Gun show report - SE Wisconsin
 

Went to the show yesterday morning in La Crosse, WI, at the La Crosse Civic Center. I was surprised to see that the floor was full of vendors -- perhaps room for a few more tables along the wall on the far end. It was moderately busy when I arrived at 10:00 a.m., but by noon it was getting really hard to walk down the rows (They should have walking directions - "one way" - for each isle. They should also BAN strollers!).

I had to borrow the $5 to get in from my wife, so I wasn't there to spend anything. :hissyfit_m:

There were three guns I would have jumped on in a heartbeat if I would have had the cash. One of them I'm still kicking myself over -- I wish I would have taken down the guy's number. The other was just a good deal on something you don't see very often.

1. French MAS 7.62 NATO semi-automatic; UNISSUED in new condition with two magazines - $300. I can't believe there was a .308 battle rifle at that price, and this one looked as pretty as a brand new Springfield M1A. I don't know much about the platform, but it was definitely worth the $300 to learn. I wish I would have taken his number. This would have been a nice one in my collection.

2. SKS-M Paratrooper - $350. Fewer than 7% of SKSs take AK-47 magazines, and this one had a 16" barrel. Good blond furniture. The way SKSs are going this one should have been closer to $500. A good deal I would have taken if I had the spare cash.

3. Enfield No. 4 Mark 1, Excellent condition - $200. Just a great deal. Most of these are running over $300 nowadays in this condition.

Ammunition was STEEP. Uncommon calibers were almost impossible to find. Basic calibers were expensive. Federal 550 round bulk .22lr was going for $25! I picked up 12k rounds a couple years ago for $12 a box. Glad I stocked up. One ammo dealer had a large selection of sub-sonic. I ended up with a couple boxes of Aguila - SSS 60 grain, and SE 40 grain (thanks to a friend!).

ARs were generally overpriced and underselectioned. Garands were going from $750 (a fair deal) to $3,950 (WHAT?). SKSs (mostly Norinco) were in the $300-$400 range. Pistols had predictable gun store pricing. Held an FN Scar for the first time - $2,500... no thanks. Also got a chance to fondle the Magnum Research Lone Eagle single shot .223 pistol -- kinda cool with the rotary breech and all.

All in all, a good show. The underground gun market is still thriving in Wisconsin, and it isn't just a bunch of deer guns.

Re: Gun show report - SE Wisconsin
 

I went to the one in Southeastern VA last weekend. The show was packed on Saturday. There were more accessory and knife sellers than firearm dealers. The AirSoft table was the largest. A lot of older and collector stuff was there too.

That said, the few dealers that I spoke to there indicated that they were doing good business. I didn't see many deals there though and there wasn't much ammo left by the time I got there.

Re: Gun show report - SE Wisconsin
 

Additionally, I went to a large local gun store. The owner told me that the black rifle boom has gone bust. Everyone who was thinking about buying one got it last year during the Obama inauguration. Nowadays (he speculated) people don't have extra money (or a job), and if they do have extra money they are saving it. Pistols are the best sellers right now according to this one gun-shop owner.

I think this is why we are seeing $50 stripped lowers on internet special.

Re: Gun show report - SE Wisconsin
 

Umm, La Crosse is SW Wisconsin. Other than that, sounds cool.

Re: Gun show report - SE Wisconsin
 

You are correct! :504: .... errr... it was part of my cover to protect my privacy... way to blow it for me!

Re: Gun show report - SE Wisconsin
 

go to the show at the end of the month. usually better selection, 500 tables vice 300. missed out on ammo at the Ga Arms table cause i decided to walk around and it was gone an hour later. i was surprised to see two lines for tickets at 10 am. figured it would be light being it was right after the holidays.

Re: Gun show report - SE Wisconsin
 

You had me going there too! I've never been to the LaCrosse area, but always heard it was very picturesque along the river. I haven't been west of the Dodgeville.

Re: Gun show report - SE Wisconsin
 

Real nice in the summer and fall. Wretched cold this time of year. Great outdoors sports - fishing and hunting.

Re: Gun show report - SE Wisconsin
 

Is the one at the end of the month in Hampton?

The line was still going strong at 11:30 when I got there (almost outside the west door). I think with all of the cold weather it drew more people inside.

Re: Gun show report - SE Wisconsin
 

Yes, 23rd and 24th according to SGK website schedule. A much better show.

Re: Gun show report - SE Wisconsin
 

Isn't Lacrosse where people are always getting drunk and wandering into the river?

Re: Gun show report - SE Wisconsin
 

Yup. Every year during Oktoberfest there seems to be some drunk college kid who falls off a walkway into the Mississippi. I don't think anyone drowned this last year, though.