Gun Shows

[fyimo]

I went to the Springdale, AR show last weekend and I noticed a few trends and was wondering if it's the same in other states. First the attendance was way down compared to the same show the last couple of years. Second the actual number of gun dealers at the show was also way down with more dealers selling coins, knives, and other gun related items then in the past. The third thing was there were more people attending the show that were bringing guns to trade or sell at the show. The 4th thing was I saw very few out right guns sales at the show while I was there and there were a few nice S&W revolvers at good prices like a mint model 14-4 with 6 inch barrel for $400 just sitting around. Lastly there were no ammo dealers or dealers selling reloading supplies at the show and that was a first.
I know the post election buying surge is over and the economy is bad so these are factors in what I saw at the show. I also think current gas prices are really hurting a lot of people. I was just wondering if you guys were seeing the same sort of trends at gun shows. I did manage to trade a Model 66 no dash for a mint model 28-2 with a little cash and I was really sorry I passed on the 14-4 as that was a steal because it was mint with a nice set of S&W target grips on it.

 

[Smith357]

I too have noticed such a trend here in Ohio. The last couple of OGCA meetings have been a bit light on attendance, and prices seem to be trending down a bit. I saw a few decent deals but nothing stellar, I was hoping just a few more meetings and prices would be where I would do some buying.

Then at this most recent meeting my theories went out the window, the show which was packed like a sardine can, and prices were off the charts on just about everything. My friends and I came to the conclusion that since it's tax refund time a lot of folks had cash, and the table holders were trying to take advantage of it. Though by noon the floor was empty and the potential buyers gone. We went back after lunch and picked up a few little odds and ends but there was nothing there at a price that was tempting me to reach for my wallet.

 

[Nevadadvx]

The last one I went to a couple of weeks ago was the Big Reno Show at the Grand Sierra. It is HUGE 3 day event, but unfortunately, the vendors have the same guns that you can purchase at Cabelas at the same price or even less. There are plenty of antiques, but you better know your pricing because they will gouge you. Not much in the way of classic Smiths which always disappoints me.

As far as ammo, there is a large reloader out of California that is always there, but their supply was limited. In fact, I got the last of their .38 spl on FRIDAY MORNING, 500 rounds for $97. I asked why they had no more and the owner said the price of scrap brass has gone up so much people are scraping it instead of selling it to them. They're making the majority of their money now on new ammo.

 

[Big Foot]

I attend mostly smaller shows-smaller towns...Hate to pay $25 entrance fee and another $12 for parking, like in Phoenix...Anyway, I go mostly looking for bargains with the "aisle people" selling their weapons...At large shows, you don't notice it much, but the smaller ones have more of a "flea-market" look with jewelry, apparel and the like that seems to be all over the place.

 

[Murdock]

I think you nailed it with your observation about the economy. People like to come and look, but most have less than $200 to spend, I would venture.

A dealer buddy of mine does relatively well at shows here in Maine, and I think it's because he buys stuff for resale that is affordable to average working people.

My informal observation is that when purchase price of anything at a gun show pushes $600 or more it usually doesn't happen, even when it's a good buy.

As a GS trend, is seems that for years Winchesters and big-frame Smiths are in shorter supply all the time. Black plastic is everywhere.

 

[Dominus_Lex]

If yesterday was any sign, we do not have that issue here in Michigan. While we are still in one heck of a financial mess, the Birch Run show was as crowded as I have ever seen it. Yes there was a ton of black guns, overpriced Winchesters, and large retail stores. No there where not many deals to be had, and quite honestly not a great selection of old/ interesting guns on hand (there where only three tables that had anything of interest in the S-W world, and one guy with a rather average Win. 42 at a above average price).

Perhaps the UAW members got their bonus' but people appeared to be buying (mostly junk) and those dealers with good product where holding fast to their prices. It does not make much sense to me, but at least yesterday, it looked like things where humming right along.

 

[GF]

I think when the east & left coast forum members chime in it might be a different story, but here in the mid-west the gun show market is the same as the OP's observations. Off on price and attendance. Still the best place to buy guns IMHO.
The gunshows I go to are anywhere from 80 table shows in little towns to the NGD at Louisville and Indy 1500 in Indianapolis. Seldom on that Indy show.
All have a personallity all their own. Time of year is extremely important in the success of a gunshow or your success in finding a deal (or two ).

Febuary is good as is September. June and January, not so much.

As far as that "personality" statement I made about shows, I call some "buying" shows (small town shows where people walk in with grampas Winchester) and "selling" shows (big attendance shows where you sell that Winchester for a profit). But a deal can fall in your lap or you can sniff one out at either.

We are in dangerous ground in a gunshow thread. At some point someone will post "I never find ANYTHING at gunshows!" or " Prices are always HIGH at shows!" or a comment that if you're posting a story about a gunshow deal your lying.
This is not my experience and I will assume that it has to do with state laws and buying pressure that some members don't have a good gunshow to go to, or deals to find. Not that they don't know how to make a gun deal.

Another thing that I hear is how the internet has ruined the gunshows. It has had an effect for sure, but there's still more guns for sale at shows than I've ever seen. And not everyone wants, or has the ability to, sell online.
If someone says "Well, I'll just put it on Gunbroker if I can't get my price here..." tell him to have at it. Shipping, FFL fees and dealing with somebody you can't see add how much to the profit margin?
You can take my 400 now or get your 500 after a week of bids, gas to your friendly low fee FFL dealer and the time you put into all the above.

Again, it just might be where I live but the gunshow is alive and well and cash is always king when buying a gun.



GF

 

[fyimo]

The gun show I mentioned is a rather small one with 80 tables and over the years I have grown to know several of the dealers and established relationships with them. because of that they are usually very fair with me on buying or selling. In two weeks I'll go to the Tulsa show and it's huge and I'm sure it will be different.

 

[H Richard]

A recent well established show about a 250 table size was so packed they held people at the door and only let people in when others left. This went on for several hours.

 

[mc5aw]

The few large shows in this area have gradually become a waste of time for S&W pistol purchasers/enthusiasts. The majority of tables are cluttered with overpriced junk or Nazi relics, and its the same dealers setting up the same tired displays attendees have been looking at for months. Once in a while there is a dealer with some decent S&Ws for sale, but the ticketed prices make on-line auctions look like bargains. The lack of consumer reasonableness on the part of many show sellers and buyers is obvious ... Sellers are pricing items at ridiculous levels, and buyers are looking for bargain basement freebies. Example ... One dealer recently has a clean used 649 priced at $699 which has sat for almost a year. It's original ticket price last summer was $800. The price is not negotiable and remains at $699, which means next summer it will still be available. Factor in travel cost and entrance fee for shows, and it's not worth it around here (NE PA).

 

[doublesharp]

I spend time on both sides of the table and have for many years. That means I know just about all the dealers and many of the walkins. gun shows are a social event for me but I generally always do enough trading to support my habit. We have fun b.s.ing but most of the guys I know have a wad of money that they will spend fast on a deal and it's kind of cut throat, a snooze you lose kinda thing. I like to walk the show late set up day and look for newcomer dealers with 1 table or maybe 2. that usually means an estate or downsize for some reason and often a deal is found.

I think it's almost a duty for gun enthusiasts to support gunshows. the left would love to shut them down and chances are they will as time goes on. When they disallow the private seller transactions without a background check that will be the beginning of the end.

 

[Joe in SC]

A month or so back my brother and I decided to attend the SCAC show in Greenville SC. Sat. was the day we decided to go. Knowing the show I decided to wait and hour and half to allow the morning crowd time to get in and the line to dwindle down.

When we got there the line was still 125 yards long, 3/4 people deep and showing no signs of diminishing soon. It would have taken at least an hour and perhaps (most likely) longer just to get in. We were in no mood to stand in line that long.

On Monday I talked with a dealer/collector friend whose judgement I trust and he reported that he attended on Sunday morning without the long wait but still very busy. He says the show was as good as any with a good range and supply of arms, ammo, reloading supplies etc... Actually, he said the show was the best he's attended of late and he attends shows in Atlanta and Charlotte, also. Go figure.

 

[fyimo]

A month or so back my brother and I decided to attend the SCAC show in Greenville SC. Sat. was the day we decided to go. Knowing the show I decided to wait and hour and half to allow the morning crowd time to get in and the line to dwindle down.

When we got there the line was still 125 yards long, 3/4 people deep and showing no signs of diminishing soon. It would have taken at least an hour and perhaps (most likely) longer just to get in. We were in no mood to stand in line that long.

On Monday I talked with a dealer/collector friend whose judgement I trust and he reported that he attended on Sunday morning without the long wait but still very busy. He says the show was as good as any with a good range and supply of arms, ammo, reloading supplies etc... Actually, he said the show was the best he's attended of late and he attends shows in Atlanta and Charlotte, also. Go figure.

I also think it depends where you are located because what you discribed was the way it was here for the past two years but was totally different last weekend and it may have been just that show for some reason. That show is usually very well attended and I've made some really good deals on S&W's at that show in the past.

 

[gkitch]

I still consider a gun show as good entertainment and would much rather buy something at a show than online.
I went to the last Charleston show and it was packed. Lots of people and dealers buying and selling. I think the promoter, Mike Kent, does a superb job in advertising the shows. Some promoters seem to see advertising costs as draining their profits! Good that Mike and his wife have it figured out and always put on a good show.
My peeve about shows is that some regular vendors try to sell items for the same or more than what I can buy at my friendly local gun shop. In such cases I just hold off and buy locally later. One does not pay for parking and another six or ten dollars to get into a show just to pay retail....we are looking for DEALS.

 

[JoseyWales2]

A recent well established show about a 250 table size was so packed they held people at the door and only let people in when others left. This went on for several hours.

Sounds like the show I attended here in Missouri at the end of December. Lots of black, plastic guns at prices the same or higher than the local dealers. Ammo prices have come down from a year ago, but I didn't see much buying or selling going on.

I go mostly for the entertainment value and the slim hope that some day I might find a reasonable deal for something.

 

[Jack Flash]

I think we should be careful about inferring trends from one or two recent experiences. A lot of times something as trivial as the weather or some sporting event can depress gun show attendance on any particular day.

The last show I went to in town here was really packed. It was hard to find a parking spot and once inside you were shoulder to shoulder with everyone else. This was of course a winter month show, which are usually much better attended than summer month shows. Fall (pre-hunting season) is always very well attended.

Judging by local shows at least, the big three in today's handgun world are Ruger, Taurus, and Glock. S&Ws are chronically in short supply, but there are always a few nice ones. There is just enough interesting merchandise to get you to come back to the next one.

 

[Big Cholla]

I attended the 'Big Reno Gun Show' as a seller. I wanted to sell 12 of my personal rifles. This is the first gun show in 11 years that I have attended as a table renter/seller. I have attended not more than four shows in the mean time as a buyer of one or two specific items (in and out). My unscientific observations are; the crowd was older on the average as were the sellers. The first day was largely old time dealers/collectors selling C&R stuff to each other. A bunch of them came around to see if I had anything 'under priced'. Saturday was the big day for attendance, I sold 3 of 5 rifles that I really wanted to sell at a fair price. There was not as much 'trading stock' being brought into the show as I expected to see.

There were several "FFL Dealers there with tables who had no intention of selling anything, but rather were there to 'cherry pick' from under priced sellers and unknowing public bringing in 'trading stock'. Their soul purpose being there was to buy stock to bring back to their place of business for sale over the Internet. The one closest to me offered me about half price for my total display on the setup day. If I had taken his offer he would have not displayed my guns but rather packed them up to take back to his store. One of his acquaintances told me that this dealer was either at gunshows to buy only or was at Estate Sales and that his staff back at the gunshop took care of the Internet sales.

Sunday proved to be of very light attendance and of people looking for rock bottom bargains. I didn't sell a thing on Sunday. The black rifles didn't seem to be selling, but their accessories were. IMHO, the public attending was looking for hunting rifles, ammunition, or black rifle accessories. While, I might attend local gun shows as a seller, I will never go out of town again to be a seller. .......... Big Cholla

............ Big Cholla

 

[pharmer]

Went yesterday here in Orlando:
1) Packed, hard to get down the aisles.
2) Asked many times "Are you an FFL?" Nope more times than not with many guns on the table.
3) Lots of ammo dealers with very high prices.
4) Lots of folks carrying something to sell.
5) Didn't see too many people filling out 4473's. The "private sale" guys offer lower prices on more desirable items & no paperwork. That's troubling.
Joe

 

[rburg]

I'm almost to the point where I can't afford to go to gunshows. Every time I go I find a bunch of guns I want and need. I read about 1 gun a month stuff. I can't afford that many these days (because I've got some lofty tastes.)

But I attend too many shows. And I've come to expect a show now and then where I don't spend any money. It doesn't bother me all that much. I know there will be another show next weekend or next month where I'll find good stuff again.

I don't go to shows needing one specific item. I go with a long list of things I'm seeking, and have an open mind about others. We went to a show last weekend and there wasn't a single gun I saw that I needed. Instead of crying about it, I bought a 1950s vintage Heiser holster in near perfect condition, and a Randall knife. Made me happy.

Yes, I visited with friends, too. And traded a box for one I needed, and took along another Randall knife to have a friend guess its age.

So what I think we're seeing in the different opinions of gun shows are different peoples expectations. Those who go wanting and needing one specific item will come away disappointed. Those of us who go with open minds, a list of needs, and a bunch of friends come away happy.

Its what you want out of a show that determines your level of satisfaction. If you're so demanding you can only find happiness under a limited set of conditions, you kind of predetermine your fate.

 

[tnpatriot]

Went to the show in Nashville TN today. Slim crowd. I sold two revolvers and seven knives. Got my asking price for all, a pleasant surprise considering the current economics. Vendor prices are always too high.