gun shows

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.
 
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.
 
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
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
Been hitting gun shows for 25-30 years. Lately they are WAY overpriced so I get my guns from g-broker.
 
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.
 
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.
 
I dunno why you guys complain. The little home town type shows kinda lame. 20 sellers all selling the same 3 types of firearms. I feel like I need a tetanus shot when I leave. A bunch of old rusty metal.

The big gun shows might be overpriced but there are 500 sellers and all have something different to sell, not just 3 types of 30-30. And plenty of ammo.

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Dick Burg is right ya know!

To find a good deal....Ya first gotta know what a good deal is!

As the ol Feed & Seed buyer once sed,

"Boys, Ya got to know yur oats to stay in this business."

Another feller told me once, he had never cheat'd a soul out of one red cent....But,
did admitted to being able to out judge a bunch of em, on a level play field!

So, good deals and out right gifts are where ya find them.

Oh course first, ya got to know what they's look like!


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