Interesting we want more people to become interested. But yet we discourage the public from attending. Am I missing something? Oldtravler
Having run a longrifle show for 8 years I can tell you some of the problems with openly inviting the general public.
Antique gun collectors are very concerned about who/how their 4 and 5 figure guns are handled and its hard to keep an eye on everything on your table. These folks are often reluctant to set-up at a "open" show.
The same applies to Contemporary builders that are displaying guns that may belong to whomever commissioned the builder. He may have borrowed it back for the show or may be delivering it at the show.
Often the people that attend open gun shows are not at all knowledgeable about gun show etiquette (never, never handle someones displayed items without their permission. Never photograph displays/guns without permission etc)
Many/most longrifle shows are where old friends with similiar interests meet. The table holder enjoys leaving his table and "making the rounds" to see what is for sale, who is there etc. They feel much more comfortable asking their neighboring table holder to "watch my table" for a few minutes when they know that the show attendee's are interested in longrifles and probably has more respect for them than the general public.
Until you have seen some of the general public's innocent fondling of your 200 year old flint rifle (without permission) you won't understand the fear it puts in you.
Dennis
