GUN SHOWS---AAAARRRRGGGG

[Nightowl]

I go to guns shows regularly whenever I have time and they are not too far away. Mostly just to look, but a couple of months ago, I found a 617-4 , 10 shot, nice gun.

Today, I saw a 629, 3 inch for $1800, no box. Sometimes, I think that the gun show dealers are pricing their stuff at the highest they see on the internet. And some of those asking prices can be pretty outlandish.
Last weekend, I drove about 75 miles and brought home a $10 hatchet and a piece of peach pie!

 

[10-shooter]

that is why I only go to 2 gun shows a year.... The Smokey mountain gun collectors association show in Knoxville, tn.... twice a year... only about 200 tables..... nothing but guns.... NOTHING BUT GUNS... last show only had 1 dealer selling new guns... everyone else just regular people selling stuff... it is really nice to go to a gun show with no Jerky, No purses, No reloading supplies, no T-shirts, No clothes at all, no books, no nothing unless it is guns.... happening Feb 8th & 9th... I am looking forward to it.

 

[perrazi]

highest asking price on the internet will be on a lot of gunshow tables. doesn't matter the condition or actual selling price, only the highest found asking price. a lot of dealers got spoiled during the run to buy since the last gun crisis. they have to work for it now and they don't like it.

 

[mgb223]

My favorite LGS always does a huge business when the gun show is in town. They texted me the fixed sight 629 I stupidly sold last year came in in a gun for cash deal. I ran down got the gun for less than I sold it for!! Someone up there was was listening to my thoughts.

 

[nick93]

out of curiosity how much does a table cost? is it worth it? never saw the reason for all the t shirts salesmen and buckets of dried dinners.

 

[Lobster Picnic]

I live in a big city that has 3 companies running gun shows frequently, but I rarely go to those local shows. I'd rather drive to a small town show. The pace is more relaxed and I see more nice old Smiths at these shows. I also find the prices to be more negotiable at the small shows.

 

[rwsmith]

The heyday.....

They heyday of the gun show is long gone. I don't know if it will ever get back to what they were.

 

[williamlayton]

Well, I will agree to two points.
I put myownself in this position knowing full well how it was going to end------SO-----I am really stupid and have no one to blame but me.
That does not excuse the jerk on the other side of the table---I don't care.
What I was suprised at yesterday was the amazing lack of posers in attendance. I felt kinda out of place.
Blessings

 

[Mongo1958]

The Best Gun Shows that I went to were in Coconut Grove Just South of Miami, Fla. Lots of eye candy in every way. Plus lots of places to eat and drink a cold one. That was back in the day where you could wheel and deal. My last great deal was 14 years ago (here in ATL) when I snagged a Colt Second Gen SSA for $400 and traded it for My Glock 22 and Bush Master AR-15. I suppose that today the SSA would be worth a fortune. I'm just not into the SSA but I knew its value at the time and used it to get what I wanted.

 

[Mongo1958]

They heyday of the gun show is long gone. I don't know if it will ever get back to what they were.

10/4 on that good buddy. I found a few Brick and Mortar shops in town that I go to. I save gas, Time, aggravation and the entry fee. What I pay for is personal service that creates a bond with a person I will see again and again.

As someone here already mentioned, the shows are good for other things but the deal is done unless you walk in with something unique that a dealer or a patron wants.

 

[gnappi]

The Best Gun Shows that I went to were in Coconut Grove Just South of Miami, Fla. Lots of eye candy in every way. Plus lots of places to eat and drink a cold one. That was back in the day where you could wheel and deal. My last great deal was 14 years ago (here in ATL) when I snagged a Colt Second Gen SSA for $400 and traded it for My Glock 22 and Bush Master AR-15. I suppose that today the SSA would be worth a fortune. I'm just not into the SSA but I knew its value at the time and used it to get what I wanted.

I remember the Grove show. And others down here. They slowly got taken over by dealers from all over the southeast. In the 70's and 80's and a bit later there were collectors galore. Great guys who wanted to change up their own collections or in some cases sell them off due to age.

I never thought I'd say it, Ah the good old days.

 

[zeke]

Gun show season is rapidly approaching up here. With the scarcity of local dealers , still go to the smaller local shows and usually have enjoyable time. Occasionally find interesting pieces to gawk at or purchase. Still have some folks walking in with guns to sell, that don't price them on what the internet price is.

Some of the regular dealers have priced there wares to the limit, but most people just walk on by em.

 

[gkitch]

I am not an FFL holder, but like to get a table at the local show every once in a while to sell off and trade from my personal collection. Throughout the year I keep an eye out for items that I might be able to easily sell and make enough money to cover the table cost. I also look for items to give away to kids who show up with their parents (and are behaving). I typically have a lot of fun, talk to some nice folks, and make some money...maybe add a gun to the collection after selling several. My wife likes that I come home with more money and less "stuff".
Gun shows can be good.

 

[lowriderfxr]

They remain a great source for swords, jerky and jewelry, however.

Don't forget those candied walnuts, peanuts and almonds. Man I smell those things and its all over! Even tho they are about as overpriced as that NIB 27 in the OP......

 

[quinn]

I found a Reg Mag at the last show I attended and a 696 the show before. Can't complain.

 

[Malpaso]

This is my take from the other side of the table.

I'll be over in an hour or two. I promise not to be a knucklehead

 

[gmiller0737]

I go to Gun Shows Several times a year but I haven't purchased a Gun from a show in years, I go to buy Reloading Bullets & Powder & a Occasional Holster or Magazine,Seems Mostly new guns @ most of the local shows & too much non gun stuff Why do they even let Jerky & other Junk in? & all you hear while you are @ the Show if Folks popping Stun Guns.

 

[FloridaFlier]

Last year at this time, gun shows were about the only place where I could find powder and primers here in SW Florida.
Also, it's a little like going to a garage sale. You just never know what could turn up.
I'll keep going, but two a year is about my limit.

 

[Donn]

that is why I only go to 2 gun shows a year.... The Smokey mountain gun collectors association show in Knoxville, tn.... twice a year... only about 200 tables..... nothing but guns.... NOTHING BUT GUNS... last show only had 1 dealer selling new guns... everyone else just regular people selling stuff... it is really nice to go to a gun show with no Jerky, No purses, No reloading supplies, no T-shirts, No clothes at all, no books, no nothing unless it is guns.... happening Feb 8th & 9th... I am looking forward to it.

It would be nice if all shows were like this. In recent years they've become more knife & gun than gun & knife shows. I'm OK with shooting related items like reloading supplies, gun parts and accessories. But the rest of it? Jerky, fudge, clothing, jewelry? It's a gun show, not a flea market.

 

[raljr1]

I go to shows on a regular basis. I have found a several bargains, but usually go home empty handed. I like to find a dealer who has stuff I admire but can't justify the cost of, and if they're not busy I get some education. I find that most are willing to share information as long as you're not getting in the way of them selling something. I'm respectful of that and I also never ask to pick up anything I wouldn't be interested in making an offer on.