Gun Show Insanity

[Engineer1911]

Attended the Atlanta gun show just off I-285 down by the airport yesterday. There was a huge amount of center fire ammo in every caliber. Handgun ammo was 50¢ a round, most rifle ammo was 85¢ to $1.10 per round. I believe there were at least 5 dealers selling CCI 22 LR shorts for $20 to $22 per 100 round plastic box.

People were buying new black Tupperware, every brand, like there was going to be a ban. New S&W revolvers were also going out the door. There were many non-lock S&W revolvers up for sale at reasonable prices. Junk didn't move, but new guns were selling enthusiastically.

Reloading components were between affordable and outrageous. Lots of primers were sold for $23 to $28, but the "premium" brands for $35 to $42 were just sitting there. Bulk handgun bullets and new brass was also selling well.

The best "price gouge" was a M29-2, full lug barrel, 6" or 6-1/2" long, deep rust pits, S&W trade mark almost gone with a like new rich flat black 'paint finish' baked on. Show special for only $1,050. I made comment about the refinish, was told it was rare factory finish, and then asked, "Including the rust pits?" Hammer was tightly tie wrapped so the action could not be cycled. I just love a good bargain.

The three of us bought supplies, gun cases, and some accessories. Walked a couple of miles, and talked about the crazy prices on the ride home. At least there was inventory on the tables to look at for a change.

[Skeet 028]

Gun show prices can be a bit..enthusiastic in some cases. At the Cody show this weekend people had quite a few 1000 older CCI primers at 30 dollars per 1000. I mean 25 yr old primers. Older powder also 25 yrs old and more for 30 bucks per pound too. But I got some Herco and Blue Dot unopened cans for 10 bucks per. Even had a friend give me 1/2 a pound of Unique. Well heck he bought it from me 5 or 6 years ago. Prices on guns are all over the map.... Guy has a Chapuis 470 NE double gun for 7 grand which I think is kinda cheap but some have guns priced waaaayyyy too high. Handguns...are flying out the door....well selling well. I missed a Colt MT Woodsman for 900 bucks. Pretty gun. No decent Smiths...cept on MY tables. LOL!

[Grayfox]

There's a gun show here next weekend. The last couple have been kind of slow. Going to be interesting to see what happens this time.

[Muss Muggins]

Looking forward to our local show this coming weekend.

[J. R. WEEMS]

Insane is just about the right word here. People are running scared,and probably with some good reason-- People also have come to realize if they hold out long enough they might very well get their asking price. Not to beat a dead horse to death,, I am quite happy to know I have all I need and then some. I do feel sorry for the younger shooters of today that never had the chance to stock up before this all hit, for those that kept their respective heads in the sand and did not do so-- too bad for you. I saw this coming some 40 years ago and was the butt of many jokes when I said so. Now, those that are still alive are crying the blues-- I just cannot feel sorry for them, at all. When I see a .22 that the asking price is over 2 grand that I bought for 375--- I just have to laugh. Anyone that entertains the idea this is all going to get better is just plain kidding themselves. JMHO

[GaryS]

There seems to be a small panic going on right now. Nothing like after Newtown or after what's his name was elected. I adopted a policy of buying $X.x per month of ammunition after the shortages during the Iraq War. As a result, I have more ammunition that I can probably shoot during my lifetime.

Which doesn't stop me from buying more.

I've got a few good deals on things at gun shows, but for the most part I consider them a good way to spend a Saturday morning just walking around and looking at neat (if overpriced) stuff.

[Jack Flash]

The "Buy High, Sell Low" crowd is out in full force right now.

I just stay out of their way.

[chaparrito]

Some dipstick at the Phoenix show had a ND with the plastic fantastic he'd just bought and shot his friend. Too many noobs oddballs and scalpers at shows these days. I don't go.

[ChattanoogaPhil]

I go to a couple a year just for something to do on a Saturday morning, usually with a buddy or two from the Club. Don't buy much. Earlier this year I met a guy that was a distributor for gun powder. Nice guy. We talked for a while and mentioned that I had been looking for W231 for a long time and had just about run out. He gave me his card and said to give him a call on Monday. I got 6lbs. Ya never know....

[the ringo kid]

Originally Posted by Grayfox

There's a gun show here next weekend. The last couple have been kind of slow. Going to be interesting to see what happens this time.

Same here next weekend. Looking forward to three things.

1) Buying all the Aguila .22 this one dealer has and at a good price.
2) Possibly doing a ''deal'' on a Carbine, Garand or Springfield.
3) Visiting Larry at his table for a couple hours.

[Muss Muggins]

Originally Posted by the ringo kid

Same here next weekend. Looking forward to three things.

1) Buying all the Aguila .22 this one dealer has and at a good price.
2) Possibly doing a ''deal'' on a Carbine, Garand or Springfield.
3) Visiting Larry at his table for a couple hours.

I'm looking for:

1: A single point sling for one of the AR's . . .
2: .22 WMR ammunition
3: a folding knife with a straight razor blade

[the ringo kid]

Originally Posted by Muss Muggins

I'm looking for:

1: A single point sling for one of the AR's . . .
2: .22 WMR ammunition
3: a folding knife with a straight razor blade

Yer going to the wrong shows son, that stuff is always in supply at the Robstown show.

But seriously, c'mon down to one of our shows sometime, you'd be amazed at what's always for sale here.

[RJJ 1971]

Same here at our local show that I attended yesterday.

22lr Bucket o bullets $120.
Guys yells out "cheapest at the show"!!!

100 round box CCI $17/box
9mm FMJ Remington & Winchester 50 round boxes $21/box.
You know, the kind they sell at walmart for $12 -$13.

I swear I used to only hate most lawyers, real estate agents, and car salesmen. No offense.
Now you can add another type to the list.

Not too much panic buyin going on that I saw - but a whole lot of panic talkin

[Muss Muggins]

Originally Posted by the ringo kid

Yer going to the wrong shows son, that stuff is always in supply at the Robstown show.

But seriously, c'mon down to one of our shows sometime, you'd be amazed at what's always for sale here.

All three things should be at this show as well, and I'm looking for them because they're not at any of the LGS's around here. I'm looking for a specific single point, and I know the dealer will be at the show. But I agree, I should get out more . . .

[Nevadadvx]

I quit going to the big shows in Reno. High prices and too many people. But I do go to the ones in this small town......

[S42N8]

The Tampa show was pretty much that way yesterday...many more folks than usual, lots of folks waiting for thirty forms to process. Didn't see anything collectible worth the prices (a 25-2 with the wrong grips at $1600? Nah.)

There were some legit buys on ammo, and I stocked up a bit, but saw some stupid prices on .223 and .22LR. Was hoping the .22 market would ease back at bit, but the SB backlash seems to have upped prices a bit.

[Damn Yankee]

Don't stock to much like some couple had this week or you will be labeled a Terrorist and probably be put on the No Fly List.

[jdlii]

And now you know the real reason why Ms. Scarlet moved back to Tara!!!

The local gun show prices were much more reasonable.

[J. R. WEEMS]

Originally Posted by Damn Yankee

Don't stock to much like some couple had this week or you will be labeled a Terrorist and probably be put on the No Fly List.

Really? You think? I got tired of those TSA idiots and their over kill and put myself on the no fly list years ago. I refuse to fly and be subjected to that kind of treatment-- that is, if you can find one who speaks English-- I had one of those fools even check the BACK of my watch once.

[Arik]

I haven't been to a gun show in about a year. Part of it was because I just got tired of spending my only day off waking up super early and driving. Sometimes you just want to sleep in till 9am! Driving time, gas, sometimes tolls....screw it! The second part is that I can buy just about everything at the show online and 50/50 on better prices. Sure there is no shipping fee at the show but there is a drive time and gas cost along with an entrance fee. And usually the show prices arnt any better and usually a little worse. As for other stuff like gear and accessories. ..well same thing plus most of it is cheap Chinese knockoffs. I know what I want, what I like and online retailers who sell at a good price.

[Philadelphia Patriot]

I agree. I think the internet is the way to go these days for deals. My FFL, who doesn't have a store front, said what he pays his distributor for guns is usually more than what Bud's Gun Shop sells to consumers.

[e3mrk]

All the dealers are doing is trying to cash in on the current Political climate.
Let Them keep their over priced stuff.

[Chukar60]

I only go to one or two a year. I have to be very very bored to attend one anymore. Have not bought a gun at a show in years, The prices are ridiculous.
I am thinking next show I will go and bird dog other attendees who are carrying around trading fodder. may be the only eay to get a deal at a show around here,

[Muss Muggins]

Originally Posted by Muss Muggins

I'm looking for:

1: A single point sling for one of the AR's . . .
2: .22 WMR ammunition
3: a folding knife with a straight razor blade

Well, I scored two out of three. The single point sling dealer was there, and he had my sling in black. The ammo dealer I like was there, and he had Hornady Critical Defense .22 WMR for $18 (50 rounds). I think MSRP is $16 something, and I didn't pay any tax. Plus, my LGS owner says his distributors laugh at him when he asks for it. Been trying to get a couple boxes for three or four months. Couldn't find a folding knife like I like, but the knife dealers at this show are not that great. Waiting for the spring Missouri Gun and Knife in Cape Girardeau, where I know I saw one last spring.

Bigger crowd at this show than the September show. This show doesn't have a ton of black rifles, but it didn't look like they were marked up. The usual couple way overpriced Smith and Wesson revolvers, lots of cheap stuff (Taurus, SCCY, Hi Point, Chiappa, Armscor, etc), and the overpriced Garand guy. He had one priced $1,000 under his usual $3,000, and got offended when the guy next to me asked what was wrong with it.

[Skeet 028]

I got to the Bozeman show today. Holy Cow..the place was packed. There were many great deals there on a few guns..but not the usual guns many want.Picked up a 94 Win rifle..it is one a friend would want.. And got one of my grail guns..M-27-2 in 3 1/2 inch. Not perfect but really nice. Bought many small items but found no bullets or ammo for 33 Winchester. There was lots of older powders...most in full cans for 10-15 dollars. Bought some Win primers for 20 bucks per 1000. Many guns were overpriced. The 3 other fellows I was with all found a good deal on a few guns. And all at fair prices. Noticed more Black guns being sold. The ammo sellers were in force but no real runs on ammo. 22 ammo was available at slightly lower prices overall than they have been lately. No 22 Mag ammo to be found in quantity Not a military rifle guy but one seller had a real nice DCM 03A3 from 1957 with papers for a not too high price.. Overall not a terrible show but too many people. But I am really happy about the 3 1/2 inch M-27. Can't complain too much and was a fun day with 3 good friends

[Grayfox]

I went to the Germantown, TN show yesterday. About a normal sized crowd, didn't seem to be any panic buying going on, but prices are still way too high. I had thought about picking up some .22LR now that's finally coming back. But even the cheap stuff was still running ten to twelve cents per round, so I passed.
Wanted to pick up some primers, but none to be had. No guns of any real interest to me, so I can home empty handed.

[otisrush]

Between reloading, finding a LGS that has great supplies of components that most people don't know about, Powder Valley, Inc., www.wideners.com, Missouri Bullet Company, and never forgetting the .22LR shortage and consequently walking by the ammo shelves at WalMart *EVERY* time I walk in the store, I'm good for a good while. I haven't even had an inkling of a desire to go to a gun show in about a year. As an earlier responder said: Let those dealers try to get their high prices.

OR

[Skeet 028]

Maybe it's just my area but I always find neat "affordable" stuff at gun shows. Heck in the small stuff yesterday I got 2 new RCBS bullet molds with sizing dies for 25 bucks apiece. My offer to the seller. He sold 'em to me. Got a nice Williams receiver sight for my Marlin 94 in the box for 20 bucks. Got 6 more sizing dies for 25 bucks. 4 will be trading stuff but still they cost more than twice what I paid. If I had needed powder I was cheap. and they had 7625 4756 PB and I did get 4 lbs of 4759 for 20 bucks. All neat discontinued powders. I don't use 4759 very often but will make a trade to cast bullet rifle shooters for something I need..like cash in the future. I still need 33 cal flat point bullets for my 33 Win though The sellers at gun shows may have some high prices on many items but will usually deal on small stuff to pay table rentals etc. It ain't cheap to sell at gun shows. So they have to get some stuff sold!

[Fishslayer]

Originally Posted by Arik

I haven't been to a gun show in about a year.

Last time I was at a gun show they were still selling drop in auto sears. I only went in because it was right next to a motorcycle show.

Our local show, with admission & parking, you're out $25 + your drive before ya even get in.

[Frank46]

Didn't get to go to our local show with the bullet hole still in the wall. Wonder if any of our other members went to the civic center went. Caj, did you go?. Frank

[williamlayton]

Seems like the name should be changed to "show guns" caue everybody thinks theirs is a collectable.
I don't go to shows anymore.
I do go to "good" gunshops.
Blessings

[the ringo kid]

Originally Posted by RJJ 1971

Same here at our local show that I attended yesterday.

22lr Bucket o bullets $120.
Guys yells out "cheapest at the show"!!!

100 round box CCI $17/box
9mm FMJ Remington & Winchester 50 round boxes $21/box.
You know, the kind they sell at walmart for $12 -$13.

I swear I used to only hate most lawyers, real estate agents, and car salesmen. No offense.
Now you can add another type to the list.

Not too much panic buyin going on that I saw - but a whole lot of panic talkin

Those buckets are going from between $65 - $85 here. @$65, some dealers are actually losing money since Academy has them for $69 + tax. I no longer buy Remington .22, but will most any other kind of .22 on the market. Remington bricks are $45, and that's the price at local Academy's. I've given up on ever buying any .22 at any of the WMs here since bottom feeders get it all every morning.

[sheepdawg]

Originally Posted by Grayfox

I went to the Germantown, TN show yesterday. About a normal sized crowd, didn't seem to be any panic buying going on, but prices are still way too high. I had thought about picking up some .22LR now that's finally coming back. But even the cheap stuff was still running ten to twelve cents per round, so I passed.
Wanted to pick up some primers, but none to be had. No guns of any real interest to me, so I can home empty handed.

The gun shows at the G Town Agricenter have been lousy for quite some time now unless you want to stock up on beef jerky.

[Backlighting]

I refuse to pay an admittance fee for the privilege of seeing what some have for sale. Imagine having to do that at Walmarts, Macys, etc.