Here - does this help you?!
Aggie Infantry
6:45a, 8/6/25
AG
I went to one in Waco about a month ago and the one in Ft. Worth in Feb.
1. Too many vendors selling non-gun stuff (candles, toys, jewelry, solar panels, etc)
2. Guns mostly overpriced and used guns are of questionable quality
3. Ammo sketchy - especially the reloads
4. Negative atmosphere: crowded, unpleasant, and filled with "weird people" or rude vendors
When the truth comes out, do not ask me how I knew.
Ask yourself why you did not.[url=https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3551911][/url][url=https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3551911][/url]5
cledus6150
7:11a, 8/6/25
AG
I went to this show last year and was surprised that it was actually a pretty good show! Yes your gunna have peddlers selling junk that's not gun related, over priced junk, etc but that's just gun shows now days.
[url=https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3551911][/url][url=https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3551911][/url]6
zooguy96
7:24a, 8/6/25
AG
Been to a couple over the last couple of years. Never bought or sold anything. IMHO, a big waste of time.
I know a lot about a little, and a little about a lot.[url=https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3551911][/url][url=https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3551911][/url]1
cryption
7:38a, 8/6/25
Went to the gun show in Stafford last weekend. Found the prices higher then I'd find at Academy and it wasn't all that fun to walk around because there were the type of people there that seemed more likely to rob the place than buy something. I don't think I'll go back to another any time soon.
[url=https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3551911][/url][url=https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3551911][/url]
oklaunion
7:39a, 8/6/25
The entry fee at Bryan is good for all three days. They had around 500 tables last October but claim they have filled it up with 1500 this time.
[url=https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3551911][/url][url=https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3551911][/url]1
GSS
7:40a, 8/6/25
The Bryan show is advertised as the "largest in Texas", at an advertised 1500 tables, which IS a lot of vendors.
The previous show held in Bryan was 300-ish tables, and was heavy on firearms, ammo, optics, we had a couple of tables, and had a good show, selling, buying, BS-ing.
This show several of us will have our stuff on three tables, and contrary to a previous poster, all firearms and reloading stuff, we price it "right", and willing to barter.
Sure, the big retailers will be there, selling new firearms and optics, but we look for vendors like us, guys selling off excess stuff, and with a show this big, hopefully they will be numerous.
The promoter also claims "very limited non-firearm/ firearm related vendors", we shall see...
Bryan TX gun showNRA Life
TSRA Life[url=https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3551911][/url][url=https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3551911][/url]1
GSS
In reply to oklaunion 7:43a, 8/6/25
Quote:
oklaunion said:
The entry fee at Bryan is good for all three days. They had around 500 tables last October but claim they have filled it up with 1500 this time.
I have not seen any promo, for the entry fee being good for 3 days--
from their website:
Admission InfoDaily entry $15
Children 12 and under FREE
Military and LEO discounts at the door ONLY
NRA Life
TSRA Life[url=https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3551911][/url][url=https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3551911][/url]1
Gunny456
In reply to Smeghead4761 7:45a, 8/6/25
AG
I attend many in a year. It depends on the location and the show sponsor and promoter. You can look the show up on line see how many tables are available and restrictions as vendors.
The ones sponsored by the various Collectors Associations are usually very good. The big Winchester show in Cody, Wyoming is tremendous as well as Weinemacher in Tulsa…..they usually don't allow non firearm related vendors.
I typically attend the smaller town shows rather than large cities as well. They usually have individuals selling private sales and out of personal collections rather than dealers.
It just really depends on each individual show. Some are good, some not so much. You just have to go to find out.
I've been to some that are nothing but dealers selling all brands of plastic concealed carry guns and black rifles or such and few traditional hunting rifles, sidearms or shotguns…..some folks may like that, some may not.
Some I can go through in an hour…..some i will spend all day….just depends on the show.
Deals can be had if you do your due diligence and be prepared to negotiate.
I do the majority of my collecting still at gun shows.
[url=https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3551911][/url][url=https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3551911][/url]5
kyledr04
In reply to Aggie Infantry 8:10a, 8/6/25
AG
Quote:
Aggie Infantry said:
I went to one in Waco about a month ago and the one in Ft. Worth in Feb.
1. Too many vendors selling non-gun stuff (candles, toys, jewelry, solar panels, etc)
2. Guns mostly overpriced and used guns are of questionable quality
3. Ammo sketchy - especially the reloads
4. Negative atmosphere: crowded, unpleasant, and filled with "weird people" or rude vendors
This has been my experience, especially at smaller shows. But I do know some awesome items or deals pop up every now and then so it can be worth a look.
[url=https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3551911][/url][url=https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3551911][/url]
jefftip
In reply to GSS 8:13a, 8/6/25
AG
Quote:
GSS said:
The Bryan show is advertised as the "largest in Texas", at an advertised 1500 tables, which IS a lot of vendors.
The previous show held in Bryan was 300-ish tables, and was heavy on firearms, ammo, optics, we had a couple of tables, and had a good show, selling, buying, BS-ing.
This show several of us will have our stuff on three tables, and contrary to a previous poster, all firearms and reloading stuff, we price it "right", and willing to barter.
Sure, the big retailers will be there, selling new firearms and optics, but we look for vendors like us, guys selling off excess stuff, and with a show this big, hopefully they will be numerous.
The promoter also claims "very limited non-firearm/ firearm related vendors", we shall see...
Bryan TX gun show
Interesting. The one here in New Braunfels is also advertised as the "largest in Texas"
[url=https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3551911][/url][url=https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3551911][/url]
zooguy96
8:25a, 8/6/25
AG
Most of the deals you find at gun shows you can find on Texags if you ask. Many have firearms they have been safe queens their entire lives, that if asked, they'd be willing to sell for the right price.
I know a lot about a little, and a little about a lot.[url=https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3551911][/url][url=https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3551911][/url]2
oklaunion
In reply to GSS 8:42a, 8/6/25
Visitor Info | Texas Gun ShowsEarlier they advertised entry being good for all 3 days. Now they say Saturday entry gets you a free Sunday entry. But their website for the Bryan show also doesn't mention the show opening after noon on Friday which the billboards all over Brazos and Grimes county say. One of their earlier ads emphasized a 3 day show.
[url=https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3551911][/url][url=https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3551911][/url]
oklaunion
9:05a, 8/6/25
I stand corrected. My buddy just emailed them and got a quick response.
" This show only is a $15 DAILY entry fee."
I had tables there last year but decided not to show this time since Madisonville is next week. Probably won't go thru this one now.
[url=https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3551911][/url][url=https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3551911][/url]
Capt. Augustus McCrae
11:23a, 8/6/25
AG
95.7% of the time, you can find a better deal on a gun online than at any gun show.
[url=https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3551911][/url][url=https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3551911][/url]2
agsalaska
11:32a, 8/6/25
AG
About a year ago in Belton I bought a 98% condition SW model 66 2nd year production(if I remember right) with the original box and everything in it for $375.
I was standing next to an older guy who was trying to sell it to a vendor who was selling all of the new stuff. He looked at it and just said 'sorry there is not demand for those.' About 90 seconds later I was handing the guy the cash.
Had a guy a couple of months ago in Temple who had a table and was selling a late friends collection for his widow. He had a good collection but not what I buy. But he had a bunch of Federal .40 in the old boxes for $10 a box. I bought all five.
So it does happen. I can find a good deal at any show.
We also buy Alamo Seasoning. They come to every show in Belton.
[url=https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3551911][/url][url=https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3551911][/url]3
Gunny456
In reply to Capt. Augustus McCrae 12:17p, 8/6/25
AG
Depends on what you are looking for. Older guns like Winchester or Colts, Smith & Wesson, and Marlin will not be marketed as much on line except on specialty high end auctions. I have added far more of my collection from gun shows than anything on line.
Nothing beats seeing the firearm with your own eyes and being able to examine it at its fullest.
You can go only so far with pictures….especially with used guns. Hard to see a bore condition with pictures.
For new in box run of the mill, stock current production firearms, on line is good imho.
But half the fun is the art of the deal in person.

[url=https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3551911][/url][url=https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3551911][/url]3
1 edit
GSS
In reply to agsalaska 12:21p, 8/6/25
Yep, it's easy to walk by the big retailers, with the multiple tables. Also easy to spot the guys peddling private collections, often "flexible" on pricing, no sales tax, and often easy to talk to.
NRA Life
TSRA Life[url=https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3551911][/url][url=https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3551911][/url]
ldg397
1:55p, 8/6/25
AG
I have not been happy with the last few I went to they have been packed with other items, AR's and pistols and not much of the collectible type older winchesters.
I may just be spoiled I finally went to Wanenmachers' in Tulsa and they had everything you could possibly want and look at rifles in person you have only seen in books or on the internet.
[url=https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3551911][/url][url=https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3551911][/url]
91AggieLawyer
2:21p, 8/6/25
AG
Gun shows in the '80s were great places to find guns and deals. By the early 2000s, the deals started evaporating. Now, unless you're looking for something specific -- for me, it would be a holster or some other accessory, or possibly a used gun -- I wouldn't bother.
[url=https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3551911][/url][url=https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3551911][/url]
CREAg87
In reply to Aggie Infantry 2:22p, 8/6/25
AG
Quote:
Aggie Infantry said:
I went to one in Waco about a month ago and the one in Ft. Worth in Feb.
1. Too many vendors selling non-gun stuff (candles, toys, jewelry, solar panels, etc)
2. Guns mostly overpriced and used guns are of questionable quality
3. Ammo sketchy - especially the reloads
4. Negative atmosphere: crowded, unpleasant, and filled with "weird people" or rude vendors
I went to the one in Allen and it was exactly like this. A few overpriced (but nice) guns and a sea of anodized junk ARs with generic red dots.
Keep your rifle by your side[url=https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3551911][/url]
Gunny456
In reply to ldg397 3:15p, 8/6/25
AG
Have you ever been to the WCA in Cody? Second heaven to Weinemacher.

[url=https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3551911][/url]
Gunny456
3:23p, 8/6/25
AG
That's why I go to the small town country shows unless I know of some of the better larger shows.
One of the best I went to was in Canton, Tyler, Abilene, Odessa, Springfield MO., Mammoth Springs Arkansas, Kerrville, Junction etc. Mountain Grove MO. Etc.
Almost 85% private sales and few plastic carry pistols and black rifles or the like.
[url=https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3551911][/url]
PMD03
5:00p, 8/6/25
AG
The vendor selling the candied nuts probably nets the most money at any gun show. Smells so good. I don't know how long I can resist that aroma, but I can tell you that it is shorter than the time it takes to walk a gun show.
[url=https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3551911][/url]
Psycho Bunny
5:33p, 8/6/25
Gun shows have become the Nutcracker Market for men. Over priced guns, accessories, novelties and everyday practical items. Last gun show I attended was at George R. Brown. Vendor was selling a nice scope I wanted. Was about to buy it, till a older gentlemen told me it was over priced. I checked on my phone, sure enough, it was 10x the regular price online. I walked away. Thanks to old man for saving me some money.
All the gods, all the heavens, all the hells are within you. Joseph Campbell
My paycheck goes to my wife's shopping addiction, red bull and nicotine.