun Broker that the seller got for free as a bonus and sells for a penny and thinks that is what guns are supposed to sell for.

We should be looking at gun shows as a place to see the different shops products from all over at one place. Different guns seem to collect in different areas of the state and if more dealers bring stuff to the shows thats more stuff to look at.....and maybe even buy.

BigSteve57 · Apr 10, 2017

I don't really go to gun shows to get the lowest rock bottom prices.
Heck, I don't even go to gun shops for that.
I go to both to touch and feel the product.
Where else but at a gun show can you visit a dozen or more gun shops under one roof?
I'll gladly pay retail at a gun show or at a gun shop to get a hands-on of what I want to buy.
Drive to a local gun show, sure.
I've flown to NRA shows just to get a hands-on demo for a specific rifle.

Art3 · Apr 10, 2017

blackcrow said:
I was there at about 9:05,had 2 extra dollar off coupons for friends that could not make it. I gave one to a guy heading in and waited for a person wearing clothing of being a veteran and using a walker heading to bldg. A voice with a attitude and challenging tone told me not to be handing out coupons. I told him that I had a couple for friends who did not make it as I handed one to the old veteran. He asked for my last one and I said no that was mine. He said then go inside and I headed for door and said I would check out his lousy show or something along those lines. He said don't bother going then I could just leave which I did. I then returned and asked for his name which he refused and said he would call police if I did not leave. Sorry for being so winded but I will not be attending any shows these people are involved with.

Wow.

This certainly deserves an email to the promoter (apppromotions@aol.com)...maybe a vendor or two. Who knows who missed out on your business? Maybe you had $900 in your pocket and an itching for a Russian SKS? :shrug:

Not to mention...the coupons you gave out cost them $2, but you not paying for admission cost them an additional $7...soo... :whack:

I've had left over coupons from when family members unexpectedly canceled and just gave them away. I wonder what I would have done in this situation? Hopefully, I'd just patiently wait for the police to arrive. The guy would have to identify himself then, right?

I really hope in a year or so the "big" Baltimore area gun show is in Dundalk and Timonium can just kinda fade away in peace and jerky.

Neot · Apr 11, 2017

Copper said:
Your right in at least one respect, some of the show goers just see "such and such" and the price and don't really pay attention to anything else on the tags. I have done that while car shopping and have to catch myself. Although people have to resign to the fact that everything has gone up and the 1980's deals are long gone. Try going to a WV pawn shop if you want sticker shock. As said earlier, the interwebs have done a number on the gun market.

Folks see the rock bottom prices at Buds gun shop or a super low price on a gun on Gun Broker that the seller got for free as a bonus and sells for a penny and thinks that is what guns are supposed to sell for.

We should be looking at gun shows as a place to see the different shops products from all over at one place. Different guns seem to collect in different areas of the state and if more dealers bring stuff to the shows thats more stuff to look at.....and maybe even buy.

I'm with you 100% on the idea of people comparing prices to say Gunbroker or Buds. It's not realistic and people don't always realize that there are added fees and whatnot associated with those two (shipping, transfer fees, etc) that they aren't showing.

I've got no problem with people asking top dollar for their product especially if it's a high end, collectors gun. Sometimes the hard part is finding the right "niche" customer who needs that specific gun to round out a collection or really appreciates that model. When you're talking your average say Glock or Sig that is a dime a dozen, it's a different story though. You could go to that show and see a Variance of $100 on some of them. That's fine if the dealer wants to charge more but on the flip side they shouldn't complain when people are buying elsewhere because of it.

I actually stopped by your tables (I think it was yours at least) to handle a Glock 34. Not something most agencies I work with are carrying so I don't get the chance to see them too often. Decided in the end it wasn't for me but that's the reason I personally go....to see guns "in the wild".

Vetted84 · Apr 11, 2017

Copper said:
Just to clarify, SMA did have a consignment Russian SKS with an asking price of $900. The consignee figured that an all matching Russian in excellent condition with drop bag and a crate full of ammo was a good price. Apparently it was a bit high but I don't think anyone even made any offers to see if it was negotiable.....

My experience over the last number of years is that gun vendors will not negotiate at shows. Heck, in many cases they even want the buyer to pay their credit card fees.

Hence few are going to make an offer without there being some sort of notice posted about it being $900 or best reasonable offer. If it just says $900, everyone is just going to walk by, go meh then mention the ridiculous price on MDS......

lee2 · Apr 11, 2017

Vetted84 said:
My experience over the last number of years is that gun vendors will not negotiate at shows. Heck, in many cases they even want the buyer to pay their credit card fees.

Hence few are going to make an offer without there being some sort of notice posted about it being $900 or best reasonable offer. If it just says $900, everyone is just going to walk by, go meh then mention the ridiculous price on MDS......

Consignment pieces are for the most part set be the firearm owner not the shop. If I'm interested in something I ask questions and ask what the seller is willing to take. Again walk if you don't like what you hear.

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