The UK's Finest Independent Forum for Shooters and Gun Owners. Est 2010.

I couldn't help comparing this year's trade show to the old Pistol AD events and it made me cry. Driving home yesterday afternoon made me even think that this years Phoenix may even be my last annual Whitsun pilgrimage to Bisley.

So who's going to write to the organisers?

My last Phoenix trip was a couple of years ago. Rows of SOWR with price tags approaching £1K, or literally, the contents of junk boxes tipped out on tables...

The Dutch bloke with all of the bags was always worth a visit, but then a couple of the "big" traders just brought their retail prices and "Bisley Bargains" were far and few between. And then when I saw the bloke on the veranda of the Pavillion selling Chinese penknives masquerading as Bucknoriginals and counterfeit perfume, for me, I knew it was over. I may shoot there again, but I'll not make the trip solely for the "trade fair"

It was hoped all those years ago that Phoenix would equal the Pistol AD meets, it turned out to be a very, very poor second. The NRA and the Pavillion could have made it so very, very much more. Sad...

Chapuis and Sim G - I agree. I compare to the Pistol AD years also. Each year I return in the vain hope of a 'seasonal bargain'. It seems to me to be the same old c**p recycled between dealers!. I end up stocking up on consumables that would be a rip off to transport! Some of the prices seem - well, imaginative??
I enjoy the comps, the camaraderie and the beer but the 'trade show' -mm???
However, there are some exhibitors that are still true to our cause so it's not all doom and despondency!
JohnG

It's the camaraderie, the atmosphere and general liveliness on camp that I miss most. The pistol AD meeting was something that I and many of our club members looked forward to all year. The buzz in the clubs on camp from Friday afternoon until Sunday evening or even Mondays was simply amazing.
Like you say though John for a number of years now it has simply been a resupply run for consumables that your local dealers can't be bothered to stock or get in.
The shooting side of the phoenix has shown signs of growth over the last few years but the festival element is sadly lacking unfortunately.

gunlike

I'm curious as to why people should expect a bargain? By the time a retailer spends time packing up their stock, drives to the event, pays their fees, unloads all their stock, stands their for 8hrs a day, organises EPOS if need be, pays for accommodation, buys food, packs up, drives home and either has to shut their shop or pay additional wages for somebody to man it while they are away, where do these armchair economists think that these price cuts can be made?

For me, it's about seeing what's available, getting stuff without having to pay postage rather than bargains. Oh, and for all you "shooters" it's primarily about shooting and putting rounds down range.

Well I for one never mentioned bargain. The days of dealers competing for sales such as we benefited from at the pistol meetings are long gone. Simply being able to obtain the consumable items that you require and that aren't available nearer to home is good enough for me. Getting them at a reasonable price is only a bonus on top of a good enjoyable weekend.
But when the dealers don't turn up and other than the shooting there's no point in going.

Perhaps the dealers don't go because people won't pay shop prices as they are expecting bargains? Catch 22

It was my first time going, so I can't compare to previous years, but I found it quite busy yesterday. Lots of stalls and tents, some very nice stuff, some tat, and a lot in between. Saw plenty of money change hands and the comps all seemed well attended. Perhaps doom and gloom from those who remember better days, but as a first visit I was quite impressed and will return again.