sticker shock at local gun show...
- Thread starter scoobysnacker
- Start date
The High Standard is a $700 to $800 gun. The Baby Browning is a $500 to $600 gun. A Baby Browning would be a neat gun, but I'd rather have the Victor.
Frank46
US Veteran
I stopped going to the local gunshow as I got tired of seeing the same overpriced junk. Many dealers refuse to haggle and won't take the wire tie off so you can check the condition of the barrel. I even offer to replace his wire tie with one of mine. Hate to spend good money and find out the barrel is toast. At least the ones I have all have excellent barrels and enjoy shooting them. I had one dealer tell me that the wood on my Browning take down semi auto 22 was not original. Told him I still had the original browning box with all the paperwork. And gently took it out of his hands and went home. I imagine now with the specter of new gun laws looming shows will be a madhouse anyway. Frank
max503
Member
I thought we all went to gun shows for the loop holes. 
Is that really what High Standard Victors are going for in the USA? Here in Australia, they are generally around $400 AU on the second hand market.
When I go to shows, am trying to be early in the door. Most of the tables best buys are already sold to other tables, but if there are any deals left over, they go quick. A lot of people have new or slightly used at over regular store prices.
Not very many AR's lately, tough to compete with the stores prices.
Best bet is watching the people come in who are trying to walk and sell.
Not very many AR's lately, tough to compete with the stores prices.
Best bet is watching the people come in who are trying to walk and sell.
I gave up shows sometime back for most all the reasons posted above, and I agree that at the better shows around here (and there are at least two big-time promoted events), the table guys have already swapped/bought/sold all the "good stuff" prior to first day opening to the public.
Like Fishinfool said above in post 12....my best shots are estate sales. Here in Virginia the estate executors are normally not gun guys/gals and paperwork is minimal if at all, and best of all "cash is king".
Some of my better "wins" at sales:
Model 31-1: .32 S&W Long, absolutely brand new, in box with all docs. This gun was never farther than 11 miles from dealer to original owner to me. Neat backstory...after buying, getting home found original sales receipt date Oct 11, 1975 to a woman (the Estate being settled) and talked to the Son (Executor) who said neighbors had convinced his mom she needed to have a gun around when her husband passed on in the 70's. The gun was found as you see it in the pics...still in the drawer, all these years later when she passed in early 2017.
Model 36 no dash: This is a 1965 gun, also new in box with docs, and vapor paper. Funny story on this one is the S&W thumb break holster that came with NIB unwrapped gun. The holster was well used, the gun brand new. Backstory: still trying to document & confirm, the estate was for former LEO, gun purchased for BUG or off-duty but was never put into service, so ? remains....what did put the wear to the holster, and better yet.....where can I find that gun.
Model 10-5, 4" pencil barrel (pinned), no box, no docs, no story, but getting there early you can't buy before public opening, but you can find the executor and tell them you will pay cash for firearms if condition is right for you, and I have found that they really don't want firearms on display during public times, and will at least show you and you can make a quick evaluation and offer. If your lucky, your deal will be the first made as soon as the public hour is reached, and you are out the door
Model 17, .22 LR, sweet gun, no box or docs, but sitting for years in a Charles Daly gun rug, either never shot, or hardly ever with pristine bore, and very slight turn ring
Anyway.....works for me better than gun shows, but I can tell you none of the Estate sales I've attended had beef jerky for sale...so if that's your thing then E.S. aren't for you.
Like Fishinfool said above in post 12....my best shots are estate sales. Here in Virginia the estate executors are normally not gun guys/gals and paperwork is minimal if at all, and best of all "cash is king".
Some of my better "wins" at sales:
Model 31-1: .32 S&W Long, absolutely brand new, in box with all docs. This gun was never farther than 11 miles from dealer to original owner to me. Neat backstory...after buying, getting home found original sales receipt date Oct 11, 1975 to a woman (the Estate being settled) and talked to the Son (Executor) who said neighbors had convinced his mom she needed to have a gun around when her husband passed on in the 70's. The gun was found as you see it in the pics...still in the drawer, all these years later when she passed in early 2017.
Model 36 no dash: This is a 1965 gun, also new in box with docs, and vapor paper. Funny story on this one is the S&W thumb break holster that came with NIB unwrapped gun. The holster was well used, the gun brand new. Backstory: still trying to document & confirm, the estate was for former LEO, gun purchased for BUG or off-duty but was never put into service, so ? remains....what did put the wear to the holster, and better yet.....where can I find that gun.
Model 10-5, 4" pencil barrel (pinned), no box, no docs, no story, but getting there early you can't buy before public opening, but you can find the executor and tell them you will pay cash for firearms if condition is right for you, and I have found that they really don't want firearms on display during public times, and will at least show you and you can make a quick evaluation and offer. If your lucky, your deal will be the first made as soon as the public hour is reached, and you are out the door
Model 17, .22 LR, sweet gun, no box or docs, but sitting for years in a Charles Daly gun rug, either never shot, or hardly ever with pristine bore, and very slight turn ring
Anyway.....works for me better than gun shows, but I can tell you none of the Estate sales I've attended had beef jerky for sale...so if that's your thing then E.S. aren't for you.
Attachments
The local gun shows around here are not great. They are mostly store front FFLs in the state who close their shops for the weekend and show up with their regular inventory. 90% of it are current production new in the box guns. I guess a positive is that you can see what's around without wasting gas.
I miss the old shows way back in the day where almost everything was used and/or surplus and/collectible firearms and accessories. I also miss the larger shows that attract a broader collector market where the balance is maybe 50/50.
On the other hand their are some vendors at the local shows who make the shows worth attending. For example there is a regular vendor who bids on police surplus guns and then sells them at very attractive prices that are as good as on-line deals with the advantage that you can hand pick. He makes it worth getting up early on a Saturday.
There is also a vendor who sells a lot of reloading supplies. If you call him a few days before, he'll bring you what ever you want. That beats on line pricing as there are no haz mat or shipping fees involves. he also doesn't take it back to the shop, what isn't sold at the show is sold to other gun shops on the way home, so the Sunday afternoon deals can be really good.
And there are a few gems out there to be found.
I recently found and excellent condition 1950 vintage Model 94 carbine for $600 - on a table full of Glocks, AKs and AR-15s. I suspect it got overlooked due to what was on the table around it, given that I had a half dozen offers for more than I paid for it before I got to the door.
Consequently, I go to the local shows with low expectations, but I still go.
I miss the old shows way back in the day where almost everything was used and/or surplus and/collectible firearms and accessories. I also miss the larger shows that attract a broader collector market where the balance is maybe 50/50.
On the other hand their are some vendors at the local shows who make the shows worth attending. For example there is a regular vendor who bids on police surplus guns and then sells them at very attractive prices that are as good as on-line deals with the advantage that you can hand pick. He makes it worth getting up early on a Saturday.
There is also a vendor who sells a lot of reloading supplies. If you call him a few days before, he'll bring you what ever you want. That beats on line pricing as there are no haz mat or shipping fees involves. he also doesn't take it back to the shop, what isn't sold at the show is sold to other gun shops on the way home, so the Sunday afternoon deals can be really good.
And there are a few gems out there to be found.
I recently found and excellent condition 1950 vintage Model 94 carbine for $600 - on a table full of Glocks, AKs and AR-15s. I suspect it got overlooked due to what was on the table around it, given that I had a half dozen offers for more than I paid for it before I got to the door.
Consequently, I go to the local shows with low expectations, but I still go.
CAJUNLAWYER
Member
That's not very nice-you just called everyone who bought on this forum fools. It's called free market-participate or not, it's entirely up to you-but understand that today is a LOT different from years ago. There are NO local isolated markets anymore. I sold recently a nice gun. I asked for and got TOP dollar for it because I did my homework-the seller knew it was top dollar but he wanted the gun and it was worth it, both to him and to me. Most sellers do not HAVE to sell and it takes a price point for them to let go of the gun. In today's climate, there is a premium to me to let go of ANY gun. Likewise I do not HAVE to purchase anything. I'll pay a price to get something I really want but some things I just don't want that much. Witness the 27's. I have bought and sold more than I can relate and made money on each one. Currently I am without but just don't feel the need to get one at the prices they are now fetching. It's a hobby for Cryin' out lour....don't be calling people who partipilate fools.
Last "deal" at local gun show...
Picked up a Uberti .357 single-action Remington replica 1890 Police in almost new condition for $330. Saw it sitting for two days on the table untouched and unwanted. It needed a good home. Did a little work on the trigger pull (spring) and it's as good as new (for 1890, I guess). Used S&W revolvers are like hen's teeth at our local shows. Some prices (for example, a Victory .38 S&W British in half decent condition) are down and out ridiculous (asking $700). I did see a couple of my old trade-ins on display that I got what I had asked for (little bit of profit) marked up by 30-50%, and I think to myself that these sellers are indeed waiting for W.C. Fields (there's a sucker born every minute) to step up to the table.
Picked up a Uberti .357 single-action Remington replica 1890 Police in almost new condition for $330. Saw it sitting for two days on the table untouched and unwanted. It needed a good home. Did a little work on the trigger pull (spring) and it's as good as new (for 1890, I guess). Used S&W revolvers are like hen's teeth at our local shows. Some prices (for example, a Victory .38 S&W British in half decent condition) are down and out ridiculous (asking $700). I did see a couple of my old trade-ins on display that I got what I had asked for (little bit of profit) marked up by 30-50%, and I think to myself that these sellers are indeed waiting for W.C. Fields (there's a sucker born every minute) to step up to the table.
OP
scoobysnacker
Member
If anything, Gunbroker has given me the price perspective to realize how overpriced stuff was.
I say that, accepting that GB has about a $50 hidden markup (shipping and FFL transfer total).
CZ 27- I got 2 off GB. One had nazi marks scrubbed off, it was under $200 total. It's actually nicely reblued, and as a shooter it's great. The other is a fnh model with stamps and such- got that under $300 total. Has the rough blue finish.
So based on that one, I saved at least $350 on it, and none of the ones at the show had any extras like a holster. I did find a holster at another vendor that is possibly correct (it does fit, and the guy had CZ27? on it) for a fair price.
The Daewoo DP51- after everything, mine was right about $300 to bring home. I'd say it was in comparable condition to the one in the show listed at $399, I guess I could haggle him down if we both were in the mood to do so. Still, another hundred saved.
Probably a little higher savings on the Beretta 92S I got, maybe $120 saved.
The Mauser 1914 I got on gunbroker- I got it for $199, so I saved $600 minimal. No amount of haggle gonna catch up to that.
Got my Star BM from gunprimedeals for $237+ FFL, so for me that was approx $260 ((20 for the FFL). I got the box and 2 mags. There was one at the show for $399 and 1 mag, so again I saved around $150ish. Of note, I didn't see any mags for it, so I came ahead in that area.
I'm a careful shopper, and I take my time. In doing so, as I've said a couple times on this forum, I've not exceeded $325 (+ the shipping and FFL) for anything I've ever bought; and that upper end is for a Sig P226, a Beretta 92FS, and a CZ 75 pre B.
So I'm not intending to exceed that price range, especially for a gun I may consider inferior (or just don't want as much) as those.
nachogrande
Member
ROLL DEM BONES.
I doubt I've EVER been to a show at any time where I didn't see stupid somewhere, it can be the highlight of the show. Less, small/inexpensive parts & such of late with more of the beef jerky stuff it seems. Some great deals (mainly from other visitors), & ALOT of guns with issues/problems trying to be pawned off as "minty" as always. You gotta be in it to win it. I no longer go unless I have a purpose, OR it's close with a low admission fee.
I doubt I've EVER been to a show at any time where I didn't see stupid somewhere, it can be the highlight of the show.
Less, small/inexpensive parts & such of late with more of the beef jerky stuff it seems. Some great deals (mainly from other visitors), & ALOT of guns with issues/problems trying to be pawned off as "minty" as always. You gotta be in it to win it. I no longer go unless I have a purpose, OR it's close with a low admission fee.
mrchuck
Member
I enjoy having a table at gun shows around here in Texas.
I end up buying a few, and selling a few.
All Laws carefully followed.
Keeps my brain active, and up to date with what is available.
Last show, ended up with a KAHR CW45 with an extra magazine.
Please notice I did NOT call it a clip.
A "clip" has NO spring in it. Please call the parts correctly.
Remember this and pass it along.
I will go shoot this .45 Kahr soon, and then will know if I will keep it as a carry weapon.
I end up buying a few, and selling a few.
All Laws carefully followed.
Keeps my brain active, and up to date with what is available.
Last show, ended up with a KAHR CW45 with an extra magazine.
Please notice I did NOT call it a clip.
A "clip" has NO spring in it. Please call the parts correctly.
Remember this and pass it along.
I will go shoot this .45 Kahr soon, and then will know if I will keep it as a carry weapon.
You can get an ammo can full of 44 SWC bullets for cheap on a Sunday afternoon.
StakeOut
US Veteran
Reading comprehension is a lost art!
kwill1911
Member
As is clear writing!
cadmike
Member
Lots of dealers out there, fishing for suckers. Often, they find one. God bless America.
jag312
Member
In the last two years of going to gun shows in Reno and Carson City, I bought two military ammunition boxes and a carton of .22LR. The boxes are good for storing stuff. Gun prices; mostly laughable.
ggibson511960
Member
Varying Expectations
I believe people have widely varying expectations of pricing at a gunshow. They are not curbside flea markets or garage sales. Surprise at 30-50% markups or prices over their expectations are not grounded in reality. Sure, if an individual table seller is trading for the fun of it, or unloading a collection and likes the comaraderie, then low prices are to be found, just like finding them with a friend or family member, but sizeable markups are more the norm. Those low priced deals leave the market quickly. There is also the issue of an non-liquid, low volume market. Guns are not fungible stocks, bonds and cash. There is transaction cost and generally a lengthy aging period in inventory. I would make one qualifying observation. Small venue gun shows rarely have bargains, let alone decent pricing. You are paying for convenience, and that has a real cost. If the prices are too high, just walk. If you want to see some truly illogical prices, see what the average pawn shop is charging to reclaim a firearm vs. what they paid the owner as security.
I believe people have widely varying expectations of pricing at a gunshow. They are not curbside flea markets or garage sales. Surprise at 30-50% markups or prices over their expectations are not grounded in reality. Sure, if an individual table seller is trading for the fun of it, or unloading a collection and likes the comaraderie, then low prices are to be found, just like finding them with a friend or family member, but sizeable markups are more the norm. Those low priced deals leave the market quickly. There is also the issue of an non-liquid, low volume market. Guns are not fungible stocks, bonds and cash. There is transaction cost and generally a lengthy aging period in inventory. I would make one qualifying observation. Small venue gun shows rarely have bargains, let alone decent pricing. You are paying for convenience, and that has a real cost. If the prices are too high, just walk. If you want to see some truly illogical prices, see what the average pawn shop is charging to reclaim a firearm vs. what they paid the owner as security.
At least we can still complain about them instead of telling our grandkids, " Yeah, I can remember when it was legal to hold a gun show. We used to have a great time walking through them and complaining about all the high prices while still getting to
'coon finger' sweet guns."
'coon finger' sweet guns."
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