Gunshow observations

[StukaJU87]

I don't go to gun shows for deals anymore, mostly because I can never seem to find any. Now I go for the amusement of the "show and tell" aspect. I love the ridiculous stories I hear as I walk by the tables. Some of the whoppers I hear are worth the entrance fee.

I just laugh at the prices and shake my head.

[mayosligo]

I have been to several in Louisiana. Always enjoyed it. Mostly found good deals or about equal to a store. Mostly there was a larger selection. But recently, in the last several years we have gotten a Bass Pro and Cabelas so the need for the larger selection has been diminished.

[Jeremiah/Az]

I went to a big gun show 2-3 years ago. I was looking for a side/side 28 gauge shotgun. At about the forth table I looked at, they had an L C Smith repro by Marlin. I made an offer considerably lower than the price on the gun. He took it. I bought the gun & said to my girlfriend, who had never been to a gun show,"OK. Let's go". She asked if I didn't want to look at "all the other stuff" & I said no. We left.

[Dr. Strangelove]

I went to a fly fishing show in Atlanta a few weeks ago and there was a gun show in the same convention center (2 for 1 admission), so I wandered in for just for kicks.

Walked by a NFA firearm dealer, reached over and flicked the selector switch on some kind of MG, got bawled out by the dealer. He seemed surprised when, instead of slinking away, I proceeded to tell him exactly what I thought of him and his merchandise.

It's a gun show, not a museum. Yeah, I've seen some tables with signs asking people not to handle guns, or the guns or behind glass. He had neither. He acted like I had just pinched his 14yr old daughter on the butt.

I'm done with the rudeness, the higher than retail prices, the long drive, the crowds, admission fees, etc. Gun shows used to be fun and had some great deals, no more.

At least they sell beer.

[jopedu]

I took my daughter to her first gun show this weekend.In the last couple of hours she found a k98 she really liked. She told the dealer it was her first buy as dad has always bought for her and he was really kool about it even knocked off 20 % cause it was her first and took the time to explain alot about it to her even showing her how to remove the bolt and proper cleaning. What would have been a great experience for her turned rotten when about 4 or 5 mall ninjas decided to all help the pretty girl buy a gun all giving their advice about what she should buy and what was best for her one even told her the wrong ammo for it it went on a few until her uncle and I dropped the hint it was time to back off. She did buy the gun, the dealer couldn't have been nicer even to the point of giving her a box of ammo because he felt bad about it, but she will never go to another show because of the **** that went on

[Uncle Billy]

The last "gun show" (at least that's how it was advertised) I went to will remain the last one, at least locally- the big ones nearby, like the one in Syracuse tend to actually have things for sale that I'm interested in. At the last local one I went to, at least a third of what was for sale had zilch to do with guns; a lot of it was Nazi stuff, including a calendar for the current year with Hitler and swastikas and such on every page; there were a lot of sullen-eyed people walking around with telling bulges in their jackets and overalls; as someone wrote here it wasn't as much about selling things as it was showing off what the "seller" had collected, and most of them didn't want to talk much about it.

The final straw that had me on my way to the door was when some idiot was handling his CC weapon and it went off. You could tell who the folks were that had had time in the service, they were the ones on the floor and under the tables in a flash. I found out later it was an accident. That many people in one place with guns means there are at least a few who have no clue, and that's too dangerous for me given what there is to see at such a gathering.

[Skans]

There are all kinds of idiots selling things at gun shows - that's what makes it fun.

You gotta figure that someone who is selling gun magazines for a living.....well, do I really need to say more? People who sell gun parts can be "weird". Certainly not all of them are. And, they are probably no weirder than any mechanic/engineer type personality.

There's a good reason Ruger doesn't open corporate stores and put their machinists behind the counter to sell their guns.

[Uncle Billy]

That's true, about engineers and machinists, at least some of them. The most talented tool and die makers, for example, are really artists and we all know what range of weirdness that can beget. But there still is a difference in the way it feels at a gun show and a hot rod swap meet, for example, or an arts and crafts faire.

[Ben Towe]

All those loons are part of the reason the anti's keep gunshows in their crosshairs. It's not hard to paint a bad picture or conjure up images of "loopholes" when the vendors and attendees consist of, in large part, Nazi lovers, conspiracy theorists, racists, mall ninjas, and zombie hunters. This is the partially the fault of those who set the shows up, they make little to no attempt to regulate vendors.

[Skans]

Nazi lovers,

I see one or two vendors who sell old WWII stuff and some Nazi stuff - I don't know if they are Nazi lovers or not - they are there to sell stuff not hold a Nazi rally.

conspiracy theorists,

In the last 20+ years of going to gun shows I've run across 2 or three people that would fit into that category: In the early '90's one gun show had "tax protesters" handing out their stupid literature; and then there was one dealer who would talk to you about all sorts of conspiracy theories. Its been over 10 years since I've run into any of these folks. Perhaps I look too "establishment" now for them?

racists,

I've never seen any overt racism at any gun show I've attended.

mall ninjas

,
Yeah, you have a few of these at every show - or at least sellers who cater to these types. Sometimes they have some pretty nifty stuff too.

zombie hunters

.
Must be talking about a gaming show, not a gun show - although I did see one zombie target that oozed green stuff when shot.

This is the partially the fault of those who set the shows up, they make little to no attempt to regulate vendors.

Yes, lots of freedom at gun shows, and I hope it stays that way!!!

[TailGator]

FWIW, the one I went to had no Nazi displays, no conspiracy stuff heard, and various races on both sides of the tables. I have no idea whether the promoter gets the credit or not.

[603Country]

Over the years I've bought a few pistols and maybe two rifles at gun shows. All were specific wants by me, so I prowled gun shows till I found what I wanted at a price that I thought was reasonable. Other than that, I'll just cruise the tables to see what's available. And, I've worked a few gun shows for a buddy. I saw a lot and learned a lot. The biggest thing I learned is that you shouldn't go to a gun show to sell anything - unless you are desperate for money. You will get taken advantage of. And, you might find it interesting that while working some gun shows with my friend, I found myself going out for food and drink after the gunshows with a crowd of the regular sellers. They all know each other and have been doing the shows for years. They talked about us like we talk about them, though at the time I was one of them. And they talk about their merchandise and prices. They'll know every Luger for sale at a gun show, who has it, and what the price is. Bottom line is there will be a few bargains, but don't go looking for them till the last afternoon of the last day of the gun show. That's when they'll want to move some merchandise and make a few bucks to pay expenses. Of course, the gun you wanted might be gone by then, but that's the risk you take to wait for the good prices. So go, get some beef jerky, cruise the tables and find what you want. Then go back on Sunday afternoon and see if it is still there. Show money and make your offer. Oh, and that's another thing. They've been doing these shows for years if not decades. They'll size you up as you approach the table. If they don't see you as a serious prospect, they won't spend any time with you. Look prosperous and happy and focused, or they'll think you're just there to eat the jerky and kill time, and then they'll size up the guy right behind you and forget you are even standing there. In very short order, as I worked our table, I found myself doing that - just like the old pros.

[Skans]

That was an interesting and I believe quite accurate read 603Country. I do very little chit-chatting anymore when I go to gun shows. I generally go on Sundays and look over everything to see if there is anything I am even interested in. Some shows, I find nothing - I'm in and out in less than 2 hours.

Others, I will find several interesting items. I mentally note them and try to refrain from even asking for a price. Then, once I've seen the whole show (unless on the rare occasion I find something truly outstanding and then just buy it), I'll go back and inquire about the gun/thing that I found most interesting.

I will also watch what guns others are carrying around to sell - the only problem with this is that I've never been interested in what people bring to sell. What I mostly see people trying to sell are AR's, old beat up bolt action rifles, some newer poly-pistols - that's what comes to mind. Maybe I'll get more aggressive and hover around the entrance targeting old guys with small boxes and practice saying: "Whadya got in the box?"

[540mope]

The thing that amazed me the most was that I made two unsuccessful attempts to make purchases. Nothing big, but I was going to pick up an extra mag for my 92FS. Holding one in my hand, I told one vendor that I would take it, but while I was pulling the cash out of my wallet the guy placed a call on his cell phone. I held out the money to him and he sat down to chat. I stood there for two or three minutes with my money in my hand without being acknowledged again, and when I got to the point of feeling embarrassed I put the mag back on the table and put my money back in my wallet.

reminds me of when i tried to get some vendor to let me look at a folding knife (which i would have purchased anyway) that was in a case. He kept looking over and he must have known that i was waiting for his assistance, but he never came over. The idiot would rather chat with his buddy about, of all things, trains...lol...he lost that sale

[L2R]

I don't know of a better place to be able to hold a gun to see how it feels.

I have bought a few there but I come armed with pricing and willing to barter.
Picked up an XDm 9mm back in January at a better price than I could find online with ffl transer.

I agree that today it is a lot of crap other than guns, but I still see a bigger selection to pick up and feel than any local shop.

Every once in a while I will see something that gets my unexpected interest.

But I agree deals are few and far between.

[Uncle Buck]

I'm done with the rudeness, the higher than retail prices, the long drive, the crowds, admission fees, etc. Gun shows used to be fun and had some great deals, no more.

I agree with you DR., I agree.

[orangello]

I usually go to the gun show to watch the people as much as the merchandise. As a non-meat eater, i do appreciate it when they have funnel cakes for the jerky-impaired.

I think the last gun show i went to was the one at which i bought a cz-52 from a little old guy with a table full of knives. LOD actually mentioned "i usually just sell knives; got it in trade". He had a fair price marked, and i paid it. I then wrapped it in a grocery store bag and looked down at the package a bit uncomfortably; i've never really gotten the etiquette for carrying an unboxed firearm in public without a holster or something (must be the Gmen with those subliminal suggestions).

"Whadya got in the box?"

Use your best Brad Pitt, anxious voice, and hope it isn't a severed head.

[Edgehill]

TailGator, the gun show in Miami isn't too bad. I found several deals at a couple of vendors. The show in Fort Lauderdale is too small for the room and there aren't many dealers.

The show in FLL happens every six weeks, while the Miami show only comes around every four or five months.

[Booker3557]

I don't waste my time with dealers anymore at gun shows. I look for private sellers who wants to get rid of stuff for friends or relatives. I also check boxes with old parts and/or magazines because you'll never know what you will find. Case in point, last month, I was in San Antonio and it just so happened there was a gun show. I went just to check it out. I found a box with old magazines and started looking. I found 3 Factory Colt 9mm AR15 mags. I asked how much? The guy said they normally go for $50 each. I took out a $100, asked if he will take it for all 3 and he said "YES".

I go to shows with no intentions of buying anything, just to look and maybe, just maybe, accidentally find something that says "BUY ME". There was one time I was walking out of the Austin show and I saw a private seller with a "For Sale" sign. He was off-duty policeman who was selling a NIB pistol. His price was "way below" MSRP. I went home with the pistol that day and I didn't even have to pay sales tax, fill out the form and go through a background check.

[Edgehill]

Broward County in South Florida has exercised an option in the Florida Constitution, Article VIII, Section 5 (b) that says the county can require background checks of anyone selling in a publicly accessible location.

The gunshow in Fort Lauderdale is now requiring private sellers to do the background check or sell only to CWS holders. So if you don't have the CWS, you have to step out to the parking lot.

[sir_n0thing]

Every gun show I've been to has been a mighty disappointment. People charging prices higher than Cabela's, which I consider to be silly high to begin with.
I tried bartering with a few guys over used items, but no one wanted to play ball. They wanted MSRP prices for used items.
But yeah, I bought some AWESOME beef jerky at the last show I attended.

[jimbob86]

All this bitterness and hostility....... don't y'all know that "gunshows" origininally were just that: a place for collectors to show off their collections, and maybe trade or sell some to each other. Then the retailers moved in ...... and it became about selling guns, not showing them ......

If you want the best deal on the latest plastic fantastic wundernine the gun show ain't it ..... the internet will have less overhead for the seller, so they can give better prices ...... but if you want to hold an obscure Smith, or an early Dick Special, then the Fun show is it.

[Ben Towe]

Skans, perhaps you've just had the good fortune to only attend the better gun shows. I've been been to good ones too. But I've been to plenty of bad ones.

[baddarryl]

Seems like the same show always come to our town about twice a year. Decent deals on used stuff, nothing special on new. Last time I went looking for a nice .357. Not a one, but plenty of for lack of better boring stuff. Taurus, Glocks (which I love), Hi Points, Kel teks whatever. I did in fact get a good price on a new P3at and the lady turned out to be a local dealer. In fact quite a few were from just "out of town", but not far! No really nice stuff to speak of. Not a single 1911, no Sigs, HK, Browings, Colts, old S&W etc. There is one here this weekend and I doubt I will attend. I do want an AR so maybe I will, but who knows.

[Skans]

Skans, perhaps you've just had the good fortune to only attend the better gun shows.

I've been to many. Some are better than others, but not by a whole lot. I glaze over 80% of the stuff at most gun shows. I'll have several guns in mind that I'd be interested in buying - and I'm usually lucky if I find just one of them in an entire show (older examples: STI LS40, Detonics Pocket 9). Then there are things I run across that I'm not looking for but get my interest.

I will pay a fair price for something I'm specifically looking for. Not really looking for bargains. But, I like to collect guns - I have lots of guns I don't shoot. And, I have a fair idea of what can be purchased at a "fair" price that will go up in value. So, when I paid $700 for a nice FN FNC in the '90's, it was a fair price. I also knew that it was one of the few rifles that could still legally be converted to full-auto if you purchased a registered sear and had someone to do the work, and with the import ban, it had some upside to it.

I Bought a couple of Pythons and a Colt SAA .45 when I thought prices were still "fair". They sit in my safe, and I'm very happy with them. Now, I'm on to other things.

I've made some mistakes too - nothing big, just things that didn't go up in value. At one time I thought there would be legislation outlawing "assault pistols", so I purchased several. One I sold for $50 less than what I paid. Another has gone up in value - maybe a couple hundred dollars over the last 20 years. My Carbon-15 pistol is worth less than what I paid, so I shoot the heck out of it for fun.