Was October *12, 13, 14, 2007 *Friday for Members Only Special Turkey Dinner for members and exhibitors for the last show on Friday Evening  (Free, naturally) was delicious and different.  Don't expect that all the time, boys!

Remember 9/11 ... and that these were Muslim Pilots and that is why they should be profiled at our AIRPORTS! 

Friday, July 13, 2007

The Facts About OSHA's Ammunition Proposal

A recent proposal for new “explosives safety” regulations by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has rightly caused a flurry of concern among gun owners and those in the firearm business.  OSHA had set out to make legitimate updates to workplace safety regulations pertaining to explosives; unfortunately, the proposed rule goes far beyond regulating true explosives.  The proposed rules include restrictions that very few gun stores, sporting goods stores, shippers, or ammunition dealers could comply with. 

The key problem in the proposed rule is that OSHA defines “explosives” to include “black powder, … small arms ammunition, small arms ammunition primers, [and] smokeless propellant.”  The proposal defines different classes of “explosives” based on the hazards they present, but then treats ammunition and components the same as the most volatile high explosives, for nearly all purposes. 

In fact, industry and military tests have long proved that small arms cartridge pose little hazard in a fire.  A classic reference work from the 1940s describes tests in which large quantities of shotgun shells and metallic cartridges were deliberately set on fire.  The ammunition generally burned slowly, and cartridges ignited “piece by piece” without throwing fragments more than a few feet.  (Julian S. Hatcher, Hatcher’s Notebook 532-33 (2d ed. 1962).)

Because small arms ammunition and components are far less hazardous than high explosives, existing practices for their storage, transportation and sale are very different.  But under the proposed rule, a workplace that contains even a handful of small arms cartridges, for any reason, is considered a “facility containing explosives” and therefore subject to many impractical restrictions.  Among the many examples:

• No person could carry “firearms, ammunition, or similar articles in facilities containing explosives … except as required for work duties.”  This rule would make it impossible to operate any kind of gun store, firing range, or gunsmith shop. 

• Employers would have to evacuate all employees when an electrical storm approaches a “facility containing explosives.”  This requirement would apply to all “facilities,” from a small country store that stocks a few boxes of hunting ammunition, to the largest mass-merchandise outlet such as Wal-Mart. 

• Employers would have to ensure that “no open flames, matches, or spark producing devices are located within 50 feet (15.2 m) of explosives or facilities containing explosives.”  Neither small gun stores, nor “big box” retailers have any practical way to enforce this rule; realistically, a person smoking a cigarette outside a large concrete building can’t set fire to ammunition inside the building anyway.

• Vehicles could not be “refueled within 50 feet (15.2 m) of a facility containing “explosives.”  Again, many gas stations and convenience stores in rural areas stock small quantities of ammunition; gas pumps outside don’t pose any danger to ammunition in the store.

The proposed rules on storage of small arms ammunition and components would also create problems for retailers.

• The rule would require 25 feet of separation between small arms ammunition and all “flammable liquids, flammable solids, and oxidizing materials.”  As an even more impractical alternative, a dealer could construct a one-hour fire barrier wall.  Neither should be necessary, given the low level of hazard created by (for instance) a countertop display of gun oil near a supply of rifle or pistol cartridges.

• The rule would also impose stricter limits on storage of smokeless powder than existing National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines require.  OSHA has presented no evidence that the existing NFPA standard is insufficient to protect workplace safety.

Finally, transportation provisions in the proposed rule would create similar problems.  For example, the rule would require shippers to notify “local fire and police departments” before transferring “explosives” between vehicles, and even to notify these agencies about vehicle breakdowns or collisions.  A fender-bender while delivering shotgun shells to a gun store hardly justifies this level of government involvement.  These provisions do not reflect standard practices in the shipping industry, and many carriers would probably refuse to ship ammunition under these rules. 

It’s important to remember this is only a proposed rule, so there’s still time for concerned citizens to speak out.  The National Rifle Association, National Shooting Sports Foundation, and Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute will all file comments urging a major rewrite of these proposed regulations, based on the severe effect the proposed regulations (if finalized) would have on the availability of ammunition and reloading supplies to safe and responsible shooters.

The public comment period on OSHA’s proposal ends September 10, 2007.  To file a comment, or to learn more about the OSHA proposal, go to www.regulations.gov and search for Docket Number OSHA-2007-0032”; you can read OSHA’s proposal and learn how to submit comments electronically, or by fax or mail.  

To read a letter from Representative Doug Lamborn (R-CO) and 31 other members of Congress to Labor Secretary Elaine Chao regarding the OSHA proposal, please visit http://www.nraila.org/images/oshaltr.pdf

Copyright 2007, National Rifle Association of America, Institute for Legislative Action.

Looks Like OSHA will be reviewing and correcting their mistakes... as reported since July 18.

Last Show ~ Plattsburgh, NY Gun Show

 June *1, 2, 3, 2007

 VFW Post #125 on Boynton Avenue

We displayed at the Syracuse, NY Gun Show this April 21, 22 weekend.  Brought some very fine guns and there was a record crowd but limited sales activity. We did fine though. Note: We can arrange to have any particular items or firearms that you would like us to bring to the show. Or perhaps on the way stop at your location to view or purchase items.

From NRA-ILA :  Albany Mayor Introduces Gun Ban Proposal!

Please Contact Mayor Jennings Today!

 
NRA has recently learned that Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings has introduced a gun control proposal in the Common Council.  Although attempts to obtain a copy of the proposal were refused by the mayor's office, we have now learned that the proposal will include the following: 

• Require registration of ALL firearms within the city (this includes currently owned handguns and long guns);
• Outlaw private gun sales;
• Require dealers to report all firearm sales to local law enforcement;
• Ban "high caliber" handgun ammunition including 9mm. and .357; and,
• Mandate that gun owners keep firearms locked-up and inaccessible.

 The Common Council could vote on the proposal as early as tomorrow!  

If you live in Albany please contact Mayor Jennings at (518) 434-5100 and voice your opposition to this proposal. Or as NEACA Members call the Mayor's office to voice your disapproval of this useless legislation.

Also, please call the members of the Common Council and urge them to oppose this proposal and any other proposals that infringe upon the rights of law-abiding gun owners.  The Common Council can be reached at (518) 434-5090.

Another fine exhibitor and long standing NEACA Member has passed on to a better place this past Friday March 16, 2007. A true stalwart in the gun collecting fraternity our friend and colleague, Peter Stebbins, was stricken suddenly at home.  Farewell Peter, may you only find peace and grace in Heaven.

 I know the rest of the gang up there will still try to beat you out of all the cheap Henry's and Winchesters!

Peter Julian Stebbins

Note: On May 4th at 11 o'clock Burial Services will be held at the Sacred Heart Church, 120 Kings Highway, Tappan, NY.  Internment to follow at Rockland Cemetery.  A luncheon will be served at the 1776 House, Tappan NY.  (Kings Highway is off Rt. 303, Exit 5S of Palisades Parkway.)

We displayed at the Syracuse, NY Gun Show this April 21, 22, 2007 weekend. Note: Sales were fine and the crowd was huge.

We displayed at the Lewiston, ME Gun Show this past March 24, 25, 2007. Note: Our sales were light but it was an enjoyable meeting.

We displayed at our Saratoga Springs, NY Gun Show this March 17, 18 2007 weekend. Note: Our show was still excellent both in sales and buying even though we had a terrific snow storm.

We displayed at the Albany, NY Gun Show this past January 2007. Note: Our sales were light but it was an enjoyable meeting.

We displayed at the Easton Waterfowl Festival Show, MD on November 11, 12, 2006. Note: We finally managed to get a new vehicle for the upcoming shows.  Was a nice event and we had a fine show, will be there again next November.

We displayed at our Saratoga Springs, NY Gun Show this October 14, 15 weekend. Note: Our show was excellent both in sales and buying.  One of our best this year even with a lower attendance.

We displayed at the Springfield, MA Gun Show this October 7, 8 weekend. Note: Our show was terrible both in comfort and sales even with high quality Winchesters and collectables. Public was light.

We displayed at the Syracuse, NY Gun Show this September 16, 17 weekend. Note: We had a fairly good show because of our quality merchandise and a couple of good customers. Public was off.

See my new Commentary on Dave's World.

A new little story ... Who will Make the Hoska?

Last Gun Show:   Herkimer, NY

 Michael E. Plisek VFW Post #4915, 131 Mohawk, St. 

Saturday, May 19 & Sunday May 20, 2007

Last Gun Show: Lake George, NY ~ Holiday Inn  Sunday ~ February 11, 2007 ~ Winter Carnival

Download Lake George Flier

What I just heard ... Breaking News ~ Dems want to destroy California Deer Herds ....

From NRA Report:  PROVISION BY SENATORS BOXER AND FEINSTEIN PASSES SENATE ~ WILL EXTERMINATE ALL SANTA ROSA ELK AND MULE DEER

Last month, President George W. Bush signed the "2007 Defense Authorization Act," which included an NRA-supported provision saving hundreds of elk and mule deer on Santa Rosa Island from the court-ordered extermination that was to begin in 2008 and be completed by 2011.

However, this week an amendment by Senators Barbara Boxer (D-Ca.), and Dianne Feinstein (D-Ca.), passed the Senate, and, if accepted by the House, will result in the overturning of current law and assure the extermination hundreds of healthy elk and mule deer on the island, off the coast of California.  This action is not about public access or whether these animals should be hunted and by whom.

Siding with environmental extremists, Senators Boxer and Feinstein claim that the Kaibab deer and Roosevelt elk on Santa Rosa Island are destroying natural vegetation and thus, should be indiscriminately exterminated.  The provision calls for the deer and elk to be killed en-masse.  NRA-ILA opposes the indiscriminate extermination of these animals.

NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris W. Cox stated, "In a blatant attempt to slaughter these animals - for absolutely no good purpose - Senators Boxer and Feinstein claim to 'correct a terrible mistake.'  The only irreversible mistake in this situation is if these elitist politicians are allowed to kill healthy and robust animals for political purposes."

Santa Rosa Roosevelt elk and Kaibab mule deer are unique and invaluable, as they are free from Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and other ailments that threaten the species on the mainland.  Forty miles of Pacific Ocean offer them a sanctuary from disease. The healthy and thriving herds can be used as breeding stock to repopulate in case of disaster on the mainland.

Cox concluded, "This is not about hunting - this is about political pandering and payback."

PLEA

FOR

HALP

JON!

Some of the dumb troopers in Iraq pleading to John Kerry.  If only they finished pre-school they would have had a chance of success. Please vote RIGHT this November.

US Congressman John E. Sweeney

United States Congressman John Sweeney, Republican, stopped in to say hello to Dave and Cathy Petronis at this past August NEACA Arms Fair at the Saratoga Springs City Center.  He is an avid Second Amendment Rights supporter and John deserves the support in this coming November election from all New York State voters and gun owners.  Naturally our grand-kids, Kristen and Megan Bazar of Mechanicville were not going to be left out of the photos.  If my girls and your own future family off-spring are going to be able to hunt and have a place to shoot we need to support today's pro-gun candidates and elected officials. John represents the 20th NY Congressional District and you can show your support by calling his office at 518-371-8839 and say "Thank You" for his gun rights stance.  And make sure you REGISTER and VOTE this November 7th.

Also showing his support for our shows by showing up and visiting with the exhibitors and NEACA members at our August 4 & 5 Arms Fair was James Tedisco, who represents the 110th NY State Assembly District. As some of you may recall he also visited our show in Schenectady last July.  Jim has a pretty important job as the Assembly Minority Leader in the NY State Legislature and we would like to keep him there after he wins re-election this November.  A "Thank You" for his gun rights support can be phoned in to 518-455-5811.  Cathy and I wish to thank both these men for their continued support of our own right to Keep and Bear Arms and to Buy and Sell them at our Arms Fairs.  If the anti-gun democrat candidates seeking election from the governor on down actually get into power in Albany we may very well see the demise or complete elimination of public Gun Shows in this State.  YOU can make a difference by contributing a few dollars to the campaign of your choice and your most important VOTE this November 7th.  And if you find you may be away simply fill out an absentee ballot.  If any of you need voter assistance you can call your local Republican Committee or in Saratoga County call 518-584-7900 or go to the Saratoga County GOP website at http://www.gopsaratoga.org/index.asp .

By the way, "Who is John Faso?" you ask.  Well, I hope he is going to be your next Republican Governor.  Click on Fred Dickers column in the NY Post .... http://www.johnfaso2006.com/updates/031706.html to find out a little about New York politics.  It ain't pretty.     Dave Petronis

Newest NEACA Member Letter ~ May 2006

The Monticello show is now in the history books, it was a great show, full of guns and some other things but the public was very light.  I'll show you in pictures and prose to what you all missed (see Gun Shows).  I personally sold well and bought a few new things for the web and my collections, a deluxe special order 1894 Winchester in .38-55 just as I was leaving on Sunday. Beautiful gun in 95%!!  Another show will be scheduled.

New Gun Show ~ 250 8' Tables

Mighty M Gaming

 Monticello, New York (Formally Monticello Race Track)

May 20 and 21, 2006

We are committed to promoting this new show and the facility staff are 110% behind making this a huge success.  We have tables for $70.00 and NEACA Members, $60.00.  Non-members have a chance to join our group and receive the discounted rate if you immediately apply for membership at $30.00 per year and send the Member Application (PDF) plus a one table deposit (regardless of how many you want) to us by April 15th.  After that only current Members of record get the discounted rate.  We also have a great deal on hotel rooms and a few other gifts for early participants. Send in today!

Address at Contact Us.           Mighty M Gaming Website

Download Monticello Flier in PDF   Reverse of Flier for Rules

Some of the exhibitors coming so far:  Pete Alliegro with new handguns; Steve Heath with new long guns; Charles Taylor with modern blades and swords; Ken Delano with collector guns and Charles Daly shotguns; Val Jamrozy with US Militaria; John Momrow specializing in US Military '03's; Terry Sullivan with used and collector firearms; David Dittman with new & collector long guns; Bill Dwyer with new & collector firearms and scopes; Lynn Dryfus specializing in collector scopes and long guns; Richard Haralabatos with collector firearms; Richard Hartman of Elmira Arms; Vic Scuderi with new and used guns; Bob Planke with collector Winchesters; Paul Gemma with militaria and air guns; John Shattuck with vintage books and collector guns; Gerald Arnold with collector knives and Americana; Larry Zacarola with used guns, militaria and collectables; Joe Kopchek with gun company collectables and vintage Americana; David Petronis with collector and antique firearms and blades; Ron Jones with Winchester collectables; Richard DeMayo with new and used guns & collectables; Bob McQuade with quality collector and investment long guns; Len Goering with used and collector long guns; Wes Hurd with used and collector firearms; Vince Tavernite with guns and archery; Jamie Ponce with leather care; Vicki Heine with local gun club; and other applicants still coming in.

Suffolk County Trap & Skeet Range In Jeopardy!
Please Attend Brookhaven Town Board Meeting Tuesday, May 2 and Tuesday, May 16!   

The Suffolk County Trap & Skeet Range is in jeopardy of being closed by the persistence and pressure of anti-gun members of the Brookhaven Town Board.  It is critical to show up in large numbers at the next two Brookhaven Town meetings and make strong positive arguments for reopening the range.  The next two meetings of the Brookhaven Town Board are:  Tuesday, May 2 and Tuesday, May 16, One Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738. 

If you are unable to attend the meetings, please contact
Town Supervisor Brian X. Foley at the above address or via phone at
(631) 451-9100 and fax (631) 451-6677.

Kevin J. O’Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Glenn N. Anderson, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Boston Field Division, today announced that FRANK D’ANDREA, age 61 (DOB 12/21/44) of 94 Soundview Avenue, Shelton, Conn. has been arrested on numerous federal firearms charges related to the operation of D’Andrea’s Gun Case, formerly of 1420 Barnum Avenue in Stratford, Conn. D’ANDREA’s store is now called Guns & Safes Unlimited and has moved its location to 269 Woodmont Road, Milford, Conn. D’ANDREA was arrested on Thursday, April 20, and was presented before United States Magistrate Judge Holly B. Fitzsimmons in Bridgeport. He was released after posting a $200,000 non-surety bond.    Read the full story at ATF website.

It's winter again in the great Northeast and with the price of gas and oil we surely need another Indian Summer.  Collectors and buyers saved their hard pressed dollars for our Arms Fair (Gun Shows) in Lake George, NY on February 12 and next for our upcoming Arms Fair in Saratoga Springs, NY on March 17, 18 and 19, 2006.  Go to Gun Show page.

This was sent in by a friend from Canada ...

Dear Mr. Petronis,

Since my father's unexpected passing last month, I've been trying to
contact some of the friends he met through trade shows.  He had his associate membership card and your newsletter on file, leading me to you.
I'm not sure if you have a forum to share information with NEACA members.  If you do, I'm hoping that you could let them know the daughter of Charles Lent (dba Wild Lucy's) welcomes contact from his friends.

Most sincerely,  Colleen Lent

Colleen also shared a story she wrote for the Newspaper she works for in New Hampshire.  Not about her and her own Father, but it could be about any of us.

Dear Dave and Cathy,

While reviewing your site, it was noticed you feature submissions from
members.  You're welcome to post the newspaper article I wrote about a
father and daughter team who manage an army surplus store.  For a link to the story click here.

Again, if your organization is ever in the northern part of New Hampshire
area, please let me know.

Sincerely,  Colleen Lent          clent@netway.com

Here is another reason why you should only do business on the web with someone who also has a brick and mortar store where you may eventually resolve any problems.  Someone is selling My Photographed guns and other items on Yahoo and other auction sites as their own, taking the money and of course, not delivering the goods.  So much for auction sites and getting a real good deal!  The FBI and BATF have been notified.  Also watch out for credit card orders that require fast shipment, you might be holding nothing after the "sale." See About Us and why shop with us.

We have started a Silent Auction Page where items will be up for bid on-line and at our store.  We will have a two week viewing period and closings at 6pm EST on Wednesdays.  Go to our new Silent Auction.

We will be conducting these auctions periodically and will include some of our collectable items that now are on our pages, including firearms.  But you have to pre-register to bid. See our Silent Auction page for details.

Our next Saratoga Springs, NY Arms Fair is March 17, 18, 19, 2006

Many deposits have already been received.  It is our best attended event, being in between the Holiday Season and looking forward to Spring; all that "Cabin Fever" simply overtakes us all.  But our Arms Fairs are really about just that, collecting guns, knives and militaria.  When we started our very first show, the reverse of our flyer stated that our shows are for the collector, author, historian, student of history and professional arms dealer.  If you wanted to find new guns it was best to visit your local gun shop.  And that the local gun shop should bring used and collectable guns and old ammo to our show because they had a better chance of being sold there then in the shop.  Well, more and more shows were being produced after we began our business and the shows became a place where new dealers without stores tried selling many guns at $10. or $20. over cost.  And then almost anything else could be found at these shows too.  It seems that most of these fly by nights are out of business and perhaps the shows in general will again be leaner and cleaner with collectables.  Ours always have been full of guns and usually we can boast of the most guns displayed per tables sold.  BUT, it is getting harder to do this because many of our good exhibitors have passed away and some have moved away and some have gone out of business.  New people are not taking up the business in the numbers that are leaving.  I could now fill an entire show with these past dealers!  As word reflects of how nice our Saratoga Arms Fair is, however, we still do manage to keep up a wonderful event that continues a twenty two year history of being the best of its kind in the northeast.  Ask the dealers.  We look forward to seeing you in Saratoga Springs, NY.

We have scheduled our winter show in

Lake George for February 12, 2006

again at the Holiday Inn on Rt. 9.

Herkimer Show ~ November Recap

Our November Herkimer Gun Show is now history.  Small, is an understatement for the amount of dealers in attendance.  As has been the usual case, I did just fine from my tables and the other dealers also sold and bought merchandise.  The public was down even though our advertising remained the same, perhaps a tad more.  Still, I like the area and I like the show.

We will do it again in the spring.  I always buy a bunch of great stuff and manage to sell a few good items.  There was no exception this past weekend.  With the small number of exhibitors we anticipated closing early on Sunday, 1pm instead of 3pm; which we tried to do.  Our packing began around 12:30, but folks continued to trickle in.  By two o’clock I had a beautiful, like new, LC Smith 12 gauge in front of me, also a great Remington 1876 Damascus Double with engraving and a very unusual European Double barrel 12 gauge in new condition and light as a feather.  All simultaneously looking for offers and info.

In the meanwhile, I bought a Remington .310 gauge Shotgun like new in the original box, with ammo!  Also, a Crossman Trap Model 1100 air-powered shotgun, which I never saw before.  But the fellow with the Winchester 1894 .38-55 rifle just wasn’t ready to sell, maybe next time.  Finally, just before 3pm as we were just about packed up and ready to load in walked the finest looking "Black Widow" Luger in holster I ever did see.  Seems the fellow saw our sign after church, returned after going home and wanted to know if anyone was interested in his trophy.  He sure made my day.

There is a moral to all of this.  The size of the show doesn’t matter. The number of dealers at the show doesn’t matter, nor do the number of people coming in the door.  It only takes one or two deals an entire weekend to justify the time and expense of "doing" a show. And, that means staying until the very end and sometimes even beyond.  That means having a positive attitude, enough good merchandise that someone wants to buy and the cash or means to make a purchase if the occasion arises.  I enjoy small shows, I like Herkimer.  As a promoter, I lost about $50.00 in total on the whole weekend.  As a dealer I made out like a bandit.

        The next Saratoga Springs Arms Fair in August 2006 is right on schedule to be another sell-out show of over 240 tables of collectable guns, knives and Militaria.  We now moved it back into the first weekend of August next year as was our usual date.  Because of work on the floor at the City Center in 2005 we were moved to the last weekend.  There are better positioned and more electrical outlets and new tile.  Most significant will be the ability for added phone and new internet service in the future.  The expansion plans are still in the future also.

       Recently, Cathy and I visited the work area and reflected on the vast expanse of plain cement floor then in view.  The last time we saw it similar to that was over twenty years ago when we stopped at the work site and made a deal to run our Gun Shows when all that was visible was the cement slab.  No big City Center, no Hotel, just an expanse of cement among piles of dirt and a lone work trailer.  And Saratoga itself wasn't as it is today.  In fact a few years later a friend and I had the opportunity to buy most of a block downtown for about $150,000.  Another choice of the wrong partner at the right time that went nowhere.  Today, several million dollars would be about the price for that same real estate.  At least I made the right choice for our Shows! 

      Visit us on August 4, 5, 6, 2006 in Saratoga during the horse racing season.

Prior News

Setting up Saratoga.

Our Saratoga Springs, New York Arms Fair has become so popular that they come from all across the nation to be here.  But recently we've found that our door prize coupons have showed us that we have visitors from many other nations also coming to view the fine displays of antique and collector and investment firearms and vintage militaria.  But now, the vast network of Scientists who work for us in trying to discover new people to attract have made an astounding discovery.  It seems that the planet Mars will be hovering at its closest point to earth in over 60,000 years on the dates of our Show this August 26, 27 and 28.  And whatever inhabitants of the Red Planet are there are obviously wanting to get a better look at our Saratoga Arms Fair and of what all the fuss is about.  We believe that we are the first Gun Show Promoters to be attracting such a response from interstellar visitors.  NEACA, First in Performance ... Again!  Read their report:

Consignment Page

Saratoga Springs, NY Arms Fair, City Center on March 18, 19, 20, 2005 was SOLD OUT AGAIN.  It was a FANTASTIC SHOW! Our next two events there are the NEW Antique Arms Fair & Collector Show this June 17, 18, 19 and our regular Arms Fair on August 26, 27, 28, 2005. (As of today we have 116 tables left to sell for August.)

Last Small Show, Past Sunday ~ Lake George, NY

Holiday Inn Turf & Conference Center

Sunday February 20th, 2005 ~ 9-3pm

Back at our yearly location for our Winter Carnival Lake George Arms Fair at the Holiday Inn on route 9, also Canada Street.  Take exit 21 of I-87, NY Northway right to Rt. 9, left (north) on Rt.9 about 1/2 mile to Holiday Inn on left.  About 45 tables is all that fits in their carpeted room but we usually get a good crowd for the day.  Last Sunday was no exception and it was a nice show.

See our GUN SHOW page for new NEACA shows and listings or check below for dates.

Now on to Herkimer, NY and Plattsburgh, NY.  Next Saratoga new Antique Arms Fair is on June 18, 19, 2005.   Back to Saratoga for our Arms Fair on August 27, 28, 2005.

Herkimer, New York Gun Show

Held on April 9 and 10 , 2005

Michael E. Plisek VFW Post #4915, 131 Mohawk, St.

We return to one of my favorite little shows in the Mohawk town of Herkimer, near Utica.  Directions are NYS Thruway I-90, to Exit 30, then Route 5 east to Herkimer, corner of Mohawk St. and Dewey Ave., near Burger King.  Only about 50 eight foot tables but a lot of good stuff comes in and it is a good hunting and collecting area.  The Remington factory in Illion is only a mile or two up Rt. 5 as well as their museum.  The old Utica Savage Arms Company was also near by. 

Plattsburgh, NY Gun Show

Held on April 30, May 1 , 2005

Knights of Columbus Bldg., 106 Boynton Ave.

We re-scheduled a return show to Plattsburgh, NY at the Knights of Columbus Building on Boynton Avenue.  It is off Exit 38 of the New York Adirondack Northway (Rt. I-87), right at light, and a short distance south.  We have room for about 60 eight foot tables and all were full last year.  The last show was very successful and we notified the Club that we will return with another show. Flyers are now being sent to members and exhibitors in our January letter.

ANTIQUE ARMS FAIR

Saratoga Springs, New York

Saratoga City Center, 522 Broadway (Rt. 9)

June *17, 18, 19, 2005 (Friday for Members)

We are scheduling this new ANTIQUE ARMS FAIR on Fathers Day week end so not to conflict with other shows.  We have had sell-outs of our 250 eight foot tables for our regular Saratoga Arms Fairs for six in a row.  This show, however, is to have restrictions to Antique Firearms (that is normally referred to as pre-1898 manufacture), but will allow curios and relics, parts for same and Fine Investment Grade Firearms, also Vintage, Quality Militaria (Pre-1946), and some Adirondack and Antique Sporting Collectables and artwork. 

Saratoga is a unique area.  One of the ten most decisive battles in world  history was fought here on Bemis Heights.  The French and Indian Wars were staged throughout the area.  Henry Hudson explored to just south of here and the Knickerbockers settled these fertile valleys over three hundred years ago along with great numbers of Continental Patriots.  The County is Republican and Conservative today and one of the most affluent and wealthy in New York State.  Parts of it look like Kentucky with the large horse farms and the old towns and villages still have the flavor of 1800's architecture.  Open space still survives but new housing is booming.  Our taxes are still low because our economy is still growing.  This is all nestled around one of the top ten tourist locations in the US, Saratoga Springs.  And here is where we host our Arms Fairs.  We would like you to join us for our first ANTIQUE ARMS FAIR this June.

Merry Christmas to All ... need a click.

We have some new dates for our Fall Saratoga Springs Arms Fair.  It is re-scheduled for the week-end of October 21, 22 and 23 in 2005; instead of Nov. 5 & 6 as on our last flyers.  There were some unalterable scheduling problems with the City Center that we had to work with.  We are also looking at Father's Day week-end in June for a show there.  I will know that very soon.

We have returned from Las Vegas; Lost only $12.00.  Now ready to get back to work.  Income Tax season is coming and Cathy has a few openings for new clients.  The sewing season is here and we still do sewing machine repairs.  The March Saratoga Springs, NY Arms Fair is coming (Some of you won't be getting tables unless I hear from you soon).  And I'm starting to work on my shop display area to enlarge it.  God knows I don't have enough room.  I really must start to empty some boxes and dust off some long buried guns. 

Latest News ...

Cathy and I and our daughter Denise and her family will be on our way for a relaxing trip to Las Vegas for a few days so I may not get to your e-mails so quick.  We did buy a laptop for just such occasions but finding the time to use it is now the key.  Just got back from a show in Easton, MD where we did pretty good.  Saw some old friends, sold some old friends.  The crowd was definitely down though.  With a few days respite from travel we are off again but will all be home for the Holidays.  Our favorite season.  If anyone sees anything of interest on these pages, just send money ... after Vegas I can probably use it.

We will be working on a new Show Report for our just past October Saratoga Springs, NY Arms Fair and will have some new dates for things coming up.  I sold three guns at the shop after the show and after the election.  I personally think that election jitters kept a few folks from buying what they wanted.  With the Presidents' win perhaps the people feel more comfortable spending money and taking a deep breath of relief.  With our President waking up each morning with Laura instead of one facing Teresa the Terrible there should be such a sigh of relief the country would shake.  Actually, I think a small part is shaking.

Our October Saratoga Springs Arms Fair is now a part of the continuing and fine history of NEACA Show Promotions.  The show was actually sold out several times and continually overcame last minute cancellations and even two "no shows" who none the less were paid.  Being held during our Northern Zone hunting season kept the crowd down somewhat but evidently not the overall buying.  The show ended up being one with all guns or gun and knife related items plus fine quality antiques and vintage militaria.  One that had a good variety for everyone but no unrelated crap.  And one with steady but a bit light on attendance. Over 150 guns were tied as they were brought in for sale or trade by the public, which was not bad.  Of the 250 tables available for our next Arms Fair on March 18, 19 & 20, 2005 we have already taken deposits on about 115 and more promised by check in this weeks' mail.  If you want tables at this next show, don't wait too long to send in your applications.

See Our New "Colt Collector Page"

We added a new page called Current Iraq Report with information supplied by one of our NEACA Members now stationed in Baghdad on combat duty with the First Cavalry.  Please check it out for the real news.

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Our Saratoga Springs Arms Fair on Halloween weekend October 30 & 31, 2004 is now sold out.  We already have 242 tables sold.  And they are 98% full of guns, collector knives, hunting accessories, antiques and vintage militaria.  We are very pleased indeed.  Thank you.  I have seen the rest of the shows in the northeast and Saratoga Springs really is the best.  We are sold out even with 12 table cancellations, 15 various tables that I refused and 21 tables of dealers we normally get who had other family or similar commitments.  Our March 2005 show again will conflict with Baltimore but I am sure that we will be sold out within a few weeks of this October Show.  Thank you all.

Saratoga Springs, NY Arms Fair 

Our 56th Saratoga Springs Arms Fair was this past August 7 and 8 weekend and we were sold out for the fourth show in a row.  Over 3000 members and public were expected to attend the two day event but the attendance was not as good as it should have been with the increased advertising that was done.  Members of NEACA also get in free and also get entry on Friday evening to view the show plus partake of the free buffet that we provide.  See our last show report on our Gun Show Page of the fantastic March show.  Our next Saratoga Springs Arms Fair is on October 29, 30 and 31.  And note a change in our 2005 later date of August 26, 27 & 28. 

We have updated a lot of our pages and created a new one "Stories & Glory From Dave's World"

We have created a new "Items Wanted" page. Dealers should check this out at least once a week to see if you may have what other people are trying to find.  A big variety is on now.

You are here.  You make your mark on lives around you.  You are gone.  A familiar cycle of life that seems to resound all too often.

Another life has come full circle, one that touched many lives, our own very dearly.  One that was unique, one that could never be replaced, one that God loaned for sixty six years to my very dear friend, Larry Higgins.

I will miss you.  Your memory will emerge constantly the rest of my days.  You, Larry, did not simply leave your mark, you made an indelible brand in lives yours' touched.  This day, January 29th, you left us much too early in life, but fond memories will endear us and even in your final sleep you are surely not gone.  Farewell, my friend.

An unexpected illness struck down Larry Higgins of Auburn, Maine while enroute to a warmer southern climate. He and wife Lorraine were to combine some business with pleasure in Georgia and Florida for several weeks before returning home to Maine.  He will be missed at many Arms Fairs across the country and by his many friends along the way.  A memorial service will be held in Maine in the near future. 

PS:  Cathy and I and our daughter Denise returned recently from a lovely Memorial for Larry held in Auburn, Maine.  The turnout for friends to give their final farewell was grand.  He would have enjoyed the attention very much.  A tribute was also displayed at his own local Gun Show in nearby Lewiston, Maine held on March 27 & 28 the week after our Saratoga Arms Fair, where we also remembered Larry for who he was, one of a kind.  

We have some vehicles and Real Estate for sale. 

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This week we updated these pages and created a new one "Colt Collector Page"

Investment Guns

Books & Prints

Antique Arms

Gun Co Collectable

Last week we updated these pages.

Gun Runner Specials

Music

Winchester

Blades

Gun Co Collectable

Next week we will work on these pages.

Remington

Closeouts & Surplus

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We are starting a consignment page soon for fine collector items and quality firearms.  Anyone who is interested can e-mail us with questions. 

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