Chantilly Dulles Expo Center gun show September 26, 27 & 28

[Pinecone]

Maybe 5 - 6 people with powder. I picked up Lil' Gun and some TiteGroup to trade.

Lots of ammo, did not price, except the .22. Some .22 was CRAZY priced, but a few people had it around 10 cents per round. And may have dickered a bit.

I got the mags I was looking for. Also a nice case for one of my rifles.

Overall, worthwhile. A lot less people (which is a good thing to get around and see stuff).

 

[Wayne1one]

Its not cost effective to go.

I've been a few times. The prices are not better then what you can get on the interweb.

Even if you find something cheaper its only by a few bucks.......once you figure in time, gas, parking, crowds and food.....its not worth it.

This, today was my last trip....... I was looking for 5.45x39 only one table had some, very limited and it was not cheap!

 

[chooks9]

It was the least crowded I've ever seen on a Saturday AM. There was some milsurp ammo (.30 carbine, 8mm, .30-06) but not in large numbers. I did pull the trigger on a nice M1917 Enfield but passed on a Hakim because the yokel selling it was downright insulting to a guys trade offer (which greatly benefitted the dealer).

 

[dohc97]

Any 1911's in fair prices?

 

[Jimbob2.0]

I've pretty much given up on gunshows. Most of the prices there for merchandise that might interest me are significantly higher than I can find on line or at stores like Cabelas or Bass Pro, even when you add in shipping. The ammo prices are ridiculous. I can buy CCI mini mags at Bass Pro for under $8.00 a box, for example. Further, sometimes I wonder about the "origins and histories" of some of the items being sold...I don't mean firearms, necessarily, but accessories. Are they "A" goods with decent return policies or are they "B" goods that have been returned to a large store and then wholesaled out?

I'm not implying all the dealers at these shows are taking advantage. They're not. But some sure are.

It depends what you are looking for, I have sort of bailed on Chantilly as there are a few dealers who wont sell to Marylanders and the C&R (with the exception of battle bargains) in the reasonable price range is scarce. Given I am not buying tons of "AR parts and beef jerky" I have shifted my efforts primarily to York and smaller shows such as Gettysburg. Some decent deals can still be had at these.

 

[dohc97]

Well, it's a different story for me. I went there looking to get a Ruger 1911. I have researched this pistol and know it's online price. If the price is close, I was ready to get it from the show. I was looking to get a mid $600 Ruger. I ended up getting a blemish Dan Wesson Specialist for $1219. I looked at it very closely and just could not find the blemish. There is even a drawing in a piece of paper showing where the blemish is supposed to be. I still wasn't able to see it. So I bought it.

 

[DrCatt]

Anyone see reasonably priced autoloading shotguns? Unfortunately I couldn't make it down today

 

[ted76]

Went down to the show around noon, picked up 2 boxes of S & B 45acp FMJ for a friend @ $18 each, a box of .32 acp PMC FMJ @$20.95 for the Ortgies I pick up from SCSG at Howard Co show (Thanks' Brian) and 4 snap caps. I was looking for some parts and C&R pistol mags, only 1 or 2 venders had some and they wanted way too much. I thought it was about the same as the last couple of shows, except tit looked like more rifle powder around, but pricy. I usally try to go to this show because I have the best chance of find what I am looking for, York is the the only other one with as good of selction.

 

[snavematt]

I'm a Virginia guy and I don't go to Chantilly, that should tell you something

 

[lee2]

I'm a Virginia guy and I don't go to Chantilly, that should tell you something

I thought you'd be in Syria by now.

 

[Docster]

It depends what you are looking for, I have sort of bailed on Chantilly as there are a few dealers who wont sell to Marylanders and the C&R (with the exception of battle bargains) in the reasonable price range is scarce. Given I am not buying tons of "AR parts and beef jerky" I have shifted my efforts primarily to York and smaller shows such as Gettysburg. Some decent deals can still be had at these.

I share your philosophy.

 

[QuebecoisWolf]

I actually found a couple good deals on ammo, but I also knew the going rates of the ammo in question when I went in and I went table by table checking prices.

 

[Stephen M]

Anyone see reasonably priced autoloading shotguns? Unfortunately I couldn't make it down today

I was looking for a Benelli M2, walked all the aisles and a single SBE was the only Benelli I saw. One vendor did have an assortment of auto5s for around $1000; there were a couple of saigas, and lots of mossberg pumps.

So to answer your question, no. Seemed short on shotguns compared to other shows I've been to. Mostly pistols, ARs, and accessories.

 

[jkeys]

I had a good show for the most part. Sold some long guns to Marylanders. Unfortunately one of you got DENIED on the background check. I'll check the court records in a couple days to see if he actually got arrested.

Probably someone who listened to the media telling everyone how easy it was to buy guns without background checks at gun shows.

 

[sleev-les]

I went down yesterday. I grabbed some 12g Dragons Breath since that should be fun to see, got the Magpul MS1 sling and a 50 cal Otis cleaning kit. Nothing much else. I like the show, but the traffic is starting to get to me. May have to try some PA shows.

Also had a guy trying to sell us body armor. His tactic was that Congress is going to ban plates (I know there is a bill, but don't see it gaining momentum) and people are grabbing them like no tomorrow.. So I had to ask, "If people are grabbing them off the shelves, why do you still have so many? And why can I find the same plates online for a lot less than $300 for one??? Interesting guy.

Had another guy ask if I was in the service (just an odd random guy at the show). Told him no and I just worked for the government. He wanted to give me his email because he had an idea for an unmanned drone tank (or some crap like that).. I grabbed my buddy and said we have to get far away lol...

Not a bad time overall. I got to see my Barretts near the front that I love drooling over haha

 

[lee2]

I was looking for a Benelli M2, walked all the aisles and a single SBE was the only Benelli I saw. One vendor did have an assortment of auto5s for around $1000; there were a couple of saigas, and lots of mossberg pumps.

So to answer your question, no. Seemed short on shotguns compared to other shows I've been to. Mostly pistols, ARs, and accessories.

yep there are some but jobs in every crowd. I just hope they aren't the ones the media interviews.

 

[Turbohugh]

I actually found a couple good deals on ammo, but I also knew the going rates of the ammo in question when I went in and I went table by table checking prices.

I went Saturday and did this. I did find one guy that had some good 7.62x39 prices, but another guy , when asked if his Ammo was steel core or magnetic, decided to lecture me on ammo construction [which I have researched before going to the show]. Then he insisted that his steel cased , copper washed ammo was suitable for indoor ranges. I assured him some ranges do not permit ammo with any steel in it. He then starts to raise his voice telling me I dont know what I'm talking about. He sure got mighty defensive over a simple question. I just walked away, found someone else with even better prices that wasn't a douche and who could answer a few questions about the products for sale without becoming defensive or obnoxious.

Takes all types I suppose.
[And I was wearing my NRA hat .. geeeze!]

 

[ducrider45]

I saw a lot of crazy over-priced stuff, but I also found some deals. I found 30rd P-mags for $10. I found a few used shotguns for a great price. The rimfire rifle table had fair pricing. I also saw great deals on some parts. I ordered a custom holster as well. I like it for a few reasons, but I understand why many skip it. Funny thing is I have never hears anyone ever say they loved any gun show. Seems like people always find faults.

 

[trickg]

Funny thing is I have never heard anyone ever say they loved any gun show. Seems like people always find faults.

I love the annual Antique Arms Show in Timonium.

 

[0nesh0t]

I went on Saturday afternoon. Not nearly as crowded as past shows and it was great to walk and see everything very easily (broken toe did not get stepped on!). Found some .22lr for an acceptable price (matched online prices with shipping). Normal capacity handgun mags were priced well and got the ones I was looking for. Same guys with the same M1 Garands as the last 3 shows there that I attended. Over a year, same serial #'s, same prices, same ratty old tags... I tried to negotiate with no luck.

Gus from Accurate was educating quite a few people around his table on the terrible MD nonsense laws. He also had some very nice VA friendly M1A's and used AR's.

With all the MD residents that attend this show, I suggested to the promoter that they issue or suggest to their vendors to advertise something that says "Maryland Legal Firearm". A simple sticker, printed sign, or something to let us know what we can buy and that the vendor is MD savvy. It would go a long way to help promote the show and encourage more MD residents to attend. I got a less than enthusiastic "yeah, sure" from the promoters table.