I will be retiring

CAJUNLAWYER

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After yesterday's gun show-I've come to the conclusion that I can retire isnce according to the pricing, my collection is worth far more than I could imagine in my wildest dreams.
Who'd a thunk that a 64 would be worth 675?
Or model 10's a minimum of $550.
Colt doesn't make 1911's anymore, but the factory will build you one just like this guy had yesterday for around $2,800.00.
Model 38's were to be had-a blue one for $550 and a nickle one for $600.
My grading is way too strict as well. What I always thought was a 95% stainless because of all the scratches and rub marks is actually NIB condition as long as it has a box.
Nice old Smiths start at $850 and up because you just can't call up and order another one. Colts are even higher.
The only new Smiths I saw were J frames and the plastics-ditto with Rugers. Saw a Super Redhawk Alaskan in .44 at the bargain price of $875.
I think that was my last gunshow. I got so flippin' angry at listening to the BS spouted on both sides of the tables it was all I could do to keep from screaming. I would be ashamed as a gunnie to have a non gun person experience what I experienced at this show. And it's not just this one, but the past several I have been to.
Maybe I'm just getting old and cantankerous-but I've pretty much have had enough of the Beef Jerky, Nazi memorabilia, Palidin Press, throwing star, ninja knife, black ops crowd that seems to overrunn the shows lately.
About the only thing good to come out of my trip to Lafayette yesterday was I went to Academy after the show and they had some "Louisiana Special" Medium Light fast taper graphite spinning rods priced at $9.88 each. Black Graphite with Purple fuji guide wraps-Sweet looking. Same quality as the All Star rods I usually buy but at $10 rather than $50-so I bought 4 :) Only needed two but I figured what with the $8 I paid for the gunshow plus gas-I would do better amortizing travel expense over 4 rods rather than 2. :D
 
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You must have been at the Saratoga Springs show last weekend? I can tell you I stopped going to gun shows because of the high prices, and I don't want to sell at them when I get my FFL because of all the tire kickers who say they can get better at Dicks and Walmart. When I can order bullet moulds and reloading dies and pay less with the shipping than I can get at gun shows I have no need since I haven't bought a gun at one in about 5 years. I think the dealers are starting to factor in fuel surcharges for their trips to and from not only to the show but for walking time to the coffee stand and the restrooms.
 
I get the bug to go to a show about once a year, everytime I come back I swear never again. I always buy some ammo or cleaning supplies or mixed nuts so I will not feel like I threw my entry fee away. Yeah right.
 
Same around here -- prices are obscene and I've been caught laughing and shaking my head by more than one seller. Haven't purchased a gun at a show in years.

Nevertheless, my local 700-table show happens 10 times a year, and I rarely miss one. I have done very well on books, collectible ammo and cartridges, reloading gear, etc.
 
What's even worse, was a gun auction yesterday, and most of the guns went for like new retail, for well worn used guns, and not collector models either, Just run of the mill 870 pumps $350, mod 12's $800+, S&W 686 600, Win. Mod 42's over $2000!!!!!! Everyone's comments were a good place to sell a gun, but not to buy one.
 
I've gotten used to the ridiculously prices on the guns, not to mention the $12 at the door. What really bugs me is that it seems like 90% or more of the guns can be found at any LGS. I go in hopes of finding something unusual or collectable.
 
Gun shows... argh!!! The curse and bain of my life! Then again, I did pick up a M66-2 with 4" bbl and holster for 4 bills not too long ago. Even a blind hog :eek: finds an acorn now and then! :D

Blessings,
Hog
 
Cje, everyone is taking advantage of the gun movement. That is driving prices up.

You also have to remember that we cannot buy a new model 10 for what it cost back in 1972. I have a model 36 made in 1972 that I paid $137 for new. I bet I can get $400 for it today used.

You are making more money now than when firearms were cheaper. Spend some of it. Invest in firearms. Unless you buy a Glock or other El Cheapo, it will increase in value.
 
I agree totally with Cajun Lawyer, and it is tough for me to agree with anyone who practices law. Stop practicing and do it. The last gun show I went to was more of a flea market that had a few guns. If I had not gone with a friend, who is new to guns, it would have been a total waste of time. Being new to guns, he did not know the difference. The prices at the "show" on the guns that my friend wanted were higher than the local gun store prices. Did see some rather good looking beef jerky, a couple of T shirts and several belt buckles.
 
I gave up on gun shows last year. Fighting crowds past tables of Chinese knives, Pakistani swords, gutter guard, beef jerky and freeze dried food to see prices on guns 40% over retail, ammo at $5 a box more than Wally World and 'rare' magazines for $50 that you can buy new on the net for $25. 60% condition Marlin 336's for $300. Hammered ex-PSP Beretta Brigadiers for $450 to $500. S&W Model 10's that looked like they'd been used as boat anchors for $275. Colt Pythons from $1500 and up. :mad:
 
I went to the State Farmers Market Gun Show in Forest Park last weekend and there wasn't a lot of stuff there. I did pick up some 5.56 ammo and almost went back Sunday to see if I could talk turkey with a guy who had a 1906 Winchester pump .22 (1919 production). But the REALLY BIG attraction seemed to be some guy named, I think Bobby, from some oddly named company company called Lizard Lick Towing. Can someone explain to me why 50 people would be standing in line to meet some guy who drives a tow truck?

CW
 
I like going to gun shows to see people I haven't seen in a long time.

My best buys are normally the chili dogs washed down with some weak coffee.

Few years ago I was checking out a show in Gillette, walked by the Rocky Mountain Discount table and remembered I needed some 22 ammo.

Figured I'd pick some up after checking out the chili dogs. After I left I remembered I forgot the 22s so went to the RMD store instead of going back.............good thing, they jacked up the prices at the show, cheaper at their store.

I did find a nice bamboo fly rod at a little GS at Upton a couple years ago.
 
Just walked in from the Memphis show a few minutes ago. The only thing I bought from a dealers table were some mags for my 10XX's. Seller didn't have a gun they fit so he let them go CHEAP. I got all six for $80 :). I saw ONE good deal, a single line address K38. Someone was looking at it and on the fence about paying $300 for an easy 98% gun with wrong box and papers. I didn't want to step on the buyers deal with the seller. It sold for $280. Good for the buyer. I guess I'll keep answering the phone when my LGS calls and says they just traded for something I might like.

Class III
 
Face it - those who can't pass a background check are willing to pay a premium.

Don't tell me it ain't happening either...
 
I have been going to gunshows since I was a kid. I understand that things cost more today just like I make more today. However, It is not hard to see that things are way too high. The last time I went to a major gun show, the hot dog was better than the show,,, and the hot dog was terrible.

The gun shows that I like are the ones on the outskirts in the smaller towns. At the bigger ones the prices are high because the masses will pay more on the notion that if they don't buy it, someone else will. The smaller shows have free coffee and the guys like to B.S. And they like to do business.
 
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