Some good reading and I can relate to many of the posts. The one I find sad is Sharpsrifle’s comment on etiquette. I rarely went to shows until the early 80’s when a friend introduced me to OGCA. The shows were at the IX center by that time and it was my first experience with a “major” show. Before my first trip as a guest he gave me the “rules”. ALWAYS ask before picking up a gun. ALWAYS ask before opening an action or otherwise disassembling a gun. It is just plain RUDE to shoulder a long gun and point it down the isle at everyone down stream from you while shooting an “air duck”. If the gun is crap and way overpriced move on. There is noting to be gained from telling the seller that he and the gun are crap. Chances are he knows and will take umbrage at being reminded. When you are done looking at a gun say Thank You. I actually got in the habbit of carrying a small oil cloth in my bag and would give the gun a quick wipe where I had touched it after laying it down. Since OGCA “went south” I rarely get to shows anymore. I try and get to maybe one public show each year although I don’t really need beef jerky or Chinese tools. I get a kick out of the looks I get when I ask, “may I look at this gun?” Most often I can tell what the dealer is thinking – “what sort of weirdo is this old geezer”? I do miss the old days sometimes. Jack
