I don't go to many anymore since they are majority dealers and prices are retail or elevated. Went to one here in Odessa, and at door they were securing firearms. It is common to insure clear and secured when carrying one in for sale and no problem with security enforcing CHL carriers to not pull theirs out for any reason. Today though they were requesting anyone with conceal carry to pull, clear, and run zip tie through their pc. I wasn't carrying mine...no need in building full of weapons but would have told them to pound sand and left the place! I talked to someone that has something to do with the event and he mentioned some rumors about strange behavior at gunshows in south Texas or some BS. He said they were simply asking for people to comply! Also talked to a CHL instructor and he said the idea reaked to the heavens. Saw some of the vendors strapped to the eyes that are about as trustworthy as a used car salesman. So in short they wanted responsible people to pull a loaded gun, emplty cylinder or drop mag and run the slide then run a chessy zip tie through action, thus creating/exposing people to potential FUBAR. If someone is set in their mind to create mayhem at gunshow they pay door fee, walk and find a spare mag to choosen weapon and buy it, walk to another vendor and buy respective ammo and walk around and load mag, continue their walk till they find the pew pew it fits and pick it up to inspect run the slid to break the 3 cent zip tie and slap mag and there is the chaos. Maybe its just me but the mental midgets running the door ain't too smart!

These are the same people that ask for a Bill of Sale on private transactions.

What the OP describes is true for every gun show I've been to in the last 20 years. I do not remember seeing a show that allowed anyone other than LEOs to carry inside.

Correct.

every gun show i have been to has had 30.05, and then 30.06(when the law changed) and now 30.06 and 30.07 at the door. this isnt new at all.

It’s entertaining watching the “bubba booger pickers” clear their firearms at the inspection tables.

scary thought

Entertaining or scary! This is direction the CHL instructor I talked to was going. Like I said it's been awhile since I went to one and now I know what to expect. The Silver Spurs show in Midland (last time I went) had a county deputy at door inspecting and warning folks not to pull theirs and checked for proper permit. Wasn't real impressed with prices just figured I would throw $8 away for couple hours entertainment by going to one. I was tempted by the roasted cashews and almonds!

And people still keep going, I guess 2A doesn’t really mean 2A. I’ve been to one gun show in the 24 yrs that I’ve lived in Texas. Never again.

I got my CHL in 1996 as soon as they were available. At first some of the shows allowed concealed carry. Then at one major show there was an unintentional discharge that turned out to be one of the established dealers that pulled out his own concealed carry to show another dealer...of course he fired one into the floor. Within the first year the gun shows started requiring CHL weapons to be tied, so in other words no concealed carry.

I've been present at two shows where there was an unintentional discharge despite the requirements. One was about 10 or 15 feet from me on the next row. That rifle was tied with the bolt closed, but a round was left in the chamber.

The bottom line it is just liability that causes the shows to require all firearms to be tied. It has nothing to do with their second amendment beliefs. They just can't meet the insurance requirements unless they do so.

But I agree, it's sad that they don't allow legal carry at the shows.

I’ve been inside two gun shows when customers guns were fired. They were inside the show and not at the check table.

The only deals that exist at gun shows happen between table operators before the doors open.

It has been pretty effective at keeping me away from gun shows. Aside from the insanity of it all... the safest handgun is worn, in the holster and untouched.

I like gun shows and once had a table to sell from. Once heard a shot fired. Haven’t been in a while due to the parking and admission cost for wife and I. Only place I know of where the customer has to pay an admission fee.

I’ve got a safe full of very nice gun show guns that were all smoking deals. Anyone who wants to get butt hurt over a check table can resolve their problem by not attending. More for me anyway.

If it’s concealed, how would they know?

I went to the NB gun show and was surprised that I had to zip-tie my carry, but it made sense. It was held at the NB convention center, signage everywhere not allowing carry guns.

It is their event so advertise it and let folks know ALL guns cleared and locked (even the hero vendors!) and then I/we make choice to go or not. Post the proper signs at door would be nice!