Collinsville, IL Gun Show

So this past weekend I went to the gun show at the Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville, IL. I had never actually been to one of these before, but I received a lot of good advice on the show from AR15.com. Found that I could have actually purchased everything I needed and spend at or less that expected on each part! However, since my wife controls the budget, I had $200 cash on me to spend. I think I spent it wisely.

Since this is my first build, I didn't have any of the tools. So, I picked up the DPMS Upper Receiver Block, a lower receiver block, a punch set with a decent punch, and some Hoppes #9 lubricant.

I also picked up the DPMS Lower Parts Kit (this is backordered online so I was really excited to find it), a Colt .223 Magazine just to have and for testing out my lower, and a surplus 7.62mm ammo box to keep my stuff in. All-in-all, I spent around $160 for everything (my wife was suprised that I actually came home with extra cash!)

Ok, so some lessons learned...

First off, don't go into the show and immediately buy the first thing you see that's on your list... I went to the show the third day (Sunday) and there was still plenty of stuff... start at one end and work your way through making a mental list of parts you need and where they are at. For example, a guy right at the entrance was selling the DPMS Parts Kit for $60, but I found another guy in the back selling the same kit for $55. Now, $5 might not be much, but it can add up...

Secondly, if you're new to this, bring a catalog from a reputable source with you for reference. Since I didn't know the prices off hand, I brought a Midway USA catalog with me. They might not like the fact that you're checking their prices, but that's just tough...

Thirdly, DO YOUR HOMEWORK... if you go in there acting like you have no idea what you're doing, you will be eaten alive! I made sure to do my homework so that when I was talking about a part, I made it seem like I've built dozens of these...

I've got another show to go to next weekend, so I'll see if I can grab the stock I want there!

Mike