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3/30/2021 1:07:32 AM EDT
Never attended but I'm up for a road trip.
3/30/2021 1:10:38 AM EDT
[#1]
its the largest Gun Show in the world.

yes, yes it is.
3/30/2021 2:38:03 AM EDT
[#2]
For sure. I’ve been several times, and it never gets old.
3/30/2021 2:38:48 AM EDT
[#3]
Quote History
Quoted:
its the largest Gun Show in the world.

yes, yes it is.
View Quote


/thread
3/30/2021 3:18:11 AM EDT
[#4]
Wear your walking shoes!
3/30/2021 4:20:42 AM EDT
[#5]
Quote History
Quoted:
Wear your walking shoes!
View Quote



This!!!
3/30/2021 4:38:34 AM EDT
[#6]
Its 16 hour drive for me, I would be down to go.

Is there any thing there other than the show worth seeing?  Where is the best steak house in town?


3/30/2021 5:53:38 AM EDT
[#7]
Incredible gun show. I'm sure someone will recommend a steak place. I keep wanting to try The Spudder. Have only heard about it on the local talk radio station.
3/30/2021 6:26:50 AM EDT
[#8]
Quoted:
Never attended but I'm up for a road trip.
View Quote


It's the damnedest thing you ever saw. If you like guns, it's incredible.

That said . . .

You won't find a lot of bargains.
If the only thing you're interested in is new production AR type stuff, you won't appreciate it as much. Yeah, that stuff is there, but so what? That's not what this show is about.
This is where you go to find truly uncommon or hard-to-find stuff or primo condition guns. If there's some oddball old gun you're always hunting for, you can probably find multiple examples at Tulsa.
That assumes you can find it. THere's way more there to look at than you can possibly take in. And good luck finding it again if you decide to "think about it."

3/30/2021 6:51:45 AM EDT
[#9]
Take friends. All with cell phones. Everyone shares the list of things they are looking for. Everyone looks for everything on each other’s list. Someone will find what you are looking for and guide you to the location. The show is that big.
3/30/2021 7:01:26 AM EDT
[#10]
Quote History
Quoted:
Take friends. All with cell phones. Everyone shares the list of things they are looking for. Everyone looks for everything on each other’s list. Someone will find what you are looking for and guide you to the location. The show is that big.
View Quote


And take a notebook and pen so you can write down where you saw it, you will forget.  If it is a deal and you want it, buy it, because 99 times out of 100 it will be gone when you go back.
3/30/2021 7:08:58 AM EDT
[#11]
Not worth going to as a retail buyer.  If you can get in the day before it officially opens when it is dealers only you can get the good stuff.  Prices will still be high but the availability is what to look for.  If you are looking for something very rare it might be worth going, but I haven't gone in a few years and don't intend to go this year.
3/30/2021 7:16:46 AM EDT
[#12]
Its the Super Bowl of gun shows.
3/30/2021 7:27:48 AM EDT
[#13]
If you want it = it is there - you just have to find it.

It is the only show that I have seen a working 45-70 Gatling gun for sale.


3/30/2021 7:41:24 AM EDT
[#14]
Sounds like the gun equivalent of Comdex in the 80's and 90's. If anyone remembers that show, it was the show to be at for anyone who was anybody in the computer world. There are lots of stories about Bill Gates at Comdex back when Microsoft was in its infancy.
3/30/2021 8:26:27 AM EDT
[#15]
Quote History
Quoted:
Sounds like the gun equivalent of Comdex in the 80's and 90's. If anyone remembers that show, it was the show to be at for anyone who was anybody in the computer world. There are lots of stories about Bill Gates at Comdex back when Microsoft was in its infancy.
View Quote


Well, everybody says Tulsa was better 20-30 years ago, but when I went twice, about six or seven years ago, it was pretty damn amazing.

Both times I went I managed to walk down every aisle in an entire day, but I can't say I looked at every table. I was looking for specific types of things. If I didn't instantly see promising stuff, I moved along -- skipping all tactical stuff, modern handguns, knives, etc. I still couldn't do it justice. And I was wore slick at the end of the day. One year, I went back on Sunday and still didn't manage to see everything I wanted to see.
3/30/2021 8:42:39 AM EDT
[#16]
Quote History
Quoted:
Incredible gun show. I'm sure someone will recommend a steak place. I keep wanting to try The Spudder. Have only heard about it on the local talk radio station.
View Quote


If you want easy going, laid back casual atmosphere with really good steak, then the Spudder is great.  If you want more formal, classy, stuffy then Mahogany it is.  Spudder is the place for the wife and I a couple times a year. About $100-150 with tax/tip depending on drinks, appetizers and what we actually order.  Mahogany will be moderately more pricey.  

The show is good, but I fear this year it’s going to be wall-to-wall packed with prices jacked up.  Unless some people come to stay with us from out of town, then I’m probably not going.
3/30/2021 8:55:02 AM EDT
[#17]
Going this year for first time. Looking forward to it.
3/30/2021 8:55:50 AM EDT
[#18]
If you've never been it is worth seeing.  This year probably won't have any deals but in the past I have gotten deals when negotiating on C&R stuff.
3/30/2021 8:57:37 AM EDT
[#19]
You can also get a really nice meal at Bluestone Steakhouse & Seafood. Not quite as pricey as others; but awesome steaks, seafood, service, and atmosphere. If you're feeling Italian, Villa Ravenna serves one of the best meals in town.
3/30/2021 9:13:03 AM EDT
[#20]
There’s a big gun museum in Claremore.
3/30/2021 9:43:18 AM EDT
[#21]
Mahogany
Smoke
Jamils
etc
etc
3/30/2021 9:46:23 AM EDT
[#22]
The local newspaper Tulsa World once said if you “walk every row past every table you will have 15 seconds at each table and you will have walked 6 miles” or something similar. It’s 11 acres under one roof without any internal support columns. I go to at least one of the two shows (April & Nov) every year since I moved to the Tulsa area in ‘76. They always say there’s folks from all 50 states and several foreign countries in attendance. I personally liked it better pre-internet. I’d spend all year shopping & buying from Shotgun News, then go to this show. Expect to see about 4,200-4,400 tables.
3/30/2021 9:52:18 AM EDT
[#23]
Quote History
Quoted:
its the largest Gun Show in the world.

yes, yes it is.
View Quote

3/30/2021 9:55:44 AM EDT
[#24]
What's the best hotel in Tulsa, regardless of cost? Are those Casino hotels any good?
3/30/2021 10:03:22 AM EDT
[#25]
Quote History
Quoted:


If you want easy going, laid back casual atmosphere with really good steak, then the Spudder is great.  If you want more formal, classy, stuffy then Mahogany it is.  Spudder is the place for the wife and I a couple times a year. About $100-150 with tax/tip depending on drinks, appetizers and what we actually order.  Mahogany will be moderately more pricey.  

The show is good, but I fear this year it's going to be wall-to-wall packed with prices jacked up.  Unless some people come to stay with us from out of town, then I'm probably not going.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Incredible gun show. I'm sure someone will recommend a steak place. I keep wanting to try The Spudder. Have only heard about it on the local talk radio station.


If you want easy going, laid back casual atmosphere with really good steak, then the Spudder is great.  If you want more formal, classy, stuffy then Mahogany it is.  Spudder is the place for the wife and I a couple times a year. About $100-150 with tax/tip depending on drinks, appetizers and what we actually order.  Mahogany will be moderately more pricey.  

The show is good, but I fear this year it's going to be wall-to-wall packed with prices jacked up.  Unless some people come to stay with us from out of town, then I'm probably not going.
I agree with this steak assessment.
3/30/2021 10:05:10 AM EDT
[#26]
Quote History
Quoted:
What's the best hotel in Tulsa, regardless of cost? Are those Casino hotels any good?
View Quote
I've only stayed at the Hard Rock once, but it was a hell of a time.  I'd be more inclined to stay downtown though, probably at the Mayo.
3/30/2021 10:11:29 AM EDT
[#27]
Pfft.  Not a single gun show is worth going to.
Why the fuck would I pay to park and to get in to walk around and maybe not buy anything.
I can do that online every day,all day, for free.
3/30/2021 10:12:05 AM EDT
[#28]
Not worth it at this time.  in 2019, yes.
3/30/2021 10:13:59 AM EDT
[#29]
Quote History
Quoted:
What's the best hotel in Tulsa, regardless of cost? Are those Casino hotels any good?
View Quote


River Spirit hotel and casino has really nice rooms and an awesome pool with swim up bar. Margheritaville is also there.
3/30/2021 11:05:43 AM EDT
[#30]
Quote History
Quoted:
Pfft.  Not a single gun show is worth going to.
Why the fuck would I pay to park and to get in to walk around and maybe not buy anything.
I can do that online every day,all day, for free.
View Quote


You will find many items at the Tulsa gun show that are absolutely not available all the time on line.

There are many vendors that this is the only show they set up at. They have only one or two tables covered with hard to find items. For the last 6 months they have been scrounging garage sales, estate sales, auctions, pawn shops, etc. They are there to sell these items, and then use that money to buy things for their collection from other like vendors. It is like a self feeding circle.

There are also customers that this is the only show they attend and they will have a 6 month gun savings budget in hand and ready to buy.
3/30/2021 11:07:59 AM EDT
[#31]
Quote History
Quoted:


River Spirit hotel and casino has really nice rooms and an awesome pool with swim up bar. Margheritaville is also there.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
What's the best hotel in Tulsa, regardless of cost? Are those Casino hotels any good?


River Spirit hotel and casino has really nice rooms and an awesome pool with swim up bar. Margheritaville is also there.


River Spirit also has a Ruth's Chris Steakhouse.
3/30/2021 11:16:47 AM EDT
[#32]
Quote History
Quoted:
Pfft.  Not a single gun show is worth going to.
Why the fuck would I pay to park and to get in to walk around and maybe not buy anything.
I can do that online every day,all day, for free.
View Quote


It still has not really hurt the Wanenmacher show, it still is the largest in the world.  My saying is "if two of something were ever made, one is for sale in Tulsa"  It's been a few years, but I have seen some rare things for sale.  There are a lot of sellers (and buyers) who don't want to advertise their guns online and will hold their inventory for Tulsa.  This last year may have made some move away from that due to the cancellations.  It's a different show - no beanie babies.  Only a small percent of the tables can be non-gun related - I bought my oldest a highly detailed wooden helicopter one time there. The quality of the sellers and the people walking around is different, very intentional.  The average attendee walking around is carrying three months worth of pay to buy with.
3/30/2021 11:41:10 AM EDT
[#33]
Quote History
Quoted:
Incredible gun show. I'm sure someone will recommend a steak place. I keep wanting to try The Spudder. Have only heard about it on the local talk radio station.
View Quote

Think I ate at the spudder some time ago and it was good then
3/30/2021 11:45:03 AM EDT
[#34]
Quoted:
Never attended but I'm up for a road trip.
View Quote

Used to live in Tulsa. Been to the show multiple times. It’s 11 acres of uninterrupted floor space.  Yeah there’s some jerky and beanie baby junk but mostly guns and some knives. Tables of Winchester yellow boys.  Tables of SAA revolvers etc.
Like what’s been said, chances are you’ll see anything you’re looking for there. Even the odd personality. Randy Weaver used to attend.
3/30/2021 11:49:01 AM EDT
[#36]
Quote History
Quoted:
There’s a big gun museum in Claremore.
View Quote


I'm hitting that the Friday before.
3/30/2021 12:07:10 PM EDT
[#37]
I used to hit both shows every year, but haven't been to one in 8 or 10 years now.  Be advised that this show will likely be way more of a zoo than it is in more normal times.  If you aren't local but can get into town a day or two before the show,  try to get advance tickets.  There is a list of locations that sell them on the show's website.  They aren't any cheaper but the line at the door will suck worse than any line you've ever encountered.  Parking will likely be a problem too.  I always had the best luck entering the racetrack infield off of Yale Avenue and catching a shuttle to the building.  If you can park there fairly easily and have advance tickets the shuttle will take you right to the door, somebody will take your ticket and you can go right in.

Beware - not sure if the shuttles will be running this year, check the website.  Also, beware that the personal hygiene of some visitors is lacking, and some may have actually shit their pants while walking around.  The other hazard that I was plagued with was the fatass on the scooter that is running into your heels constantly.

Have fun, and good luck.
3/30/2021 12:07:45 PM EDT
[#38]
Yes, absolutely....
3/30/2021 12:25:31 PM EDT
[#39]
Quote History
Quoted:


I'm hitting that the Friday before.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
There’s a big gun museum in Claremore.


I'm hitting that the Friday before.


HEAT gun shop in Tulsa also has a nice assault rifle collection on display for your viewing pleasure, as well as a retail store and transferable class III weapons for sale.
3/30/2021 12:28:29 PM EDT
[#40]
Quote History
Quoted:
Take friends. All with cell phones. Everyone shares the list of things they are looking for. Everyone looks for everything on each other's list. Someone will find what you are looking for and guide you to the location. The show is that big.
View Quote
If you start at opening on Sat and be in the show all day ans then all day Sunday till close you still will only have 15 seconds per table.
3/30/2021 12:33:34 PM EDT
[#41]
Only if you like guns and are not a pussy.

3/30/2021 12:35:25 PM EDT
[#42]
I've always wanted to go, just for the experience but it's a bit of a drive for what is just a very large albeit fancy gunshow with likely zero deals to be had...especially nowadays
3/30/2021 12:57:26 PM EDT
[#43]
Quote History
Quoted:
I've always wanted to go, just for the experience but it's a bit of a drive for what is just a very large albeit fancy gunshow with likely zero deals to be had...especially nowadays
View Quote

There's always deals to be had at the Tulsa show, especially when someone finds something they want and the price of what they're selling just drastically went down as they're looking to flip it quick before the other sells.

There are always numerous people bringing guns there to sell as well as accessories.
3/30/2021 1:08:39 PM EDT
[#44]
A year ago last fall, the last show that wasn't canceled, I bought a nice 1889 Winchester high wall in 32-40. Great price and fairly rare 34 inch barrel. I know most people aren't interested in this but it shows all kinds of guns are available.

Attached File
3/30/2021 2:51:05 PM EDT
[#45]
Quote History
Quoted:
Not worth going to as a retail buyer.  If you can get in the day before it officially opens when it is dealers only you can get the good stuff.  Prices will still be high but the availability is what to look for.  If you are looking for something very rare it might be worth going, but I haven't gone in a few years and don't intend to go this year.
View Quote

I've been going for about 5 years and splitting a dealer table with some friends.  A lot of deals happen on friday setup like many other shows, but there are still lots of deals on sat or on sunday when people are starting to leave.  There are a lot of deals in the aisles and tables are very expensive so many dealers aren't able to put out all their inventory at once.  When they sell something they put out something else to fill the spot.  I've never been to a show there where I didn't spend a few thousand on saturday afternoon or sunday morning.
3/30/2021 3:52:03 PM EDT
[#46]
Quote History
Quoted:


River Spirit hotel and casino has really nice rooms and an awesome pool with swim up bar. Margheritaville is also there.
View Quote



we like River Spirit.
3/30/2021 3:54:49 PM EDT
[#47]
Greatest beef jerkey, girl scout cookie, and beanie baby convention around!
3/30/2021 4:09:35 PM EDT
[#48]
Quote History
Quoted:
Pfft.  Not a single gun show is worth going to.
Why the fuck would I pay to park and to get in to walk around and maybe not buy anything.
I can do that online every day,all day, for free.
View Quote


You only know what you know. Clearly, you don’t know Tulsa.
3/30/2021 4:15:25 PM EDT
[#49]
Yes. And go to Bull in the Alley.
3/30/2021 5:20:36 PM EDT
[#50]
Quote History
Quoted:  Greatest beef jerkey, girl scout cookie, and beanie baby convention around!
View Quote


You've never been, we can see that.  Any other ignorance you'd like to display?

I've updated the OP in the O'Fisheel thread w/ attendees from both threads.  If you have a table, want to specify which day you're going to attend, want to join me @ the JM Davis Arms Museum on Friday, or want to tell folks what you're looking for, post up in the O'Fisheel thread:

https://www.ar15.com/forums/t_1_5/2430597_O-Fisheel-Tulsa-Wanenmacher-s-show-thread-10-11-APRIL-.html

ETA:  Next weekend I'll compile the top 5 dinner suggestions in a poll in the O'Fisheel thread & we can vote on dinner Saturday night.

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