Portland Gun Show - What to expect?

[mudslinging79]

no jerky dude? that sucks. boatshow had 3 of them. i usuaslly stay on the left side, smaller dealers, some private citizens with tables selling surplus rifles, and the mil surp stuff. havent seen the guy i bought my mosin off of last few times i was there, talk your ear off if you let him. passed up on a garand he was selling for $150, needed the gas op rod? or something like that. saw parts for it in s.g. later, as well as a few sites. still kick myself. there is a booth on the right side with ww2 memorabilia, including a part of a concentration prisoners pajama top, with the star of david. never asked the history of it

 

[snew]

2nd season elk starts on the 22nd.

 

[CharlesAFerg]

Very, very well said.

It's quite packed now, and I'll bet it will be the most packed I've ever seen it this time because of the election and ban scare rush.

The max isn't that far of a walk, although you can park for free at the park and ride max stop, which is just before the last stop, across from the track and dog park. You'll be walking about a half mile, though.

I love gunshows, I acquired most of my guns there over time, and I feel it is a patriotic duty for all gun users to attend at least a few a year! That said, I skipped a few years until I had my own table last July. The new Expo Center hall is HUGE. That show happened to be poorly attended, but I expect that this November show will be crowded.

For those who have never been to a show---GO! You will love it! Be prepared for a religious experience, one that energizes every patriotic blood cell that you have. There may even be bargains at the private sellers' tables---the economy is bad and many folks (like me) are selling off their extra stuff. Vendors might be grumpy from suffering fools, but most are actually extremely friendly and love talking about their stuff. The big commercial dealers may not be so friendly, because it's a long weekend of hard work for them---they have to haul all of that crap in!

Random thoughts: Dress LIGHTLY---the place is usually HOT from mass body heat. ASK BEFORE picking up a weapon. HAGGLE! Politely ask if the seller has any room to move on the price to fit your tight budget. Do NOT carry concealed! The security staff is large, pleasant, and sharp-eyed, and they WILL PROSECUTE anyone caught carrying a gun without a zip-tie. Carry a shoulder bag---you will need a good bag to carry all of the stuff you will buy, and ammo is heavy. There are ATM machines, clean restrooms, and GREAT hotdogs. Commercial vendors will take credit cards, but tack on four-percent to the price---most will not dare to do that at their own shops. Take something to trade---it's just fun, and may be the kicker on a deal you really want. If your body aches from shuffling around, ask a security guard where you can find a chair---I do!

Riding MAX is a "good" idea, but will still cost you half what it costs to securely park, and leaves you a block long walk with uncertain company. DO NOT PARK illegally anywhere in the neighborhood---you WILL be towed---it happened to me! You cannot openly carry guns on MAX, period. A rifle case will be noted and removed, but nobody will search a bag.

Every single gun has a zip-tie in the breech or barrel. Fools may point guns foolishly, but it is rare and they DO get scolded at most tables. You will only rarely see "gangster" types at Oregon gunshows---every gun sale must pass a background check, which verifies the legality of the buyer, seller, and weapon. This is supposedly not "registration", but computers never forget.

For those who have not been to the Expo Center gunshows for a long while, you will be pleased and amazed. Security is better, things are cleaner, brighter, and BIGGER. And you can still find switchblade combs!....................elsullo

 

[Abe Froman]

So how much is admission? Some are saying 15 bucks with two dollars off with a bimart card. The collectors west web site says its only 8 dollars to get in.
<broken link removed>

 

[friskydingo]

$8 - 2 for bi-mart card. plus parking

 

[mudslinging79]

6 bucks per car/truck for parking

 

[sweetbeard]

6 bucks per car/truck for parking

thought it was $7??

 

[Joe Link]

I think it's $6 for vehicles with 3 or more people, otherwise $7.

 

[PhysicsGuy]

I think it's $6 for vehicles with 3 or more people, otherwise $7.

sounds like a good idea to carpool

 

[friskydingo]

i have three people with me usually

 

[CharlesAFerg]

i have three people with me usually

 

[friskydingo]

orange mocha frappuccinos!!!!!

 

[mudslinging79]

dont know whats in that dudes mocha, but hes cut off.

 

[CharlesAFerg]

dont know whats in that dudes mocha, but hes cut off.

He's got the jitterbug.
It puts the boom boom into your heart.
..it sends you so sky high when the lovin' starts.

Yep.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMdXHQb9JE0

 

[NWSteve]

deleted...database error server hiccup cause me to double post.

 

[NWSteve]

Hey cool...I was planning on attending this show. Looking forward to making my way to your table and meeting a few people.