I think Mike The Bear is on target. We SxS lovers and shooters are a pimple on the butt of shotgun shooters in general--to coin a phrase! A very tiny--but enthusiastic and vocal minority. The vendors are in this to make a living and it is not cheap to haul 200 guns around the country and set up in a tent in the Chesapeake bay area to show your wares to virtually the same 5-800 people year after year. I can see where a new venue would be attractive to the larger national dealers. I've been to numerous SCI shows in Reno and Vegas and they attract many well heeled attendees. With SCI backing, this Gamefair-at least for now--will draw thousands of people from all over the country AND they will spend $$$. It would be nice if the dates did not conflict but we can't do anything about that. The Vintage Cup is going to have to rethink how it operates going forward. It too, is a business with the motive of making money for a few individuals. The Vintage Cup had a monopoly on this type of event for quite a few years. That is over forever. Times change--interests change--competition forces change. Nothing lasts forever. The VC may survive, but I suspect it will be smaller and in a different venue. One final comment--the non-tox shot issue is NEVER going to go away. We will fight the battle for years to come but despite the fact the idea or the science my be faulty--we will lose. Enjoy your lead shot now--your children and most probably your grandchildren will not have the opportunity in ever increasing areas of the United States.

nid-28