The 2018 Calgary Easter Gun Show Report

stevebc said:
I'm surprised at the comments that business was down. I'd have thought that with C-71 incoming, many people would be scrambling to acquire new stuff prior to the changes re: transfers, and enhanced background checks.
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Anyone that has been to the gun show knows that it's not the best place to "acquire new stuff". Didn't go this year, but last year used items priced as new items, and new items priced considerably over store prices was the norm. Hell with that.
 
Scotty454 said:
Anyone that has been to the gun show knows that it's not the best place to "acquire new stuff". Didn't go this year, but last year used items priced as new items, and new items priced considerably over store prices was the norm. Hell with that.
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In many cases it was just like that this year too. At least with the items that I was interested in. It's like the shipping price was included without any need for shipping in the first place :)
 
Coyote Ugly said:
How was the food there? Prices for a Burger and Pepsi?
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I can't say as to the price of the burger, and the burger stand was only open on the Thursday and the Saturday, but the burger was really really good. Stood out from the usual gun show burgers that I have experienced. Very greasy mind you...there was a puddle of oil in the bottom of the container. I could feel the arteries hardening with each bite, but you only live once. Had the pizza as well. Nothing to write home about but got you through the day.
 
Nestor said:
In many cases it was just like that this year too. At least with the items that I was interested in. It's like the shipping price was included without any need for shipping in the first place :)
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LOL Not a lot of for-thought went into that zinger...someone had to pay the shipping to the show vendor and then to the show itself...
 
Lee Enfield said:
Alberta (and Calgary especially) has had the crap kicked out of us since 2014.

Not much spare money on the loose.

Too many people I know haven't worked in their chosen fields for 2 or more years.

50 year old fabrication companies that were our customers in the Calgary area folded and are gone.

I can't believe how many people I've talked to in the last 3 years who hadn't worked for a year.

I couldn't count the number of people I talked to at the show who had less than $200 to spend.

Oh, and the freezing rain on both days didn't help either...

And Dave said that Stenny's grumbling in the background on the phone call was the best part of the show... ;-)
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One vendor I spoke with (who's has an online presence and is a forum sponsor here), said that his AB sales have dropped 80% over the past 3 years, and he's had to completely re-jig his inventory to chase markets. in other parts of the country.

Anyone who believes the Provincial and Federal numbers about employment in the D.R.A. has actually walked the streets or talked to people out here.
 
Well, I was able to find some 40mm parts and some 26.5 flares. Haven't seen any of that stuff too often so buy while I can. So my spending dollar amount was way more than I expected.
 
Was a fantastic show for me!

I sold or traded absolutely every firearm, bayo, mag, accessory and round of ammo I brought. Also came home with more guns than I came with, more ammo and other awesome goodies than I came with, and a huge wad of cash in my wallet!

It’s all about bringing things that are popular and/or scarce for a fair price and making sure you jump on deals when you find them. Also helps to have lots of friends at the show... ;)

Got some great hats for my boys from Corwin Arms (Thanks Martin, you’re a great guy!) And also some amazing deals from Anthony at Trade Ex (The birthday present was a hit!), and of course other items from good friends and acquaintances there also.

Calgary is always a great time for me. Hope next year will be fantastic as well!
 
Got some of those custom molded ear plugs in an attempt to slow down the growing tinnitus.
Will be doubled up this 3gun season.

Saw three different booths doing it this year.
 
For interest, does a Bofors count as non-restricted? I noticed that a Russian 20mm anti-tank rifle had that designation on an on-line auction in December. ( somewhat off - topic, sorry).

I picked up several holsters and books at the show and had some good conversations with friends. Also met some people I had bought from on-line, but never met previously. Excellent show.
 
Dave in Calgary said:
For interest, does a Bofors count as non-restricted? I noticed that a Russian 20mm anti-tank rifle had that designation on an on-line auction in December. ( somewhat off - topic, sorry).
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Beats me. The FRT group tried to claim that a 76mm tank gun I had qualified as a barrelled weapon capable of causing bodily harm, but the firearms act really wasn't written towards that size of a weapon. God bless them for trying to increase their empire. So how do you lock it in your trunk, or in the backseat of the pickup cab during transport? How do you get it into the closet, or secure it into the gunroom? It weighed about 3,000 pounds without the mantlet. It would fall under controlled goods back then, but now they have exempted that kind of stuff that is of pre-1946 design and manufacture. They did at one time talk about limiting the firearms act to calibers of less than 14.5mm or something like that, but it really wasn't a priority, so as far as I know it was never done. I believe there may be some restrictions on the cartridges for the big stuff under the explosives act. but in all honesty I just collect the stuff...I have no intention of firing them. I always tell those that think they can, that they don't know how much they don't know. Rewelded breeches or patched barrels, unknown condition recoil mechanisms, unknown powder mixtures and using adapted primers....all can be suicide. Just ask the two guys live firing a M18 Hellcat in the US about 2-1/2 years ago. Oh that's right, you can't.
 
Did anyone notice the CZ 52/57 in 7.62x39 for $1400? The one in 7.62x45 was somewhat less. Is that the going rate for these now? Phil.
 
apu said:
This was my first pilgrimage to the Calgary Gun Show Mecca from Winnipeg. All I can say is Wow what a great show!!
Got a great deal on an Irish contract Enfield and a Martini Henry, black powder and hard to find brass.

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What did the Irish Enfield go for? Phil.
 
JoKa said:
Got some of those custom molded ear plugs in an attempt to slow down the growing tinnitus.
Will be doubled up this 3gun season.

Saw three different booths doing it this year.
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I got some done up a few years ago at the Stampede. Some of the best money I've ever spent. If they're done right, they're comfortable and they work.
 
JoKa said:
Got some of those custom molded ear plugs in an attempt to slow down the growing tinnitus.
Will be doubled up this 3gun season.

Saw three different booths doing it this year.
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I have been using them for years under my muffs. Last year I got a set done for work. I have an unusually shaped ear canal and those disposable foam plugs don't fit properly and will not stay in place. I usually have them in for six hours a day or more. Worth every penny.

Auggie D.
 
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