gun shows

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rchall

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I have attended a couple gun shows lately and am finding that most of the dealers present have guns that are severely overpriced for the condition that they are in. I am discouraged that this is keeping alot of the younger generation from getting into gun collecting. Many of the dealers do not want to trade at all or else give a minimal amount for guns that they know are worth alot more than they are offering. They want to believe their guns are worth their weight in gold while the ones that people carry in to trade are worth zilch. This, I believe, will be the demise of many of our nation's gun shows, particularly these small-town affairs. Also, at the last show I attended a sign was posted stating that all transactions must take place within the confines of the building. Anyone who violated this policy and was dealing on the grounds outside could be arrested for trespassing. Is this the norm at most shows going on around our country? If so, I believe next time I'll just keep my admission fee and spend it on something else.
 
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Gun shows are slowly becoming irrelevant. They are or have already priced themselves out of the market. I think too many sellers there are looking up their guns on the internet, getting a fair selling price and then tacking on another $50-100. But, it don't end there.
I was at small show today that had outlandish prices and one table seller/dealer made the following statement "if I have gun on the table and a buyer offers me my asking price I have the right to pull it off sale". What he means is "maybe I had it priced too low" possibly for this area or whatever reason so he can then bring it back out at the next show for $50-100 higher and then see if it will sell at that price and could even repeat the process again. Some even act like they really don't want to sell their guns, just show them off.
pharmer has a similar statements about the Orlando show this weekend.
 
I always hated the way private sale folks priced their guns sooo high. Even the dealers always seemed high to me, but I now realize that the reason many of these sellers have high prices is in fear of the Chisler. I sold guns myself for 6 years and got to see it first hand. A certain segment of the population simply will not buy unless they can get money off whatever the lowest price is, even when that price is the lowest they will find. I never allowed that to make me raise my prices, but I did find that with the chislers, I would need to take another $10 off. Now this would leave me with 4/5 the profit I was supposed to take home, but it also sold a gun that would have otherwise needed to go back to the store too. I have a friend who is the worst (or best) chisler I have ever witnessed. He got me the decked-out version of my last vehicle for what the list was on the standard model. Last week I saw him get an addition $50 off a new computer that had been marked down already by $84. Not only that but they threw in the sales tax--At a Wal-mart!
 
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rchall said:
I have attended a couple gun shows lately and am finding that most of the dealers present have guns that are severely overpriced for the condition that they are in. I am discouraged that this is keeping alot of the younger generation from getting into gun collecting. Many of the dealers do not want to trade at all or else give a minimal amount for guns that they know are worth alot more than they are offering. They want to believe their guns are worth their weight in gold while the ones that people carry in to trade are worth zilch. This, I believe, will be the demise of many of our nation's gun shows, particularly these small-town affairs. Also, at the last show I attended a sign was posted stating that all transactions must take place within the confines of the building. Anyone who violated this policy and was dealing on the grounds outside could be arrested for trespassing. Is this the norm at most shows going on around our country? If so, I believe next time I'll just keep my admission fee and spend it on something else.
Click to expand...

That is the overpriced dealers crying to the promoters that they want to get to the cheap guns walking in so they can mark them sky high before the paying public has a chance to get a decent deal on one.
 
I depend on this forum and the S&WCA to keep me informed concerning price and availability, books are good but can be dangerous. I wish I had never paid to much for a firearm but, I have. I go to gun shows and auctions to continually learn who is out there and doing what. There is always senior collectors of which most or more than happy to assist you in any way they can (this forum and the S&WCA are proof of that) . I have found parts and referrals to individuals that can help solve my problems. I mostly go to meet old friends and meet new ones that have the same beliefs that I do about collecting. I have found that the guy that is fair and in it for the long haul is always around and the guy that tries to take advantage of people will more than likely fade away, because the market sets the price and word gets around.

That's because I believe in the American Dream and Santa Clause in my own way.

Be Well
Ted
 
I just came back from a Gun Show about an hour ago - rode there on the H-D. Anyway, it was PATHETIC!!! Junk, Junk & more Junk and at prices that would curl your mustache. They had half filled (beat to ****) factory ammo boxes with common rounds like .30 - .30, .30-06, etc. that were priced almost 30% higher than full boxes in the store. They had holsters that were falling apart that were priced as if they were collector items, and there were rifles & shotguns prices as though they belonged to Ronald Reagan. Honestly, I could not get out of there fast enough. Don't think I'll be attending any more LGS's in the near future.
 
Our local folks have put on good shows for the past several years. Even then, there are some sellers who are there to do business and others that with their pricing seem to be running a firearms museum (Look but don't touch). At one time I used to have an affinity for pre-war Savage 99's and for 7 years, I saw the same overpriced rifle on the same dealers table in the same rack and in the same slot. The dealer either died or quit coming but that rifle never sold. The problem with some sellers pricing is that when it's so overpriced to the market, no amount of conversation is ever going to get the price close to what it ought to sell for. Now I'm all for making a profit or a selling price that's indicative of condition but back then when I knew what the market was and where the prices should have been, some dealers pricing was right on the money but some others were casting a long line.
 
"....Also, at the last show I attended a sign was posted stating that all transactions must take place within the confines of the building. Anyone who violated this policy and was dealing on the grounds outside could be arrested for trespassing."



If the State in which a show is conducted has a so called Gun Show Loop Hole Law,,,,you will most likely see signs and see rules of this nature post around the grounds and inside the building.
We see it here (NY) because of that and other states have it as well.

But it is also a way of quieting the complaints of those buying the tables as they complain that none of the good stuff ever makes it inside. Instead it's bought up in the parking lot and the waiting line. Probably what's happening there.
That arguement has always been there and could start another war between those that buy tables and set up inside and the 'occasional buyers' of guns that attend and hit the lines and lots.
We used to have the same back and forth at shows until the State settled it and made all transaction go thru an FFL inside the facility.

If anyone complains loud enough, I'm sure a State that doesn't already have such a law will gladly put one in effect.

I agree, shows are not what they used to be even compared to 10 yrs ago. More laws are piled on, the bad economy and unsettled future sure don't help.
 
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A lot of people still speak pretty well of the gun shows here in Louisville; but even if I could still do all the walking (I can't) I wouldn't attend them. The last time I did the prices were insane, and that was several years ago. Even then there was more junk and schlock than good guns, and the vendors of the good stuff seemed more interested in talking to each other than to prospective buyers. I guess I was around seventy back then, so maybe they didn't figure me to be a serious prospect.
 
I used to drive all over Texas to go to them. Austin, Houston, Dallas, Tyler, Longview, and the local ones. It was rare I did not find at least one gun and usually more than one.

Last week end there was one here in town and I did not even bother. This coming week end there is one in Lufkin about 25 miles from here. I have no plans to go to that one either.

I have really been disappointed at the last 8 or 10 shows I have bothered to drive to and actually ashamed I paid to go inside. The chances of finding something I would like to have at a price I consider reasonable are basically slim to none.
 
Most of the time the gunshows around here are just a waste of time. The guys at the tables seem to be just wanting to show what they have instead of actually being there to trade and sell. I ran onto a guy several shows ago that had a gun (5 screw K22) I was interested in and he says "I don't know why I brought the gun to the show as I don't care if I sell it or not". Right there he tried to convey to me if I was interested in the gun it was not going to be cheap. He gave me the price and I thought he was a little high. I was expecting that but didn't like his attitude and thanked him and moved on.
 
I used to go to quite a few gun shows around the state. That activity dwindled as the quality of the shows declined. The last couple I tried were so crowded one could hardly move or look at anything. I encountered lots of rude behavior and people who were neglecting their personal hygene. Many of the dealers seems rather disinterested in what they were selling or the people on the other side of the table. There was lots of junk and jerky, trinkets as well as cheap knives and other things of little interest. The prices most had their guns tagged with were optimistic at best...The idea of fair trade was unheard of...I left certain I had wasted my money, gas and time. There was a show today not far from my residence and I passed on it. I figured that with the current state of panic buying and ammo hoarding, prices would be silly and crowds large...I think I am done with gun shows. Its too bad. I used to enjoy going to them.
 
If I take something to sell at a good price, it seems to come back home with me. Last show, I sold a gun to a table holder for a decent price and he'll probably make money on it. I usually visit a few tables thet have good buys on them then watch the people walking around. Larry
 
Occasionally I find a dealer with something he doesn't know anything about and make a decent deal. I mostly look at the walk arounds and have been guilty of buying stuff (and selling) while waiting in line to get in. I know one dealer that sells all his new stuff for 10% over cost. He does more sales than anyone at the show and actually makes other dealers mad because he won't mark it up higher.
 
Oh I don't know, I just had a great time at the local show here, found a 5906 in great shape with 3 15 round mags for $450 and didn't think I was getting screwed! But then I know what too look for and how to shop a show.
Some if the local shops in my area are way overpriced or still believe the panic is in full swing, or are out to make their million. Which is fine, I'll just keep haunting the ilses and pawn shops.
Dale
 
At a show about a month ago I saw an item that I thought was a good deal but it was not at the top of my wish list that day. By the end if the visit after striking out on the days primary objectives and confirming that the price on that first table for the item is question was in fact the best price on that item anywhere including online I returned to that table and they had sold out. Given that ever other dealer was selling the same item for at least $10 if not $20 more I wonder how many were purchased by individuals and how many by other dealers.
 
At my first and last gun show dealers were selling TN Guns Romanian PSL builds as "Dragunovs" and had them priced at more than double their worth. That was the only thing I had an interest in buying and they were relatively plentiful and affordable online at the time. After a vendor yelled at me when I asked what he could do on one of them, I gladly left with my wallet intact. It seems he was incensed that I called it by the proper name and gave a few guys some backround on the guns.

There was a ton of Chinese junk accessories, some fairly priced new pistols, a lot of plastic bagged ammo of questionable origin, and a total rip on anything that looked collectible. Most interesting was the weird old guy with endless Nazi paraphernalia.
 
Re:gun show prices. I figure these dealers must like lugging their stuff back & forth between shows and home. I've been looking at many of the same weapons at every show I've attended recently. My problem is that gun & knife shows have become pretty much knife shows. I've got a Ka-Bar, a Buck 110 and a Swiss Army pocket knife. What more do I need?
 
I too have been disappointed in the last several shows I've been to as they were crowded, rude people and overpriced junk mainly. I'm having a problem even finding older S&Ws let alone decent shape and price.
I miss the old shows and will probably still go to one on occasion in hopes things change.
 
Here it was becasue of ONE individual

rchall said:
I attended a sign was posted stating that all transactions must take place within the confines of the building. Anyone who violated this policy and was dealing on the grounds outside could be arrested for trespassing.
Click to expand...

A regional promoter began using this policy because of persistent problems with ONE individual.

Personally I have no problem with a man buying a gun in the parking lot for personal use.
But, I do have a problem with anybody buying several for resale.
 
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The best "deal" that I ever had at a gun show was from a dealer who had two Webley Mk VI for sale. One cut for 0.45 ACP, the other still in 0.455 (and from the markings, a very late commercial version). On asking the prices, he told me that the 0.45 was much better (and a higher price) as I could use 0.45 ACP in it with moon clips. I purchased the 0.455. Once he had processed the paperwork and run my CC, he asked me why that one and not the other? After pointing out the scarcity of the uncut version, and that the 0.45 ACP round was roughly a proof load for the Webley, he became quite upset, claiming that I should have told him beforehand. Moral: do not sell a gun that you know nothing about!! Dave_n
 
I just visited the Asheville NC show Saturday. I was tempted by several. One was a reproduction Pennsylvania rifle with percussion and flint locks (both). It was priced at $450 and would have looked good hanging on the wall. Another dealer had a Victory with the black paint finish. It was still .38S&W and priced at $450. He also had a 1917 S&W (two actually). One was converted to .45colt and the other was .45acp. It was a solid 70% gun with good markings. I offered $400 (asking $550). He counter offered $525 and I passed. I also looked at a 1943 SA M1 Garand. It was supposed to be matching and near mint. I spoke to other sellers and this seller's reputation was good. However after further examination there was no marking on the wood at all. I passed. Asking was $1450. I did buy an Elgin B W Raymond railroad watch in mint condition for $235. I also saw a fairly priced 1903 Colt that i may see if the (local) dealer sold it or not. It needed a new barrel.
 
From what I have seen the best deals are before the doors open to the public.
Many of the folks at tables are there just to scalp the unknowing who are looking to sell or trade. I have been told more than once to stop talking too much.
I see no reason than fair prices and honesty can not benefit us all.
I understand some of these sellers have overhead such as hotel rooms and meals and they want to at least cover their cost. But lets be realistic when you see a S&W 10-6 police trade in at $700 someone is just not wanting to sell it.
There are sellers prices, buyers prices and end users prices. You have to figure out what you want to be and pay. I have been both lucky and unlucky in some deals. The 547 NIb at $575 was a lucky once in a lifetime deal.
 
Gawd I wish I was as smart as you fellers! I go to gun shows all the time and find more good deals than I have the money to buy! My approach is that if I find one screaming deal per show, I've spent my allowance and then some. And I'm happy with it. I only need to find one bargain, just one, and the entire day was a success. Maybe I have lower standards, but I doubt it.

One big problem I see are our posters having no clue what guns sell for in today's market. They even give clues by saying they haven't been to a show in so many years, etc. Here's a hint: Guns sell more today than last year or the year before. Way more. And if you don't believe, why don't you bring your treasures to a show and sell them for the prices you want others to sell.

So I'll be at a "show" (kind of) this weekend. And I'll be ready and willing to buy anything I think is good or great and priced fairly. Maybe nothing, maybe lots. I'll go with an open mind and a smile. You grumps stay home. You don't deserve the things I seek. :D
 
I guess I'm the odd man out. I go to nearly all the local shows and travel to some of the larger ones. I enjoy company of like minded people and if I don't find a treasure, I can usually find someone to learn from.

I do have some complaints, hygiene being one and people selling guns off a pushcart in the middle of crowded aisles. BUY A TABLE!

Around here in NE Kansas they don't seem to concerned with parking lot sales or private sales on the gunshow's floor. It doesnt bother me to see people bring in a gun or two to sell or trade.

I feel we are still rather fortunate around here by allowing private sellers at the shows here.

I have found some real buys at gunshows, I never know what I want until I see it.

It,s driving me crazy that I don't think I can make the Tulsa show this fall.
 
I haven't purchased a Gun at a Gun Show for many years, Local shows have lots of New Guns but most of the older stuff seem to either be Overpriced or in rougher condition than what I like,I mostly go to find some Reloading supply's & I wish they wouldn't allow jewelry,beef jerky & stun guns.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I went the Gun show in Medina Ohio a few weeks ago and saw two rifles I NEVER thought I would actually see, let alone hold in my hands, from the same table of an elderly Gentleman. He was selling off his private collection, a Martini-Henry rifle and a Snider, wow very cool to see and hold... He asked me if I wanted to buy the Martini-Henry and I did say "No thank You 15 -20 bucks a round was a little steep for me." I returned From the Berea, Ohio Gunshow today and i saw a LOT of junk , A guy asking 700 bucks for a beat up 5906 sheeesh. I picked up a Springfield Armory XD9 9mm subcompact for 400 bucks though so I think I did ok.
 
today gun shows are not as good as gun shows from the 70's and 80's. some time in the 90's they got bad. high prices on everything, knifes and beef jerky. at one time gun shows were free to get in, not now. when they started charging to get in is when the shows went down. at one time you could get all the parts needed to build a 1911a1 from parts boxes at the shows. i would spend hours hunting parts to complete a build. not now, but if i need some beef jerky the gun show has that.
 
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