Posted: 12/25/2003 1:36:34 PM EDT
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In Virginia Beach at the Pavilion this weekend. Who's going? |
I'll be driving home this weekend, unable to make it. Be sure to check out the Virginia Citizens Defense League booth while you're there.  How are the VA Beach shows, generally? Some of the NoVA shows are pretty sad, and the southwest VA shows are dwindling somewhat. I hear the Richmond show is usually good and strong. Pick up some good deals! |
Sucked as in lack of selection or sucked as in prices? I've never been to a VA Beach show, so I'm curious to know how they stand in relation to the rest of the state. I hoped that the removal of the purchase permit requirement would brighten things up a bit. I agree with Mark, though. Show quality has diminished over time. I'm sure much of this comes from the ability to usually find exactly what you need over the internet. |
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The gun show in the Virginia Beach Pavilion was my first gun show in June of 1996. I bought a Russian SKS there and got a signed copy of a book about a guy I hadn't even heard of, a guy by the name of Carlos. It may indeed suck, but I've got too many good memories not to give it a shot. |
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Sucked as in lack of selection AND high prices! It was really lame, a lot of people selling BBQ sauce, t-shirts, quilts, etc. Mark has an excellent point, that show may pick up now that the purchase permit is gone! Who knows, I may have to check it out. Mark - It turns out we had to take our little girl to the doctor for an appointment and there was no way I was going to get out of that. If some free time opens up this afternoon I'll call the number you gave me. Later |
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I've been hitting shows for a long time. There used to be so much more surplus items there, for whatever reason, that has dropped off considerably. It's true that if you know that you can buy let's say a 6P from Grant, why would you go to the show, spend money to get in there and pay that one ass clown 15 over retail? I know that to some of the venders that's their only income and they need to make money, but I think in the long run that their business would build a reputation on good products and prices. I'm sure some of you have seen the feast or famine at these shows. Alot of buyers don't know where to buy items or how much they actually cost. So they get in there and pay the first guy they see with cases of ammo stacked up without looking around. I was at a show a few years ago when AK ammo was sky high, I observed this guy getting ready to pay dearly for a case of it. I knew it was elsewhere in the show for about 50 less, I told him about it and he went over there and was very happy. I told him that he needs to look around first. Screw that dealer that was ripping off people, making money is one thing, gouging is another. In recent years I go to shows more for something to do. If I find a good deal, then I'll grab it, otherwise I don't expect to find much at all. Marc, I know all about those doctor appointments, hope all is ok. It looks like the weather will be ok Monday. I think I will take my two to Pungo and let them shoot their rifles- and my MKI. Mark |
Mark, all is well...just a standard "two weeks old" check up. What time do you think you'll head to Pungo? I'll probably work a short day so maybe I could still meet up with you. |
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Yep, Carlos Hathcock. My wife and I were looking at some militaria, her idea not mine. We were discussing Mother's Crosses with the proprietor when someone walks over and says Carlos Hathcock is over there signing copies of his book. I had no idea who Carlos Hathcock was, but I could tell by the level of excitement of the people around me that it would be a good idea to get one. So I did. I recently met someone who claims to have bought his house. If he is to be believed there is a large built in gun safe. No gun safe isn't the word; it's more like an armory. |
You probably won't see this until you get back but I'll head over after lunch. Look for me: 5'4" with a shaved head, I'll have my two year old with me and he's got blonde curly hair. |
We were there, so there had to be a good selection and good prices!
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Your presence is a very positive direction for the Va Bch show. I went to one about a year ago and it was awful. If I remember correctly only about 5 tables actually had guns on them! Mark5pt56 said this last show wasn't bad so I hope it's getting better and now that Va Bch has lifted the purchase permit I hope more dealers and shops participate. And, I hope they competition keeps the prices down because I don't feel like paying $30 for a beat up USGI mag that the guy told me was from "Special Forces" because it had a green follower!  If the Va Bch show is going to become a regular stop for you I'll have more than my fair share of stripped Eagle Arms lowers
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Wow, I live a lot closer to VA Beach than to Richmond, but never bothered to go because of what I've heard. Maybe there's hope after all! So QA, are you going to start coming to the Hampton Colliseum show? |
Most anyone on this site will tell you that the Richmond Show is the best one in the state. There is one coming this weekend in Richmond. If you can make it, give it a try. |
I'll second what VA-gunnut said, try the Richmond show. Quantico Arms is usually there with the same Eagle Arms lowers they advertise on the board here, plus other cool stuff. |
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The truth be known the show sucked...That's because it has a reputation to live down. Because of the repeal of the handgun permit law, all the "big" dealers were there. However, the public was not. The dealer who did the best had six tables of TOYS. No kidding, it was like being at the mall.
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