gun shows

[Brian41]

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.

 

[Bekeart]

Here it was becasue of ONE individual

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.

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.

 

[Dave_n]

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

 

[jaykellogg]

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.

 

[ibewbull]

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.

 

[rburg]

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.

 

[wundudnee]

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.

 

[gmiller0737]

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.



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[Gunzuki]

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.

 

[frankmako]

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.

 

[Beemerguy53]

I have a love/hate relationship with gun shows.

I love to browse and look for bargains or one-of-a-kind items, but I absolutely hate dealing with the crowds, plus some of the sellers think their guns are made of gold, while others treat buyers as if they are idiots.

Ultimately, almost anything I need or want I can get over the Internet...and I don't have to pay shop there!

My best-ever gun show buy: About 5 years ago, rummaging through a parts box, I found a set of S&W finger-grooved combat grips for a K/L frame priced at only $25. They had only two small issues: a tiny dent in the right panel, and they needed refinishing.

 

[the ringo kid]

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.

It's called: GREED.

 

[kimporter]

gun shows around here are typical of shows everywhere,rude dealers,buyers,etc.but i go for the entertainment,some of the things i hear will make ya bust a gut,plus i can still find some deals rummaging thru junk box's,once found a luger tool for a princely sum of 1.00,not a repop but marked weird,had a "S" stamped on it,turned out to be a krieghoff luger takedown tool.sold it for 200.00

 

[the ringo kid]

gun shows around here are typical of shows everywhere,rude dealers,buyers,etc.but i go for the entertainment,some of the things i hear will make ya bust a gut,plus i can still find some deals rummaging thru junk box's,once found a luger tool for a princely sum of 1.00,not a repop but marked weird,had a "S" stamped on it,turned out to be a krieghoff luger takedown tool.sold it for 200.00

Pretty much anymore--I go for the food and to see lots of friends I dont get to rub elbows with often enough. Also here--its almost a liberal-free environment.

 

[Gischileu]

I haven't hit the local show in ages. It was almost impossible to find a deal before Obummer. Since he came along, everyone seems to think they should be able to charge 200% markups on junk. One of my buddies went to the last Tanner gun show locally, and came back swearing he'd never go back.

 

[the ringo kid]

I haven't hit the local show in ages. It was almost impossible to find a deal before Obummer. Since he came along, everyone seems to think they should be able to charge 200% markups on junk. One of my buddies went to the last Tanner gun show locally, and came back swearing he'd never go back.

As for sane and insane prices here. Its more miss than hit--for sane prices and then when you do get a hit? its usually junk.

 

[JcMack]

There's a show down the road about half an hour every couple month's. I used to go to all of them. I've decided on only buying guns that I can use, not stuff in a safe. So my choice is short barreled revolvers in a .32-.38 caliber. Too often I'd go to a show and waste the rent money on a gun that was out of my "sphere of usefulness" so to speak. Only to have buyers remorse almost on the road home.
A friend and fellow forum member sets up at all the shows selling primarily 1911 grips he makes himself. He knows what I'm after in the way of firearms and calls me if he see's something in the way of a walk in. It's a good deal for me and reciprocate by trying not to cheat him too bad when I sell him something.
I have in the past set up at shows and I can no longer sit still that long nor can I put up with the increasingly rude, obnoxious people.

 

[BJoe]

Been hitting gun shows for 25-30 years. Lately they are WAY overpriced so I get my guns from g-broker.

 

[big&slow]

Gun shows

Used to go to the Dixie Gun & Knife show at the Raleigh Fair grounds every year.
The line to get in is now a 1/2 mile long. 8 bucks to get in and there are no deals to be found. Every dealer is way over priced with rude behavior to boot.
End of an era for me.

 

[millisec]

Assuming you can actually find what your looking for they are just ok if you want it now and want to be able to haggle with cash. But like I said in another thread the Orlando gun show has gotten to be the same old tired junk from the same old vultures every time. The majority of what you find other than guns, reloading and ammo is Chinese junk. I think what perturbs me the most is I drive there and pay $9 to get in and most of the vendors actually raise their prices for the gun show. Last show I got cards from a number of places and checked prices. Their in store or online prices are usually lower. Guess the days of going to gun shows for deals are long since gone. Most of the time I will stick with ordering online for guns, build parts, ammo. On the positive side I think the current gun craze has about run its course (at least until something happens to start the next one). There may still be a short supply of some things (some ammo and components) but there seems to be a glut of many guns and parts with places actually starting to compete on prices again and have sales.