I'm an easy day's drive from Reno (assuming we aren't having a blizzard, which is certainly possible), and I am thinking about making reservations for the SCI convention in late January. I know I would be an inner child in a vast candy store, but is this a good place to 1) find a good buy on a double rifle; and 2) look for affordable hunting packages? Or is it rather a hard sell atmosphere? Never been to one of these, or the SHOT show, either. I did attend a show in Portland about 15 years ago in which one of the Duckworths handed me an off-the-face 375 flanged double and had me throw down on a Cape buffalo mount. This was the source of the acute infection, although it has been latent since childhood.

If you go to Reno/SCI, go on the first day because Fri and Sat the place is mobbed and you may have difficulty talking to the outfitters you want to see. Best to hold discussions with them before hand, then go to SCI to meet the folks and hand over a check.

As for doubles, it SCI is a great place to compare lots of offerings. But I do not think I have ever seen a single rifle at SCI which I thought was a bargain. Some attendees have told me that with the booth, mandatory "donation" to SCI, hotel, food and travel, they are spending in excess of $12K to spend 4 days at Reno/SCI, so nobody is in the mood to offer bargains.

I concur. I exhibit at SCI every year and usually that's where we finalize. Clients call and talk to us or email and once they have a "warm and fuzzy" meet me at the show to finalize the hunt and pay the deposits. So, I would advise contacting anyone you're interested in hunting with, narrow it down to three or four, and then meet with them at the the show before making your final decision. I too have never seen any bargain doubles at SCI but I did purchase a very nice double at a greatly reduced price at gunsamerica.com. Take a look at that website and occassionally you'll find a real bargain.

Ken Moody

Bill,

In this one case I'll agree with 500grains - go early to the SCI. The Weds. and Thurs. are quieter than the Fri./Sat. [Fri./Sat. are more entertaining though as the "celebrities" begin to show up - and it is usually more scenic!]

You will want one whole day just to walk the aisles to see what's there. You will see dozens of people that you will want to talk to and they will be swamped on the Fri./Sat.

If you are just getting started shopping for a hunt it may be a bit overwhelming so a little preparation would be a good idea: internet shopping, contacting booking agents/outfitters that will be at the show, contacting some of the guys here on AR who will be there as well [there is sometimes an AR gathering there].

When I was last at SCI last year I did see a deal on several Merkel .470 Doubles that was a "screaming deal" - but it was still the price of another hunt so I resisted - not sure I could again. I can't remember the dealers name, but he was from Wash., or Ore. or maybe Idaho - somewhere up there!

It's a good place to meet a lot of people in a short time. It is quite a show.

Les

Fellas, thanks for the advice. I will be sure to get there early if I go. Guess I'd better get busy. I suspect DSC is a lot of fun, but I'd rather save plane fare toward a hunt.
Bill