Wow.
I can think of no other single type event that attracts as many like-minded folks as a gun show, and those are exactly the folks I want to socialize with.
How to splain Gun Shows?
- Thread starter JimSupica
- Start date
Wow.
I can think of no other single type event that attracts as many like-minded folks as a gun show, and those are exactly the folks I want to socialize with.
These are common sense things that every parent should teach
their children about any and every public place. Unfortunately
I'm recalling my upbringing and I don't see these things being
taught in many households today.
1. Do not touch anything without permission.
2. If you can't legally purchase the gun don't ask to touch it.
3. Do not block a table if you're not looking at what's on the table or
talking with that table's vendor.
4. Do not take photos of a gun or a table without permission.
5. Do be polite.
6. Do be friendly (nobody likes a jerk!).
7. Don't be a know-it-all -- you probably don't.
8. Don't lean on a vendor's table. If you need a crutch, take a crutch!
9. Don't set your junk on a vendor's table.
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Rich Richardson
Member
I went to my first gun show a few years ago in Phoenix. Between the parking fee and admission price I was out $30. Most everything I wanted was over retail price. I buy online for less and use the $30 I save for shipping and tax.
LouisianaJoe
Member
ATF regulations are changing frequently as they try to eliminate Gun Shows and private sales and FFLs. Be sure and review the current regulations before publishing if Gun Shows still exist then.
mmaher94087
Member
Etiquette? Do not ask to handle a gun or to remove the tie-wrap if you know you are not going to buy it in the first place.
A buddy, who studies firearm mechanisms, would ask to look at a firearm and proceed to lecture me about how it operated while taking the unit apart - with permission of the owner. He would then reassemble it and give it back to the seller and walk away. I learned quickly to walk on if my friend stopped to look at anything on a table.
A buddy, who studies firearm mechanisms, would ask to look at a firearm and proceed to lecture me about how it operated while taking the unit apart - with permission of the owner. He would then reassemble it and give it back to the seller and walk away. I learned quickly to walk on if my friend stopped to look at anything on a table.
Walter Rego
Member
- Bring cash. More than what your budget is just in case.....
- Be friendly, polite and respectful towards everyone whether you are a buyer or seller
- Know what you are looking at and be prepared to buy something that (a) is something that you have wanted for a long time (b) is in acceptable condition and (c) is anywhere close to what you think it is worth
Failure to do the above will generally mean that the next guy that comes along will buy it while you are walking around thinking about it or looking for a better/cheaper example
- Be friendly, polite and respectful towards everyone whether you are a buyer or seller
- Know what you are looking at and be prepared to buy something that (a) is something that you have wanted for a long time (b) is in acceptable condition and (c) is anywhere close to what you think it is worth
Failure to do the above will generally mean that the next guy that comes along will buy it while you are walking around thinking about it or looking for a better/cheaper example
There's nothing wrong with considering it a social event (along with the searching/buying aspect). How many gun enthusiasts and forum members would you not have met if it weren't for the social aspect.
LVSteve
Member
That's OK so long as the social event is not taking place in front of the table I want to look at.
^^^^^ Agree.
Hair Trigger
US Veteran
Some of my answers/opinions echo what has already been mentioned, but this is my take:
1-Etiquette: You're not the only one walking the aisles, don't crowd and be patient. If you're carrying a long gun you want to sell, use proper muzzle discipline, just as you would at the range, and be aware of people behind you, don't carry it so you whack someone when you turn.
When at a table of products not in cases, ask the guy whose table it is if you can pick up something to handle it. If it is a firearm, ask before you dry fire or try to field strip it, or operate the slide, etc.
2-Have shows changed?: You bet they have; prices are up, choices are down, and many of the tables aren't directly gun or knife related. Dealers are less willing to bargain.
3-Buying and selling tips: I never sell at a gun show, so I can't address that. For buying, have some idea what you're looking for before you go. Check online pricing, and what it's going for at the LGS or pawn shop, so you won't have that stupid stare when you learn the price for what you find. It also strengthens your bargaining position, IMO, when you are informed about general prices. Sometimes you just have to bite your lip and hand over the cash, for those things that seem chronically unavailable (primers).
4- Things to watch out for: Same things to watch for in any crowd. Keep your wallet in a front pocket and don't carry the whole wad of cash in the same pocket. Keep your head on a swivel for the unexpected or atypical behaviors of others, such as an argument or shoving match.
As for deals to look for, expect the unexpected. Two guns I had been searching for quite a while were both lost in a display case of other stuff. One, a .40S&W Browning HiPower, was in the corner of a case of small Saturday Night Specials. Another, a S&W M520, was in a large display case of knives of all sizes and types. Check out every table when you go, if nothing more than to catch something out of the ordinary.
5-Best gun shows in the country: I only visit ones locally, they all are run by the same concern and have all been well-run. One comes to my town, and it's about 85% the same vendors each time, and they seem to get the same spots so you kind of know what to expect to see.
6-Emergence of online gun sales affecting local gun shows: Absolutely. Online auctions have set the new bar, for better or worse, for general value and pricing. I see them as the Barrett-Jackson or Mecum of guns, most especially the older collectible stuff. I don't buy new firearms, or very rarely, but it's harder and harder to find what I consider a fair price. Dealers know if the online stores can get a given price, they can get the same or better (no waiting and being "at" the FFL is worth a few bucks)
7-Odd things I've seen: This could go on for many pages. The "clientele" are a very.....eclectic..... bunch. Sort of like Walmart on steroids; Some see it as a family outing, from arm babies to strollers to a group of teenagers following Mom and Dad. Others look like they left the still on simmer while they came looking for a new shotgun. I've even seen suits and going-out-to-dinner dresses. Behaviors to match the clothing, and very counter to it.
8- Advantages/disadvantages to renting a table or just walking through: I've never rented a table, so I can't address that.
Looking forward to the 5th Ed. of SCSW.
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That's OK so long as the social event is not taking place in front of the table I want to look at.
That happens a lot; very rude and participants don't care, but sometimes they'll ask if they can set down their purchased merchandise on your table while they visit with others.
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Bet the dealers loved him...
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You hit the nail on the head regarding shows “ that guy” runs. I or our gun club will NEVER go to another.
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First of all there are Way To Many Gun shows now days. Back in 60s most states had 1 maybe 2 a Year. Folks had a year to save up for the show.
Society has changed dramatically, few polite people, most with No Manners. To much watching **** online, tv and movies little to zero actual knowledge.
As mentioned theft is a Big problem now as is ignorant, stupid folks attempting to bring a Loaded firearm in the show.
All the online gun sales sites “ make everyone an expert” in their minds. Private sales are getting scary unless you really know the seller or buyer. I always see their Fl. CC license and drivers license. By chance they don’t have one they have to produce their drivers license, auto insurance card and County/ City vehicle registration card.All with Same Address. Have an old carbon copy receipt book that I record everything in and they sign it. Any complaints and No Sale.
I also collect and sell WWI- Vietnam US Militaria. You want a shock, watch some teenaged girl grab a $500 WWII US helmet and put it on her head and ask her BF to get a pic!
I’m about ready to see game warden to get a “ pet alligator” to keep under the tables, LOL
Society has changed dramatically, few polite people, most with No Manners. To much watching **** online, tv and movies little to zero actual knowledge.
As mentioned theft is a Big problem now as is ignorant, stupid folks attempting to bring a Loaded firearm in the show.
All the online gun sales sites “ make everyone an expert” in their minds. Private sales are getting scary unless you really know the seller or buyer. I always see their Fl. CC license and drivers license. By chance they don’t have one they have to produce their drivers license, auto insurance card and County/ City vehicle registration card.All with Same Address. Have an old carbon copy receipt book that I record everything in and they sign it. Any complaints and No Sale.
I also collect and sell WWI- Vietnam US Militaria. You want a shock, watch some teenaged girl grab a $500 WWII US helmet and put it on her head and ask her BF to get a pic!
I’m about ready to see game warden to get a “ pet alligator” to keep under the tables, LOL
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deadin
US Veteran
I swear I knew that guy, only he wouldn't ask for permission. If you weren't watching he would have the gun field stripped in nothing flat. He never bought anything that I was aware of.
The best story on him was the time he field stripped a CZ38 and when he slapped it back together the front of his shirt got caught between the slide and the frame. It was so jammed he couldn't get open again.
As he was standing there with the gun hanging on the front of his shirt, the table owner ask "You buying that?" When told "No" the table guy pulled out a knife and cut the gun from the shirt and said he would return the shirt pieces after he got them unjammed....
gjgalligan
Member
Gun shows are pretty much extinct around here.
(10) My thoughts...
When your done touching and handling a a blued gun,but decide not to buy, thank the vendor and ask for a cloth to wipe it down.
only takes a second but shows respect for the gun.
BEST set of rules I know
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Yeah except when 6 guys decide to stop and shoot the breeze in an isle, nobody moves for 10 mins
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Hi Jim
Just a suggestion, but would you consider adding in a section on how to inspect a used S&W? (Sort of relates to Gun Shows).
"Dummies Guide to Inspecting a Used Revolver"
revolver_checkout.pdf - Google Drive
Just a suggestion, but would you consider adding in a section on how to inspect a used S&W? (Sort of relates to Gun Shows).
"Dummies Guide to Inspecting a Used Revolver"
revolver_checkout.pdf - Google Drive
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