Salem Gun and Knife Show

[PiratePast40]

Collectors West Gun Show at the Salem Fairgrounds Saturday and Sunday. 9-4 Saturday, 10-3 on Sunday. Free Parking.

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[Belial]

How is this show? Never been down to one in Salem?

 

[CamoDeafie]

How is this show? Never been down to one in Salem?

In the long ago past, during the Clinton Years, it was on par with the ARPC gun shows.. but after Collectors West split from whatever it was; it became much smaller, a mere shadow of its former self. Less than 1/2 of the building if that, and many empty tables. That was when I went there last time, 10 or so years ago. Not sure if it has improved any since then. At that time, it was split between Salem and Canby or Vancouver gun shows by the same event promoters, and that may have been why so small.. but this time? I don't know? Maybe same size as Wes Knodel shows in Albany?

 

[PiratePast40]

The one last year was small because of the blizzard a week or so before the show. Several of the vendors cancelled at the last minute because they didn't have the supplies to bring to the show. Hopefully this one will have more people showing up.

 

[Belial]

Thanks I may make the trek for something to do...

 

[CamoDeafie]

When any of y'all get there.. let us know how it looks. I'm on fence about going. Not sure I can justify $10 to just look and be done in 15 minutes

 

[PiratePast40]

Not bad. Bigger than the Eugene shows. Much better than the one they had last year here at the fairgrounds. CCI small pistol primers for $80/k at one of the tables.

 

[PiratePast40]

CHL cert classes on-site for $25. He gives them on the hour if people want them.

 

[CamoDeafie]

@PiratePast40 , is it larger than Wes Knodel shows in Albany? And how does it compare to ARPC shows?

 

[PiratePast40]

@PiratePast40 , is it larger than Wes Knodel shows in Albany? And how does it compare to ARPC shows?

Not as big as the Albany show.

ORP is here with signature sheets to put constitutional carry on the ballot for November.

 

[CamoDeafie]

Not as big as the Albany show.

ORP is here with signature sheets to put constitutional carry on the ballot for November.

So to confirm, it's smaller than both Wes Knodel shows and ARPC shows?

 

[PiratePast40]

Yes. ARPC show is one of, if not the biggest in the state. This one is smaller than the last WK show in Albany

 

[CamoDeafie]

Yes. ARPC show is one of, if not the biggest in the state. This one is smaller than the last WK show in Albany

OK I'll skip this one

 

[cog357]

How is this show? Never been down to one in Salem?

I lived in Salem for 22 years just moved to Washington. Truly on of the best small gun shows.

 

[1776er]

Not bad. Bigger than the Eugene shows. Much better than the one they had last year here at the fairgrounds. CCI small pistol primers for $80/k at one of the tables.

Is that good or bad?

 

[PiratePast40]

Is that good or bad?

The Salem gun show has never been very big, but this year was better than last. For some venues, we're getting into a circular decline in attendance and vendor participation. If people don't show up and make purchases, the vendors can only keep participating for so long before it's no longer profitable for them to make the investment. Conversely, if fewer vendors show up, there is ess merchandise available and people are less likely to purchase. I'm hearing that some of the venues are raising their prices considerably. That makes it even tougher for people. The price of $70 per table has doubled at some places.

I saw quite a few guns going out the door last weekend and the CHL classes seemed to be doing well. The knife maker next to me says he does better at home shows, church events, and swap meets than at gun shows. I was rather impressed with his Damascus steel kitchen knives. They were great quality and less than $100 each with some at $65.

 

[1776er]

Were you north or south of the knife guy? I was the whole island that had the primers