doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Benfeld Show in las Vegas

I just looked this up on line and saw nothing but Western guns and memorabilia. What have I missed? Where are all the fine doubles, etc from shows long past?

I imagine it's what everyone has been noting for the last few years Perry, except for our little circle, very little interest in double guns.

Thanks Rob. I think I will finally get to go this year after a several year absence. Anyway, I am also quite fond of cowboy guns and paraphernalia so I think I will probably still enjoy it. One day though will probably be enough for me. Time will tell.

I can't agree with the observation above.

If there was actually very little interest in double guns, and that remaining interest was concentrated in "our little circle", then demand and overall sales would be near zero.

There would be a good number of unsold doubles after auctions closed... and prices would be dropping like a rock.

The greatest negative effect on double gun supply and demand has been due to the large scale dumping of guns by gun owners in countries that have imposed draconian anti-gun laws and ammo bans. But hey, all you Fudd's out there just keep on voting Democrat. Maybe you'll finally connect the dots after it's too late to matter.

In addition, the all time record for visitors to this double gun website would not have happened in April of 2024.

There is still interest in these old guns. That interest can be maintained and cultivated, and new enthusiasts can be drawn in. On the other hand, doom, gloom, and negatively can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy. And voting the wrong way has been proven to lead to greater costs, more regulation, and eventual attrition.

One day, is usually more than enough of any gun show….

Enjoy.

Best,
Ted

[quote=Ted Schefelbein]One day, is usually more than enough of any gun show….


Best.

The Vegas show has changed dramatically over the last few years. Most national retail gun dealers no longer attend. The knife makers guild no longer participates. There are still plenty of private parties with tables offering double guns, however most price their offerings at more than retail. All the various auction houses attend displaying upcoming lots. I believe the industry has moved in the direction of the auction houses, where I find interesting items at fair prices if you do your homework.

Since Morphy has purchased the show, they have added a separate Western and Native American show and auction Friday nite in the same building. Lots of cool stuff to see and buy if that is of interest.

The show is now Friday and Saturday only, no longer on Sunday.

I will be attending the show for the 11th straight year. Not what it once was but still interesting.

The Firearms Engravers Guild will be there with member tables and displays...also knife makers and many others. I know that is not so much DG but most engravers engrave doubles...and a few of us hang out here for the info and fun.

If you come to the show, stop by my table and say hello.

Double guns move slowly, it is not your imagination. Just look at how many are for sale over Gunsinternational. Double shotguns and double rifles have seen decreased demand and the prices have dropped as well over the last ten years or so. Good stuff and rare stuff still sells, small bores, top tier makers, odd patents, extremely nice original condition all move, but slower than in the past. Demographics are a large part of it in my opinion, the guys who lusted after doubles are aging out and the younger guys do not have as much interest. Plenty of exceptions exists, two of my better clients are in their forties and are really serious collectors of high end British rifles. All that said, the market is strong, just not equally so. I would not have ever predicted the strength of the vintage bolt gun or single shot market. Like Harry says above, our local collectors show is still interesting, but it is not what it once was.

Use to never miss the winter show. Always made a little vacation out of it too. Have not been in a number of years. Have heard from many sources it has gone down hill like many gun shows. The best years were at the old Sahara Hotel.

John
Quality Arms
Houston