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SAR Show 2019


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I ended up not being able to get away from work to meet up on Friday. I did meet Chuck on Saturday, so not a total loss. VERY little Thompson-related stuff to see. Maybe it all sold on Friday...

 

Tried to buy a 1919a, couldnt even pull that off. Oh well, the search continues.

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I enjoyed meeting some of you folks so that was a win. I remember the variety and availability being a bit better last year for guns and parts (especially magazines). If the Air Force and wife let me take some time off next year maybe I’ll even get out to Ohio and meet more of you.

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Bob,

 

I sent Dan a message some time ago on bringing back an SAR East show. At that time he said there were no plans to do so. I hope he reconsidered. I imagine putting together an East show is pretty involved but as I said it appeared to be well attended. P.S. The link worked well.

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I 3rd the motion in bringing back the SAR East show.

Darryl

Edited by darrylta
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Oh yes three guys want it so it will be done. Better yet guys start you're own show,with the hassles and fun of > hall. insurance, security,and see how that all works out.And hope nobody gets shot! and if it was that easy to do now,

It would be done already if possible. Well attended means nothing, the bucks do $$$, Ask the many who did go to SAR show in phx. who no longer attend anymore.or griped last 2 years they did not do too much business for the outlay.

 

Its the $$$, they don't do it so some 12 ham sandwich eating gun guy can buy his latest 20 round dark earth mag.and get a deal on 22 long rifle. And get a sack of gun review and SAR magazine for free. or the other show goers who sneak in SAR for free rolls and coffee! And why do some become vendors go....To make money.And when they don't or just break even..they stop going.

 

SAR west beats up Dan and his crew enough. And heading east again. I am sure is not a priority anymore.would be great for east coast guys. but it is what it is.

even knob Creek has changed big time. Sign of the times.Ron

 

Hope they keep it going for future...will see.More shows have been closed or changed across the U.S.A. than have been started.The internet buying has changed much of that.

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Yea your right, yet there is large gun shows going in the east every weekend.

I would bet that there are far many more deep pocket buyers on the east coast than

in fly over country to our west, just sayin :ph34r:

 

The most expensive item I've purchased at a SAR show was an original C drum and

a couple of handguns. I showed with the TCA guys at the last two SAR East shows, it was a blast.

 

Just so no one gets the wrong impression, I love fly over country and the electoral college!

Darryl

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To get a Original C drum,that would be worth going to a show all i noticed at this one a guy wanted 10 grand for one. and a few Hurleys early models for over $500 bucks.The show is great to look and see whats up and share old war tales.

 

And i must have missed Philly Ord being there.But the Don Bell memorial was nice.Also noticed saw increase in price on class three no reduction. I always wondered if you did not sell it last year for 10 grand how would 12 grand do it this year?

and a few wes hurleys for 25 grand.

 

A few that blew me away a pre sample MP-40 THAT probably a Panther tank ran over for $10 grand and two other MP-40'S FOR $32 GRAND AND $37 GRAND.

And even some mini -14's for 18 grand.. And the real surprise a boat anchor cond fal G series for 10 Grand.

And a Chinese Dragunov for $7500 and a M1-D for $10 grand,

A few Uzi's for 12 grand

 

did not even bother with Belt feeds.the best deal was sold to a buddy of mine three usmc Thompson pouches.with three mags unissued cond and a MP-40 BOLT AND MAG for $400 bucks for all of it.

 

I can report on a bunch of tables like everybody here who went there.I just think now some go to show and tell and not sell.

Just brag hey i own it and look see.

 

even some retro current Colts M-16 from $2800 to $3500.

My one buddy in the far building bragged he sold a hk clone 9mm pistol with accs to some guy for $2600.

But the snack bars did real well ha ha.

 

now this week. they can ready for next year black marker the old tags and mark it up 10%......And hope.....D.T. gets in again.

and to all a good night Ron

 

It was like crack smoking while doing the sale tags.....

And a decent Colt for $40 grand. Which would have been nice for $32 grand

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Speaking as a potential customer, with cash in-hand; the show was a mess. I stopped going to shows because the prices tend to start at retail and go up from there.

 

I found one belt-fed that was reasonable, but still higher that I can get elsewhere, and I couldn't get the seller to come down on price.

 

I would love to have purchased the GI '28 for $36k, or the WH's for low $20's, but my common sense kicked in. I wonder if the sellers just go to the show to chat and show off what they own.

 

I was ready to buy, but not when I can get elsewhere for much less.

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Oh yes three guys want it so it will be done. Better yet guys start you're own show,with the hassles and fun of > hall. insurance, security,and see how that all works out.And hope nobody gets shot! and if it was that easy to do now,

It would be done already if possible. Well attended means nothing, the bucks do $$$, Ask the many who did go to SAR show in phx. who no longer attend anymore.or griped last 2 years they did not do too much business for the outlay.

 

Its the $$$, they don't do it so some 12 ham sandwich eating gun guy can buy his latest 20 round dark earth mag.and get a deal on 22 long rifle. And get a sack of gun review and SAR magazine for free. or the other show goers who sneak in SAR for free rolls and coffee! And why do some become vendors go....To make money.And when they don't or just break even..they stop going.

 

SAR west beats up Dan and his crew enough. And heading east again. I am sure is not a priority anymore.would be great for east coast guys. but it is what it is.

even knob Creek has changed big time. Sign of the times.Ron

 

Hope they keep it going for future...will see.More shows have been closed or changed across the U.S.A. than have been started.The internet buying has changed much of that.

Wow. All we said was it would nice to see it come back East every now and then. No need to blow a gasket.

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Speaking as a potential customer, with cash in-hand; the show was a mess. I stopped going to shows because the prices tend to start at retail and go up from there.

 

I found one belt-fed that was reasonable, but still higher that I can get elsewhere, and I couldn't get the seller to come down on price.

 

I would love to have purchased the GI '28 for $36k, or the WH's for low $20's, but my common sense kicked in. I wonder if the sellers just go to the show to chat and show off what they own.

 

I was ready to buy, but not when I can get elsewhere for much less.

And that may very well be the reason the bucks $$$ aren't there as colt21a was lamenting.

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Good show but...lots of "wife wants me to sell my guns" type thing. Yes dear the 1911 is for sale...5 grand.

 

Went looking for a couple things but couldn't find a deal on a M2HB. The guys this weekend think a plate gun is worth 35k, not in my world. I had to LOL at one table, I know the guy that was selling SRTA barrels for $550. Chuckled when he said "the govt paid 3500 for these things". I said not much of a deal when the ammo sold out years ago, I still have a couple k of the stuff rat holed with a barrel :-)

 

Went through every building and could not fine one series 70 Gold Cup, blue in 9mm. Some day maybe. Lots of S&W M29's if you wanted to spend $1500 or more.


Found a really nice M50 police model with an intact compensator, with a ton of spares and mags for under 6k, that was the best deal I saw but passed cause I went there looking for only two pieces I need :-)

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Blow a gasket you should have come over to my table i was a very calm guy in fact with my Thompson stories people fell asleep I guess when you read something in type may sound real crazy compared when in my face.

 

Also after 50 years of attending gun shows. yeah been around in all. in many states in the country. O.G.C.A. INDY 500 Kentucky, Tenn. Wisconsin. EVERY Illinois show you can imagine. Fox lake,St Charles, Waukegan Elgin Wheaton, Dupage South Lansing. Cook County.And many in Indiana, and Pa. And a few MAX collector shows. Yeah that good German thing.

so yes been around not just SAR show.

so i actually can have some good valid input.

One guy even asked at show if i ever had many guns or Thompson's.. said naw only over 5,000 and 100 plus Thompson's. that i guess puts me in R.K.I. category at SAR show.And i actually take them apart can shoot them.and even know what is original most of the times.

I did jam up a darn MG-42 once. But never blew a gasket.Did not see Reed Knight this year or Bob Landies, or d.s.a. arms or even Arsenal there. must have missed them all. And a number of others. glad i did Hear Tommy Nelson showed up. did business with him back to 1968...and glad Tom was there since he missed the years before.And Dennis Todd from Pa. was there as always. a good friend and P-38 collector.

 

It is the know it all that comes around that i can't stand anymore.

They picked up a Gun Digest 1981 edition. and know how it all works w/o doing the hard work.Travel, deals listening from the old timers. and having some humor also.And the all important History of it all.

And really laughing at one self. And saying WOW did i fire five or six in all this excitement i forgot.

Enjoy the forum.Ron

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Bob that was a good deal on the M50, Dennis had mags and mag pouches which you don't see much anymore for screaming blow the gasket prices. I have to thank TIZ that BLOW THE GASKET doors off sale sounds a good term phrase to use for 2020... now

 

YOU should have checked out Barrett in the large out building he had ten tables of colt 45's and 38 supers.I can guarantee he would have in his stash what you seek. or know who has it.And yes the days of model 29's under a grand is over.I saw early five screw boxed for around $2500 to over $3000 and a first year Mod 27 Snub for $5,000.00.

 

I am sure my ole Pete Gusenberg St Val 38 Special would bring $50 grand at that show now to go along with all the other high prices.

 

Yeah the fresh new up start guy has no chance anymore.

A couple guys came by and said after looking around. born 30 years or so too late. okay got to get back to the sales Ron

 

Okay i spent my 2019 allotted time here

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I did see a lot of ACE's and 38 super, but have those. Need a 9 to round out my shooters.

Agreed, the day of the 29's for 200 bucks be long gone... A couple months ago bought a Nickle 8 3/8's for 600, he was happy and it made my day.

Glad to have been around in the golden days when one could mail order stuff and have it delivered to the house :-)

 

Now it's just sad, kind of like the collector car stuff. Kids now days living in mom's basement get their driving experience via video games. Will never break a u-joint, blow a clutch, or push a rod out the bottom of the pan. Doomed I tell ya we is!

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The "gun show" business model has about run it's course. I enjoy them when I have time and have been to SAR, but I've skipped that and the creek for a while now because the concept of taking a chance on finding what I think I need is too much of a crapshoot to justify the trip. From my desk, at my convenience, I find a lot of stuff much more rare than what I do see at the shows for the most part. There are still a few dealers willing to "deal", but yeah a guy putting 35K on a sideplate gun is clearly a laughing matter. Everyone's looking to hook a whale, but most seem unfamiliar with the concept that whales migrate....away from tables with overpriced stuff. Due to the robust economy those that are gainfully employed seem to be at work, while the aging demographic has the time, maybe not the money, and no interest in purchasing additional stuff at this stage of life.

 

SAR east will never be again, and it has nothing to do with Dan's reasons in his response, even though most of those may be demographically correct. Sheesh I though subguns was gone too?

The M50 may have been a deal, but I could have sat here on my fat a** and paid about the same at the auction for a gun I know is there vs. a gamble on one showing up at the show? I invested no money and about 10 minutes of time while I was at work on Sat. Tough to compete with so many venues these days?

 

You don't see Landies at many shows because he sold most of his stuff out seeking higher margin gains out his shop. He's not alone. The few he still does are for his pleasure mostly and to get out of the house. You want to make bank at a show these days you need to sell oxygen refills, viagra, sitting chair rentals, and in some states weed and CBD oil.

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Good and bad.

Please, these are my opinions so don't be yelling and pissed at me for saying something y'all disagree with.....but I do follow prices quite closely and stuff I saw was pricey AND in shorter supply.

 

We drove from Minnesota and would again as I just like the anticipation of a large gun show.

Our favorite was meeting everyone, including a few folks who weren't on any forums, just met and started chatting. Thanks toall for saying hello to us. it ain't the old days and many of the old timers are gone,but new faces moving in makes me smile too.

As always, lots of decent folks, bought a few small items, even a couple fairly good deals (on totally unneeded and unanticipated items), but no "steals".

And didn't find much in the SAR barn that wasn't quite overpriced. Maybe I'm out of touch but a dented Lanchester mag for $150? Guess the good old days are really history.

 

I got the impression the bargains disappeared Thursday during set-up as with most shows, but we weren't there. Friday the prices were fairly lofty and I got the feeling that Saturday, many dealers doubled down on their asking $$.

I watched one well-known MG dealer tell a customer he was dealing on everything and offer the guy really good prices on some mags, but when I asked about a couple parts I was told that they were at rock bottom already as they were going for twice his asking price on Ebay (right!). As I do, I walked away and bought for less at another table.

While there seemed to be slim pickings in the SAR barn on what I was looking for, there was a lot there that others maybe were seeking. I did enjoy all the older western guns in a couple other buildings. I am always looking for subgun parts to keep my guns running but found very little, and what was there seemed quite overpriced.

 

So, for the two bayonets and scabbards, the Remington 870 stockset, the six tall-fifty ammocans I grabbed and the American Eagle dollars my wife picked up for stocking stuffers, it would seem apparent that the show was not a good deal for us, but we didn't come with that expectation and really did enjoy the trip and our time at the show as well as the weather!. Headed home now to close to zero degrees and wish we could stay south longer.

 

So in my humble opinion, the show was worth the time and the drive, but the bargains (and even the "fair" deals) just weren't there.

Was very pleased to see ammo prices way down (as market seems saturated now) but as we left our daughters place in Texas heavy with Christmas gifts, there was room BUY there wasn't capacity left in my tires to hold a couple cases of nine and a case of .45. Such is life!!

 

Would do it again though an might be there next year too!

Edited by john
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Glad that everybody had a good time and found maybe what you looked for.Soon it will be end of era stuff. but it all will be written down in some History book. And they will say who ever THEY at such time will be.

 

"Good times bad times they had it all, And enjoyed everyday of it till the End."

Ron

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Lets see a few tube MP-40; for $27 grand for pair and i saw probably about ten others no deals.And the pre86 for ten grand was a real joke,And the colt for $60 grand, I always say hope Trump makes another 4 years if not i think the next 4 years can get bad for the gun industry real fast.Because they now are all out for all of it.RON

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