Attended the Bullhead City AZ gun show this morning for about 3 hours. Just when I believed gun shows were turning a corner away from flea market syndrome, my hopes were dashed. Everything from jewelry to physical therapy and medical devices. New Guns tables were about 25% above new retail, and used gun tables prices about 10% above new retail. However, I still enjoyed myself gabbing with sellers about their wares and what I was looking for. I also enjoyed myself handing guns I’ve only read about, and that is what still makes going to gun shows worthwhile. Not buying, not selling your bagged Gucci-AR, but handling what you plan to buy online. I discovered that the M1A Archangel handles and balances way lighter than the normal SA stock, that the .44 Mag S&W modle 69 is relatively lightweight for backpacking and can save a fortune building my own PA10 Pistol upper. In summary, gun shows underscore just how much you save using the local gun shop and especially shopping online.
That’s about the only good thing about hitting a gun show here in 2023, you may be able to find some cool firearms you’ve only read about and seen youtube videos on. At least this way, you can pick up, feel and run the action and hell maybe even break down whatever gun you’re looking for, as well as talking shop and bsing with some pretty cool old timers. The prices I’ve seen around WV/OH/PA are absolutely Absurd. I know a lot of the mark up is the ability to sell privately, and without paperwork and any other BS. So that means the prices are highly marked up, and if you want to buy privately, you’re going to pay a premium.
You make a very good point I missed. With all the new agency actions going door to door into private homes and businesses with a list to confiscate, have these agency actions created fear and a greater incentive to avoid being placed on list for armed visitors at 2AM. Meanwhile, illegal gun means, charges and punishment for law breakers now minimized.
I just go for the jerky.
I just don’t go
The internet is easier and cheaper 
For me gun shows are a waste of my time. Oh and I don’t like crowds 
The field house gets me excited for football season
About 15 years ago I swore all gun shows off after seeing the pinnacle of flea market garbage: two tables worth of Alpaca fur shawls. I thought, “I actually frickin’ paid to get in here!?!?”
I did however go to one with my BIL a couple years ago and scored a very nice Remington 512T. It was a private seller that looked to be a father-son team selling off a massive collection. It gave me hope, but definitely the anomaly these days.
I’m allergic to crowds. And Alex Jones fans.
Yup there were rabbit furs, 2024 hats, coins, camp tents, tools, and lots of knives, especially new vintage swords. As far as the crowds, the military broke me of that long ago. In fact I have a slight fear of open spaces lol.