I've been reading many posts on here for some time, but have yet to add my two cents. Since I haven't seen any topics dealing with the future of gun shows, I thought I'd ask TFLers what they think is going to happen to them.
Here in the midwest I attend about a dozen or so shows a year. I like shopping, browsing, looking, and sometimes buying (if the price is right). The idea of having an entire arena or stadium devoted to firearms is a chance to be around others who enjoy the same things I do. Contrary to things that are being said in the news, I have never seen kids (without parents) or gangbangers, or spooky looking people at any gun show. The people there are typically respectable, hard working, sportsmen, collectors, enthusiasts, or someone looking to buy their first gun. I've never witnessed any sort of "criminal" activity, or seen anyone misuse a firearm, or anything to bring claim to the justification of a so-called "loophole" requiring closure.
I've found dealers at gun shows to be abiding by every FFL requirement, and private parties just as careful in their sales/purchases. But, I have seen crowds of people, lots of patrons. The shows seem to be getting more crowded, making it difficult to spend any time casually browsing like I like to do. But that's all.
What does everyone else see? Where do you think gun shows are going?
Thanks
Here in the midwest I attend about a dozen or so shows a year. I like shopping, browsing, looking, and sometimes buying (if the price is right). The idea of having an entire arena or stadium devoted to firearms is a chance to be around others who enjoy the same things I do. Contrary to things that are being said in the news, I have never seen kids (without parents) or gangbangers, or spooky looking people at any gun show. The people there are typically respectable, hard working, sportsmen, collectors, enthusiasts, or someone looking to buy their first gun. I've never witnessed any sort of "criminal" activity, or seen anyone misuse a firearm, or anything to bring claim to the justification of a so-called "loophole" requiring closure.
I've found dealers at gun shows to be abiding by every FFL requirement, and private parties just as careful in their sales/purchases. But, I have seen crowds of people, lots of patrons. The shows seem to be getting more crowded, making it difficult to spend any time casually browsing like I like to do. But that's all.
What does everyone else see? Where do you think gun shows are going?
Thanks