So is Nations Gun Show the one to go to?

[phx223]

As I frequently declare I am from the west coast, where gun shows are held in Football Stadiums and it takes a full day just to walk all the tables (of course half of them are dream catchers and beef jerky, but that's par for the course).

I've only hit up one show here in MD over the last 4.5 years, a small show up in York. I'd like to hit up another show, just to look around and maybe buy a few items for an AR build (unmarked upper and BCG as well as foliage furniture), but my free time is limited now that I have a kid. So I want the best bang for my buck, is Nations my best bet?

 

[-Z/28-]

I actually think the York show is usually better. The Chantilly show is bigger, but also way more crowded and prices are usually higher. The Harrisburg show used to be pretty big, but I haven't been to it in two years.

 

[Traveler]

York Tri county is the best around here to my knowledge.The next one is Dec 21-22.

http://www.yorkexpo.com/events_schedule.htm

 

[kohburn]

the nations gun show is about the only one i bother with, but York is just too far from SOMD.

its a big show, deals can be found. but sometimes you will also find dealers unfriendly to md'ers

 

[erwos]

Dulles sucks if you're trying to buy guns. The MD hate/fear is strong there. I'm also not usually impressed by the pricing.

OTOH, it's pretty good spot to buy common magazines. Prices for those tend not to be too nutty due to competition. Not sure how ammo is these days.

 

[Mike OTDP]

Dulles is good for parts, mags, and accessories. Guns? If you're shopping for those, have a MD dealer lined up...or a C&R license in your pocket (don't leave home without one). I buy my ammo online.

 

[phx223]

No guns for me, just parts. Maybe a 30 round P-mag in foliage (as well as a slew of other foliage green Magpul parts I need), mostly just going to get an upper/BCG w/o laser engraving (looks like Colt and Stag are my best bets (really wish PSA had clean parts).

 

[Evil Twin]

Chantilly is my favorite show. York Fairgrounds is a close second, mostly because it's not as big. MD shows usually suck, well, because it's MD.

 

[niftyvt]

Im a fan of the Chantilly show but I only go when I want to buy $500 or more in mags

 

[ihriec]

Do they usually have reloading supplies, especially powder and primers?

 

[Kelson1066]

Do they usually have reloading supplies, especially powder and primers?

Usually good for reloading components saw a lot more primers. Certain powder varieties may be scarce but there are boolits and brass a plenty.

 

[browning guy]

Chantilly is my favorite show. York Fairgrounds is a close second, mostly because it's not as big. MD shows usually suck, well, because it's MD.

with you 100%

 

[JohnnyE]

I like Chantilly, and the Oaks, PA show is usually pretty good. The March 2014 show at Oaks, PA is scheduled to be about twice the size of their other shows throughout the year. At the March show they advertise they will have 2,000 tables.

 

[LargemouthAss]

The big show this year will be the NRA-sponsored Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg which is supposed to happen February 1-9th. That complex is enormous and I could see that being the best show in the country.

 

[phx223]

The big show this year will be the NRA-sponsored Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg which is supposed to happen February 1-9th. That complex is enormous and I could see that being the best show in the country.

We need to learn you on what 'this' and 'year' mean.

 

[LargemouthAss]

Well it's 4 months away but not in 2013...

 

[phx223]

Well it's 4 months away but not in 2013...

I was just messing around.

On a serious note I may have to make that the next show I go to.

 

[ma_deuce]

I've found some good deals at Chantilly on old S&W revolvers, which is mainly what I look for. Certainly a lot more to choose from than at any other show I've been to. I haven't had a problem with the dealers not wanting to ship to MD.

 

[dspurlock]

I've found some good deals at Chantilly on old S&W revolvers, which is mainly what I look for. Certainly a lot more to choose from than at any other show I've been to. I haven't had a problem with the dealers not wanting to ship to MD.

You certainly can not be talking about any vendor there wanting to do transfers of firearms to MD. No one there except for 1 dealer (who charges $100+ transfer fees) will touch a sale of a firearm to a Marylander. Or maybe you are just dealing with curio and relic firearms?

That being said, I personally think it’s still the best show around if you are looking for “everything else” rather just purchasing a complete firearm. Crowds and parking can be an issue but once you figure out the optimal time to go, it makes for a very good show.

 

[airsporter]

Crowds and parking can be an issue but once you figure out the optimal time to go, it makes for a very good show.

What is an optimal time? I was there one year and literally could not park anywhere. Left without going in!