Gun Show Terminology

[Bekeart]

Worth 1000 Likes

Just by listing here on the Forum...one is almost assured that a "fair market value" will be reached. If you overprice...the Forum will let you know and probably fast. If you undervalue then you probably didn't do your homework so what you get will still be "fair value". The one thing is that I believe that both buyer and seller can start out on mutual ground...they both know the scarcity, rarity, condition grades, wear points, originality...so the only "trust me" stuff will be mechanical and internal condition, and even there I would say.....we can more likely trust a fellow member's assessment than any seller at a gun show or even the Internet.

This Forum appears to me to be very, very, self policing in that hucksters, fraudulent, fake news purveyors are going to be ousted and rather quickly by the Membership.

Anyway......that's my new business model.....glad I found the Forum and lurked for years, and gladder yet from all I've learned, and keep an eye on the "For Sale" section as my long guns are coming up soon, warhorses too....so that I can continue pursuing more fine S & W's

AMEN Brother!

Bekeart

 

[Drm50]

I went to a show yesterday that started in 70s. I was in original crowd of
dealers. The dealer were all gun collectors and shooters. The small gun shows back then and before were more places to trade and get a good deal that a ongoing bussiness. When the ATF allowed dealers into shows they stated down hill. That ran into the ground and then they started to sell tables to the flea market crowd. My brother drove so I payed the door
and that was all I spent.

 

[Jack Flash]

There goes another lighthearted thread.

 

[italiansport]

I'll be in Tulsa next month at my same location I've had for 25 years. Since I'm so dishonest I hope you steer clear of my table . I rarely make a gun show purchase that I'm disappointed with cause I study guns and market and know what I'm doing. Some of you might wanna rent tables and learn . I'll bet Joe's got some left .

I have also been doing gun shows for around 20 years as well. One point seemingly overlooked by those casting all gun show dealers in the same dishonest mold is this. If I or one of the other regulars was to totally misrepresent a gun and lie to the buyer I expect they'd be back looking for me at the next show wanting their money back. I also believe that having a dissatisfied client yelling about how you shafted them would do little for your credibility and reputation. The gun collecting community isn't huge and having a spotty reputation is the last thing I or any of the other dealers I associate with wants. Just about any of them will take back a gun they sold as long as it's still in the condition it was in when sold. Furthermore, I have several repeat customers some of whom will call me prior to the next show to find out in advance what I'm bringing. I should also add that I'm NOT a professional dealer just a hobbyist like most of you and my primary goal is to do this to fund my personal acquisitions.
Jim

 

[WCCPHD]

Gun shows are a microcosm of society in general. There are good sellers, bad sellers, honest people and liars. All sellers cannot be painted with the same brush.

I've been going to gun shows for 40 years. Its pretty easy to tell which ones are honest and which are not.

This past weekend I saw a gun, a "Shot Show Special" that a dealer (new dealer to that show) had for sale. He had it marked at $849. I pointed out to him that everyone of like guns I had seen were marked in the $630 - $650 range. He got mad and walked away from me. He was selling, I wasn't buying, no harm no foul; however, I'll not even look over his table again and I'll never darken the door of his shop.

 

[paplinker]

I guess I have been lucky. I find the shows 50/50 to be great.

Picked up some really great guns-grips. Some for a fair price and some I was grinning ear to ear leaving the show.


On occasion I got a skeptical look If I am a looker or buyer

Also have asked to take grips off for a 2G+ gun I need to see the frame. He gave me the nervous look, then I showed him the cash payment. I came home with this sweet "Heavy Duty"

I find cash and some courtesy goes a long way

 

[nachogrande]

FUTURE DEMOGRAPHICS

According to my crystal ball, it shows a glut of guns now owned by baby boomers hitting the market within the next +/- 20 ish years. MANY on this site alone that have LARGE collections of good-excellent condition steel guns will be for sale somewhere. I doubt I'll be around/interested at that time. IF the plastic preference continues, who knows what those future prices may be???

 

[Ackley1952]

Tips for potential buyers at gun shows. Bring cash to trade for guns . Make offers like I will give you x for this gun. Vendor says yes or no. And final tip is don't tell vendor what you gave for one of these in 1968 who gives a **** . If you don't like merchandise, price, or vendor then walk away. Don't buy anything you're not happy with. Thanks for letting me vent.

 

[paplinker]

I'll be in Tulsa next month at my same location I've had for 25 years. Since I'm so dishonest I hope you steer clear of my table . I rarely make a gun show purchase that I'm disappointed with cause I study guns and market and know what I'm doing. Some of you might wanna rent tables and learn . I'll bet Joe's got some left .

I just started helping a table holder a couple of moths ago. I found it very interesting what is really involved. Gives me a better perspective of who I am talking to and what they see on a daily basis. Fortunately the guy I help is knowledgeable and of great character.

 

[Warren Sear]

Pinto = Half of the bluing is worn off.

I've been on both side of the tables at gun shows. The BS flows both ways, I assure you.

Never ask a seller a question about the gun's condition, number of rounds fired, etc. You have to examine it yourself, and evaluate it based on the evidence you feel and see.

Never, ever get insulted by anyone's price or offer on a gun. Never insult a buyer or seller.

 

[Murdock]

This thread was intended as a humerous look at what a few vendors do to push their wares. It certainly was not intended as criticism of all gun show vendors. Frankly, a number of the responses made me chuckle. It was meant in jest, and to vent just a little, and not to tick anybody off.

I don't believe a thread begun by vendors making fun of bozo or irritating gunshow buyers would be amiss, and might likely even be instructive. As a buyer, I would probably chuckle, nod my head and not feel it was directed to me personally.

I too have worked both sides of the table at gun shows, and have had other, non-gun related business interactions with consumers. When I was in business for myself I enjoyed the vast majority of people to came to me for the services I provided. Some on the other hand were well worth the caustic anecdotes I have shared witth my colleagues for their amusement.

If the shoe doen't fit, don't give yourself blisters wearing it.

 

[Bekeart]

Attenee trying to sell to me at my table.

I don't believe a thread begun by vendors making fun of bozo or irritating gunshow buyers would be amiss, and might likely even be instructive. amusement.

Long Long Ago, early 1980s, I had a large quantity of 45 ACP on my table for $7.00 for a box.
WWII military issue - corrosive primers - original packing

A well know local flim-flam fellow tries to sell me his box of military 45 ACP for $10.00 while telling me what a great deal it was.

I pointed out that since I was selling mine for $7.00 and did not see how I could make any money if I paid him $10.00.

Mr, Flim-Flam looked a little sheepish and then asked "Would you Give $8.00".

Bekeart

 

[Eddietruett]

One of my dealer friends sets up at a lot of shows. He was telling me recently that pricing guns at a show is becoming an art. No one is going to pay asking price at a show. Most people spend too much time watching American Pickers and Pawn Stars. They think negotiating is a way of life. You have to price your guns with some wiggle room, but if you put too much wiggle room in your price, no one will stop and look. Thee buyers at the shows are the ones who are the most fun to watch in my opinion. The vast majority don't really know the market value on much of anything. You might offer a price on a gun that is way below market value because you really want to move it. Most buyers don't really take to process the price, they immediately have to make a counter offer. Its just a game. Personally I love to go to gun shows. A lot of the same people, same guns and same stories but occasionally I pick up something interesting. I get to see friends that I only see at shows, so I spend most of my time doing the BS thing. What is most annoying to me is the lurkers in the parking lot, lobby and even in the show that run up and almost knock you down if you are carrying a case. Wanting to be first in line for the dummy who brought in grandpas old gun out of the attic and want to sell to pay the rent

 

[chiefbob81]

Only a few shops left. Worries me. I know most shop owners/gun show dealers in mid coast Maine. They usually tell you if they can work with you on a deal or not. I want them to profit so they remain in business! Selfish aren't I?

 

[rjb1]

If you're familiar with the "Blue Book" you'll get this:
One of our show dealers said, "The problem is that everybody wants to buy on the right side of the page and sell on the left side."

 

[Murdock]

At the Augusta, Maine gun show a few yearrs ago I arrived at the table of a dealer I know slightly. He had a box of Remington factory 22 Jet, and since I have a M53 I made him an offer against his slightly high asking price. He sighed and said "I forgot this was Maine and that everybody wants to bargain."

At the "Ancient Ones" show on another occasion (also in Augusta) I made an offer on a Spyderco knife that was slightly below the asking price. The price was already within reason, and I can't recall why I bargained. (Maybe I suspected a good counterfeit job, common with Spyderco, because of the price)? The seller, a younger guy, sighed and sold it for my offer. The following year I saw him again at the same show. I went to his table and handed him the $5 I had bargained him out of the year before. He looked confused about why some guy just came up and handed him $5. I reminded him of the deal the year prior. I told him that it turned out to have been a good knife despite the low price, and that it had been worth what he originally wanted for it. Would that I might be able to expunge other sins I've committed as easily.

At the Bangor show a fellow was seliing an Ideal Grade L.C. Smith for $550. It was in terriffic shape,I knew it was worth twice that, and I had been looking for one. In fact a few tables away there was one in slightly lower condition for $1200. I almost sprained my wrist pulling out the checkbook, and in return for paying the asking price I got the story. (I mean, there had to be one, right)? The seller had a buddy who had died, and he was selling the gun for the widow. He'd had it for sale for $800 for several months up north with no buyers. He'd told the widow that he would take it to the Bangor show, but would have to lower the price to move it. All weekend people had tried to get him below $550.

Yes, it is just a game for many, but sometimes you just gotta stop teasing and do it.

 

[Narragansett]

Well, I wish that we had shows like that here in RI. The last one I went to was a couple years ago at the TD convention center in Greenville SC. I happened to be there. Some good stuff, and a lot of junk. I have got to start looking at neighboring states, although the safe is starting to bulge at the sides, and the wallet has deflated.

Went to a lgs the other day that has handled some transfers for me. He said you must have a nice collection by now, any you want to sell. I said a couple, maybe more. He said well bring them in, and I'll make you an offer. I said Offer??? I told him most of my pieces are either collectible or high grade shooters, and better than anything you have in this shop. If i sell you something, it will never be lower than I paid for it plus your transfer fee. I don't buy it for 800, pay your xfer fee, and sell it to you at 400, so you can make a profit. I told him, you buy it at fair market value, and sit on it like i did. I know he will just add it to his personal collection. I don't care if they are at a table or in the store, same baloney.

Think i will go to a couple not so local LGS's today

 

[bruce5781]

My favorite: You know that star next to the serial number means it went through the Custom Shop.

 

[Narragansett]

My favorite: You know that star next to the serial number means it went through the Custom Shop.

Never heard that one

 

[nbedford]

I just started helping a table holder a couple of moths ago. I found it very interesting what is really involved. Gives me a better perspective of who I am talking to and what they see on a daily basis. Fortunately the guy I help is knowledgeable and of great character.

First, I have found over the last 50 or so years, that being behind the table gives one a great psychological advantage. Further in 1985 I learned that the expression "That's less than what I've got in it" is an international sign of the craft. I was down on Petticoat Lane in London in 1985, and a feller had a stall of British military surplus, and had an assortment of British Army sweaters tagged for 6 pounds. I offered 4 pounds for one, and he replied "That's less than what I've got in it". I thought, "ok, the game is on, and we can do some dealing". Ended up at 5 pounds.