Posted on 04/03/2006 5:39:28 PM PDT by neverdem
Special to The Star
As I See It
A March 26 article in The Star presented an unfortunately limited perspective on gun shows — a great, fun and important American tradition.
There are some bad apples in any group, but from 30 years of attending gun shows on a regular basis I can assure you that the vast majority of table holders and attendees are as fine a group of law-abiding and patriotic Americans as you’d want to find.
Current and former military and law enforcement personnel tend to be disproportionately represented. A commitment to safe, responsible and legal firearms ownership seems to be the most common shared sentiment of gun-show regulars.
There is no exemption from federal or state firearms laws for gun-show sales. It is illegal to be in the business of selling firearms without a federal firearms license, and gun shows are no exception to this law.
Private sales automobiles, power tools, collectible coins, dolls or other personal property are legal and a basic part of property rights. Private sales of firearms are legal, too, but more restricted.
For example, it is illegal for a private individual to sell a handgun to a resident of a different state, or to sell any type of firearm to a convicted felon or anyone else prohibited from firearms ownership. Again, these laws apply to private sales at gun shows, just as they apply to private sales through want ads or the Internet.
The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is aware of this situation, and it monitors gun shows on a regular basis to identify and apprehend criminals breaking the laws. A gun show is a poor choice of location for someone looking to illegally sell or purchase guns.
Gun shows have several important functions beyond buying and selling firearms. The shows serve as a gathering place for folks of similar political sentiment, especially as it applies to the importance of protecting individual freedoms in general and the Bill of Rights and Second Amendment in particular.
They tend to be a regular forum for candidates seeking support of gun owners, and for political activism and debate. In addition to Second Amendment rights, freedom of assembly and freedom of speech need to be considered major concerns in any attack on gun shows.
Gun shows also provide significant educational and entertainment opportunities. The Missouri Valley Arms Collectors National Gun Show last July exhibited an air rifle carried on the Lewis and Clark expedition, and included historical displays on the Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II and the expansion of the American West.
The guns on display at this show had more historical significance and interest than most museum firearms collections, and presented a unique opportunity to see pieces that may never be shown to the public in any other forum.
They illustrated dramatically the important role of firearms and the individuals who used them in shaping history, and in securing and preserving the freedoms and rights that Americans enjoy.
Jim Supica is a member of the National Rifle Association’s board of directors and an antique gun dealer.
I was at a huge gun show in Reno jut prior the the 2000 election. There must have been many thousands attending. I saw a young man wearing an Al Gore teeshirt being escorted out of the show. I don't know if he did something wrong or was being led out for his own safety.
That's the real reason the dems want to shut them down.
I just got back from the Tulsa Ok gun show yesterday. The BIG ONE! Great fun! Lots of stuff I wanted, but nothing I absolutly needed! (Ok, I did slobber over several handguns but since I was from out of state all I could do was wish.)
Bought some grips, gun parts and a shaking type flashlight. It worked well till I got it home, then quit. So I was out $5.00 bucks.
Fort Smith, Ark next weekend!
Well its all fun and games until Dick Cheney does that whole shotgun demonstration ;-)
http://www.quailhuntingschool.com/flash.php
Enjoy! You are a lightweight if you can not do the hammered round with no harm.
Been to a bunch in TX.You can spot the Govt.spies a mile away.The last one I attended,I had a guy following me around until I said in a loud voice,Are you gay?,because you have been on my ass since I got here!Eveyone busted out laughing,and he melted away.Believe me,Big Brother does not like gun shows.
They're a great place to do some interesting people watching. And smelling.
Went to one of our local guns shows this past weekend. Had a good time cruising the tables, picked up some more ammo, cleaning supplies and a hot dog.
"Bought some grips, gun parts and a shaking type flashlight. It worked well till I got it home, then quit. So I was out $5.00 bucks."
Shake it again, who knows?
At the shows we attended in MA, there was always a guy who sold fabulous beef and venison jerky -- with many different seasonings. Yum!
Duh, they're chock full of GUNS! How much more positive can you get?
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