Gun show observations

[fkleinbu]

Fellow listers,

I went down to the San Antonio (Texas) Gun show today, and it was a pretty good show.. My buddy dropped a chunk on a couple of complete uppers, one in .223, and the other in 6.8 Rem; I told him if he bought a 6.5 Grendel before I got mine he would have to walk home (about 150 miles <grin>)..

And yes there were a few AA complete uppers in 6.5 Grendel but since they were not the type I have on order I was able to pass them up.. I didn't find a AA in 17 HMR, which I guess is lucky otherwise it would have had to come home with me..

I did find a stripped lower of my favorite brand, and so that did come home with me.. It's slated for my Grendel upper, so sadly the DPMS lower I was initially going to use will go back into the safe for some future project..

There were lots of black rifle stuff and some pretty nice custom stuff.. Prices still seemed reasonable..

For example the complete Stag Arms upper in 6.8 Rem, sporting a 20" medium weight stainless steel barrel with a target crown, free float front hand guard my buddy picked up was $590 out the door.. Yes he did buy 2 uppers, and about another $200 worth of mag's and other goodies from the guy and I negotiated the deal so he did ok.. I’ve been going to gun shows for over 20 years, and I’ve gotten pretty good at getting the best possible deal from them..

But what I thought was really odd, there was only one AR barrel nut in the whole show.. I am replacing a DPMS free float hand guard on my 11.5" AR pistol with a Samson free float hand guard, and I need the standard barrel nut for the Samson tube.. The nut was the main reason I went down to the show today.. I was sure it would be a no brainer to find one as there normally are several dealers at the San Antonio show who sell AR parts.. As expected at today’s show, about 10 people were selling AR parts, with about 5 or 6 carrying really complete selections.. Yet I was very lucky I was able to find the one I did.. And it was from a guy who had only a few dozen AR parts, very near the last row of tables at the show..

So what's going on.. Is there a run on AR barrel nuts?? Is AR barrel nuts going to be the next great shortage?? There was a guy on a Texas classified forum selling one with the delta ring for $30 bucks and I thought that was nuts.. I sure would hate to think that is a deal..

Anyway, take care ya’ll.. Safe guard any spare barrel nuts you may have in your parts bin..

Flk k

[LRRPF52]

There are odd, but critical parts like that getting more and more scarce this season, of Obacalypse Part II. Standard barrel nuts have become a treasured item on my end as well.

[usmc1371]

i was thinking the same thing(obama). ammo got scarce before now ar and any firearme parts. alot of guys i work with have been snatching up ars, ammo again.

[fkleinbu]

Fortunately I don't think I will have to worry about converting any steel cases any time soon <VBG>.. flk k

[Variable]

Fortunately I don't think I will have to worry about converting any steel cases any time soon <VBG>.. flk k

Mwuuhahahahaa!

[COTNTOP]

I live close to Delton and they have a sign on the door (Due to shortages no walk-in sales).

[Drifter]

There are currently 60 units in stock of DPMS AR-15 barrel nuts at MidwayUSA for $7.49 each:

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/335086/...r-15-matte

I didn't check any other sources.

[pinzgauer]

But what I thought was really odd, there was only one AR barrel nut in the whole show.. I am replacing a DPMS free float hand guard on my 11.5" AR pistol with a Samson free float hand guard, and I need the standard barrel nut for the Samson tube.. The nut was the main reason I went down to the show today.. I was sure it would be a no brainer to find one as there normally are several dealers at the San Antonio show who sell AR parts.. As expected at today’s show, about 10 people were selling AR parts, with about 5 or 6 carrying really complete selections.. Yet I was very lucky I was able to find the one I did.. And it was from a guy who had only a few dozen AR parts, very near the last row of tables at the show..

I found AR parts selection so hit or miss that I quit trying at shows. Then found that I could get just about anything from Rock River for cheaper than Delton at shows, and I think it's better consistency. (I'm not a fan of Delton, and found you can get better than DPMS for less money)

I've also found this to be true of reloading components & ammo. I can nearly always order in and beat the price even with shipping. And don't have to listen to tall tales by sellers!

Don't mean to sound jaded, but I really find the nature of the shows and many vendors to have changed.

[turbotech]

Flk k

I'm glad you and your buddy got a few deals at the show. I'm "the guy" who sold the 2 uppers to you and your buddy. We did have plenty of barrel nuts today (Sunday).
I'm hoping that you grabbed one of our business cards. If there is anything that you need, please dont hesitate to call.

Jared

[hobbesgunner]

Here in NY and Pa. I've noticed a bit of a take or leave it attitude at shows this spring..( and I've been to a lot of them..or so my wife says.)...if dealers have something that's a little scarce or in demand they aren't shy about marking price up...then get offended, defensive when you call them on it...might be the tight economy is wearing these guys thin but I still look at it as scalping...

[fkleinbu]

Turbotech, Wow! small world..

And I was just getting ready to reply to "pinzgauer", reporting perhaps the dealers at Delton are bad, but there are some great ones at the San Antonio shows, using you as just one of the examples.. Sure there are some real stinkers but they are easy to spot.. But overall, most are like you guys.. Great to talk to, fair prices, and great service..

And was going to add in addition to the good price, you even helped my buddy carry the stuff out to the car.. With such great service, you bet we grabbed a few of your business cards.. And anyone in Austin should check out GDS Enterprises.. Actually given the Internet, anyone wanting great service and fair prices should check them out.. For more info about them go to http://www.gdsent.com.. (other than a satisfied customer, I have no connections with these guys)..

And it is handy you are on the list.. I think my last AR is going to be one of those Alexander Arms 17 HMR uppers should you have one at the next San Antonio show.. I know if you had one Saturday, it would have come home with me <grin>..

Flk k

[turbotech]

If you wold have buoght a 17, who would be walking home?????I would give GDS a call and have them order you a 17 HMR. It would be the fastest and probably the best way to aquire one.
Thank you for the kind words. We pride ourselves on having product that people wand and at a very fair price.

[LRRPF52]

The last show I went to here a few weeks ago was pretty funny. I saw a familiar pistol on one guy's bench, and picked it up to check my recognition and suspicion...yup, a S&W Model 659 9mm semi auto. I immediately blurted out, "These are recalled! Ask me how I know." The guy looked up from stuffing his face with a mayonaise-dripping sandwich, to declare from the slurry in his chops, "Der's nuttin wrong with that. I carried it as a duty weapon for years."

Me: "Yeah, well Smith & Wesson recalled it for a reason. It has a tendency to de-cock in the firing mode." as I pulled up my pant legs, exposing the 4 extra holes I inherited from the one that had an appintment with me years ago.

[phillaf]

Ahhh, gun shows. I lived in the Phoenix area for a while, and there were some outstanding gun shows there in the mid-90's. Got a mint Colt Python for $450 at one. Hunting rifles galore, prices good. Lately, though, I've been disappointed in the variety of things at the shows. I have been to many in Lafayette, and it seems there are fewer and fewer bargains, not as good a variety, and more overpriced worn out junk for sale. Decided to try a show in Kenner La. (New Orleans suburb) and it was not as nice as the Lafayette ones. Oh, I miss my Phoenix days!
Phil

[fkleinbu]

It's funny.. I used to hear the same complaints you have back in the 80's.. Gun shows always seemed better back years ago.. I've been going to gun shows nearly 30 years..

I do agree gun show prices have gone up.. But then what hasn't?? Back in the 80's you could get into a show for $3.. I've seen as high as $8 these days..

Personally, I love the smell of a gun show in the morning.. I go to them just for the fun of it; most often don't really buy anything.. It's a chance to get out and look at a bunch of guns and other stuff.. And to this day, I can still find guns and stuff at gun shows cheaper than in gun shops..

Flk k

[LRRPF52]

I only go to gun shows now for odds and ends, particularly retro stuff for the AR15, and gear supplies for first aid, camping, etc. There was a great set of tables at the last show with bins full of practical medical supplies, like suture kits, and I meant to get some, but was focused on getting a complete Colt SP-1 Carbine upper.

I guess I was rude by calling out the guy's recalled blaster, but I just don't want anyone else to get shot with one of them and be seriously injured or killed.