Gun Show Worth the Time?

[kbm6893]

There's a big one near me in 3 weeks (Matamoras, PA). I hear the admission fee is $15. With the crazy prices going on (a shop near me wants $2000 for a never heard of brand AR), can I expect to find reasonable prices there? Also, suppose I want to sell a handgun there. What's the procedure? Inspect the gun at the door and walk around with it in an open case? Suppose I get a buyer? Just find an FFL at the table who will do the transaction? Do we split the fee? How's it work? I haven't been to one in years and have never sold a gun at one.

 

[pinduck]

Best advice stay home until the frenzy dies down.

 

[jaykellogg]

I believe PA has a law requiring all handgun transactions go through a dealer. You may want to check (that is not the case in NC). I would just carry the gun around. If anyone is interested he will ask you about it. Another option is if you have a relationship with a dealer, you could have him set it on a table for 2 days. The chance of selling it is quite a bit better. Another option is to list it on armslist.com. Kind of like craigslist, but for guns and related items. last, you could sell it on Gunbroker.com. Ship only to an FFL, no return. If you have a paypal accounnt, you could accept payment that way, or a money order.

Our gunshow (next weekend) is $8.00. I am going, but guns and ammo will be very high priced. I am looking for N frame grips and I usually like the atmosphere, but I assume it'll be a zoo. ARs and AR parts are almost impossible to find at normal prices now. I just sold one and I believe I got a $3-400 premium for it.

 

[Saugus]

I went to a local gun show about a week ago and it was an absolute pandemonium. Most of the people there were wild eyed panic buyers. It was actually comical to stand back and watch the chaos. Since I paid $5 to get in so I went ahead and browsed the guns and watched the knot heads.

Before I went in I put a heavy lock on my wallet and made a promise to myself that I wasn't buying anything.

 

[Gauger]

The show here last weekend was the same. It was the biggest crowd I have seen and there was some panic buying going on, and this was after several inches of snow the night before. I talked to a couple vendors that i have talked with in the past and they didn't have the inventory they normally do to begin with. There were a few AR and AK rifles available and they were marked up but were not double in price. There were guys walking around with backpack full of pmags selling for $25-30, where the vendors were selling for $30-35. The ammo prices were way too high. There were more gear vendors than firearm vendors this time as well. Basically there were no bargans to be had. Gear prices were reasonable as well as gun parts for AR's. One vendor who normally has a large supply of AR uppers and lowers as well as pieces parts, only had the pieces parts, they were sold out of barrrels and lowers.

 

[BE Mike]

I haven't found gun show prices to be that good over the last couple of decades. Every once in a while, there will be a good deal on something I am interested in. I would expect that right now, with all the panic, there wouldn't be any good deals to be had on anything semi-auto. In the past, I have spent five bucks to go to a small gun show just for the entertainment value, but I refuse to go to the big shows that cost twenty bucks before I get in (parking and entry fees).

 

[Badkarma 1]

I fully intend to hit the local shows, and while most will be clamoring for what few ARs and AR parts are available, plus magazines for just about everything. I intend to start hunting up more older S&W revolvers and 3rd Gen pistols. Plus stocking up on some ammo too.
Play it smart, get what you need, and always keep an eye peeled for deals. Dale

 

[kudzu3]

Best advice stay home until the frenzy dies down.

Good advice, maybe even after the frenzie dies down.

 

[pharmer]

YES. Go without any expectations, bring cash if you have any. I'm going on Sat, have almost no cash but several guns to diddle with. Always fun even if I come home with nothing new/changed. $9= gunshow or movie. I vote gunshow. Joe

 

[Faulkner]

Guns shows are like concerts and church services. I've been to good ones and bad ones, some where crowded and some not.

I marvel at the people who all of a sudden think now is the time to buy guns and ammo . . . unfortunately, they're about six weeks too late to find a bargain.

 

[wetdog]

Selling a handgun in PA. has to go through an FFL. Transfer will probably be $25-35. You can shop around for a price on the transfer.
Make your deal with the buyer and then do the transfer.

 

[bettis1]

kbm6893,

If you haven't been in years, I would vote for you to go just to see the changes that have occurred. (Our next show here in Dallas is this weekend and I expect it to be a ZOO!)

Regarding the $15 admission; I would guess that your badge or uniform will either gain you a pass or at least a discount. Once your handgun is cleared and tied, you can hand carry it or stick it in your belt (neither if you are in uniform). Depending upon what the gun is (either modern high capacity or early collectible) anyone who is interested will ask you to see it if they can see it. I can't speak to your state laws. Here in TX a person to person sale can legally take place if both are residents. Don't risk it where you are...do some research! If you have to engage a dealer, there is no reason that you can't try to negotiate a split of the fee with the buyer.

Don't expect to find "reasonable" fees on the more modern and military style firearms or ammo.

Good luck and enjoy yourself.

Bob