S&W revolvers at gun shows?

[Model29-26.5]

Looks like I’ll be going to my first gun show ever in June in Tennessee.
Having not done it before I’m hoping that there’ll
be an area dedicated to revolvers… But no idea.
Maybe some of you guys can fill me in as far as prices, value, what to expect?. Trades or anything you think you can shine light on.
As of December 2023 I owned zero firearms.
In July, all being well, I’ll have 12 SW revolvers.
All pinned.
I got a bitten pretty bad I guess, but it all stems back to a plastic model my brother had of a model 29 when I was a kid.
Japanese company LS. Plastic model 29. Plastic bullets.
Oh yes, pinned and recessed.

Smith & Wesson 44 Magnum 6 /2 Inch, LS (1978)

They planted that seed…

 

[Doc44]

I have attended many gun shows over the years and none have had an area dedicated to revolvers or any specific type of firearm. Dealers will have guns of different types for sale. You will just have to walk the show until you find something of interest.

Bill

 

[Model29-26.5]

I have attended many gun shows over the years and none have had an area dedicated to revolvers or any specific type of firearm. Dealers will have guns of different types for sale. You will just have to walk the show until you find something of interest.

Bill

Thanks, Bill.
I figured this would be the case, but at least I will get some much needed exercise.

 

[ralph7]

Don't be afraid to ask someone that doesn't have a table what they want for a gun they brought in. A lot of the time you will get a better deal than a dealer will give you.

 

[Muley Gil]

Hint: If you find something you really, really like and want to buy it, hang onto it and don't lay it back down on the table. Someone else can then pick it up and buy it.

 

[Truckman]

I would also suggest going with a friend who is a seasoned veteran of the gun shows...And bring plenty of cash, more than you think you'll need...You can thank me later......Ben

 

[Model29-26.5]

Don't be afraid to ask someone that doesn't have a table what they want for a gun they brought in. A lot of the time you will get a better deal than a dealer will give you.

I wondered about that. Especially in Tennessee, where you can just trade immediately. Thanks for the advice.

 

[Frailer]

I’ll agree strongly with the recommendation to bring more cash than you think you’ll need.

As this is your first gun show I’d also recommend that you not be in too big a hurry to buy something. There is absolutely nothing wrong with walking away from a show empty-handed. It just means you’ll have more money in your pocket when the next show comes around.

 

[BC38]

I have attended many gun shows over the years and none have had an area dedicated to revolvers or any specific type of firearm. Dealers will have guns of different types for sale. You will just have to walk the show until you find something of interest.

Bill

Very true, though you may find certain dealers who specialize in revolvers. We have a few at pretty much every show, and some of their tables are real drool zones for those of us who love the old wheel guns.

 

[weatherby]

Carrying stuff around shows your a buyer
Prices marked are often high hopes... start low.

 

[toddimusnimski]

Hint: If you find something you really, really like and want to buy it, hang onto it and don't lay it back down on the table. Someone else can then pick it up and buy it.

Excellent advice. When I come across something that interests me, I always ask myself: If I walk away now, will I be kicking myself later? When it's an uncommon/desirable/hard to find item, I'm more likely to go home with it, if not unreasonably priced.

If you're there to buy, don't spend too much time on other things. While you're enjoying someone's nice display of WW2 memorabilia, someone else is finding that boxed, P&R 27-2 for $500. Plenty of time after the hunt to check out things like that.

Before buying an item, inspect the rest of the vender's table for other things you may want. Sometimes you can do well by making a package deal. Just don't risk annoying the seller with a lowball offer. Bring plenty of cash in various denominations, something to carry your finds home in, take your time, and enjoy yourself!

Todd

 

[Bald1]

You will learn quickly some guys don’t want to sell their guns. They want to talk about them. It’s obvious by what they’re asking. Move along and don’t waste your time. His model 10-6 is not worth $800.

 

[maxfam]

A vendor at a Tennessee gun show recently told me he came to sell, not show. However, I believe most table vendors come to show hopping for an uninformed buyer to show up. Don’t be afraid to walk away, some vendors will follow you and make a deal.

 

[paplinker]

There is a lot to learn about gun shows. Nothing wrong with just getting the lay of the land first trip with a buddy.

If I could help a first time attendee, one thing I would say is to be courteous and respectful at someones table. Always ask before picking something up. You will make friends rather quickly and will more likely open the door for a first rate fair deal.

Good luck!

 

[peterdeb]

ALL GOOD ADVICE!!!
Don't lay the gun down.
Bring twice as much cash as you think.
Barter, barter then barter some more. CASH talks! Especially Benjamins.
Have a general idea what you are looking for and move on quickly from table if you don't see that.
Know how to check out, or bring someone who does, what you might buy.
First gun shows are exciting. Enjoy and show us what you came home with.

 

[rwsmith]

I wouldn't count on.....

...finding what you want at gun shows except by a fluke. Maybe other gun shows are different but in my experience, unless I come across a reloading component deal, they aren't worth my time as I can go to any FFL retailer I want and get the same thing. And I have to pay for parking and an entrance fee.


I have scoured the Gunbroker web site for guns I wanted and have come out good so far, after about 13 gun purchases online. I just limit how much I want to pay, don't get taken by 'auction fever', and stick with reputable dealers.

 

[Model29-26.5]

Thanks so much for all the advice guys.
I’ve bought nearly everything on GB. 11 and one in process now from this forum.
GB is the biggest gun show in the world, and I’ve found everything I wanted and 75% didn’t even know I wanted.
I’ll be looking at prices in comparison to what I’ve bought.
If I see a great deal on one I already have I’ll probably snap it up.
29’s, 19’s, 27’s, 28’s 66’s, 629’s. 25’s.
Maybe an 18.. and a 4” 53 if it’s a deal.
I like a shrouded cylinder rod.
I will give a full report… maybe even a YouTube vid and post a link.

 

[raljr1]

Good deals can be had at gun shows. They are just fewer and farther between.

A recent show outside Jacksonville, i walked out with a nice 38 M&P Target, and a decent nickel 38 M&P square butt snub for a combined $825.

I keep going, and usually walk away empty handed, but I keep going.

 

[Baxter6551]

Well I can’t really add to the excellent advice given by all above (all of which I agree with) but I have to confirm your initial observation….
You did get “bit” bad ! Best of luck with your collection. And we always welcome photos here.

 

[Truckman]

I’ll be looking at prices in comparison to what I’ve bought.

Don't think of the numbers as "prices"...Think instead of "values"...Anyone who's ever talked to me when I display at a gun show probably thinks I'm off in the head (some may be right)...My info cards never show dollar numbers......Example:

"What's your price on that one?"
"I value that one at $XXXX"
"But I can get one just like it on Gun Broker for $XXX, and the guy over here in the corner has one at half that price!"
"Congratulations, I hope you enjoy it"

I don't go to shows to sell, and don't really care if anyone wants to buy from me...I'm there to improve my collection, and possibly yours...My idea of a trade is also different...The next guy that walks up might say:

"How come your guns don't have prices on them"
"Because my guns are priceless"
(Chuckles) "Well can we talk about this one here?"

After some talk, we may agree on value of either his or mine, and one or both of us may go home with something different...It all depends on how the talk goes, either way works for me...

The same thing happens when I'm the one walking the aisles...I look at guns in terms of how I would value them in my collection, "price" means nothing until an exchange is made, "value" is what matters to me...I bought every gun I have because I like it, not because I expected to make a profit...If I go home with the same guns I brought in, I'm just as happy as when I leave with something different...

Also price tags in a display mean the owner is there to sell, and therefore is not really a collector at that point...It's a fine line to draw when considered in the light of some recent legislative discussion......Ben