worth going to gunshow for good prices?

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usaadjuster

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I live near Atlanta and there is a gunshow near my home. It is put on by -- Eastmans??-- Anyway, I was thinking about going to look for good prices on Hornaday Critical defense shells for 9mm and .45acp. Also looking to buy a bulk 12 ga. buck shot.
For you that frequent gunshows -- will it be worth my time and money?
Thanks,
 
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Gun shows are not a place to get huge discounts on guns or ammo. Sometimes good deals can be found, but not always. Keep in mind, most of the tables will be rented by dealers. They have to make a living, so prices will probably be about the same as at a gun store.
The best part of a gun show is the chance to mingle with other gun people, and the fact that there are thousands of guns all under the same roof. Occasionally you will find a table that is a private non-dealer collector. Sometimes they will have good deals, but again, not always.
I think you should go just to experience it. Oh, one more thing, bring cash. A wad of hundred dollar bills will help make any sale.:D
Jim
 
I have found some good deals at gun shows, but after you pay $7 to get in, wait in line and fight the crowds then "deals" may not be worth it. What I like about gun shows is the people. It's a freak show! In Atlanta, it may just be the big daddy of freak shows.

I don't mean nothing by calling it a freak show. It's just big crowds are freaky to me..(country boy)
 
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Probably not.

But if you've never been to a gun show it is quite the experience.

I mean, where else are you going to find a welcome mat that reads: "Come Back With A Warrant!"
 
Thanks guys, I was not sure if good deals for ammo were there or not. Sounds like not and maybe finding good deals on line might be better.
New member to Forum and 2nd question asked. Both times got great response.
Something great to be said for gun owners!!
 
Dude! You got to go now! If you have never been to a gun show, you must! It's a "right of passage" for gun owners. You may not find a good deal or you may but.....you get to see and hold a variety of guns and you get to see what the prices are running.
There will be a lot of empty mobile homes in Rockdale County this weekend and they will all be at the gun show. You think the Mullet is out of style? Lynard Skynard has been forgotten? Camo is out a fashion? You gotta go dude!
 
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I've been to that Eastman show many times. It is not a bad show. There are some good deals on ammo there. The key to a good deal at a gun show is to know what products you want and what price they are selling for elsewhere, like Midway and other low price internet outlets. Keep in mind shipping costs have skyrocketed, making these outlets less desireable.

Also the first couple tables in front of the entrance at that show are his regulars and they are there to cherry pick the walk-in guns. They show the same old guns at each show and don't give a damn if they sell a over priced gun or not. Some are down right un-friendly so don't even mess with them.

I find the best deals with individuals selling their personal stuff. They don't usually have more than a couple of tables. There is a couple of ammo dealers that I have done business with there that offer good prices. Take a pen and paper to note their locations in the hall so you can go back to find them with a minimum of trouble.

You never can tell what you'll find at a show. You may run across your "grail gun" or you may leave with nothing. Always take a pocket full of money because you probably won't get another chance at that special item. That's the nature of gunshows.
 
I drool over the stuff you Free States guys report re gun shows, pawn shops, etc. Us California guys must shop vicariously through you guys. ;)

Some of the guys go to gun shows for ammo & reloading stuff, but after paying $20-$30 for parking & admission you need to buy a LOT of stuff to save any real money.

Last time I was at a gun show here they were still selling drop in auto sears and AP ammo...

But definitely GO if you've never been. Ya never know what you'll find. Plenty of posts on this forum about rare gems turned up.
 
I have never found any great guns or incredible bargains at gun shows. The only thing I have ever had success with at gun shows are vintage grips. Once in a while you find a great pair for a great price, but in general I have found that anything at a gun show in really good condition is usually way over priced.

YMMV

Chief38
 
You will find some awesome beef jerky, and occasionally a great buy. Know your prices, or set your limits. An SCSW helps, but I never seem to find guns at those prices. Good guidelines though adjusted for your market values.
 
I enjoy gun shows...usually make it to 2-3 a year of the Crossroads shows here in Phoenix. Everything stated in the posts so far is true in my experiences too. Usually huge crowds, Wide variety of people (mostly right-leaning!), Lots of odd non-gun stuff for sale (think candles, jerky, crystal, jewelry). Generally no screaming deals from the tables. I look for private tables with personal collections, and watch all the roaming individuals selling guns...sometimes you can find something interesting there. I've sold a number of guns at gun shows too. More often than not I come home without a prize, but I still find it fun.
 
I used to go to the area shows on a regular basis when I lived in CT. After a while, it was looking at the same overpriced items, beef jerky, and fake Nazi junk. If you want deals, you're much better shopping on line. If you want atmosphere, then hit the shows.
 
usaadjuster said:
.....For you that frequent gunshows -- will it be worth my time and money?
Thanks,
Click to expand...

I would think not, I do better online. Prices at the gun shows in the 90's were cheap but not so much any more. I usually wait for sale prices on the specific caliber I want to buy. There are several good ammo price search engines to find prices.
AmmoEngine: .45 Colt / .45 Long Colt, Instock For Sale Premium & Discount Ammunition, Ammo Deals
Ammo For Sale : Cheap Ammo : Find Ammunition at AmmoSeek.com
gun-deals.com - User-Submitted Gun & Ammunition Deals

Also try the following shooters supply online stores :
AIM Surplus Home
Shop Shooting Supplies | Reloading | Gunsmithing | Hunting gear — MidwayUSA
Natchez Shooters Supplies
I am on the three above sites e-mail list so I get e-mails on sale prices. I'm sure there are a lot of other places like Cheaper Than Dirt, Sportmans Guide.... etc. Too many others to list all here. Good luck and happy shopping!!
 
Gun shows are a nice outing with a few good buddies. You don't go expecting to find any bargains, but you might find a particular old discontinued model you have been looking for. My last gun show I found a nice .32 Safety Hammerless 2nd model to go with my 3rd model. NOw I'm looking for a 1st model.
 
Picked up a hakim in GREAT shape for 400 bucks at the last one. I was pretty happy
 
You can usually find decent ammo deals.

Guns, not really too often do you find a really good deal anymore, but every once in a while you do.
 
I actually have not gone to the last two or three shows down here. When they have to have someone show you were the parking space is (full parking) can't get near a table to see what the dealer has with his jacked up prices, see the same old stuff except for a few dealers, and with the lousy lighting. Its just not worth the effort. I've been to shows in 3 different states and lately with the coming elections it isn't going to get any better. Jaded? maybe so but the last two purchases were here from forum members was very satisfied, no crowds, and met some nice folks. Frank
 
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