Tell me about the WAC gun show in Puyallup

[PDXSparky]

It turns out that my son, who lives in Everett, will be helping a friend at this show. I plan on going too. I'd like to know what to expect.

Thanks

Read More

 

[deen_ad]

< Why they don't have school shootings in Israel.
Notice the long gun slung over the teachers shoulder?

Lots of tables, lots of people, don't bring a LOADED gun or LOADED mags in, you'll be escorted out. Member lose their badges for a year for doing that as well as being escorted out. You can't buy a gun unless you're a member, in fact you're not even supposed to handle one. That's what we were instructed when I helped friend at his table.

Deen
NRA Life Member, Benefactor Level
"Defender of Freedom" award
NRA Golden Eagle member
WAC member

"Having a gun is like a parachute, if you need one and don't have it you may never need it again"

 

[IronMonster]

Yep, that sounds about right. I had a friend who was a WAC member who went to a show with his badge. Bought a gun and as he was leaving someone noticed his membership was expired. Both he and the guy who sold him the gun got banned for a year. They made the guy pack up his table on the spot. It was less than a month out of date but they where quite serious about the offense ( There really was no offense, it was a private transaction that would have been perfectly ok anywhere but there)

Big show, lots of stuff.... Very few deals but lots of people.

 

[notazombie]

Sounds like a fun show.

 

[PDXSparky]

I guess I should have asked, "Can Washington residents who aren't WAC members buy guns at the show?"

Lots of tables sounds good. I mostly like looking at fun shows currently. Most all my money goes to feed my stamp collection, if you know what I mean.

 

[IronMonster]

Nope, Under no circumstances is a non member allowed to buy a gun

You might even get ask to leave for fondling one if your not a member

 

[Flopsweat]

I guess I should have asked, "Can Washington residents who aren't WAC members buy guns at the show?"

Lots of tables sounds good. I mostly like looking at fun shows currently. Most all my money goes to feed my stamp collection, if you know what I mean.

You have to be a WAC member.

 

[PDXSparky]

Thanks, that's good to know. I wouldn't enjoy being asked to leave.
Is it safe to think that non-members can buy non-firearm items?

 

[IronMonster]

Yep, you can buy anything that is not a firearm

 

[PDXSparky]

Yep, you can buy anything that is not a firearm

Thanks.

 

[Modeler]

Just don't buy a case, security will stop you repeatedly and ask you to open the case to make sure there's no gun in there if you don't have your WAC badge. Especially the one with the vest, sunglasses and fingerless gloves that looks like Dog the Bounty Hunter.

 

[decklin]

Not a fan of WAC. No loaded guns which means unnecessarily handling your firearm.
It leaves you defenseless and a perfect target on the way out to your car.

 

[Redcap]

Not a fan of WAC. No loaded guns which means unnecessarily handling your firearm.
It leaves you defenseless and a perfect target on the way out to your car.

Exactly. Of course...concealed means concealed. What they don't know won't hurt you.

 

[JVK]

WAC does not support private sales.

Mandatory membership & background checks.

Sound familiar?

 

[Redcap]

WAC does not support private sales.

Mandatory membership & background checks.

Sound familiar?

One of many reasons to steer clear of WAC shows.

 

[Truenorth]

I've been to several WAC shows and scored some pretty good deals on stuff.
Mostly mil surplus clothing, ammo and Surefire items.

I don't see anything wrong with requiring background check and membership. The flashy ads on TV claiming you can just walk in buy a gun without a background check are pure horsecrap. Same with Gunbroker but I digress. CPL and WA id should be all you need but it's not my operation and I don't buy guns there.

The only thing I've seen that sucks at the WAC is the long, long line and hour+ wait to become a member if you so desire at the show. It blows. It can get very crowded in the central isles by noon. Uncomfortably so.

Get there very early if you have bad knees. The walk from the back of the parking lot is about a mile. Walking the whole show is another one or two then you need to get back to your car. Back row car break in's are not uncommon so don't leave your $1,200 Colt in the glove box.

I go to buy .45LC ammo, surplus nomex blend clothing and yes anything by Surefire I'm simply compelled to look at. Good deals can and will be found if your willing to put the time in to walk the whole show. it's much bigger than the Monroe show. I usually take a fringe lap for back corner deals before going though any center aisles.

And as other have stated, just don't bother bringing a gun unless your ALREADY a member and have a reason to do so.

 

[Doc In UPlace]

I don't see anything wrong with requiring background check and membership... CPL and WA id should be all you need but it's not my operation and I don't buy guns there.

And as other have stated, just don't bother bringing a gun unless you're ALREADY a member and have a reason to do so.

Strong points, and I agree; WAC has already closed the "Gun Show Loophole" and I see nothing wrong with it. If only other gun shows would do similar.

Otherwise, seems like the days of the good bargains from non-store sales are a thing of the past. It's now mostly brick-and-mortar stores bringing their staff and inventory to the event, and a bunch of others selling assorted stuff, some of which might be useful and some is just silly junk like "fantasy knives", one step up from velvet Elvis paintings.

I have seen some people get a good deal on a rare or desirable piece (a friend found a 1980's Colt Officers Model .45 which is a real keeper) and there are the occasional good ammo deals when things are normal.

But I think of it as more of a gun version of "Bite Of Seattle" than the firearms flea market it once was.

The organization itself tries to promote safety and efforts in Olympia to fight encroachment from the anti-gun crowd; sometimes the publication is a little fringe for me, but all in all, it's an OK organization.

Go early on the first day, and know what you want. If you are in a group of several friends, bringing some GMRS radios is not a bad idea.

 

[Flopsweat]

There was no "gun show loophole" in the first place. It's a $10,000 fine and 10 years in jail to knowingly sell to a prohibited person. Feel like taking that chance? Maybe that's why less than 1% of guns used in crimes are bought at gun shows.

 

[Blitzkrieg]

Not a fan of WAC. No loaded guns which means unnecessarily handling your firearm.
It leaves you defenseless and a perfect target on the way out to your car.

THIS

 

[Blitzkrieg]

Strong points, and I agree; WAC has already closed the "Gun Show Loophole" and I see nothing wrong with it. If only other gun shows would do similar.

You like a loss of liberty?