Colusa gun show will go on

The spiraling costs and short supplies of ammunition has created an unusual atmosphere of uncertainty around the 25th annual US Gun Traders Gun Show in Colusa.

"The new thing is trying to predict ... the fallout of the Sandy Hook tragedy," said organizer Daryl Schaad, who has put on the event with partner Larry Urrutia since 1987.

The show will be Saturday and Sunday at the Colusa County Fairgrounds.

Gun owners have become fearful of the legislative blowout from the event, in which 20 schoolchildren and six adults were killed.

The biggest indicator right now is what can only be described as ammunition hoarding.

"It has created such a panic buy of ammunition that a lot of our dealers have had to cancel," Schaad said.

"I do not know what will be around at the show, but that's the reality, and what there, I don't know what the price will be."

Schaad said ammunition for the popular .223 rifle has gone from 15 cents a round to more than $1 each round.

"And automatic weapons are being sold out nationwide," Schaad said.

The federal ban on automatic weapons imposed during the Clinton Administration has expired.

And while gun owner advocates note that crime did not go up or down during that time, the unexpected school shooting has created a new tension about the weapons.

Still, Schaad believes the show will provide a unique opportunity for buyers, even as ammo and other supplies becomes tighter.

Of course, the show also features a variety of collectibles in both the gun world, and in terms of jewelry, knives and other goods.

And because there is no gun show in the Sacramento region on that weekend, Schaad said, the show picked up a vendor who signed up for five tables for his optical gear.

Additionally, a number of antiques will be on hand.

"And we are going to have a local artist, Hal Tacker," Schaad said. "He's going to be at the show with his artwork, and that is exciting."

There is still vendor space available.