Crossroads of the West Gun Shows
Crossroads of the West Gun Show
Nothing gives a quicker view of the diversity of “gun culture” like a visit to a gun show. Whether it’s looking for a collectible or the cutting edge, a gun show is the place to start. Spirit of the Sportsman visited a recent Crossroads of the West Gun Show in Draper, Utah.
Bob Templeton the creator and director of the Crossroads of the West Gun Show has been in the “gun show biz” for 34 years. Crossroads of the West Gun Show does 52 shows every year in Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and California. It sounds like 2009 has proved to be a banner year. “Shows are up 50% nationally and we’re up 60% in terms of gate and table rentals,” says Bob. The big sellers? Ammo. “Ammo is number one on everybody’s list. Of the first 100 people in the door, 99 head for ammo.” Bob says the big dealers are bringing two or three semi trucks fully loaded and that those trucks leave completely empty after the two-day events.
The reasons for the increases are obvious, says Bob. “People are concerned about the future of firearms.” And with good reason. President Obama, AG Holder, and the leadership of the House and Senate, all have clear anti-gun records and goals. Of particular concern to Bob and (gun show participants everywhere), is the recently introduced Lautenberg-Reed bill SN 843 that is an attempt to close the “gun show loophole.” Similar stipulations already apply in California, and Bob has seen and deals with the complications. Passing such legislation means more gov’t intrusions. It makes show promoters responsible for background checks at shows for individuals. This creates a huge burden for sponsors and promoters. The legislation, as it is drafted now, makes the promoters liable civilly and criminally for occurrences both at the show and after. If that provision isn’t removed, shows like Bob’s Crossroads of the West, will go out of business. In a recent visit with the new director of the ATF, Bob told the director that SN 843 would be the end of gun shows in America. Bob would not be surprised if such restrictions spread. There is talk of extending these restrictions to all private party transactions.
But Bob and the National Association of Arms Shows are being very proactive.
Presently, California is looking at increased restrictions on gun shows. Bob is closely involved in drafting of California legislation to negotiate more reasonable compromises in order to stay in business and keep the Cow Palace Gun Show going. Introduced by CA State Senator Mark Leno, the bill would prohibit the sale of guns or ammunition on the grounds of the Cow Palace effecting killing the 5 shows slated there every year. Originally, the reasons behind the bill were that neighborhood gang members had told politicians that they were getting guns from the shows and then using and selling them in the neighborhood. According to Bob, after extensive research, they could find no evidence of any kind at any level, state or local, that Cow Palace gun sales were finding their way into the neighborhood.
Yet, Templeton is hopeful. He refers to the possibility that, since the Heller decision in June of last year, guns are becoming even more mainstream. More importantly, recent political winds have stirred formerly dormant gun owners to take action. Templeton says the NRA is signing up as many as 100,000 new members a month. Business is so good, Templeton told SOTS that they have scheduled additional shows this year.
