I’m at the Tulsa show and I heard rumors that the public was not allowed to bring guns into the Reno show. Is that true or not?
Its setup day today and picked up a long range vernier tang sight that I’ve been looking for to fill the long range box set I’ve been sitting on and it was surprisingly cheap.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
Bob,
Yes, that’s true . No guns can come in the show other than by a vendor, and even that has to be in the one hour period before the public is allowed in. Also, all guns have to be connected to a table by a cable, or para cord. A sale must have a receipt and that gun and receipt must go to security to be wrapped by them, and hotel exit is through one designated door.
Loading/setup was very tough Wednesday night. Was supposed to be 5 to 8. Turned out to be 6 to 9 and only people with 4 or more tables were let in. They didn’t honor anyone in the car/truck queuing line unless than had 4 or more tables reserved. That turned away many irritated ( to say the least ) people in line.
Once in the hotel, guns cannot go to rooms at all, and ccw’s and open carry are denied anywhere.
Show promoter contract has expired, and new hotel owners have indicated they want a family oriented hotel, so no more shows are wanted.
Hotel is making it very difficult to operate on the vendors and the public.
Bill
Bill,
That will kill the gun show. If they held it at another hotel would it be back to normal?
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
1873man said
Bill,That will kill the gun show. If they held it at another hotel would it be back to normal?
Bob
Bob,
I suspect that Lou Fascio will find a different location for the show, but it is anyone’s guess as to it ever being “normal” again. This is the first November Big Reno Show that I have missed in almost 20-years, and it sadly sounds like I may have missed being there for the very last one. On a positive note, the PC choice made by the Grand Sierra Hotel will more than likely result in them suffering the same fate! The three annual Big Reno gun shows brought in a lot of business for them that will now completely disappear… their bottom line will deservedly suffer greatly as a result of it.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
April 26, 2015

What a surprise! For years, I’ve been going to that show 2-3 times a year and enjoying it. I missed this weekend and will be eager to hear what my vendor amigos have to say. One already told me that he was going to Tulsa because the two were held the same weekend. Repercussions from the shootings in Vegas or was this planned long in advance, or since the August show? Residing in California, Reno was my connection to the outside world so please, all, keep us informed. The show was the only reason I stayed at the flea-infested GSR (no joke when they had dog shows). Thanks, BK
November 7, 2015

Sounds like they don’t want to play nice with the vendors and that will likely kill the show, at least as far as I’m concerned. Were these rules communicated to the vendors ahead of time or announced on setup day? I spent my weekend deer hunting, seems I made a good choice. I’m sorry y’all were treated so badly. Apparently the hotel mgmt don’t want to do gun shows and will likely get their wish!
Lou told one of our members the March show will be at the Convention Center, so at least he’s not giving up. Don’t know if it will stay there.
I left at 2:30 and they still would not open the loading ramp gates until 3PM. The single carts could get under gates, but the car/truck line-up was very long. Nice guys. I had a good show selling 6 guns, but 5 of those went to other vendors. Clarence Parks bought 9 or 10 !! Some guys did ok, but the overall roadblocks the hotel put up were really inconveinent and just plan rude. Also, many sheriffs around in and outside in hallway.
Lou walked around and apologized to many vendors and said he would do something, which he did.
Lots of empty tables, as many went to Tulsa instead.
Still fun to see old friends and complain together !
Bill
November 7, 2015

I think it’s time to find a way to change the public’s perception of gun shows, at least the collector shows. The person(s) who made the policies for the Reno show either doesn’t understand or is simply hostile to the concept. I’d like to go to the Reno show someday but quite frankly I’m glad I didn’t invest the time & money for a trip out there for this one.
The hotel was bankrupt as I hear it, quite a few years ago. The lien holders were giving Lou a bad time, but he had an iron clad contract. With the expiration of the contract, they probably told Lou to take a hike. Absolutely the best of the western US gun shows. Lou is a good man, so help him get through this. There are plenty of places in Reno for a gun show. There are a few already. I did his show for many years until I became incapacitated.
The Great Western show in Pomona was the best and biggest gun show ever and was closed by the small minded board of supervisors who called the show folks, merchants of death. Hard to beat people who just laughed at the Judges decision to re open the show. Big Larry
November 7, 2015

Big Larry said
The hotel was bankrupt as I hear it, quite a few years ago. The lien holders were giving Lou a bad time, but he had an iron clad contract. With the expiration of the contract, they probably told Lou to take a hike. Absolutely the best of the western US gun shows. Lou is a good man, so help him get through this. There are plenty of places in Reno for a gun show. There are a few already. I did his show for many years until I became incapacitated.The Great Western show in Pomona was the best and biggest gun show ever and was closed by the small minded board of supervisors who called the show folks, merchants of death. Hard to beat people who just laughed at the Judges decision to re open the show. Big Larry
Sounds like Lou is a good guy who’s worked hard to make this show a success. Can only imagine his frustration. I suspect more than a few vendors won’t be back after this mess. I hope he gets back on his feet at a better location.
Its a Dam shame to say the least. I hope nothing of the like happens to the Tulsa show. I don’t foresee anything, but you never know.
I only see it getting worse before it gets any better.
Maverick
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