Attended 1st Ohio Gun Collector's Show today- my impressions

jonk

I went as a guest. My experience started negatively when I had to shell out $7 for parking. Then $6 to get in. They did have an impressive array of guns at the show, some real oddballs; but in terms of ammo, reloading stuff, etc., the show was pretty poor. And if I want to be a member, it is $40 per year! Heck, even if I went to every show, I'd still have to pay parking and it would come out to like $15 admission per show! And membership application is very difficult. Overall, I was not impressed by all the hype. These people really need to open their doors to all who want to attend and do something about parking fees. Just my two cents.

---

"...hit your enemy in the belly, and kick him when he is down, and boil his prisoners in oil- if you take any- and torture his women and children. Then people will keep clear of you..." -Admiral of the Fleet Lord Fisher, speaking at the Hague Peace Conference in 1899.

badboybob

Vote with your feet. I wouldn't have paid those greedy jerks.

s.gun

A good magazine subscription and a free ball-cap may well make it worth it if you are really interested in Gun Collecting.If they can't offer this,it is probably another organization that is run by 2 or 3 people that are trying to make a very good income;without a lot of time and money invested.

SXSMAN

I didn't hear about this show,where was it held?

jonk

It was held at the IX center in Berea, near Cleveland, OH. They have another one in souther OH, for a total of about 8 shows a year. They are the largest weapons collector group in the world, or so they claim. A very nice show IF you want to collect some really nice guns; but if you, like I, can't afford to spend thousands at each show, it really isn't worth it. P.S. The show may have to move as the IX center is scheduled to be torn down to make room for a bigger airport.

---

"...hit your enemy in the belly, and kick him when he is down, and boil his prisoners in oil- if you take any- and torture his women and children. Then people will keep clear of you..." -Admiral of the Fleet Lord Fisher, speaking at the Hague Peace Conference in 1899.

JudgeColt

When you attend a "Collector's Show," it should not surprise you that it is predominantly collector quality guns and not new stuff or reloading stuff. The tables at collector shows are usually very high priced to keep out the guys with junk and new guns and the like. The admission to some collector shows is much higher than you paid, sometimes $100 or $200. That keeps out the tire kickers and insures that those attending are serious buyers. I would guess the parking is controlled by the owner of the facility, not by the renter of the facility. The same with concessions.If you want the usual gun show fare, go to a non-collector show.

Spring Creek

JudgeColt,My feelings, exactly.I wish there were more "Collector" shows, within driving distance, each weekend.Have done business with a number of Ohio Collector members and they have a reason to be proud of their shows.If a person wants beef jerky, ninja knives, gun cases and the usual other "junk", there are certainly enough shows to go to.As is said: "Quality oats is more costly, if you want oats that has already been through the horse, it is cheaper".You get what you pay for!!SUPPORT THE NRA

He Dog

I am with the Judge. I don't have much interest in the Turner Diaries, how the holocaust is an invention of the International Jewish Conspiracy, or amazingly hostile bumper stickers, not to mention jerky and knockoffs. I am interested in quality firearms not necessarily investor guns, but good quality older rifles. The junk shows where half the people show up in milsurp camo here are $2 for parking and $5 at the door, as are the collector shows. I travel to Kansas City and Tulsa for large collector shows and think it is worth while. Since I don't reload, I can't assess that part Jonk, you may indeed be better off at one of the other shows. Try Tulsa for a little get away: 11 acres to prowl around!

jonk

Look, I too am interested in quality firearms; but I would rather pay may $5 to get into a regular show and sift through the Ninja knives etc. to find the few jewels, than pay through the upper lip to go to a "collector's show." Nor am I against the idea of a closed show; OGCA just makes it SO hard to join- you need to personally know two members already, attend as a guest, and attend again with one of your member freinds with you, then fill out paperwork and pay- that it feels like you are trying to join the Masons. It all comes down to personal preference, I suppose. The big Civil War collector's show in Mansfield, OH blows away the OGCA show for volume and quality, and is open to everyone. And is cheap to get into. Just shows what can be done if the organizers are willing to do a little extra work.

---

"...hit your enemy in the belly, and kick him when he is down, and boil his prisoners in oil- if you take any- and torture his women and children. Then people will keep clear of you..." -Admiral of the Fleet Lord Fisher, speaking at the Hague Peace Conference in 1899.

He Dog

You are right Jonk it does sound like a pretty closed group. But, gosh, aren't you willing to go through all that to learn the swell secret passwords and the secret handshake? Seriously, there must be enough folks around there who feel the way you do that there are other shooting organizations to join. I would guess in a Metro area like Cleveland/Akron there would be several. Best of luck finding one that fits you!

11thcanopy

Membership in the OGCA does require two sponsors but if the sponsored person turns out to be a problem then the sponsors are also in danger of loosing their memberships. Makes you think twice before recommending a person for membership. Same thing goes for "guest".As for parking fees at the Cleveland show, they are acessed by Local government.We try to go to at least one or two shows each year and feel the cost of rountrip airfare from florida to Ohio is the price we are willing to find quality items.Will continue to attend the OGCA,Houston, Lakeland, Florida and now that I have been there once the Tulsa show, As often as we can.One other note, here in Florida we always * about the way our "Winter Visitors" drive when they are here. Particularly Ohio drivers, but after years of making the Columbus and now Cleveland shows have determined that Ohio drivers drive the same way when they are home. They are easy to spot however 'cause they also have a tag on the front bumper.Just my two cents.

He Dog

Florida is the only place in the nation where you are required to make left turns from the right lane. All those "oldsters" driving around in the battleship sized automobiles that have to look through the steering wheel, drive the way they do because they navigate by following the geese! I would have to say I have never been impressed by the skill of Florida drivers, but I felt pretty safe going through Ohio by motorcycle.To be fair though, I have to admit that only in Bahrain are the drivers worse than they are here in New Mexico where red light are considered merely a suggestion and yellow means go like hell![This message has been edited by He Dog (edited 11-12-2001).]

Pelican

Made an OGCA show in 'bout '77 or '78. Picked up my first L C Smith (a No 3 w/chain damascus bbls). Really enjoyed it. Great show to find high quality collectibles.