[700PSS Shooter]

Let me add here in the show forum that many folks I spoke to thought this show was better than August. Not to demean August (which I missed), but that was the first at the Expo Center, and it was in the summer. This venue has changed hands. From what I have heard, the previous owner was anti-gunshow, plus Fairfax County had the waiting period for handguns even if you went through the instacheck. As a result, many did not want the hassle if you could not take it with you, so no shows in Northern VA.

For those not familiar, this is a joint show with C&E and Showmasters. I hope it continues to get better. We needed a large NoVA show with real collectibles and nationally known, established, reputable dealers in collectibles to make up for the small shows with jewelry and jerky and a few good local dealers.

I am a Swiss and US military collector. This show had Peabodys, Swiss Martinis, G1911, K1911, the ubiquitious K31s, and a Zfk.31/55 sniper as well as Lugers and Swiss revolvers. My colleague who is a antique US collector has scored well at the 2 shows, an 1886 Springfield experimental 24" trapdoor carbine in August, and a Winchester Lee Navy this show. We had a good time spending like drunken sailors.

With this Swiss Luger I bought, and other Swiss rifles, the wife said the guns in my collection are looking more like museum pieces... not a bad compliment. Fortunately, she also enjoys a good show.