Big Reno Gunshow

[Chaz]

Did anyone go to last week's show?

[John]

Yes. The Grand Sierra Resort hotel suddenly imposed all sorts of restrictions on the promoter, vendors,and attendees, undoubtedly driven by the Las Vegas killings. Their concern seems to be people carrying guns around or taking guns into rooms, so the lawyers and experts came up with new rules which severely limit when vendors can load in/out; and public not allowed to carry in any gun or knife. Public carrying of guns anywhere prohibited (even with NV Concealed Carry permit) except from the show exit where it was wrapped in black plastic and thoroughly sealed shut and the buyer escorted to the exit. Public could not exit with both a gun and ammo. Vendors will each be required to have $1 million liability policy with hotel as additional named insured. And similar mickey mouse nonsense.

Status of future shows at the Grand Sierra are questionable at best and they appear to be very eager to get the "gun show" off the premises ASAP.

Promoter is rumored to be exploring options and rumor is that future shows will be at the Reno Convention Center, with accommodations at a nearby hotel/casino. Nothing official, and maybe just wishful thinking, but Many vendors have said they will not return to the Grand Sierra for a show again.

Promoter was taking vendor email addresses so he could notify of any changes, but when/if anything will be sent is unclear Next show is scheduled for March, so there is time to like things up, but probably date changes will be needed. Stay tuned. IF (repeat if) it moves to the Convention Center, the public policies will probably revert to traditional show rules, and public advertising will appear when details are confirmed.

Availability of venues for gun shows has always been a weak point the anti-gunners are eager to exploit and attack with lies. Similarly, safety concerns are real, and the minuscule number of insurers willing to write liability coverage for gun shows is another real concern. If a promoter (individual, club, etc) cannot get insurance, very few venues will rent space to them. Negligent discharges at gun shows are not as rare as they should be and only a handful of companies will insure gun shows, at any price.

Silly stuff, but the hotel can impose any rules they want and promoter and vendors and public have no option as long as show is at that facility, so don;t waste your time bitching about the promoter or vendors. This is the hotel's new policies, and as a private entity they pretty much are exempt from any claims about "infringing on 2nd Amendment rights." Rumor is that the hotel ownership recently changed to some new investors- young people from Silicon Valley, so you have that whole mindset involved as well (if true).

[ClintBarret]

Too bad I missed the (gun)show.