Market Hall Gun Show

[AEA]

I went to the Market Hall Gun Show yesterday and carried all the way to the entrance. When approaching the entrance there were several signs stating that all guns must be checked (understood). Then I see a new sign (I have never seen before) saying that you can not have any ammo. If you clear your weapon at the check in your ammo will be confiscated!

Now the sign also said that you could leave your ammo in your car. So I don't know if anyone actually gets their ammo confiscated or not.

So, before entering the building, I clear my 1911 and put the mag in my pocket with the Pipe Round loose in my pocket. I also have another 2 full mags on my belt.

I hand the checker my pistol already cleared and with slide locked. He checks it out and tie wraps and then asks me if I have any ammo. I tell him I DO NOT, that I left it in the car. I then enter the show.

I do not feel that this rule is worthwhile or required. It seems to me just another hassle to CHL holders and that is why I choose to ignore it. My defense being, what the heck.........let's say I left my ammo in the car. I walk 3 feet into the show and I can buy all the ammo I want! So what's the purpose of this rule other than to inconvenience CHL holders?

Makes no difference to me anyway, because I have decided that I am never going to another Gun Show anyway. Just too much Bull going on and almost as bad as going into a gun store! About 500 or more tables there, all with just about the same stuff and about the same prices (within 10-20.00 margin) and all too much. Of course behind each table is another gun "Expert". One A/C unit down and humidity really high. Everyone sweating inside while it is cooler outside! They couldn't even keep the beverages cold . Very enjoyable buying a hot coke or bottled water at 2.25 a pop!

Opinions?

[HighVelocity]

I've seen this and by the end of the weekend they have a giant jug FULL of ammo.

[propellerhead]

You don't get your ammo back?! I saw a few loaded magazines at the gun check in desk at the Fort Worth gun show.

[Venus Pax]

Sounds like that particular gun show was poorly managed.
I wouldn't have declared my ammo either.

[jbirds1210]

Is there a criminal penalty for carrying a magazine full of ammo in your pocket anyway? I am not encouraging it....I just wonder if it is a criminal act.

Jason

[5111]

What are you complaining about Alan? You still got the gun you wanted at the price you wanted and even then had 2 people try and buy it from you!!!

What disappointed me most was the fact that just about every table had the same things and they were all about the same price. So, if you've seen one, you've seen them all. Not much in the used gun department either.

[AEA]

True.........but that was only because I came there to get that and I was not going thru all of that to go home empty handed. It won't happen again.

I don't think I am complaining.......just stating facts as they existed with regards to CHL holders entrance "rules" and the general atmosphere of the show.

[Mithras61]

Is there a criminal penalty for carrying a magazine full of ammo in your pocket anyway? I am not encouraging it....I just wonder if it is a criminal act.

Jason

Not unless you happen to be in NJ.

As far as I know, there is no Texas law prohibiting the carry of ammo, or even requiring that you conceal it.

[Photoman]

Gun shows? Mostly trinkets and new guns at prices you can get much cheaper online (even with the shipping and transfer). Hardly ever any good used gun deals.

Your situation does bring up an interesting question. Are you in violation of 30.06 if you are carrying a concealed ~unloaded~ gun?

[Renegade]

The no ammo back rule has been in effect for years. They have no legal authority to confiscate anything, but I guess most people are so embarrassed to hand them a loaded gun they do not ask for the round(s) back. They have a giant jug on the table showing all the ammo they have removed from "unloaded" guns. If they did not check guns at the door, their would be so many NDs they would close.

I do not see why people get so worked up over this. It is no big deal, hand them your unloaded gun, they hand you it back zip tied. How hard is that?

I thought it was a good show. Much more selection than in the past, much more ammo than in the past. Lots of good deals for things I want (mags, ammo, small parts, accessories, etc.) I was there at 0900, and was gone by 1100, so I missed the A/C breakage.

If you are looking for good deals, all I can say is you need to get there before me (and many other early birds). I can assure you all the good deals are gone by noon on Saturday.

[Xander]

Your situation does bring up an interesting question. Are you in violation of 30.06 if you are carrying a concealed ~unloaded~ gun?

If the location has a valid 30.06 sign posted, yes. The law doesn't differentiate between loaded and unloaded handguns.

[AEA]

Actually I did not notice a prominent 30.06 Sign posted, although I assume it was. The signs I am referring to are lawn signs posted all along the walkway to the entrance.

You can carry concealed or open at the Gun Show as long as it is unloaded (and you have no ammo). This is common practice and has been since the invention of the Gun Show and LONG before 30.06 was more than a caliber.

I am aware of the No Ammo thing from many years. But that was before I became a CHL Holder. I still didn't agree with it then either. But that had to do with the similarity of do not bring you own popcorn into the Movie Theater. This whole ammo thing stinks, but I can see where it is best to check and remove any from people that are coming to the show to sell guns (NOT CHL HOLDERS).

Now that I am a CHL Holder, I wouldn't mind their "rules" if they were common sense. Such as......for CHL Holders, Clear/Check you weapon at the check in counter, put your ammo in you pocket (as I did), get the weapon tied and go about your business. Upon leaving, reload wherever you feel safe.

How hard is that?

[Rex B]

My observations from Saturday morning:

Lots of interesting items, good selection
Lots of tables with fantasy pricing on common firearms
Rude people, starting with the guy in front of me at the gun check table
Very crowded

I found a few deals, bought a gun I didn't need because it was priced right.
Bought some common AR parts that were not available at the previous show in Ft Worth.
Did not find the gun I went looking for.

[nitrogen]

I went with a friend of mine who was looking for a carry gun.
Have to agree about some of the vendors, and their ignorance of rules in taking credit cards was quite annoying. (minimum charges on visa/MC/Amex is against their merchant rules)

Also, trying to wheel and deal with some of the more fantasy priced vendors was no fun.

My friend finally did find the gun he wanted, a Springfield 1911 Loaded at a decent price, at least.

I am a curmudgeon, and after havingmy ammo confiscated last time, I was ready. I had a handful of a friends' messed up reloads to hand them.

[snscott]

Online prices might be cheaper, but I get a bit of a warm fuzzy actually HOLDING and inspecting the gun I am buying before I hand over the cash. If I could easily return a mail-ordered lemon gun just like I can ANY other product, then I might feel different.