Las Vegas vs Reno Gun Shows
 

I just got back from the Las Vegas Antique Gun Show. The Lefever Collectors have had a display there for well over 20 years. This year the turnout was more than disappointing as the number of double guns was tiny and the traffic at our display extremely slow. There were almost as many tables selling everything from jewelry, military memorabilia, and other non-antique guns and equipment. The hotel has raised its rates for rooms and food that it makes your head spin. We are considering attending a Reno Show instead. However, their website suggests that they have a lot of black guns, camo, jerky, and rubber tomahawks. Does anybody have comments on the Reno Show?

This why I haven't been to a gun show of any type for many years. Too many side shows and black guns for me but I know others would disagree.

Hey Bob,

I'm sorry I missed you guys, I spoke with Terry on Wednesday evening. Unfortunately, I don't have any experience with the Reno show and cannot help you.

Stan

Bob, I have no experience with the Reno show but if it is numbers that you seek the Tulsa show has no equal. Not an answer to your question but something you may want to consider. 11 acres under one roof and it has always been packed in my experiences there. Good luck.

I would say Tulsa or Louisville would be ones to look at if you want to go elsewhere. But if you want to stay way out west, I dont have any suggestions.

What are the opinions about which is the best one east of the Mississippi, for double guns?

Does anyone go to the Ohio Gun Collectors these days?

It has been a while but I always enjoyed "The Big Reno" show. Probably the most notable thing I accomplished there was putting our friend "Long Range" onto an interesting NID No. 4E Super-10. Did get a 20-gauge Pigeon Grade Superposed there.

Stan while not promoted as a gun show per se the Southern has no equal when it comes to double guns IMO. The Louisville show used to be really good taking up 2 sections of the hall and was attended by dealers such as Puglisi and Barnette and other well known names. Those days are gone. The show is down to 1 hall and a good deal of that is unoccupied. Still a good sized show but just not what it used to be. Having said that I know dealers that say it is their favorite and best selling show of them all. Just depends on what you are after or peddling I suppose.
The OGCA is still a well recognized show and generally has good attendance. I have been a member for years and used to attend regularly, now just occasionally. In terms of American double guns it has been a hit and miss show for me, mostly miss, but still a good show. Back in the day it WAS the place to be.
If you are laser focused on double guns go to the Southern. Just my proverbial two cents. Get your home equity line of credit established before you leave town :)

I stop going to the Las Vegas show 4 years ago after not missing it for almost 20 years as poor attendance plus variety and quality of guns deteriorated I'll be in Greeley, Colorado in May as I've received multiple positive reports concerning this show. Colorado and Tulsa may be the "shows" west of the Mississippi.