[jsalcedo]

I decide to take my AK hunter to the gun show and carry it around with a sign and see if anyone wants to buy it.

Its a preban norinco with a 20 inch barrel and a sporting stock nice blueing
and checkering. 98% condition

One guy tells me even though its a preban I can't put any accessories on it because of the 1989 asault weapons import regulations and its only worth
$165. I'm like,"yeah whatever"

I'm walking around and some guy at a table asks me what I want for it. I tell him I figure its worth about $500. He says " well I had one and they are crap" Real helpful....

Next guy. I ask if he wants to trade a CETME he has for $319 for my AK hunter. (he has a big sign..buy sell trade) I figure its a loss but I like the CETME's better.

I get a loud "NO TRADES" and the guy turns around.

It goes on and on folks at the tables asking me what I want for it then telling me its junk.

Just as I was getting discouraged and to the last of the tables I see a nice Walther P38in really good shape, pristine bore and 99% finish for $400.

I ask the guy if he will do an even trade so he takes the AK to his partner who looks it over and agrees.

Private sale no paperwork.

I probably got screwed but at least I was able to pick up something I wanted instead of having a useless safe ornament.

Those gunshow sellers can be real -------... rude, smarmy. coniving and downright predatory.

I've got more guns I want to sell or trade but I'm not sure if I want to go through that experience again.

[Edward429451]

I probably got screwed but at least I was able to pick up something I wanted instead of having a useless safe ornament.

Then you didn't get screwed.

I hate gunshows because if I've got money to spend, I can't find what I'm looking for or within my price range.

If I go broke to the gunshow, I see all kinds of good deals. Depressing.:(

[Matt G]

jsalcedo
You... hate gunshows?!?

You walked around a room full of guns (which I know you like, because I've seen you post numerous times about guns), talked to several prospective buyers, discussed trading for a $319 CETME, but found someone instead who would trade his $400 P38 for the AK Hunter you weren't using, anyway.

You could never meet so many prospective buyers or sellers at your local gunshops. You could never get to lay hands on so many different types of guns and deals through a publication. You got rid of a "useless safe ornament," and picked up something you wanted, for no money spent. While you didn't get what you thought it was worth, you didn't get "screwed", either. You went into the deal with eyes open, and were not forced into the deal.

Sounds like a day well spent, to me.

While there're plenty of people who will quote silly prices for their guns and yours at gunshows, and plenty of people who will be unpleasant or just a little less than the politeness you wish they'd give you, there's lots and lots of really nice people at gunshows. Such is life. [shrug] At least there's guns to distract you, at the gun show.


Tell me again why you "hate" gunshows? :confused: I'm confused.


"From there to here, From here to there-- funny things are everywhere." --Dr. Seuss, One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish

[Tamara]

One guy tells me even though its a preban I can't put any accessories on it because of the 1989 asault weapons import regulations and its only worth

He was partially right.

Your rifle was only "preban" in the sense that it's "pre-'94". "Preban" with imported guns means "pre-'89".

A pre-'89 Norinco/Polytech is worth $800 to $1,000 or more, based on configuration, caliber and acessories. A post-'89 MAK-90 is a $350-$400 gun, no matter how it's configured. ;)

Me? I love gunshows. It's a chance to see old friends, stop by and chat with the Georgia Arms folks and pick up some good ammo for cheap, see The Holster Guy and The Grip Guy. I get to see my buddy Ralph Simpson and see what wonderful ol' rarities he has found and is selling (y'all keep him in your thoughts; he fell down and busted his thigh while he was helpin' a friend move. Bones don't knit up too easy at his age. :( ). Get a big bag of Ragin' Cajun beef jerky and browse for old Smiths and obscure old milsurps.

Some folks have church for their fellowship; I have gun shows. :cool:



A young man came to the gate of a city. He asked the old man on guard there what kind of people were inside the walls. The old man asked "What kind of people were in the village you came from?"
"Why, they were selfish and greedy and unfriendly!" said the young man.
"Well, the people in this city are much the same." replied the old guard.
"I knew it!" huffed the younger man, and stomped off back into the desert.
Another young man came up and asked "Old sir! What kind of people are in this city?"
Again the old guard asked "What kind of people were in the village you came from?"
"Why," said the young man "they were all kind and generous to me, and quick to return a smile when I smiled at them."
"You will find that the people here are much the same." said the old man.
The youth went in and found it was true.

;)

[jsalcedo]

I should have said I like gun shows but I hate some of the nefarious characters who lie and try to cheat anyone they can.

It seems that 80% of the folks I speak to have a nasty attitude.

It gets old.

I'm liking the P38 more and more and I'm feeling less screwed. Thanks Tamara for the 1989 clarification.

I'm going back the the SAXET show again tomorrow and try to trade a couple of Semi auto .22 rifles I restored. Nine .22's in my collection
is a bit too many. At least now I know which folks to avoid.

[P95Carry]

I can sympathize with some of this ... yeah, it's some of the people. Arrogant -------!! Many do not deserve to sell a damn thing.

Funny tho .... as Edward says ... go to a show with empty pockets .. and you WILL see a bargain you want. Go with a roll of bills and ......... all prices seem too high and what you want ain't there either!

Overall ... it has to be worth it tho ...... just to be able to wallow in a great deal of ''I wish'' ........... and actually, usually ...... come across a good few nice folk too.

[feedthehogs]

Most of the nasty people I've encountered at gun shows consider what their selling only as a product.

Its a means to make money. More so than selling widgets.

Luckily they are the exception and most sellers are part of the "community" of gun owners who will take time and jaw with you a while about old guns and days gone by.

The same thing happens in my other realm of iron horses.
Attitudes and opinions abound.
But the majority don't care what pony you ride and are just happy to talk about scooters.

[pbman]

Well i'm damn glad we still have gunshows, it wasn't that long ago, that i thought they would be outlawed by now.

I go to shows every chance i get, even if i'm not looking for something.

It gives me a chance, to preserve them, and i would do that even just to piss off the HCI people.

[Ex-Doc]

I only hate California gun shows.....I can only take so much beef jerky, airsoft, overpriced trinkets, etc....now Arizona gunshows get a :D

[George Hill]

"Those gunshow sellers can be real A-holes... rude, smarmy. coniving and downright predatory."

Nail on the head.

[Art Eatman]

I've been meddlin' around gunshows for some 35 or more years, on both sides of a table. Seems like about 80% of the folks--on both sides of the tables--are plenty good people. Some shows, better % than that...

Hey, that's better odds than the average beer joint!

But, like anything, caveat emptor and TANSTAAFL.

:), Art

[Zach S]

I hate gunshos since they arent gunshows. Sure, there are guns there, normally a few decent sized tables, but nothing there i cant have ordered at the same, in some cases, lower price. The gunshow here in asheville mainly consisted of Tshirts, bumper stickers, books, knives, swords, flashlights, and one or two tables full of overpriced ROF crap. Seriously, does anyone pay $80 for a jennings .22? The only reason i ever really went was shopping for pre-ban mags. The last one i went to did have a 1911 builder there, selling and installing parts, unfortunatly he didnt have an ambi saftey to fit my Kimber (BUL M5), really the only part i was shopping for. Then theres the constant tap on the shoulder followed with "You selling yer pistol?" "No, i just didnt want to leave it in the car" And of course, "Can i see your gun?" which is noramlly followed with "Can i see your badge?"

I've been told the ones in Johnson City are better, but never make it out there.

[Art Eatman]

I've been to small shows in Las Cruces and Deming in New Mexico, and at Wickenburg, Aridzony. Really neat old stuff!

I've been to the big shows like the Houston Astrodome, and wanted roller skates to see all 2,000 tables.

And now there's Tulsa! What, 3,000 tables? Now, that's what I call a Pilgramage to my Mecca! One of these daze...

Gunshowws are like everything else: There just ain't no "one size fits all".

:D, Art

[DWS1117]

I miss the SAXET shows. For whatever reason they have stopped comming to Houston. Now we are stuck with Houston Gun Collectors and High Caliber. The SAXET shows AMMO and reloading equipment. None of that at the others Sure, you may fine the stray box of more obscure ammo or some (usually) well used dies but nothing worth bragging about. I liked being able to buy ammo or components in bulk without shipping. The main reason I go to the shows is like was previously stated. To fondle, drool, and BS with people.

I've been to the big shows like the Houston Astrodome, and wanted roller skates to see all 2,000 tables.

WOW when did they have these show? I would love to see one of those. Now it is a big show if they take up half of one section in a convention hall. Hey thats what they could use the dome for now that is it not in use.

[hillbilly]

I have officially sworn off gun shows.

I hate them.

They are, at least in my neck of the woods, full of corrupt rip-off artists. And that's just the Billly Bobs walking in the door wanting $700 for their beat up old commercial Browning Hi-Powers.

In fact, the only thing good that's happened to me in at a gun show in the last five years was that I found my customized Rem 700 long range rifle, which had been stolen from me 18 months earlier, for sale on the table of one of those corrupt dealers.

Said dealer allegedly bought it from some Billy Bob minutes before I got to the table. Yeah, right. Dealer told the cop he haggled with the guy for 30 minutes, talking him down from $750 to $700. The rifle has $800 worth of scope on it.

The dealer was actually angry at me.....It was my fault that he lost $700 on a hot rifle.....a rifle he bought from some guy with no ID for $100 less than the scope is worth..........That dealer can rot in Hell as far as I'm concerned.

But I've sworn off gun shows, at least Arkansas guns shows.

For what it costs to get in the freakin' door, I can pay shipping on most things I find on the Internet for much cheaper prices anyway.

If I want to hang out with fellow gun folks, I just invite them to my own private range.

hillbilly

[Lone_Gunman]

jsalcedo,

Are you sure you traded for a P38, or was it a post war Walther P1?

You have to watch out for P1's getting passed off as P38s.

[Majic]

Personally I enjoy gunshows. I may not see what I'm looking for, or see it at a price I deem appropiate, but I do get to see old friends. I have one dealer who knows what I like so if I ask him about something he tries to find one for the next show. I have made new friends while looking at tables by quietly informing the potential buyer next to me that they are about to get hosed with what they are considering purchasing. One fellow who was looking at a table full of used Taurus and Rossi, was impressed by the line of bull the dealer was handing him on used $400 Rossi. I told him there were much better bargains at the show. Since he really wanted to know I led him over the book counter and showed him "The Blue Book". Later in the show he found me and showed me a nice like new 4" M19 he got for $250. Since then I keep running into him at the shows and he's full of questions so we sometimes shop together.
So what if the dealers are unrealistic, it's still a well spent day of talking with old friends and meeting new ones.

[jsalcedo]

On the side it says Carl Walther Waffenfabrik Ulm/Do P38 Cal 9mm

Its an interarms import and I figure its post war manufacture.

How do you tell if its a P1?

[Lone_Gunman]

I think P1's are stamped P38 on the side of the slide with the Walther logo.

Look on the other side of the slide. Is there a month/year stamp?

[jsalcedo]

5/63 is stamped onthe other side.

Is there a lot of difference in quality?

It is well finished tight fitting and the trigger is excellent are there any issues about P1's I should be aware of?

[MAKOwner]

I love gunshows. I barely ever buy anything at them but I enjoy checking out all the sweet firepower. I see massive ripoffs, and see plenty of morally questionable dealers, but ***, it pays to be an informed shopper and you can still look at the cool stuff.

If the P38 turns out to really be worth $400 I think you actually did pretty damn well. Not trying to be rude so don't take it the wrong way but being the guy with the $500 "Pre-ban" Norinco Hunter arguing with everyone about it ranks right up there with the others in gunshow lore, lol :) Sub $200 Saigas pretty much killed the small curiousity niche Hunters held that gave them any value...

[jeff4570]

That P38 sounds like what they call the "French" import. 1960's model Made at the Ulm factory with the french antlers proof mark and date . Ive seen them in CT for around $300 .
I also have seen a lot of P1's with P38 slides but this one doesn't sound like one.

[jsalcedo]

being the guy with the $500 "Pre-ban" Norinco Hunter arguing with everyone about it ranks right up there with the others in gunshow lore, lol Sub $200 Saigas pretty much killed the small curiousity niche Hunters held that gave them any value...

I wasn't arguing with anyone..I was just getting a bunch of crap from folks that wanted to get it for nothing and make me feel bad for even owning it.

Yeah I got an education. Before I bought the norinco I did research and asked all over message boards, Emailed collectors looked on the auction sites and the consensus was $700 to $800.

So I bought it from a friend that was going to pawn it. I went ahead and gave him $700 for it.

Later on I came to realize it wasn't as desirable of a gun as I had previously been led to believe. No way did I figure it was less than half of what I paid.

To add insult to injury the gunshow folks were trying to offer me less than $200. The worst part was I had not seen a similar gun at a gunshow to compare it to in the last several visits.

Guess I can chalk one up to experience and go buy a blue-book next time.

[Obiwan]

I have lived a lot of places...and gone to gun shows in most of them.

Since I don't backtrack much, it could be that it is a geographical thing, but it may just be the passing of time.

Used guns/collectibles are a mixed bag...some good deals...many are not.
I don't have as good a handle on the "going rate" for used weapons.

Good ammo deals seem less prevalent...there are exceptions.

But the new gun dealers at most shows seem to be "out there" with full list(msrp) or more on their weapons.

I won't say "in the old days" because I am not that old.... but I remember new weapons usually for less than I could find them in the shops...not the opposite.

I was often blindsided and had no choice but to purchase something because I would never see it that reasonable again.

Now...I usually go home with my wallet intact...perhaps I should be happy.

[Lone_Gunman]

jsalcedo,

What you have is a post war P1. It is the same thing as a P38, just a new name for the post WW2 German army. They are pretty good guns, and there are no particular problems you need to be aware of.

$400 is steep.

They are more like $250 - $300.

[Tamara]

Y'know, if one walks into a crowded room with the attitude that everyone in there is going to be a selfish jerkhole out to rip you off, then this becomes what we call a "self-fulfilling prophecy".

Also, the guy with the table isn't going to buy a gun at full pop. Your gun may be worth, say, $350. That's what he can hang a price tag on it for. Now, your separated-at-birth twin at the gun show across the state isn't gonna pay no $350 for it. No sir. That's full price, and full price is a ripoff. He came to the gun show for a deal, not to get ripped off.

Now, if your clone across the state won't buy the gun from the guy for more than $300, and you won't sell it for less than $350, how is the guy in the middle supposed to make a dime without both of you thinking he's a crook?

Riddle me that.

[jsalcedo]

Actually I walk into places with a friendly attitude and expect to be treated at least cordially as a potential customer and what I usually get is a "chip on the shoulder, been there seen it all, heard it all, I'm going to charge you for the time of day" attitude.

I do realize that folks are there to make a living and I don't have a problem with that. however what ever happened to straight foward honest wheeling and dealing? If someone said "your gun is worth $350 retail but I'll give you $275 cash or $300 trade" that would be a welcome refreshing change. and that person would actually have a chance of getting a profit off of me.

The art of haggling seems to have gone by the wayside as well I've gone to table after table and asked what they could do on a certain gun. Invariably they point to the price tag and walk away.

I guess if these folks can make money being rude, condescending, unyielding and abrubt to potential customers then more power to them.

Doesn't mean I have to like it.

[Marko Kloos]

What you have is a post war P1. It is the same thing as a P38, just a new name for the post WW2 German army. They are pretty good guns, and there are no particular problems you need to be aware of.

If his gun is stamped "P38", it's a post-war commercial P38, not a P1. P1s are stamped "P1". Commercial P38s are worth more than P1s, just because there's been a recent flood of surplus P1s on the market, as the German Army sold their old pistols when they upgraded.

Here's a picture of a surplus P1...note the markings on the slide.

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?s=&postid=411525

[4v50 Gary]

CA gunshows sucks. Nevada has better shows. The best story here is Hillbilly's recovery of his stolen Rem 700. Now that's a bedtime story worth telling. :)

[Lone_Gunman]

Marko,

Interesting information you have there, and I stand corrected.

I just checked a gun that I thought was a P1; it has P38 stampings on it, but I don't see anything that looks like army proofmarks, so maybe its commercial after all. It doesnt have the finish I would expect on a Walther commercial gun (it looks parkerized).

Were all german army P1s marked with P1 on them?

This is exactly why one has to be very careful at gunshows, especially with military guns... just when you think you have enough info, you find out you dont.

How much is a post war commercial P38 worth? When I bought this one, I thought it was a P1 and paid $250. Its a fairly nice shooting little gun, but the DA trigger pull is kind of stout.

[Tamara]

Its a fairly nice shooting little gun, but the DA trigger pull is kind of stout.

I think you just described most pre-'90s European pistols. ;)

[eoR]

DWS1117 ~

I miss the SAXET shows. For whatever reason they have stopped comming to Houston.

Saxet is going to be in Conroe in Sept. & Nov. Here is a link to their schedule:
http://www.saxetshows.com/_schedule.htm

editud fer bad spelin

[Redlg155]

Just check the importer stamp on the weapon and contact them. They can tell you exactly what you have. You can get P1s for a bit under $300 the last time I checked.

As for gunshows I'm spoiled. I've used to live near Tulsa for several years and loved going to the Gunshows there. Nothing measures up anymore. Our area shows in Panama City, Ft Walton, Pensacola and Tallahassee are puny in comparison. Still, if you have cash in hand you stand to make some very good deals.



Good Shooting
Red

[dairycreek]

When you go to buy or sell at either one you must remember that nobody is there to do anybody favors. Everybody is looking for a bargain. Yes, some of the people you meet there are really -------'s but that's nothing particularly new - is it? Do your homework on which gun(s) you want to buy or sell. Don't get all emotional, bargain hard, and from time to time you can get really good deals. And, you must be willing to walk away from a deal that isn't "just right" for you. Often, late in the day I'll go back to the seller/buyer and see how they feel. Often they have not had a good day and your deal will look much better to them then. I really don't enjoy gun shows all that much but good deals are possible. You just have to know what you are doing. Good shooting;)

[Cosmoline]

Every gunshow I've been to in Alaska has been terrible. It's a mix of the sad dog handguns and rifles from the stock of all the local gunshops, plus small-time vendors with massively overpriced garbage. The only good values I've found have been non-firearm items such as old Rifle magazines. The last great gunshow is ON LINE. The real life ones are rip offs, at least up here.

[C.R.Sam]

My gunshow experience similar to Art's.
Both sides of the table for me.
Lot of good folks on both sides of the tables.
A few bad ones both sides of the tables.

Like the rest of life's experiences.

Sam

[standingbear]

i know the feeling.i would go to waste an afternoon on a weekend just so i wouldnt have to go hang around at a hen party or to trade something that i didnt shoot anymore.the private sellers will give you a better trade or sale but you have to watch them.they have helpers that work their junk throughout the show.will follow you round till you get tired of carrying it or will make you some ridiculous offer.ive seen it at some big shows.your gun you just traded is now worth much much more(the guy "beams" a smile at it and wipes it down,writes a new sticker and carefully lays it with his other guns).the prices are so ridiculous they wont buy it from you unless they can make a hundred off it.the dealers will make a good deal but only if you have cash.ive bought several such "novelty" guns (i call them that because they are missing parts and its a surprise to discover this on the range..)good luck returning to get your money back.ive tried this and it doesnt work.its my opinion that the shows have gone downhill the last 6 years.im pretty much done traveling to them to get insulted and ripped off,the buffalo jerky was kinda good though.

[MountainPeak]

I LOVE gun shows. I go to them all over NM. You might say its my hobby. Last weekend I put 570 miles on going to one. I still find the occasional great buy, but after my drive and motels I probably don't come out much ahead. Who cares! Like I said I love them and it is a hobby. The closer shows are where I find the gun I've been wanting AND make a few bucks. A couple of years ago I bought up quite a few flat top Rugers. If I wanted, I could unload them for a wonderfull profit. A whole lot more than if I had invested the money. All bought, one or two at a time at GUN SHOWS throughout the state. I LOVE GUN SHOWS. Thanks to you guys that hate them so much I can still find good buys. Like I said, I HATE GUN shows. EVERYTHING IS ALWAYS HIGH PRICED!!;)

[BallisticTip]

Gun shows are good, lets hope they are still around for a long time.

[Art Eatman]

I've had a lot of fun at gunshows. One of the better things I've been able to do is to cater to what look like poorer families, looking for a starter gun for a kid, or just something to use to put meat on the table. I've gotten a fair number of teenagers started out--and to heck with a profit on THAT particular gun! My own version of paying my debt to the Lord, I reckon; pass along some of my own good luck...

It's fun to tease folks: "Did you just buy that lovely treasure, or are you trying to get rid of that old piece of junk?" :D Or get a grin when they see the sign on my table, "This ain't no museum. This junk is FOR SALE!"

Gun parts, good-used reloading equipment--lots of times I've really lucked out.

I've made some pretty good friends, through gun shows.

:), Art

[DWS1117]

Or get a grin when they see the sign on my table, "This ain't no museum. This junk is FOR SALE!"

I saw a table displaying a sign with that exact saying this past weeekend at the Houston Gun Collectors show. My friend and got a good chuckle from that.

[Matt1911]

I love gun shows,about half of the dealers have "store front shops",and only maybe 2% are rip off artists.We get about 50 shows a year these days,compared to the 3 a year of just a few years ago.Yes,you do have to know abit about what your buying,is it any differant walking into any shop?

[Obiwan]

Ok...Tamara I will bite....

How does the guy in the middle make money???

By selling you the accesories!;)

There are good and bad on both sides of the tables.

I just get tired of the guys with low overhead/high prices.

Shouldn't bother me, because I prefer to patronize my local shop anyway.

Their prices on new and used guns are better than most of the prices I see at gun shows, and I have somewhere to take it I have a problem.

And the remark about knowing prices is spot on....

I cringe when I see adds for used guns that are as much/more than msrp

You just no some poor schmo paid full boat retail and now he is trying to sell it for more than I would have to pay down the street for a new one.

[Dorrin79]

I don't hate gun shows, but they aren't exactly the Land of Good Deals either.

A lot of the sellers, in my experience, are often rude. This only surprises me because I am unfailingly polite to almost everyone.

Maybe sitting around all day while people fiddle with your guns, sweeping you with them, half-dissasembling them, only to say they are "overpriced crap" and leave would put me in a bad mood too.

:D

That said, I have had some intereting conversations at shows with sellers, and have seen some fair, if not great, deals.

[Tamara]

The best sign I saw on a table at a gun show said "Your wife just called. She said it's okay."

Wish I'd thought of that one. :D

[eotp]

I hate gun shows also....

.... I spend too much money at them.


This weekend there was a gun show locally and I got a S&W Model 57 and a new Ruger GP100 (Special Edition). I am not exactly sure why it is called a "Special Edition" other than the length of the barrel is 5".

[Partisan Ranger]

Most of the gunshows I've attended in Virginia haven't been really great. Kinda small, but I still like going. The one in Harrisonburg VA a few weeks ago was pretty small, but I did see some good deals there. Saw a new Glock in .357 Sig for $450, and an S.A. M1A with wood stock for $950 new.

Then of course I saw a Kahr MK-9 for $570:scrutiny: . If I want to pay retail, I'll buy online and save the sales tax!

[Obiwan]

A little off-topic...but along the lines of the wife thing

I was looking at DSA fals...kept swapping back and forth looking at the 21" barrel and the carbine


Owner of the store walks by and says...can't decide...just buy both!

Hope he doesn't moonlight as a marraige counselor

Couple months later...looking at HK45Compacts...trying to decide between stainless and black slides....he looks at me ..."Don't say it!"

[Johnny Guest]

Not all of 'em are great, but most are pretty good, if you have the right attitude.

I usually go with the idea of buying some loading components or some parts, but I do take along as much case as I can spare, too.

I haggle with a couple of my favorite vendors for bulk bullets, powder. and/or primers. No haz mat or shipping fees! Yeah, I know it's figured into the price, but the guy who orders thousands of bucks worth at a time gets a better rate than I would. On Sunday afternoon, he's looking at having to pack that stuff up and carry it home. He'll usually knock off a few bucks. He's happy and I'm happy. :p

Several people know generally the type guns I like and will bargain with me. I see old friends and make new ones. Even the abrupt people will often warm up if you nod and smile and ask how their day's going. I compliment their nice stuff, too, 'cause I may see the same guy next year. If interested in something, I ask the price and if too high, I grin and say, "thanks for your time," and wander on. Frequently, on my second trip through, the dealer will recall the exchange and re-open dealing. "You really interested in that old Colt? I could come off the price some . . . ."

Most dealers with a lot of new stuff won't come off their rices much, if at all. Just as with automobiles, the real dealing comes when you have something decent to trade, and the dealer knows where he can turn a buck on the trade-in.

People don't pay for tables, pack up, travel, pay expenses, and such, because they're philanthropists. Well, other than Art . . . . I consider gun shows as mostly social events. The occasional oportunity to make a decent buy or swap is just a bonus. :D

Best,
Johnny

[Cacique500]

I love going to gunshows but as stated, you have to know the value of what you're looking for/selling. YOu can do really well or you can get ripped off.

I recently had an opportunity to work the other side of the table - and let me tell you, it can be just as bad from the sellers point of view. Most of the people are ok but you WILL get the occasional wacko.

[dsgrntldPW]

I enjoy going to gun shows, but some recent experiences leave me wondering about people on both sides of the table. I had gone to a show to sell some guns that I had bought new but for one reason or another never fired. Prior to the show I checked with some of the cheaper dealers in the area to see what they were selling for, then set what I thought was a fair price for them. One was a revolver that was going for $390-420+tax at the shops, so I started at $350 for this NIB gun. I made up my sign and hit the show. I realize that the sellers with tables are most likely dealers so I gear my activities to try and attract the notice of the browsing customers, not the dealers. But if a dealer asks to see my stuff I'll oblige. One asked to see the revolver, fully aware of my sign showing my asking price. He looked it over and said "You know I'm gonna have to make a little money off this when I sell it." He then, with a straight face, offered $225 for a new, unfired GP-100. He didn't seem to like my laughter at his offer; he actually acted as if this was a reasonable price! What made the matter even funnier to me was that he had an obviously used GP on the table tagged at $425+tax.

What happened next though made the rest of my day. After I left this schmuck's table a guy came up to me and asked to see the gun, which I obliged. He then said he saw what happened with the other guy and would gladly give me $275 for the gun. Being the jovial guy I am I couldn't help but laugh at him too. He went away. I happily continued through the rest of the show, never sold the gun but had a good time looking at everything. Saw 5 more NIB GP-100's with the cheapest being $399, with tax around $430. I could have savd him at least $80 if he was really looking for a new GP.

What I've found about gun shows is that if you're trying to sell something they want to screw you, and if you came to buy or trade something they want screw you. You just have to get over it and get down and dirty with them pigs. I just try to do my homework (Check local dealer prices and book values.), set a fair starting price and hope that some shopper who is looking for something I have will recognize value when they see it. If not I've at least gotten my daily walking and lifting exercise.

Gun shows are another world unto themselves, great entretaiment.

[Larry Ashcraft]

And now there's Tulsa! What, 3,000 tables? Now, that's what I call a Pilgramage to my Mecca! One of these daze...
Went there last April and had a blast. Picked up some 30.06 ammo, a couple new in wrapper Winchester mags for my .30 Carbine, parts for a 1903 I'm restoring, and some reloading components. There was me from CO, my brother and his buddy from NM, and some friends of theirs from KS and MO.

10 or 12 middle aged guys talking guns and eating barbeque dinner in the hotel room. :D That was worth the price of admission right there. Oh, make sure you bring your best walking shoes. We walked for 10 hours straight.

I'll be going again next April. ;)

[jsalcedo]

What I've found about gun shows is that if you're trying to sell something they want to screw you, and if you came to buy or trade something they want screw you. You just have to get over it and get down and dirty with them pigs.

August 2 being my first time ever trying to sell something at a gunshow
I went in with my normal outgoing friendly personality and I had the wind taken out of my sails pretty quick.

You are right its every one for themselves. The days of the guy charging a fair price and giving a fair price are over. I guess there are enough folks buying inflated and selling their stuff lowball to make it worthwhile for the vendors to do business this way.

[Matt G]

jsalcedo, another reason that I like gun shows is that they're one of the purer raw forms of the open market. If those guys weren't getting what they asked for their guns, they'd come off of it, purt' quick. The market tends to stablilize at what the buyers will pay for an item. Occasionally, by running around the tables, you'll catch a guy who hasn't gotten the word that he could get more for his gun than he's asking, and snatch it up. Sometimes, you can tell another seller that his gun is $40 more than the guy at the end of the aisle, and he'll come of the price. Trust me, table #128 is NOT in cahoots with table #473.

But if you're a gun seller who's paid for a table at a gunshow, and you've got merchandise on that table, and you're asking less than what you could get for that merchandise, then you're not much of a business person, unless you've got a ready supply to restock, and you're still making enought margin to make a profit. (Happens, but is rare for guns. Typically, they come with what they have, and that's it for that show.)

"All the market will bear."

Capitalism. Ain't it grand? :)

[Poodleshooter]

Jeez, you guys take this stuff personally. Do you beat up fellow bidders at auctions for competing with you? :D
If people have bad deals, just smile and walk past. No need to tell them that they have crappy prices unless they ask your opinion.
I treat gunshows as a speed/smart shopping exercise. I come with a clipboard and a list showing the price I can get my desired items for online. I run all through the show, marking down any prices lower than the internet price, along with the dealer's location in the show. Then I return and start buying.
Vendors often ask what other guys are charging when they see the clipboard, and I always tell them. A few times they've lowered their price accordingly. I bought some primers at the last show for $12 per 1k doing that. I'm ruthless. If there's a penny difference, I buy from the cheaper vendor.
As for selling, I don't bother, aside from the occasional crappy USA AR-15 mag. It's too competitive to be a seller, but you at least have odds of moving your stuff compared to the comatose sales situation in most gunshops in my area.

[Bob41081]

DWS1117,

The High Caliber show will sell ammo if they are at the George R. or Pasadena. No Gun Show at Reliant will sell ammo. I bought about $200.00 worht of ammo at the last High Caliber at Geo. R.

Bob

[jsalcedo]

MattG
If those guys weren't getting what they asked for their guns, they'd come off of it, purt' quick. The market tends to stablilize at what the buyers will pay for an item.

Absolutely. My cheap nature is still trying to come to grips with that.

I did sales on and off for a while I undercut everyone else and made up for it in volume and repeat business.

It was nice being able to empty my storeroom really quick and go home and spend time with the family.

I'm begining to realize guns don't work that way outside of private sales and the classifieds where folks aren't in it for a steady profit.

[Bruce H]

I have a great time at them. Walk around and look on all the tables. Look at the price tags on the weapons. If one seems really steep for what it is look the dealer right in the eye. If I get a grin I smile back. He is looking for the open mouth needing a hook. At times I have seen some real nice firearms that would fit a particualr nitch. The price was far below starting from scratch for the same gun.

[telewinz]

I use the same technique Poodleshooter does, just a small memo pad works. Before I'd remember a good price after shopping around and then spend 1/3 of the time trying to relocate that "best" vendor. Also, having a pad and pen in hand sends a signal to the seller that you are a serious shopper and he might not get another chance at you. It works and it will save you money no matter if its a common gun or surplus ammo that you are trying to penney pinch. Thats how effective consumers fight back, comparison shop, it drives vendors nuts to see and be told that the table in isle 'J' has the same thing for $20 less!:banghead: Watch the mark-down pens come out then, better than a Wally World commercial!:)

Just make sure you go back to the rip-off vendor and let him know that you parted with your money to someone else:fire:

[ranger]

I like shows, I go to as many of them as I can, usually once every other month or so. See the same table guys a lot of times. Sometimes they remember me, usually not.

Haven't found any real bargains, but it's just SO much more efficient to just pay the $7 and have the equivalent in front of me of driving to every gun shop in the area. Plus some stuff one rarely finds in shops, like a real 100+ year-old Trapdoors, or the $12,000 O/U shotguns that come in their own felt-lined take-down case.

The reloading components are at least 40% off what the gun shops charge, comparable to an internet seller, but no haz-mat, sometimes no tax. Just about all my reloading components come from shows. Same with small stuff, like cleaning patches etc, if you look sharp, you can find stuff for the same price as the cheapest internet seller, but no shipping/tax.

I like to leave broke, even if I didn't buy any guns.

[.45Ruger]

I have to say that I really enjoy the Gunshows in the Phoenix area. There are usually lots of tables with darn near everuthing I want or need. I am like a kid in a candy store and will keep going to shows. You do get a good laugh sometimes, I saw a Hi Point 9mm priced for $229, used. Now that was funny.

[Dr.Rob]

Caveat emptor.

I like gunshows.

Finally found my Magnum Carry at one. Couldn't afford it right then and "hey give me $25 bucks and I'll reserve it for a month, besides you pay LESS sales tax at my store front than at the show."

Good dealer.

There are plenty of bad deals at shows and plenty of good ones. As far as selling.. well I've never sold a gun.

[duckfoot]

Can't complain with gunshows, picked up 1k of 230gr fmj .45acp loose in a ammo can for 165 and a NIB Browning BDA for 365. Felt like I came away with the better deal on both seening the local gun monger was selling the BDA for 475 and 1k of PMC 230gr fmj .45acp around 235. The deals are there but you gotta look hard and look long.