Why stay away from Gun Shows?

[Club Gun Fan]

I didn't want to hijack the thread about staying away from gun shows.
At the Big E show this past weekend, I kept looking at another dealers table full of Smith's. He sold about 6 or 7 nice guns at reasonable prices. Two revolvers kept drawing attention, but no sales. Sunday afternoon I asked him if I could look at the two revolvers that everyone was looking at but didn't buy. They were both 4 screw K Frames, 6 inch blue. One had Target sights, both had diamond stocks. They were Model 53's. Neither one had the original box, but they did have the inserts. I asked if he would accept a package deal of $1300.00. I know have two more Model 53's in my collection. I also found a tapered swab at another dealers table for $1.00. So, remind me why do you stay away from shows?
This is a poor picture taken with my cell phone.

 

[19leben]

Hmmmm. I wonder why no one else was interested in 2 revolvers that chamber the 22 Jet? Do you actually shoot yours?

 

[littleriver1]

I went to one Sun morning and was disappointed once again. Everything was over priced. I was looking for a blue wheel gun and didn't see a single one. 3 stainless and 1 dirty and scratched nickel in 38 spc. everything else was semi auto.

 

[Arik]

Because people go expecting it to be a swap meet with 1960s prices. And when that doesn't happen they feel personally insulted.

I have never been to a bad gun show. Even during the great panic I found good deals. My interests are broad so there is always something to find.

 

[NYlakesider]

I didn't want to hijack the thread about staying away from gun shows.
At the Big E show this past weekend, I kept looking at another dealers table full of Smith's. He sold about 6 or 7 nice guns at reasonable prices. Two revolvers kept drawing attention, but no sales. Sunday afternoon I asked him if I could look at the two revolvers that everyone was looking at but didn't buy. They were both 4 screw K Frames, 6 inch blue. One had Target sights, both had diamond stocks. They were Model 53's. Neither one had the original box, but they did have the inserts. I asked if he would accept a package deal of $1300.00. I know have two more Model 53's in my collection. I also found a tapered swab at another dealers table for $1.00. So, remind me why do you stay away from shows?
This is a poor picture taken with my cell phone.

The smaller shows in my area are more like a knife and junk/Nazi flag show than a "gun show"

Do to some of NYS more dumb laws a lot of common guns in other locals are not shown.(nuff said on that subject)

Most all handgun shown are plastic bottom feeders, trying to find new revolvers you might find a few. Trying to find older non lock, pinned and counter-bored things like you did GOOD LUCK!

Its getting to the point that going to a smaller gun show is just a waste of time for me, the good part for me about those little shows is they have so few vendors now that the aisle are wide and fewer people there that you can walk and look real easy

We do have a large show a couple time a year in downtown Albany, that show has a lot more vendors, guns and people going.

 

[Club Gun Fan]

Hmmmm. I wonder why no one else was interested in 2 revolvers that chamber the 22 Jet? Do you actually shoot yours?

I have a dozen "Jets", yes I shoot most of them. I actually carried one when I was a police officer. I have inserts for all of them, but don't use them. Why shoot .22LR's in it when you can use a Model 17.

 

[dant]

Nice finds, there was a really nice model 53 , and it had the spare ,proper ( correct) 22 LR cylinder and it was priced at $1100 and NO ONE bought it, was the past OGCA display show, and I had even asked, told a few other S&W folks there, but NO interest, so go figure............I was looking, had no spare cash, was working the displays only. So never say never......................

 

[Club Gun Fan]

Nice finds, there was a really nice model 53 , and it had the spare ,proper ( correct) 22 LR cylinder and it was priced at $1100 and NO ONE bought it, was the past OGCA display show, and I had even asked, told a few other S&W folks there, but NO interest, so go figure............I was looking, had no spare cash, was working the displays only. So never say never......................

Dan
Had I been there it would have a new home right now. You don't remember which dealer had it do you? If you do, please pm me. I'll make it right by you.

 

[Hapworth]

I'm sure there's significant regional variance, but many report today's gun shows to be largely populated with premium-priced dealer tables featuring all the new firearms you can get anywhere, whereas the mom-and-pop, second-hand, and collector type tables -- where the stuff we're really looking for is usually found -- are drying up of stock, getting peripheralized to near extinction, or moving their sales to online auction.

 

[Sconnie]

Had I been there it would have a new home right now.

It is good to have money. That said, not that I don't enjoy going to gun shows of all sizes but many folks don't have the funds to spend. I shoot what I buy and collecting, while I understand the appeal has never been part of the mix for me. I never went to gun shows back in the "good old days" if there was such a thing. So, I don't recall "bargain" prices but I can understand how the Internet sales have changed things as far as pricing goes.

Been avoiding gun shows this year mostly because I have what I want and really don't want to tempt myself. There was this 4 inch model 17 that I saw......

Glad you found what you like and the fella selling the fine old Smiths is glad you stopped by too.

 

[robertrwalsh]

I seldom buy guns at gun shows as the seller often seems to think they are gold plated and priced accordingly. Mostly I guy supplies and knick-knacks. Once in a while though I do find something that goes bang that I want at a reasonable price. Besides, gun shows are FUN.

 

[Inusuit]

Where else can you get a couple hours of entertainment for $5?

 

[19leben]

I have a dozen "Jets", yes I shoot most of them. I actually carried one when I was a police officer. I have inserts for all of them, but don't use them. Why shoot .22LR's in it when you can use a Model 17.

I'm glad you enjoy shooting them as that is why Smith & Wesson built them.
I've always been curious about the 53, but haven't found one locally.
Do you have issues with the cases backing out and stopping the cylinder?

 

[Club Gun Fan]

I'm glad you enjoy shooting them as that is why Smith & Wesson built them.
I've always been curious about the 53, but haven't found one locally.
Do you have issues with the cases backing out and stopping the cylinder?

Yes, but, I keep a wood mallet with me. you also have to make sure the cylinders are completely dry.

 

[austintexas]

I've said it before when someone complains about gunshows and pawn shops and their prices and availability of collector firearms. It is like the lottery, if you don't play you don't win. People tell me I'm the luckiest guy on gun finds at pawnshops and gunshows and I tell them I attend a lot of shows and shop a lot of pawnshops. You have to play to win.

SWCA 892

 

[loeman]

I've pretty much quit going to gun shows. The main reason is that my LGSs and pawn shops seem to always have something that I want and going to a gun show without a thick wad of Franklins is no fun. I'm also not a big fan of all the macho military/swat team 20 somethings, long lines to get in, parking/admission fees and huge numbers of tables filled with unrelated "stuff". Sure, I probably miss some good opportunities, but that's ok, I like spending locally. And my locals do a great job of depleting my gun budget. And finally these are just my opinions and if you like gun shows and find them rewarding then I think that's great.

 

[BE Mike]

I stay away from the large shows as they cost $20.00 to get in. I only go, if I'm in the market for something specific that I think I might find. The small shows only charge $6.00, so I'm more inclined to go when I have the time and inclination.

 

[Frank237]

THE deal for shows here in MT seems to be the non Dealers who have tables. The enthusiast who gets a table a few times a year to peddle stuff he accumulated over the year. Or the folks selling Dad or Grandpa's guns after they passed.

Seems that so many of the Dealer tables are nothing but a waste of time. Silly high prices on used guns, overpriced old reloading supplies or ammo.

As previously mentioned...You have to play the game to win. To find a deal you have to attend.

As with many others who go to a lot of shows or constantly visit their LGS's.....Occasionally ,it's most amazing the stuff you can come up with.

After a long dry spell with Shows I attended a local show and within ten minutes of entering I find a beautiful set of old Fuzzy Farrant J frame grips, for a SQ J fame. Marked $20. I have a few for round butt's but have been searching for some SQ frame Farrant's for my shooter Kit Gun. I'll take a set of Farrants that should be $100+ for $20 all day long.

Two years back at Reno, mid day of the first day of the Show I find a very early four inch, blued Combat Magnum on an estate sale table. 95% or better shape, barely fired. Unfortunately without proper stocks...but $450. Lettered it and it was originally given to the West Coast sales Rep for S&W. To show off the then new Combat Magnums.

Three times I have found folks selling Smith boxes for ridiculously low prices. in the $5-$10 each range. Again....I'll buy tough to find Gold boxes for $5 a pop all day long.




FN in MT

 

[Budnjax]

I stay away

most of the gun shows in NE Fla are a joke....maybe 120 tables and half of those are knives, survival gear, tasers and all kinds of other stuff - not guns. Most of the guns there are new from dealers and I can buy most any of them from a big shop here in town for less...without paying admission and parking. It's rare to find any old gun that you might want and if you do they're might proud of them. I see all kinds of people offering S&W and Colts for sky-high prices....but seldom a buyer. Actually, I can go to a couple regular gun shops in town and see a bigger and better variety of guns than at almost any gun show and I don't have to pay admission or pay through the nose for them.

 

[holo]

I hit a lot of the shows and can usually find a good deal or two. They are usually not what I am looking for, but good deals none the less.Most times I pick up old knives and flip them on the Internet to help fund my gun habit.