Gun Show Report - We’re sitting on a goldmine

[Grimjaws]

Went to a local show this morning. Lots of different gear and a few S&W revolvers. Here was the pricing I saw
19-3 2.5” blue with tyler t grip $900 no box
19-3 2.5” nickel but hammer and trigger not case hardened so maybe aftermarket nickel $900
19-4 4” blue looked new in box sold right as I got to the table $900

All the 19 vendors must have made an agreement on price.
I have several 19s at home and got them for way less less than a few months ago so maybe gun show mark up?

A few others
K-22 in great shape I think he had the box $1200
37 2” round butt also in grade shape no box $795
10-8 nickel 4” in good shape some wear at the end of the barrel $650

Was on the hunt for some grips but no luck
But for a $5 entrance fee and free parking it was a nice way to spend an hour on a rainy day.

 

[smitholdtimer]

Grimjaws

I appreciate your Gun Show Report but would appreciate your sharing the location the show you attended is being held.

 

[rockquarry]

Went to a local show this morning. Lots of different gear and a few S&W revolvers. Here was the pricing I saw
19-3 2.5” blue with tyler t grip $900 no box
19-3 2.5” nickel but hammer and trigger not case hardened so maybe aftermarket nickel $900
19-4 4” blue looked new in box sold right as I got to the table $900

All the 19 vendors must have made an agreement on price.
I have several 19s at home and got them for way less less than a few months ago so maybe gun show mark up?

A few others
K-22 in great shape I think he had the box $1200
37 2” round butt also in grade shape no box $795
10-8 nickel 4” in good shape some wear at the end of the barrel $650

Was on the hunt for some grips but no luck
But for a $5 entrance fee and free parking it was a nice way to spend an hour on a rainy day.

I'm not up on prices and don't know if those are outrageous prices or not. Many sellers aren't really all that eager to sell, but will if they can "get to" a customer. That makes for a better day. Regrettably, that's the gun show mentality for a lot of sellers.

I've done big shows intermittently for forty years. If you really want to sell something instead of hauling it from show to show, you price the item right the first time.

Conversely, it doesn't bother me in the least to pay "too much" for a gun I've been looking for that has been very hard to find, especially a nice example and I'm going to have done my homework and know current values. I'd much rather have the gun in hand and enjoy shooting it than worry about having paid too much. Such a philosophy would bother some, but they're the ones missing out.

 

[Skeet 028]

Conversely, it doesn't bother me in the least to pay "too much" for a gun I've been looking for that has been very hard to find, especially a nice example and I'm going to have done my homework and know current values. I'd much rather have the gun in hand and enjoy shooting it than worry about having paid too much. Such a philosophy would bother some, but they're the one's missing out.

I too have paid more than I wanted too for quite a few guns. Surprisingly I made out very well on most if I decided to sell them...and most I got to enjoy while I had 'em. I happen to have a gun worth in the mid 5 figures ...Dindn't pay all that much for it. I have shot it quite a bit on occasion. . I have decided just today in fact to sell it...when talking with an older friend.. He called to ask about an approx value on a grade 4 or 5 Win M-42. We spoke of the collectibles we have. Came to the conclusion we're holding on to collectible guns that are really not appreciating in value now...and we ain't getting any younger. Heck I have 2 Spolar shotshell loaders I don't use... One of 'um has only ever loaded 410s the rest of the cal conversions are new. Complete with hydraulics they are over 5 grand now....Think I will sell 'em both. Heck I have 5 Ponsness Warrens too

 

[Grimjaws]

Oops

I appreciate your Gun Show Report but would appreciate your shearling the location the show you attended is being held.

Sorry thought I did
Cheektowaga NY

 

[Grimjaws]

One point

I was just surprised at the higher prices versus what I’ve been able to grab at lower prices over the past 3-4 years at shows and at my FFL
19-3 with Herrett Jordan for $350 but a bit of bluing loss gun show
19-3 with two Football Targets - previous owner bought a spare set all for $600 just some wear at the end of the barrel FFL
66-1 2.5” snub like new $500 FFL
37 2” square butt very little wear $350 FFL
18-2 4” some bluing loss $350 at Cabelas of all places

Still a fun day

 

[Faulkner]

Sorry thought I did
Cheektowaga NY

I honestly didn't realize it was still legal to have gun shows in NY.

 

[biku324]

I haven't hit a show in years. Seems like most in this area turned into black gun and beef jerky shows.

 

[BC38]

I still go to the local shows. Usually find something worth buying at a good price - but unfortunately not guns because they are all over-priced.

Holsters, grips, reloading tools & supplies.

Even if I don't find anything, I get a couple of hours of entertainment and hanging out with other like minded people with a common interest.

Plus the anti-gun people HATE the fact that gun shows even exist - that alone makes it worth the price of admission - just to help keep then going IMO.

 

[Rudi]

Older Smiths are only going up.

 

[Breadman1]

I went to a great little show yesterday in Cottonwood AZ. Small, but great selection of Colt and Smith revolvers, prices were fairly reasonable. I was able to pick up a 98% 4 inch 1975 Colt Python for $1400, 2 pair of Ajax stag 1911 grips for $20 each pair and a New in Box Remington 870 LE folding stock for $200, some good deals.

 

[GypsmJim]

I honestly didn't realize it was still legal to have gun shows in NY.

It was never illegal. We can still buy rifles, handguns, ARs, etc. You just have to go inside and pay the $25 for a NICS. No parking lot deals allowed. A few hoops to jump thru, but it's all manageable.

Also, no waiting periods, and the bigger shows have the Pistol Permit offices from the 3 local counties on hand so you can make a deal and take it home with you.

I just came back from the Cheeptowaga show. Primers are now available....but at $140 no thanks.

 

[Breakaway500]

Gun shows still happen in Libbyland. They are usually entertaining and sometimes you hit the jackpot. Ok,rarely…but that’s part of the ..allure. No expectations but hopeful.
Paying $15 to get in plus $5 to park, and driving past the “no firearms allowed on fair grounds” in bright red letters is always amusing.
Gun prices fluctuate as much as most any commodity. If I really want some item NOW I expect to pay market price. If no rush but on the short list, I’ll look for a bargain.
However I figure I can see the finish line so I’m not buying anything with a long “ maturity” if I’m buying for “investment”.
Combat Magnums are some of my favorite Smiths and one of my first gun show purchases back in 1992 or so. Still have it. Somewhere. Sure would be nice to see them all in one room some day.

 

[Grimjaws]

I went to a great little show yesterday in Cottonwood AZ. Small, but great selection of Colt and Smith revolvers, prices were fairly reasonable. I was able to pick up a 98% 4 inch 1975 Colt Python for $1400, 2 pair of Ajax stag 1911 grips for $20 each pair and a New in Box Remington 870 LE folding stock for $200, some good deals.

WHAT?! A like new 1975 Python for the price of a new one. I thought I had some luck but you win! I’ve been jonesing for an original Python for several years but just can’t justify the $2000+ asking prices around here. Nice score!

 

[chuckie]

Have you ever been to the Firearms and Knife Show in Marlborough Ma. I volunteered to work the GOAL table for several years before Covid reared it ugly head.

 

[Breadman1]

Here she is

WHAT?! A like new 1975 Python for the price of a new one. I thought I had some luck but you win! I’ve been jonesing for an original Python for several years but just can’t justify the $2000+ asking prices around here. Nice score!

 

[ZGrand]

Here she is

Wow! That WAS a steal!

 

[Old 44 Guy]

Last gun show I went to years ago I drank their coffee and ate Jerky.