I went yesterday with my Dad and Brother in Law. It was the first 1500 I'd been to in 5 years, and the first in 15 years with my Dad. That part of the show was worth every penny we spent. Having said all that, I didn't see any deal there I couldn't get at my favorite gun store. My first impression was they should rename it to the INDY AR SHOW. In years past there were all types of guns represented equally, but I didn't see that yesterday. I was looking for some custom parts for my Colt Commander and didn't see anything there. Years ago you could find just about any part you wanted for a 1911/1991. The Glock guys were represented nicely and I picked up something for my Glock. I asked a few questions at the Glock tables and one guy seemed to be annoyed at the fact that I even asked such a question (I was looking for a replacement trigger spring). I didn't see the INGO table and I wish I would have, sure would like to meet some of the people that put this site together. Since I wasn't going to buy a gun yesterday I didn't have a lot of contact with dealers but when I did they were nice and answered the few questions I had. In short, if my Dad asks if I want to go to the next one I most likely will because going to a gun show with my Dad is like a history lesson and it is something that we both have had in common for the last 25 years. -Jason
Big +1 and igd2! THIS is what the 1500 looks like to me, though I was never fortunate enough to have gone with my dad. Being a WWII vet, I'm sure it would have been an education!
In the age of the Interwebz, I think the gun show should be an event where a large bunch of like-minded people freely congregate to exercise their rights as United States citizens. Can you get it cheaper somewhere else? OF COURSE YOU CAN! But that's not why I go anymore. I go to see and coonfinger stuff I've not seen before ever or only in pictures. I go because it, the Gun Show, still exists in this politically volatile world. I take my kids so they can see first hand what it's like to have the freedom to trade, buy & sell firearms. I don't want them to become adults and never know what that looked and felt like.
That is all. Carry on.