Gun shows.... - Page 2

ritepath · January 30, 2017, 05:48 PM

Know what guns cost (new and used) and you won't get burned at the fun show.

I can usually find a deal or three on new stuff, and several on used guns. Sometimes I'll happen upon a great deal on a part or magazine.

Last show I walked up to a guy with a table of magazines. I picked up one and asked the guy what he wanted for it. He said "I don't know what it fits, 20 bucks should be good" I shelled out a 20 and took a new BAR magazine home for my old 270. For 20 years I've been too cheap to buy a spare magazine, being cheap finally paid off.

There were 4 dealers with new M&P 2.0's 3 of them wanted 569, one had them priced at 469.

jag2 · January 30, 2017, 06:43 PM

Reloading supplies are the first thing that comes mind. I also occasionally need some small part that would cost more to mail than what it is worth. If you expect to find a steal every time you go then yes, you will be disappointed. If you're not there, you definitely won't find one.

CajunBass · January 31, 2017, 08:15 AM

I love to go to gun shows. I don't give a hoot if I find a "deal" or not. Just walking around the place looking at guns, and talking about guns is a cheap mornings entertainment. I almost never buy anything, but have picked up some brass and powder, books and such. I'm not really interested in plastic pistols or black rifles, but there is enough stuff I am interested in to make it enjoyable.

Eazyeach · January 31, 2017, 08:29 AM

Around here(Dayton,Ohio area) we have big gun shows like Bill Goodman's and little gun shows. The big ones are mostly gun store people setting up tables and charging full retail. There are a lot of guns and a lot of people. At these shows you are more likely to find your deals from people walking around.

I love the little gun show I set up at. Sidney, Ohio. It's just one building at the fairgrounds. You get to know the other people that set up as well as all the customers. You can't always find a good deal , but you are more likely to find one here than at the big shows. It's funny when a unique gun comes around and starts to get traded between dealers. You might see it on one guys table this month, then next month it's on so and so's table. I think the record was 5 tables. It was a SW 686 of some sort. Gold inlays and display case so it was real easy to spot.

Skans · January 31, 2017, 08:41 AM

If gun shows were full of great deals with folks looking to get rid of their unloved Pythons, ditch cheap Belgian Hi-Powers and worthless 1970's Gold Cups, I would:

1. Never get in,
2. Couldn't afford the price of admission,
3. Couldn't wake up early enough before everything was gone,
4. Never want to wake up from this wonderful dream, or
5. be full of dread because I died in my sleep and went to heaven.

CajunBass · January 31, 2017, 08:54 AM

Quote:

5. be full of dread because I died in my sleep and went to heaven.

Nothing to dread about that. If you had died and gone to heaven, you'd...

(1) be in heaven. No down side to that.

(2) The other four things wouldn't apply. You'd be in heaven.

Skans · January 31, 2017, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Nothing to dread about that. If you had died and gone to heaven, you'd...

Yes, you're probably right. But, do you think they would really work? Or would they all be beautiful non-firing replicas? Somehow, I picture Heaven as a gun-free zone.

Chainsaw. · January 31, 2017, 09:33 AM

We have a pretty big show around here at the puyallup fair grounds. There are the usual gouging dealers, David who has a HUGE table of medical supplies, few big tables of ammo, one gentleman who sells any kind of pistol magazine you could ever imagine, my buddy Alex who always has his belt feds on display, and a wonderful gentleman who sells blackpowder pistols and rifles, he's alot of fun to talk to.
Overall I enjoy it but if you come with cash in hand you do need to know what you are looking at. I find having a members badge helps with prices.

Walt Sherrill · January 31, 2017, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skans

Yes, you're probably right. But, do you think they would really work? Or would they all be beautiful non-firing replicas? Somehow, I picture Heaven as a gun-free zone.

There'd probably be carnival .22s or bb guns, for shooting paper targets. That's because there's no bad guys in heaven...

Old Stony · January 31, 2017, 10:58 AM

I hit a show now and then just for something to do on a boring Saturday. Last weekend strolling through one we were laughing at the pricing on stuff. 100 rd. boxes of CCI .22s ran between 8.00 and 23.95 depending on whose table they were on. I didn't need any, just fun to price stuff like that. I was checking out the new M&P 2.0 pistols and saw then between 439.00 and 489.00....and darned if I couldn't help myself and had to buy one of the cheaper ones. I saw where Academy was advertising them at 529.00.
I guess I should have stayed home and watched tv...

FNS-40 · January 31, 2017, 04:23 PM

I went to my 1st and probably last gun show about 6 months ago. Found all the same issues as stated above. I'll keep my admission fee to cover shipping and continue to buy online.

Mike38 · January 31, 2017, 06:16 PM

Quote:

I'll keep my admission fee to cover shipping and continue to buy online.

Understand, but, at this show where I got the magazine, I also bought 1000 each 200gr SWC for my .45 and 125gr for my 9mm. Primers to match. So 2000 bullets and 2000 primers for only $2 to get in. Would have killed me on shipping and HazMat fees buying on line.

blchandl2 · January 31, 2017, 07:58 PM

Powder and primers can be a good buy at gun shows due to the hazmat fees. I found a magazine for my Astra Constable II at a recent gun show. I also got my Belgian BHP in pristine condition for $500 at a show.

It seems like the good deals are on things your are not really looking to buy.

chrisp51 · January 31, 2017, 09:20 PM

Old Stoney, Did you say you saw S&W M&P 2.0 for $239 at a local gun show? I bought one for $429 and thought I was getting a great deal! Sure about that price?

P5 Guy · February 1, 2017, 12:14 PM

Another issue with gun shows, especially club run shows, is the vendors set up a day before and go around buying up all the good stuff.

Skans · February 1, 2017, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Another issue with gun shows, especially club run shows, is the vendors set up a day before and go around buying up all the good stuff.

I've thought about hauling some of my collection to a gun show, paying for a private table and putting ridiculous prices on them just so that I'd have access to "the good stuff". I would have to use several locked glass cases, put HUGE PRICE tags with even huger prices on them to avoid folks wanting to pick them up. Oh, and I won't forget the sign that says: If you don't have the $$$ DON'T TOUCH MY GUNS.

Yes, I'll make lots of friends that way.

rebs · February 2, 2017, 07:35 AM

I don't go tto the gun shows much any more either. I have pretty much everything I need or want that I accumulated over the years. Gun Shows around here have gone down hill, same sellers, same merchandise, and a lot of stuff not even gun related. Also most have high prices. Seems they throw a high price on items hoping someone will come along and buy it. There is a large gun shop close by that I have been dealing with since the early 70's. They treat me good and give me discounts on everything in the shop. So I prefer to just go there.

Crazy Carl · February 4, 2017, 10:50 PM

I go to see friends I've made through a local shooter's forum that I don't get to visit with very often, stock up on powder & components & sample the hot sauce vendors' wares.

The people watching is usually good, though. Spotted a tacti-cool hipster this year. Funniest thing I've seen in a while.

lockedcj7 · February 5, 2017, 08:15 PM

I've gotten some good deals, and I've sold some guns for fair prices. I like going just to look around. I usually run into 2 or 3 old friends which is fun.

Nathan · February 5, 2017, 10:19 PM

Quote:

34% Honest gun, knife, and accessories dealers.

This is pretty high, IME....usually that is closer to 20-25%.

Lot's of stuff but little of it at a price I would consider....I think most price for a herd of idiots go pass by their table. From what I see, they done good.

Walt Sherrill · February 5, 2017, 10:53 PM

The only good thing about gun shows is that you can actually see and handle new models when local gun shops haven't got them, yet. And you might find some oddball ammo and accessories. Here in NC, the admission charges are getting outlandish: $9 to the one I went to a couple of weeks ago... that's getting too high; it just isn't right.

That said, I have picked up some good buys over the years, but most of my deals, nowadays, are FTF with other members of local gun forums. NC lets CHP holders bypass FFLs.

Cirdan · February 5, 2017, 11:54 PM

Like anything else, knowledge is the key. You have to know what things are worth. Some vendors will deal if they know you know the market value.

Having said that, I've attended a lot of gun shows and never once bought a gun. I buy accessories (and have been burned with cheap mags) and bulk ammo.

Prof Young · February 6, 2017, 01:38 AM

I see gun shows and gun auctions as mostly entertainment and education (Which, by the way, are the classic purposes of the performing arts). I go to handle guns I haven't handled before, learn thing from other attendees and maybe buy if I know the price is decent. The admission fee is usually about five bucks and if I am there for 90 minutes then I have paid less than I would to go see a movie. When I go to a gun show or auction and realize I am totally bored then I'll stop . . . for a while at least.

Life is good.
Prof Young

murrayj70 · February 6, 2017, 02:09 AM

I just went to gun show this weekend in Illinois and it cost $5 to get in. I like to go to shows to get my hands on many different guns to find what feels right for me. Once I find the right gun I often just return home to local dealer to purchase gun. The only thing I like to buy at these shows are bulk ammo, magazines, or accessories.

jetinteriorguy · February 6, 2017, 06:09 AM

I enjoy gun shows purely from the angle of something fun to do. Last time I went to the big show in Northern Virginia admission was $13.00, no way I'll ever go again.

January 30, 2017, 05:48 PM	#26
ritepath Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 2009 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,419	Know what guns cost (new and used) and you won't get burned at the fun show. I can usually find a deal or three on new stuff, and several on used guns. Sometimes I'll happen upon a great deal on a part or magazine. Last show I walked up to a guy with a table of magazines. I picked up one and asked the guy what he wanted for it. He said "I don't know what it fits, 20 bucks should be good" I shelled out a 20 and took a new BAR magazine home for my old 270. For 20 years I've been too cheap to buy a spare magazine, being cheap finally paid off. There were 4 dealers with new M&P 2.0's 3 of them wanted 569, one had them priced at 469. __________________ There's only one...

January 31, 2017, 08:15 AM	#28
CajunBass Senior Member Join Date: May 6, 2005 Location: North Chesterfield, Virginia Posts: 4,767	I love to go to gun shows. I don't give a hoot if I find a "deal" or not. Just walking around the place looking at guns, and talking about guns is a cheap mornings entertainment. I almost never buy anything, but have picked up some brass and powder, books and such. I'm not really interested in plastic pistols or black rifles, but there is enough stuff I am interested in to make it enjoyable. __________________ For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 (NKJV)

January 31, 2017, 09:33 AM	#33
Chainsaw. Senior Member Join Date: September 12, 2015 Location: Issaquah WA. Its a dry rain. Posts: 1,774	We have a pretty big show around here at the puyallup fair grounds. There are the usual gouging dealers, David who has a HUGE table of medical supplies, few big tables of ammo, one gentleman who sells any kind of pistol magazine you could ever imagine, my buddy Alex who always has his belt feds on display, and a wonderful gentleman who sells blackpowder pistols and rifles, he's alot of fun to talk to. Overall I enjoy it but if you come with cash in hand you do need to know what you are looking at. I find having a members badge helps with prices. __________________ Just shoot the damn thing.

January 31, 2017, 10:58 AM	#35
Old Stony Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2013 Location: East Texas Posts: 1,705	I hit a show now and then just for something to do on a boring Saturday. Last weekend strolling through one we were laughing at the pricing on stuff. 100 rd. boxes of CCI .22s ran between 8.00 and 23.95 depending on whose table they were on. I didn't need any, just fun to price stuff like that. I was checking out the new M&P 2.0 pistols and saw then between 439.00 and 489.00....and darned if I couldn't help myself and had to buy one of the cheaper ones. I saw where Academy was advertising them at 529.00. I guess I should have stayed home and watched tv... Last edited by Old Stony; February 1, 2017 at 07:36 PM.

January 31, 2017, 04:23 PM	#36
FNS-40 Member Join Date: February 9, 2016 Posts: 78	I went to my 1st and probably last gun show about 6 months ago. Found all the same issues as stated above. I'll keep my admission fee to cover shipping and continue to buy online. __________________ FN, TAURUS, JIMENEZ, MAGNUM RESEARCH, MAUSER, SAVAGE, JERICHO

January 30, 2017, 06:43 PM	#27
jag2 Senior Member Join Date: June 30, 2009 Location: dallas Posts: 773	Reloading supplies are the first thing that comes mind. I also occasionally need some small part that would cost more to mail than what it is worth. If you expect to find a steal every time you go then yes, you will be disappointed. If you're not there, you definitely won't find one.

January 31, 2017, 08:29 AM	#29
Eazyeach Senior Member Join Date: January 14, 2014 Posts: 706	Around here(Dayton,Ohio area) we have big gun shows like Bill Goodman's and little gun shows. The big ones are mostly gun store people setting up tables and charging full retail. There are a lot of guns and a lot of people. At these shows you are more likely to find your deals from people walking around. I love the little gun show I set up at. Sidney, Ohio. It's just one building at the fairgrounds. You get to know the other people that set up as well as all the customers. You can't always find a good deal , but you are more likely to find one here than at the big shows. It's funny when a unique gun comes around and starts to get traded between dealers. You might see it on one guys table this month, then next month it's on so and so's table. I think the record was 5 tables. It was a SW 686 of some sort. Gold inlays and display case so it was real easy to spot.

January 31, 2017, 08:41 AM	#30
Skans Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2008 Posts: 11,132	If gun shows were full of great deals with folks looking to get rid of their unloved Pythons, ditch cheap Belgian Hi-Powers and worthless 1970's Gold Cups, I would: 1. Never get in, 2. Couldn't afford the price of admission, 3. Couldn't wake up early enough before everything was gone, 4. Never want to wake up from this wonderful dream, or 5. be full of dread because I died in my sleep and went to heaven.

January 31, 2017, 07:58 PM	#38
blchandl2 Senior Member Join Date: November 1, 2008 Location: TN Posts: 526	Powder and primers can be a good buy at gun shows due to the hazmat fees. I found a magazine for my Astra Constable II at a recent gun show. I also got my Belgian BHP in pristine condition for $500 at a show. It seems like the good deals are on things your are not really looking to buy.

January 31, 2017, 09:20 PM	#39
chrisp51 Senior Member Join Date: April 25, 2012 Location: NC Posts: 148	Old Stoney, Did you say you saw S&W M&P 2.0 for $239 at a local gun show? I bought one for $429 and thought I was getting a great deal! Sure about that price?

February 1, 2017, 12:14 PM	#40
P5 Guy Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2005 Location: Tampa Bay Posts: 1,804	Another issue with gun shows, especially club run shows, is the vendors set up a day before and go around buying up all the good stuff.

February 2, 2017, 07:35 AM	#42
rebs Senior Member Join Date: January 10, 2012 Posts: 3,881	I don't go tto the gun shows much any more either. I have pretty much everything I need or want that I accumulated over the years. Gun Shows around here have gone down hill, same sellers, same merchandise, and a lot of stuff not even gun related. Also most have high prices. Seems they throw a high price on items hoping someone will come along and buy it. There is a large gun shop close by that I have been dealing with since the early 70's. They treat me good and give me discounts on everything in the shop. So I prefer to just go there.

February 4, 2017, 10:50 PM	#43
Crazy Carl Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2009 Location: Alamance Co., NC Posts: 265	I go to see friends I've made through a local shooter's forum that I don't get to visit with very often, stock up on powder & components & sample the hot sauce vendors' wares. The people watching is usually good, though. Spotted a tacti-cool hipster this year. Funniest thing I've seen in a while.

February 5, 2017, 08:15 PM	#44
lockedcj7 Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2007 Posts: 1,215	I've gotten some good deals, and I've sold some guns for fair prices. I like going just to look around. I usually run into 2 or 3 old friends which is fun. __________________ To a much greater extent than most mechanical devices, firearms are terribly unforgiving of any overconfidence, complacency or negligence.

February 5, 2017, 10:53 PM	#46
Walt Sherrill Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 1999 Location: Winston-Salem, NC USA Posts: 6,348	The only good thing about gun shows is that you can actually see and handle new models when local gun shops haven't got them, yet. And you might find some oddball ammo and accessories. Here in NC, the admission charges are getting outlandish: $9 to the one I went to a couple of weeks ago... that's getting too high; it just isn't right. That said, I have picked up some good buys over the years, but most of my deals, nowadays, are FTF with other members of local gun forums. NC lets CHP holders bypass FFLs.

February 5, 2017, 11:54 PM	#47
Cirdan Senior Member Join Date: December 2, 2013 Location: Tahoe Posts: 363	Like anything else, knowledge is the key. You have to know what things are worth. Some vendors will deal if they know you know the market value. Having said that, I've attended a lot of gun shows and never once bought a gun. I buy accessories (and have been burned with cheap mags) and bulk ammo.

February 6, 2017, 01:38 AM	#48
Prof Young Senior Member Join Date: August 21, 2007 Location: Illinois - down state Posts: 2,404	Entertainment and Education . . . I see gun shows and gun auctions as mostly entertainment and education (Which, by the way, are the classic purposes of the performing arts). I go to handle guns I haven't handled before, learn thing from other attendees and maybe buy if I know the price is decent. The admission fee is usually about five bucks and if I am there for 90 minutes then I have paid less than I would to go see a movie. When I go to a gun show or auction and realize I am totally bored then I'll stop . . . for a while at least. Life is good. Prof Young

February 6, 2017, 02:09 AM	#49
murrayj70 Junior Member Join Date: January 17, 2016 Posts: 2	I just went to gun show this weekend in Illinois and it cost $5 to get in. I like to go to shows to get my hands on many different guns to find what feels right for me. Once I find the right gun I often just return home to local dealer to purchase gun. The only thing I like to buy at these shows are bulk ammo, magazines, or accessories.

February 6, 2017, 06:09 AM	#50
jetinteriorguy Senior Member Join Date: April 28, 2013 Posts: 3,176	I enjoy gun shows purely from the angle of something fun to do. Last time I went to the big show in Northern Virginia admission was $13.00, no way I'll ever go again.