Not all gun shows are lousy

[wproct]

For me, I always look forward to going to the Des Moines Fairgrounds show. There is always a couple of dealers who are really good about getting the very latest new product releases from Ruger, and at really good prices. There is also another table that the fellow deals almost exclusively in older Smith & Wesson and Colt revolvers. Everything on his table is nice and is priced fairly. Those three vendors are almost worth the price of admission alone, IMO!

 

[KEN L]

Wow! Our gun shows in Georgia are bad beyond human comprehension. I haven't been to a "good" gun show since the 1980's. Inventory is horrible. Prices are stupid. You have to pay $10 to get in and see nothing. By the time a gun gets to a dealer at a gun show, it been through so many middle-men the price is elevated beyond reason. The cost to a dealer of traveling to a show, paying for lodging and food, and paying for the tables you need is so high. . .that adds to the price of the merchandise too. I much prefer to buy from local dealers who buy from the public and then sell to me for a small profit. The only exception I see at our shows is when some collector sets up for Saturday only and sells some of his guns. Of course, the other problem is that all the dealers buy all the good stuff from each other during set-up and then either keep the gun because it is so good, take it back home to sell to a super wealthy customer who doesn't care what he pays, or puts it out on his table for an amazing mark up in price. A gun show is not the place for a customer to buy guns. . .not even the new ones.

Now now Doc, don't potty mouth ALL the GA shows. You need to come up my way some time. I'll even let you set a spell behind my tables with me! If nothing else, you can find some great deals at my table!

P.S. Seems like I always find a great deal or two at my shows. Sometimes they walk right up to my table!

 

[Barrie]

Its the same thing here in Canada for Gun Shows. They were either real good this year or they were lousy. A Bargain is only good to those who can use the part or parts otherwise its not a hot deal at all. I would rather do a lousy show then NO show at all as there's always a chance I might just score a deal. Thats part of the going to a show part. Wishfull thinking on a deal.