Do gun shows have good prices?

[Pahoo]

Keep in mind that you are not dealing with a store named; "GunShow".
You are dealing with individual stores/sellers so deals and dealing will vary. I must confess that I am a Gun-Show groupie and attend most of our shows. Most dealers know me but what's important is that I know them and how they operate their sales. …

One dealer that I do a lot of business with will "always" gives me a good deal on anything he has on his table. …..

As this will be your first Gun-Show and I know you are going, this info doesn't give you much to work with and that is why I said earlier to do your homework, take your time and be ready to negotiate. Look them straight in the eye, be cordial, ask permission to handle his firearm. If and when you agree on a price, ask him if that is the out-the-door" price? When I buy, I shake his hand and thank him. …..

Enjoy and;
Be Safe !!!

[reynolds357]

^^^ One good reason that you need to know how to check a used gun.
__________________

To thoroughly check a used rifle, you would have to take your bore scope in.

[M88]

If the price to get isn't to much, GREAT place to walk around, talk to gun guys behind the table, pick their brain... peruse the variety... but as said, at least lately, rare to get a REALLY good deal on NIB guns, so know what you're looking for and know what internet prices are.

As for those NIB guns... I've been known to whip out my iPhone, jump on Bud's or wherever and show the guy (gal) how much less I could get the gun if I just wait a few days for shipping and pay the FFL $30. More than once I've gotten a descent price match that way and could walk away it that day. JUST sayin'

[tango1niner]

The shows I have attended in NY have lots of overpriced everything. I think it important to know specifically what you are after and what you are willing to pay and then stick to it.

Good luck...

[CerberusRagnar]

Guns, not really. Occasional unicorns such as a good deal or a just rare and hard to find gun. More often if you are going to find good deals it is only gear like magazines and what not or reloading components. I don't feel comfortable buying gun show ammo. I like my fingers and guns intact. I rarely buy anything at gun shows because I know the online market and most often it is better. I do enjoy to walk around and see all the variety though.

[Skans]

"Look them straight in the eye, be cordial, ask permission to handle his firearm. If and when you agree on a price, ask him if that is the out-the-door" price? When I buy, I shake his hand and thank him. ….."

This is really good advice. I might add, don't lowball. Every person selling a gun at a gun show knows what that gun is listed for or sold for on Gunbroker. You are not going to buy a gun for a price significantly lower than what one sold for on Gunbroker. If it is a private seller, you might be able to get the gun just a tad less than the actual strike price of what one went for on Gunbroker. Seller saves shipping costs, auction fees and gets an easier transaction.

[LineStretcher]

I just attended the Big Gun Show in Reno, NV. I came across a Weatherby Deluxe in 300 Weatherby Mag. I know Weatherby's and can decipher a serial number and other markings so I knew what I was looking at. The asking price was 1100.00 which told me something was a little off so I asked the seller if they had a borescope that I could use to check the bore and throat. He said yes and came back with a flashlight. That was not going to work for what I needed to see so I told him that without being able to determine the true condition of the barrel I would be taking a 400.00 risk so the most I would be willing to pay would be 900.00. He said I was crazy and walked away.

That last paragraph, in and of itself, explains the risks of buying a rifle at a gun show. A handgun is quite different because you can check it from top to bottom with out any thing other than your eyes and hands.

That said, if the seller was a reasonably local, in state, Gunsmith or Dealer and I really wanted the rifle, I would have asked if I could put a deposit on it and then go to his place of business with my own borescope and properly inspect it. If he refused that then I would immediately know that he knew the rifle was not worth what he was asking and his odds of getting his selling price from a less knowledgeable person were better at the show than at his shop/store.

Think about what I've said here and keep it in mind when your at the next show. I did not say that all vendors were rip offs but instead told you how to basically know if you are dealing with a vendor who has your best interest in mind.

[flyboy015]

A lot of good feedback from everyone, it's certainly appreciated.

I actually went to my first gun show unexpectedly just yesterday, at the neighboring town's firehall- surprisingly, it was packed the brim, gun shops attending from about a 40-mile radius.

The pistol selection was abysmal, IMHO...though plenty of nice revolvers...a few Pythons for $2000-$3000

Picked up a few 25-round boxes of Fiocci 12 ga. buckshot for $10 each.

A lot of nice lever guns...I'd love to have a Henry or Marlin carbine in .357 or .44 mag...

Prices overall seemed to be fair or high, though my buddy and I did get there about two-three hours after it started.

I imagine that it's the same deal as yard sale day- ya snooze, ya looze!

[flyboy015]

Also, from you gentlemen posting about checking firearms properly- that's a great tip.

I've always made it a point to research thoroughly any firearm I know I'm going to purchase, and at least learn how to field-strip it.

I have done this so far to a little $250 Savage MKII, my Walther PPS, and my wife's Sig P938, all of which were bought new.

The one time I didn't do it was for a Remington 870 "tactical"...after three or four slugs out of the 18" cyl-bore barrel, I noticed a hairline crack just next to the front bead sight...extending about a half inch down the length of the barrel.

Tough to say if it was like that when I bought it though an email to Remington customer service did end up in a somewhat timely (and free) barrel replacement.

['88Scrat]

My experience here in Kansas has been that most prices are at or maybe slightly below MSRP on a new firearm at a gun show. The exception sometimes is when a dealer runs a "Show Special", like maybe that particular dealer has 20 Beretta 92FS pistols and just wants to liquidate some inventory. That's how I got my M9A1, paid $400 out the door. Haven't seen one since for less then $600.

The other exception is with used or milsurp firearms. Seems like every once in a while you'll come across a guy who just wants some cash and is willing to make a deal. Or, even more rare, is the guy who doesn't know what he has. For example a guy with a Finnish M39 who wants to sell it as a Mosin 91/30 for $125.

My $0.02

[Paul B.]

"4. Take cash. It has more bargaining power than anything else."

How very true. At one show a fellow had two S&W J frame .38 Spl. on his table. Asking price was $275 for the M60 and $300 for the Airweight. Show was about to close so I casually offered $400 for the pair, thinking he'll probably say no. He said, "Cash?" I said. "Yes." He said, "DONE!" Couldn't whip the money out fast enough. That M60 has been my carry piece for some time now.
Cash money talks.
Paul B.

[TruthTellers]

Not really, not when you consider the amount of time you'll be there, the entrance fee, parking fees, travel time to get there and back.

Unless you consider $1200 for a Ruger Old Army a good price, then no, prices at gun shows aren't "good."

[Prof Young]

Commons sense says you have to know the retail value of the gun, both new and used. And if you are buying used you be able evaluate the condition. I've gotten several good deals at gun shows, but I knew the retail value of the guns I was looking for.

Life is good.
Prof Young

[stinkeypete]

I have it in mind that good prices may be just around the bend as fellas need to sell luxury items to pay their taxes.

There was a widespread screwup this year and many many people didn’t have enough money withheld; for the first time many people find themselves needing to pay rather than getting money back.

I’m keeping my powder dry.

[jag2]

As my ex-wife said (I hate when she is right) about the lotto, if you don’t play you can’t win. I don’t go to as many as I used to but you’re lucky if you find one great deal a year. I’m talking guns, not ammo or primers for $2 less than usual. Last was a S&W k-38 which I wasn’t even looking for but ran across one in pristine condition for a good price. It wasn’t so much the price that sold me but the condition. Just don’t see them like that very often.

[Mike38]

Occasionally you can find a good deal at a gun show, but it's rare. Last one I found was a Taurus PT22PLY. In my area they sell for $259 to $279 depending on the shop. I found one at a local gun show for $210. Still new, box and manual all there. I asked about the price, the dealer said a lady put $50 down on one, he ordered it, then she changed her mind and bought something else. He just wanted to get his money out of it. I offered $200 and he took it.

[gwpercle]

Sometimes...but you have to know values and condition ! Most old guns are over priced.
Newer guns can be deal... I bought a Ruger MKII standard , stainless steel , that was mounted with a Millet SP-1 Red Dot , 1 " tube type sight , and had a trigger job done by Clark Custom Guns...the whole set up was tagged $299.00 . The trigger pull puts a smile on your face and a song in your heart...accurate as the day is long...That was some Deal ! I love this gun .
Gary

[1MoreFord]

I've bought a lot of things I couldn't find locally. Books, loading components, and accessories. I've Only bought one gun at a Gun show. I find them to be generally overpriced. The one I bought was a then discontinued High Standard Military Victor I'd been looking for forever. That day I had the choice of two! and was thrilled to find One!

Loading components were my usual best buys.

[mr bolo]

just about everything is over priced at a gun show, even a cheap pair of used M1911 plastic grips that I wouldnt pay more than $10 - $15 , the vendor wanted $30

some sellers want $20 for a Boresnake , you can buy the same one at WALMART for around $9 - $10

[MoArk Willy]

They aren't called gun sales, discount guns or whatever.
They are simply a place where you can see guns you may not see in gun shops.
For pricing, the internet is your friend. You may find something at a gun show that you hadn't seen before and absolutely must have.....
Use the internet to get the best price and see where you stand.
But gun shows are always fun to visit and see what's out there.
Usually the internet even after shipping and transfer fee is still cheaper.
But don't let that discourage you. Most gun show dealers will let you handle the merchandise even if you don't buy it. And 95% of the dealers are FFL licensed.
The single best thing about gun shows is the selection.....that is if the gun show is in a fairground or large exhibit hall. The smaller ones generally have used guns people are trying to unload.

[TruthTellers]

Originally Posted by MoArk Willy

They aren't called gun sales, discount guns or whatever.
They are simply a place where you can see guns you may not see in gun shops.
For pricing, the internet is your friend. You may find something at a gun show that you hadn't seen before and absolutely must have.....
Use the internet to get the best price and see where you stand.
But gun shows are always fun to visit and see what's out there.
Usually the internet even after shipping and transfer fee is still cheaper.
But don't let that discourage you. Most gun show dealers will let you handle the merchandise even if you don't buy it. And 95% of the dealers are FFL licensed.
The single best thing about gun shows is the selection.....that is if the gun show is in a fairground or large exhibit hall. The smaller ones generally have used guns people are trying to unload.

LOL. Last time I went to a gun show I was hoping to see a .327 Sp101 to try the trigger pull and feel of one and not one to be seen at the show. Also went to see what antiques might be there and if I could spot any of the Midland single shot shotguns.

No antiques I was looking for and no .327s, but I did see a worn out Ruger Old Army for $1200 and a bunch of worn out, tarnished topbreak .32s and .38s with $250 tags on them.

I left thinking I spent $8 and drove 2 hours for nothing.

Went to a gun store 20 mins south of the show, didn't pay to get in, and they had the exact .327 SP101 I was looking to try, an ORIGINAL M1842 percussion musket, a Burnside carbine, and the Midland shotguns.

I decided I was never going to bother going to a gun show again. Total waste, the internet and/or a large LGS is far better.

[JohnLos]

I don't go too much out of my way for a gun show, but if it's close by, I always go. I go for the show, not to hunt good deals. Of course, it wouldn't hurt if you could do both.

[rickyrick]

Do ducks have lips?

[Pahoo]

I don't go too much out of my way for a gun show, but if it's close by, I always go. I go for the show, not to hunt good deals. Of course, it wouldn't hurt if you could do both.

The OP asked is you can find good deals at GunShows and by now we have plenty of opinions to work with. I attend local GunShows but never with expectations of finding a great deal. When I do, it's icing on the cake. I rarely buy from retail or local dealers. So one might ask, why go???

1) It's a good place to see and handle, the latest and greatest as well as used.
2) It's a social event with some pretty nice folks.
3) I get in free so all it costs me is, lunch and sharing a few beers friends.
4) Gives me and my spouse a break, for the day.
5) Locally, it's the only place to find SideLocks. …

I like being in the company of gun-guys and learning from them. I prefer this day to going to the mall. If your heart is set on finding good/great deals, go to the Mall. …

Be Safe!!!