Is concealed carry at gun shows allowed?

[CLRTR999]

For anyone wondering, Gun show was as expected. Lame.

There was exactly 1 vendor selling firearms. The selection was what you'd expect in a good sized gun shop.
They would not buy, trade, or facilitate private sales.
There were the normal accessories vendors. I suspect the same vendor as was selling firearms actually.
Some pretty custom leather holsters for 1911's, a bunch of crap universal holsters, flashy low quality knives, some nice knives, ammo and magazines, flashlights...
Some high quality accessories, but mostly just cheap, knockoff, black, tactical, etc wish or Alibaba quality stuff.

Firearm markup was about 20-50% on most things.
Ammo markup was 40-100%, averaging 60-70%.
Markup on other things was mostly 20-100%.

In short, it was really just a traveling gun shop that was overpriced even after paying to park and paying to get in.

Signs posted said no loaded guns except for on duty cops, but there was no checking for compliance.

Wish I would have saw this post earlier, I would have warned you about this outfit. Big Top (aka Big Flop) shows are the worst. There's lots of negative reviews about them on this forum. As you suspected, it is one vendor (LC Sports) operating as a traveling gun shop. Everything is outrageously overpriced, and you won't find any cool old guns or collectibles, just really expensive new firearms/ammo and low-quality accessories.

Gun shows aren't what they used to be no matter who is putting them on, but you always want to avoid the Big Flop shows. Maybe try a Wes Knodel show if you get the urge to go to another one.

 

[nwslopoke]

All that out of the way, unless your bored or looking for something hard to find your not gonna get a deal on anything at a gunshow.

You don't know what you don't know. Sometimes you find what you weren't looking for. Happened to me several times. Almost happened a few more times than that.

My CZ-P01, some holsters and outdoor gear are a few examples. Usually I'm disappointed when looking for a gun belt or sling. Never find what I like

 

[eustace_stelio]

If you're not patted down or forced through a metal detector/AI machine then everywhere is concealed carry.

The point of concealed carry is to stay concealed. As ole hotty McHot pants says:

 

[OrPackrat]

Have not looked too deeply into the actual rules as on face value, the ones I've seen advertised are gun free zones in terms of carry and such places I refuse to go if at all possible.

Besides, these last few years, all I have heard is the prices have been crazy and as such, I just get them through my favorite FFL that has a low markup...

 

[oremike]

Some people call it concealed carry, I call it exercising my right to keep and bear arms.

 

[NMCB 133]

Don't ask--Don't tell

 

[NMCB 133]

Yea a sign holds no judicial weight. I'll just leave if asked to do so.

I always purposely fiddle with my cell while entering anywhere. I get caught, I just say hey Peak yo camera(if they have em')I missed it, yoThen I'm all like.... See, told ya

 

[gmerkt]

Wish I would have saw this post earlier, I would have warned you about this outfit. Big Top (aka Big Flop) shows are the worst. There's lots of negative reviews about them on this forum. As you suspected, it is one vendor (LC Sports) operating as a traveling gun shop. Everything is outrageously overpriced, and you won't find any cool old guns or collectibles, just really expensive new firearms/ammo and low-quality accessories.

My experience exactly. Of course he charges a gate fee for his circuit riding gun store. Fair being fair, prior to the Covid era, his prices on new guns were more aligned with competitive sellers. In view of the new laws extant in Warshington state, I have to wonder how long this approach to selling guns will survive as a business model.

At Washington Arms Collectors shows, no loaded guns are allowed on premises, and all guns are to have the actions tied down with zip ties. So, carry is allowed but only under those conditions. With the usual exception for accredited law enforcement or contracted security officers. I've never seen a metal detector in use so I suppose concealed, loaded guns make their way into the show anyway.

 

[Spitpatch]

The multiple responses writing off attending all gun shows I encourage whole-heartedly. It is absolutely correct that no deals can be found. It is absolutely correct that you will not learn anything even if you don't buy anything. It is most assuredly correct that you will not have any conversations there with like-minded people. Stay away. Tiddly Winks would be time better spent. Again: stay away. You are right in your well-thought decision.

Now that the competition has been dealt with, I was at a Montana show a couple years ago. Big crowd as a result of the Covid crap mitigating. And a big line at the opening of the gate.

A show official walked that line outside announcing, "NO LOADED GUNS ALLOWED IN THE SHOW! SO IF YOU'RE CARRYING, DON'T TELL US!!!"

Life still goes on like it should outside our putrid little bubble on the coast.

 

[Lazyfaire]

I carry, but never carry a loaded firearm at a gun show. I know some won't like this but even tho the pistol is un loaded I've just never been able to figure out what to do with the full magazine that had for it. Those little white zips can be easily broken if need be. All I do is to follow the sign in front of the police officer at the table. "No Loaded Firearms past this point".

 

[JRuby]

Just went to the Saint Helen gun show and no one even asked. I don't even go to medical appointments if I am not carrying.

 

[PiratePast40]

Gun shops actively discourage handling loaded firearms at the counter. Why would gun shows be any different? There are always people walking around with their private firearms for sale.

Furthermore, every range that I've ever been to has a policy of not handling firearms, much less loaded firearms, when someone is downrange. IMO, a gun show should be no different. I don't want someone handling a loaded weapon, with the intent to check trigger pull and inspect the action, while in a crowd. I also don't want someone pulling a loaded pistol from their waist to see if a certain holster, or grip inserts fit, or to compare their gun to a different model.

As far as loudly encouraging people to not attending gun shows, that sounds similar to how ANTIFA, bLM, and the socialists act toward non-believers.

 

[NMCB 133]

Gun shops actively discourage handling loaded firearms at the counter. Why would gun shows be any different? There are always people walking around with their private firearms for sale.

Furthermore, every range that I've ever been to has a policy of not handling firearms, much less loaded firearms, when someone is downrange. IMO, a gun show should be no different. I don't want someone handling a loaded weapon, with the intent to check trigger pull and inspect the action, while in a crowd. I also don't want someone pulling a loaded pistol from their waist to see if a certain holster, or grip inserts fit, or to compare their gun to a different model.

As far as loudly encouraging people to not attending gun shows, that sounds similar to how ANTIFA, bLM, and the socialists act toward non-believers.

I concur. The Custer Gun Club has strict rules outlining firearms handling & such, as they should.
I do check holster's & such at times, while shopping at gun shops, but Always inquire if it's okay
beforehand & unload my magazine while checking this or that. They're often very appreciative of it.

 

[Spitpatch]

As far as loudly encouraging people to not attending gun shows, that sounds similar to how ANTIFA, bLM, and the socialists act toward non-believers.

Whatever works!

 

[NMCB 133]

Just went to the Saint Helen gun show and no one even asked. I don't even go to medical appointments if I am not carrying.

That probably keeps the Proctologists at bay, & not so eager to finger, eh

 

[JRuby]

Concealed means concealed - there should be very few cases where anyone else should know your carrying if your doing it right regardless of where your at.

 

[nwslopoke]

While it's true that great deals at gun shows are few, the one benefit I've found is you may find that one gun every local store doesn't stock. Specifically CZ, for me. I think I found all my CZs at shows.

It's been a while for me at shows though. I think the last new gun was the Sig P320. As far a looking for a new gun. My last few were online. The last was a Walther for my wife. 20 minutes into the BGC, she's like, what's taking so long?

 

[JRuby]

I had several nice conversations with a couple of vendors - an individual out of Idaho where I bought IMR4895 and IMR4064 for 30$ a pound and a inside the pants holster for 5$ for my Bersa.
Ran into another older gentleman where I bought a pound of unique for 40$. We probably talked for a good 25 minutes. Talked to Rob and Jim of Hellar Tactical in general but more specifically a 257 roberts rebarrel they are doing for me. Even went to the Grange Breakfast to support the Rodeo and Fair for columbia county. In general it was well worth my 10 bucks. Movies cost more than that.

 

[PiratePast40]

I enjoy meeting new people. At the St Helens gun show, met two submariners. One stated out on diesel boats. I've been surprised at the number of bubbleheads and riders I've met right in Oregon.

 

[gmerkt]

Gun shops actively discourage handling loaded firearms at the counter. Why would gun shows be any different? There are always people walking around with their private firearms for sale.

I know for a fact that over the years, there have been a couple of unintentional discharges at WAC gun shows. One of those instances is what brought about the plastic tie procedure.