.357magger
Member
Mr. Hammerhead, meet Mr. Nail.
High price at gun show
- Thread starter chuck-ia
- Start date
Mr. Hammerhead, meet Mr. Nail.
Badkarma 1
US Veteran
Had a similar experience at the local shop I frequent!
I went I'm to look at some snub model 64s that were police trade ins, and they were almost perfect with the exception of a few scuffs and scratches. So I offered my similar like new 4516-2 as trade and I was told by the manager that he had to "check his numbers" and disappeared in the back.
When he came out he offered me $375 for the .45 and wanted $450 for the 64!! Needless to say I still own the 4516-2 and pretty much am searching for a new place to spend my money!
As for the gun shows in my area; yeah we have the same crowd, but if you look carefully and shop around you can find a deal, like the 19-5 that I got for $350 and Colt 1991A1 for $600. Dale
I went I'm to look at some snub model 64s that were police trade ins, and they were almost perfect with the exception of a few scuffs and scratches. So I offered my similar like new 4516-2 as trade and I was told by the manager that he had to "check his numbers" and disappeared in the back.
When he came out he offered me $375 for the .45 and wanted $450 for the 64!! Needless to say I still own the 4516-2 and pretty much am searching for a new place to spend my money!
As for the gun shows in my area; yeah we have the same crowd, but if you look carefully and shop around you can find a deal, like the 19-5 that I got for $350 and Colt 1991A1 for $600. Dale
I stopped supporting gun shows a little more than a year ago...Here in okc they're now 12 to 15 dollars to get in,to enter a half full building that is strewn with garage sale grade **** for about 20% above store prices and Ammo that looks like surplus from WW2....I'm sure that if you frequent enough of them you might find a deal once upon a time,but at the prices they're charging here lately,I'll pass...I now either use gunbroker with great success,or buy new if that's what it calls for at the time...just my .02....
crsides
US Veteran, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
I work both sides of the table. So let me give the table holders perspective as I see it. I am an enthusiast, got some nice pieces, take some of them to the gunshow. I really don't care if you buy one or not. I was happy to buy them and happy to take them home. A table costs $60 - $75 ... per table. I also buy/sell/collect old pocket watches and most of these shows are out of town, 500 miles or more away. I gotta get there, a room for 2 or 3 nights, gas, food, tables, association fees ... I usually spend $500 - $700 just on expenses. The only way to BREAK EVEN is to sell at a higher price than you paid. Some gun dealers are in the same boat, traveling hundreds of miles to the show. We gotta buy these things you know and we're buying from the same sources you are for the most part.
When someone brings a gun to my table, I estimate what I can sell it for - say $700 - and I offer $500. If you paid $850 for it, that's not my problem. If I were making $50 per gun sale, I'd sit home on my *** and be hundreds of dollars ahead.
Why do I go? To see some nice stuff and try to buy some of it. You can buy cheaper on the dealer side of the table. Everybody knows there are some expenses involved, but some think a dealer who makes more than $50 on a trade is a crook. So you spend a life time looking and learning, invest $50k in inventory, made $50 a trade and let me know how it works out.
Charlie
When someone brings a gun to my table, I estimate what I can sell it for - say $700 - and I offer $500. If you paid $850 for it, that's not my problem. If I were making $50 per gun sale, I'd sit home on my *** and be hundreds of dollars ahead.
Why do I go? To see some nice stuff and try to buy some of it. You can buy cheaper on the dealer side of the table. Everybody knows there are some expenses involved, but some think a dealer who makes more than $50 on a trade is a crook. So you spend a life time looking and learning, invest $50k in inventory, made $50 a trade and let me know how it works out.
Charlie
gr7070
Member
- Joined
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I go to a gun show once every year or so. After about that long I forget how bad the prices are and that many people are even worse. I swear off gun shows and then about a year later the memory has faded enough to try one again.
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Bullseye Smith
Member
My Friend and me would set-up at Dayton, OH all the time and what you have said is 100% true. We had to buy cheap and sell high or move alot of inventory. If we would sale alot on Sat. then we would cut prices for Sunday. Most of the time we went home with $500 to a $1000 on a good weekend. A bad would be us breaking even.
BobR1
Member
My last gunshow I purchased 3 each 50 cal ammo cans, and a Gerber splitting maul. The one before that some wood Midway loading blocks, and a couple thousand 38 special cases.
We had a show in Springfield this last weekend. My brother and I thought about going. Well $45 fuel, Probably $10 each to get in. Another $3 for a soda or water at the show. Another $10 for dinner after leaving. We decided to stay home and save our money.
We have hauled an as New 4586 with 4 Mags, Factory grips, and Hogue grips, box and papers to 3 shows. Dealers offer around $400 for it. I would guarantee it would be priced at $600 to $650 the next show.
If you ever find a bargain on a gun it will be someone carrying one around, not on a table.
I remember gunshows back in the 1980's where everyone was wheeling and dealing. No so today. Now days I do not really care if I go or not. I can buy guns cheaper on Gun Broker.
We had a show in Springfield this last weekend. My brother and I thought about going. Well $45 fuel, Probably $10 each to get in. Another $3 for a soda or water at the show. Another $10 for dinner after leaving. We decided to stay home and save our money.
We have hauled an as New 4586 with 4 Mags, Factory grips, and Hogue grips, box and papers to 3 shows. Dealers offer around $400 for it. I would guarantee it would be priced at $600 to $650 the next show.
If you ever find a bargain on a gun it will be someone carrying one around, not on a table.
I remember gunshows back in the 1980's where everyone was wheeling and dealing. No so today. Now days I do not really care if I go or not. I can buy guns cheaper on Gun Broker.
whoisavner
Member
- Joined
- Feb 26, 2011
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- 13
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in CA it's a bit different, since we cannot buy guns on the internet due to our marxist state regime. we have to buy them in state from the few dealers we have left in business here. so that jacks prices up tremendously here and the dealers all know it. all our gun stores are out of control expensive, especially for Smiths, the most expensive guns in the case except for H&K's and exotic stuff like that. the gun shows can thus be useful if you look and spend the time to compare and ask questions. and they usually have tons of good quality ammo if you need it right then and thus are willing to pay the state sales tax.
all of the guidance on this thread about the gun shows and what to look for is great - very helpful.
I've been to two gun shows (newb) and bought one gun at each, first my 66-7 for $595 which in Southern CA is about as good as you're going to do on a 4" Smith .357 bnib, and then at the second show I got a beautiful 1967 Ruger 10/22 with a walnut stock and pre-warning barrel in near mint condition for $220. I called that a good deal (in CA), even with the $18 cost of entry/parking and the mileage.
I always get a burger on the way there and eat in the parking lot before going in, I avoid their overpriced undercooked food vendors.
the comment about all the AR's and jerky made me LOL, so true. but I do feel very at home at the gun show, that is one reason I like going. being a conservative in SoCal is not easy, there are so many Leftists who hate us, so it's nice to be amongst my own people, even if some of them are selling donkey jerky and camo nighties and huge bowie knives no one ever uses.
I'm going to hit the OC gun show next weekend in Costa Mesa just for the heck of it. my next purchase will be some kind of HD shotgun.
all of the guidance on this thread about the gun shows and what to look for is great - very helpful.
I've been to two gun shows (newb) and bought one gun at each, first my 66-7 for $595 which in Southern CA is about as good as you're going to do on a 4" Smith .357 bnib, and then at the second show I got a beautiful 1967 Ruger 10/22 with a walnut stock and pre-warning barrel in near mint condition for $220. I called that a good deal (in CA), even with the $18 cost of entry/parking and the mileage.
I always get a burger on the way there and eat in the parking lot before going in, I avoid their overpriced undercooked food vendors.
the comment about all the AR's and jerky made me LOL, so true. but I do feel very at home at the gun show, that is one reason I like going. being a conservative in SoCal is not easy, there are so many Leftists who hate us, so it's nice to be amongst my own people, even if some of them are selling donkey jerky and camo nighties and huge bowie knives no one ever uses.
I'm going to hit the OC gun show next weekend in Costa Mesa just for the heck of it. my next purchase will be some kind of HD shotgun.
Allen-frame
Member
Gun shows are just like life. You pass on the idiots and gravitate toward
the informed gentlemen.
I spend the day,all day at the show. It is often tiring and tedious,
but the 'deal of the day' often makes up for it.
When you see me display some newfound treasure from a show I've
been to understand that represents 8 hours of work. Some difficult,
some fun.
I know a lot of people. i've been going for a long time now.
The only way to not be treated like a stranger is not to be one.
today was my first dealing with an antiques dealer I had never met before.
He saw just how much I appreciated the 44 Military we were discussing.
he had it marked at $850.,,which i thought was fair.
I simply asked for his bottom line price and he did some figuring as to what he had into the gun.
He came back with $700. and I bought it.
Mind you, I had looked at every gun in the whole damn show by that
time. Twice.
I also found a dealer selling off his ammo stock. Bought a case
of mag tech 38 jacketed for $180. that's $9. a box.
There is a deal a day out there for you. Whether show or pawn shop
or yard sale.
Your mission Mr. Phelps, should you choose to accept it,
is to have the patience to hunt down that deal and make it.
Regards
Allen Frame
the informed gentlemen.
I spend the day,all day at the show. It is often tiring and tedious,
but the 'deal of the day' often makes up for it.
When you see me display some newfound treasure from a show I've
been to understand that represents 8 hours of work. Some difficult,
some fun.
I know a lot of people. i've been going for a long time now.
The only way to not be treated like a stranger is not to be one.
today was my first dealing with an antiques dealer I had never met before.
He saw just how much I appreciated the 44 Military we were discussing.
he had it marked at $850.,,which i thought was fair.
I simply asked for his bottom line price and he did some figuring as to what he had into the gun.
He came back with $700. and I bought it.
Mind you, I had looked at every gun in the whole damn show by that
time. Twice.
I also found a dealer selling off his ammo stock. Bought a case
of mag tech 38 jacketed for $180. that's $9. a box.
There is a deal a day out there for you. Whether show or pawn shop
or yard sale.
Your mission Mr. Phelps, should you choose to accept it,
is to have the patience to hunt down that deal and make it.
Regards
Allen Frame
I agree with all of the above posters. Where I live there are maybe less than 5 good deals at any one gun show. You have to swim upstream through a lot of BS..to find that one or two. Yes there are a lot of games going on.
Green Frog
Member
If you don't buy a lottery ticket, you can't win the big drawing. I have suffered through many a gun show on both sides of the table... I've been at this for about 35 years or so now. I have been to a lot of shows, large and small, where the only thing I got was tired, then I will go to a show like the one this past weekend in Roanoke, VA with very little in the way of expectations and hit gold. See my post on the 1896-1961 Forum on my I-frame scores this weekend. If you get what you want every time, there's no excitement... but you should be able to find something good often enough to keep you interested! JMHO, YMMV.
Froggie
Froggie
1aafan
Member
You have to know your product and what you are willing to pay at Gun Shows.
Picked up a 686 PC Carry comp, 640 PC Carry comp (matching serial number to 686), and 627 V Comp pre lock, all from the local gun show, all from the same dealer over the course of a year! All waaay below value as well.
I had no problem haggling and established a relationship with the seller, chatting over the course of several shows.
Gun shows here HAVE changed for the worse but bargains can still be had...keep looking!
Picked up a 686 PC Carry comp, 640 PC Carry comp (matching serial number to 686), and 627 V Comp pre lock, all from the local gun show, all from the same dealer over the course of a year! All waaay below value as well.
I had no problem haggling and established a relationship with the seller, chatting over the course of several shows.
Gun shows here HAVE changed for the worse but bargains can still be had...keep looking!
I have been going to gunshows and even setting-up at shows for 40+ years. There are alot of nice guns being carried by persons walking thru the aisles. Take enough cash to buy a 2-3 guns and maybe carry a few. I spend 4-6 hours at a show just walking, looking and asking is that for sale and what is your best price. I have done this in at least 5 different states where I have lived. Yes the dealers have their prices at 150% and want to give you 50-75%, but the deals and nice guns are in the aisles. SEE YA AT THE NEXT GUNSHOW!!!!!!
Engine49guy
Member
Gunshows
Unfortunately it does seem sometimes fair dealers are outnumbeed by scoundrels at the gunshow.
I live in an area that has two regular shows that alternate every month,
I usually attend and there is alot of gun "Showing".
While I agree the best deals are made when buying a gun from a private individual that brings his own guns in to sell,
Unfortunately most first time sellers seem to think they will get the most fair deal from a dealer or pawn shop over a private sale ,
IMO usually the opposite is true.
Most "Dealers" wont go over 50% of market value and that is only if your gun can be flipped quickly.
Gun "Stealers" have no intention of giving anything close to fair value and prey on the gullible,
They have no remorse offering 10% of somethings true value.
These are the guys that approach asking ..."HEY..YOU GOT SOMETHING FOR SALE?"...
They offer $100 on a $600 gun then place it for sale on their table for $800.
If you dare warn the seller his gun is worth every bit of $400 ..
...its like getting between a dog and his meat .
While a table at a gunshow offers the collector and sportsman a legitimate opportunity to sell his private collection,
There are licensed "dealers" that do not have a legitimite business location as well as unlicensed individuals
that regularly buy guns with the sole intent of selling them for profit .
These characters are skirting the law and should be avoided.
We are sometimes Like kids in a candy store and sometimes forget that unless its something super ultra rare ..
The guy with the cash is in the power position,
This is especially true with the advent of sites like Gunbroker that connect sellers to buyers,
Of course scoundrels are lying in wait there as well and have a whole other set of scams .
If you see a gun you like at a show make a fair offer....The worst someone can say is no.
If you feel a "dealer" is unreasonable dont get angry ,
Excerise your right to walk away and remember,
Something is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it.
If you have the time and patientce sooner or later they come to you.
CHEERS!
Cash is good everywhere.
Unfortunately it does seem sometimes fair dealers are outnumbeed by scoundrels at the gunshow.
I live in an area that has two regular shows that alternate every month,
I usually attend and there is alot of gun "Showing".
While I agree the best deals are made when buying a gun from a private individual that brings his own guns in to sell,
Unfortunately most first time sellers seem to think they will get the most fair deal from a dealer or pawn shop over a private sale ,
IMO usually the opposite is true.
Most "Dealers" wont go over 50% of market value and that is only if your gun can be flipped quickly.
Gun "Stealers" have no intention of giving anything close to fair value and prey on the gullible,
They have no remorse offering 10% of somethings true value.
These are the guys that approach asking ..."HEY..YOU GOT SOMETHING FOR SALE?"...
They offer $100 on a $600 gun then place it for sale on their table for $800.
If you dare warn the seller his gun is worth every bit of $400 ..
...its like getting between a dog and his meat .
While a table at a gunshow offers the collector and sportsman a legitimate opportunity to sell his private collection,
There are licensed "dealers" that do not have a legitimite business location as well as unlicensed individuals
that regularly buy guns with the sole intent of selling them for profit .
These characters are skirting the law and should be avoided.
We are sometimes Like kids in a candy store and sometimes forget that unless its something super ultra rare ..
The guy with the cash is in the power position,
This is especially true with the advent of sites like Gunbroker that connect sellers to buyers,
Of course scoundrels are lying in wait there as well and have a whole other set of scams .
If you see a gun you like at a show make a fair offer....The worst someone can say is no.
If you feel a "dealer" is unreasonable dont get angry ,
Excerise your right to walk away and remember,
Something is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it.
If you have the time and patientce sooner or later they come to you.
CHEERS!
Cash is good everywhere.
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Allen-frame
Member
Hee Hee! He said 'Scoundrels'.
Must have been an Englishman in another lifetime.
A.F.
Must have been an Englishman in another lifetime.
A.F.
billdeserthills
Member
I'm an FFL, perhaps I can clear up your confusion, my cost on new Ruger Blackhawk=$380 Cost on S&W Mod 10=$495
S&W is worth more $ cause it costs more $$
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Bill, thank you for the information. If these guns were in like new cond. I could understand their asking price, heck the one was filthy, did not have the original grips, fouling in the cyl. holes and barrel. He did come down to 460.00 on that one. I would probably pay extra to boot if I came across what I am looking for, but it will have to be a very nice model 10. I appreciate the info, thank you. chuck
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cantpickone
Member
Gun Shows are like a box of chocolates. You never know what you are gonna get.
Today in these tough times, many sellers are looking for the big score, at gun shows, on gunbroker and right here on this forum and other forums. They offer a gun at triple price, and hope to get somebody that doesn't know any better to bite.
When you trade a gun to a dealer he will generally only offer you 50 percent of what he thinks that he can resell it for. The poster who recommended that you sell you Black Hawk outright is giving you good advice.
Today in these tough times, many sellers are looking for the big score, at gun shows, on gunbroker and right here on this forum and other forums. They offer a gun at triple price, and hope to get somebody that doesn't know any better to bite.
When you trade a gun to a dealer he will generally only offer you 50 percent of what he thinks that he can resell it for. The poster who recommended that you sell you Black Hawk outright is giving you good advice.
cantpickone
Member
He might be English in this lifetime too. He said "cheers".
Engine49guy
Member
Blimey...What are you blokes on about then?
NOSTROVIA!
NOSTROVIA!
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