I have repeatedly pointed out that gun shows present a unique challenge for firearms safety.
I know of no other location where so many people gather, in such close quarters, and then expect to handle firearms. One has no idea what level of training any particular person has in such a setting. In most cases at gun shows, there is no safe direction to point a gun. Careful thought will reveal that it is generally not possible to even pick up a gun from a display table without pointing at something one would certainly not want to shoot. Even the concrete floors most convention centers do not present a truly safe stop as they are likely to result in a ricochet that is likely to hit someone in such crowded situations.
Given the litigious nature of our society, and the negative view towards guns held by significant portions of our population, any serious injury from a gun shot, at a gun show, could result in massive financial liability.
Without insurance, no gun show.
Whether insurance is flat out refused, or is so costly as to make the show financially infeasible, doesn't matter.
I cannot criticize gun shows for having rules against carrying loaded firearms. With thousands of attendees at any given show, and thousands of such shows nationwide each year, a couple of NDs is a very good record by most objective criteria. But it falls short of the perfection that may be practically required by insurance companies or public opinion.
Obviously, gun shows are about a lot more than just buying and selling guns. Gun shows are a part of the pro-RKBA culture.
The architects of anti-RKBA sentiment are not stupid. (No shortage of useful idiots in the world, but the architects are not stupid.) They know gun shows are not a material source of illegal guns. They use that lie because the useful idiot sheep will believe it and oppose gun shows on that basis. The real reason they attack gun shows is to strike at the very culture of RKBA, self sufficiency, and a healthy distrust of government.
I believe that gun owners who attack gun shows over their gun policies, are giving tacit support to our opponents. Attend or don't as you see fit. But don't discourage others from participating in the RKBA culture and community at a gun show.
Charles