[gb0399]

How many deals have you found at gun shows? I do enjoy going to gun shows. Maybe its the fact that you can walk around and pick up 300 guns in an hour, or maybe its the hunt for the deal of a life time. But honestly, 90% of the guns there are over priced (IMO). I did buy a $80 M48 Mauser once, that was in good shape, but thats about it. How about you?

[rmfnla]

I have found some killer deals at gun shows.

A few years ago I got a Remington 660 in .222 with the laminated stock for $60. I got my Win. 101 in unfired condition for $400 at a show in Atlanta about 5 years ago.

Yes, there is alot of overpriced stuff, but a little diligence can really pay off.

[Patriotme]

I've found some very good deals at gunshows. You have to know what you're looking for. I could have knocked $50 off of the XDM I bought at a local gun store if I had waited one month for the gunshow to come around. I've found decent deals on ammo (popular calibers only) but again....you have to know what you're looking for.
I end spreading my purchases around between the local stores, gun shows and online.
I usually price ammo online, find out what shipping and handling will run and then price it at the gunshow. I'll price firearms at the local stores and sometimes buy at the show. It all depends on price and selection. We had about a year when the shelves were looking pretty bare at the local shops.
I generally try to buy locally but I'll be honest. After getting some attitude from bored gun store salesmen it's usually about a year or so before I buy at that store again. They've lost a lot of sales by being unprofessional and I buy a lot of toys.

[TEAM101]

Deals are getting far and few between, but I have made out like a bandit over the years and it is the potential of finding a gem in the rough or deal of a lifetime that keeps me coming back. Most everything at the shows here is overpriced junk, however.

[DRYHUMOR]

If you have the cash in your pocket, the deals are there.

Of course, there are also a lot of dealers that are REAL proud of what they are selling (or trying to).

[Zack]

I been to four gun shows. Mostly stuff is priced right or over price $10-$50bucks, but worth it if you want something not at you're local gun store. I found my mosin at gun shows. Great way to find WWII guns also. I found some walter's and lugers. But most of the guns are the same thing localy.

I have seen smoke grenades at gun shows priced around $75! I did not know those where legal.

[Zanad]

a low serial numbered T/c Contender with a 45/.410 for $375. that deal was slightly refreshing with all the overpriced junk(every mosin I saw was OVER $130). the guns were just bolt actions and lever actions with few overpriced AR/AK's mixed in.

[The Lone Haranguer]

I've seen both good deals and, if not outright scams, many deals best passed on. Caveat emptor. I have also seen misinformation, e.g., a .41 Magnum Ruger Blackhawk being advertised as a "Flat Top," a post-1972 Colt Agent touted as a "First Generation."

[Gouranga]

I just like them to get the chance to handle so many weapons and see things that I may not otherwise get to see. If I am going to buy something I will usually seek out where I can get my hands on one to check it out then go online and hunt for deals that way. I can usually beat the snot out of a gun show deal that way.

[Tommygunn]

If you like jerky and Nazi paraphenalia ....:neener:

Seriously, I think gun shows are atleast interesting. I have bought several guns there. I found a Taurus repro of a Colt Lightning Rifle in .45LC at one show, a Springfield XD-45, and a few other guns.
Gotta know what you want. Having CASH ... I mean CA$H is a plus.

[Hatterasguy]

Well they are the perfect place to find Nazi stuff.:rolleyes:


If you know what you are looking for deals can be had. I prefer to buy older rifles their than on gunbroker because you can see and inspect them first.

OTOH new stuff just seems to be meh, you can buy a Glock anywhere and a new Glock is a new Glock, shop around.

[gb0399]

I do also enjoy seeing all the nutt jobs. (this is not to offend anyone, I'm sure they think the same about me)

[MMCSRET]

It spans the gammet!!! I enjoy the shows because I can listen in on conversations, make offers, reject offers, it's fun. I prefer to shop for used guns, they just ain't mak'n 'em like they used to, so I look for the used to's.

[M2 Carbine]

I buy most of my guns, new and used at gun shows. The new gun prices always beat the gun store prices and some very good used gun deals are found once in a while.

Just last Saturday I found this like new condition 53 year old Colt Cobra for $350.
A no paper trail FTF sale, a almost like new gun, at a very good price. It just doesn't get any better than that.:)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v135/Bell406_206B/ColtCobra2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v135/Bell406_206B/ColtCobra.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v135/Bell406_206B/ColtCobra3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v135/Bell406_206B/ColtCobra4.jpg

A friend also found a very good deal on a old Colt revolver. In the last few months he has found some very nice gun deals and I've found a few.

[Deltaboy]

I find about 1 to 3 good deals a year at the DFW gunshows.

[killchain]

Just recently I found a like-new set of Knight's Armament Company RIS for $50, in the original packaging.

Bought it from an older gentleman who "didn't like black guns all that much." :)

Of course, I also got stiffed by a gun dealer for a shotgun because I was pinched for cash.

So... YMMV.

[Kentucky_Rifleman]

I have found some killer deals at gun shows.

+1.

I get to 6 or 7 shows a year, all in Kentucky. I love the shows, just to go looking if nothing else.

I have bought and sold or traded several guns at shows over the years, and I have found some pretty amazing bargains.

Advice:

Know what you're looking for. If you do your research ahead of time, you'll have a much better idea on pricing.

Go with a friend. Having a buddy to laugh with makes the show go better.

Enjoy the haggling.

Deal with individuals walking around, if possible. The best deals aren't likely to come from the guys with the tables, but from the guys walking around carrying guns they're looking to trade or sell.

Patience pays. I've made low-ball offers on stuff early in the day and had dealers turn me down, then offer it to me at my price later in the afternoon, especially if they aren't moving much stuff.

Be flexible. I've gone to shows and bought guns I knew I could turn a profit on. I enjoy tinkering on guns, and it's fun to take an old scrapper and slick it up, then sell it for profit. If you see a great deal on gun that doesn't particularly interest you, pick it up anyway. I've traded guns I got at bargain-basement prices into things I really wanted, and made a profit in the process.

KR

[Kman]

KR,, you been hanging out at too many shows,,,didn't see yu at the last KW show,,I cleaned up there,,out of money by noon!

[DammitBoy]

I've found all my best deals at gunshows.

[blackwalnut]

Nothing great. Its depends on who you buy something from. Caveat Emptor!

Sometimes they are good as a pasttime just to get out with the anticipations of finding some part your looking for or what have you. They sometimes are social events. I have one friend who gives all the overpriced dealers a good haggle just for the fun of it and he is entertaining to listen too.

My real complaint with them is that as the legislative enviroment changes and laws get enacted for instance President Clintons AWB in 1994 its worth noting all of sudden all those honest dealers jack the prices in order to take advantage of any impulse buying. One week later that 119.95 AK is now 219.95 and climbing higher than Mount Everest. Shortages of ammo and primers are another area where prices soar higher than eagles or retails gun shops. So who says gun shows are cheaper? Get real.

Also when your gun show gun proves to be defective take it back to the dealer at the next show or drive 68 miles to the next one for that matter and hope he will help you out by shipping for you. Ha!

They have there place and are entertaining. Yes honest folk do sell firearms at them. They are part of our still free? American landscape. Thank God and as TED NUGENT says "You cant do this in France baby!"

Also if you buy a hunting liscense they know you probably have a firearm or 2 or 3 or 4 etc...

So CAVEAT EMPTOR and smile its only a gun show. Support your local gunshop. They have made an investment in product and the community.

[Hatterasguy]

I do also enjoy seeing all the nutt jobs. (this is not to offend anyone, I'm sure they think the same about me)

Yeah tell me about it, people watching is one of my favorite hobbies.:D

[GEM]

In the central TX area, the shows have better prices on standard gun items than the stores. If you want a new Glock, or Sig, or SW - you can save $50 or so on the average as compared to the best big box stores and more from the more expensive ones. They are usually better than the private stores, although on used guns, I've done OK in some private stores. Some others are expensive.

Ammo - the big box stores are better or the internet.

[Kingcreek]

I used to get some great deals at shows but haven't seen a bargain for quite awhile. Few years ago I bought a Colt diamondback .38 for $375, a NIB rem 700 stainless .330WM for $300.

[LHRGunslinger]

Going to gun shows is like heading to the thrift shops, garage sales and flea markets. I went to a thrift shop a while back and found a good copy of Final Fantasy VII (claimed by some to be the best video game ever) for $3. I can handily turn that around and sell it for $50. Alot of times you'll find somethings overpriced or just a peice of junk.

The key to finding good deals at gun shows is to stick to what you know, and to maintain a poker face.

[danprkr]

Killer deals are and always have been few and far between everywhere. That's why they're considered killer deals. So, it's a numbers game. The more deals you look at the more often you find the killer deal. At a show you can look at a huge number of deals in a short amount of time. Even if you don't find the killer deal at the gun show you are that much closer to finding it over all.

Heck, I've been selling lately, and I can tell you some of my buyers have made killer deals with me simply because I need the $$$. They're happy to have a good deal on a gun they want, and I'm happy because I get to pay my bills while recovering from surgery. Win-Win

[harmonic]

Since the internet, I'll be honest, I rarely attend gun shows anymore. The last one I attended, I attended in order to try to find individuals selling what I want. But that was some time ago.

[stchman]

My take on gun shows.

People think their guns are diamond studded, gold plated, rare, etc.

I was wanting to buy a WASR 10/63 and the prices were like $650. I offered one guy $400(what I can get them for) and he appeared insulted. I said AIM, and other sites offer them for $375. He said I cannot get a WASR for that price. Guess what, I got a WASR for that price.

Another guy had a Mini-14 stock for $1400. I guess they will bury him with that rifle.

Sometimes you can get a decent deal on ammo. The gun show idiots still think .380ACP is $35 a box when Cabela's sells it for 1/2 that. Don't tell them that though.

Ok, accessories, cleaning kits, cleaning supplies, brushes, patches, etc.

I figure that idiots overprice to get a decent price when dickered down. No some don't dicker at all.

I think a lot of those vendors just pack it all up and show up for the next show.

I go to gun shows for the FTF stuff.

[TNT in Round Rock]

I can't remember the exact quote but in another gunshow thread someone described a vendor saying "are you selling that piece of junk or did you buy that fine weapon here"??? :):)

I go to look, maybe find something I can't live without. If I leave empty handed I'm not upset.

[rmfnla]

KR,, you been hanging out at too many shows,,,didn't see yu at the last KW show,,I cleaned up there,,out of money by noon!
You didn't clean up, you got cleaned out!

[The_Pretender]

The show isn't a scam. Some of the people are idiots. Some are *** holes. Some are genuine dealers.

I've had several great deals at the shows, and seen many more. I've also laughed at the price of other things, and hoped none would succumb to it. Ever notice how the guy on the other side of the table always knows more about it than we do? At a show in Louisville, there was one vendor with a beautiful Winchester M1 Carbine with 3 mags for $750. We walked along, and this other guy has one, no where near as good and says "I like how you boys look. $1800." It never gets old.

I don't care what they price things for. I know what I want and what it's worth, and I keep looking until I find it.

Don't go to one expecting a deal. Just keep an eye out and let the deal find you.

How many here would pay $425 right now for a beautiful 686 no dash with perfect wooden grips?

A guy in front of me was holding it, and said he would have to think about it. I was literally screaming in my head "PUT IT DOWN PUT IT DOWN!!!!" And after he did, I picked it right up and handed over the cash.

[content]

Hello friends and neighbors // It definately pays to do your home work before you enter.

I have a memory card for my digital camera that is dedicated to firearm info.

Just take a picture of the web page on the computer screen and Date of Manuf...Book prices...Gun Broker/Buds guns prices...barrel codes, are all instantly accessible. I also keep priceing books in the truck for unique/older firearm info.
It helps keep everyone honest.

Most GS prices are better than or close to local store price on new firearms. You have to watch the ammo prices carefully but GS are the best place to get tuna cans of milsurp ammo. I always make two trips around to compare prices before buying anything, different sellers are fond of different items and the price reflects this.

There are the guys selling a Marlin 39A like it is the last one on earth and every other sentence begins with because Marlin closed down.(unture propaganda)

I have seen venders selling "recycled" LEO shotgun shells also. These need to be checked for bulges due to bouncing up and down under pressure from the mag tube spring.

I try to keep things light and fun, most of the vendors do too. The good ones know they might see you again at the next show and will work with you on price.

Still ---it is a buyer beware world ---so it is up to you to do your homework or pay the price.

[jeepguy]

as previous poster said you have to know what you are looking at. i have also found that i will find dealers that i goto for certain firearms. there is one guy i goto for sigs. another guy i goto for fair priced various new & used firearms. i bought an m1a ss loaded for 1150 back in febuary. then i bought a new kimber stainless pro carry .45 1911 w/night sights for $850 from him. which is why i like going to the same shows. also you will always find people walking around selling firearms which can be hit or miss as far as price goes. best of all you get to look at all that eye candy, from .22's to .50 caliber rifles.

[Shazbat]

Been to four of them, found great deals at two, nothing exciting at two.

Still, an afternoon looking at firearms I wouldn't call wasted :P

[oldbear]

It has been years since I have found any good deals at a gun shows. I have friends who look for reloading supplies and surplus parts at the shows and usually find good deals.

I do also enjoy seeing all the nutt jobs.

I no longer enjoy seeing all the nut jobs,:eek: so I no longer attend gun shows.

[Tallinar]

I see the occasional deal at gun shows, but mostly it's just a decent place to get reloading components.

[22-rimfire]

Everyone is the "expert" these days on gun values. I don't know of another comodity that has the amount of information available to value things than firearms. Many dealers today will sell online. Ten years ago, that was not likely the case. So, a dealer may price things based on online auction prices today as opposed to years ago. Guns were purely a regional market with some things selling very easily and others that might be popular elsewhere selling very slowly. If a gun does not sell at a show, they sell it online often at a higher price. So, do you blame dealers for trying to make a buck?

I know all of my guns are gold and everything else is mostly junk. You just have to have the correct attitude at shows. :D

The best "dealers" at shows are the one or two table sellers that are often several friends who went together for a couple tables to sell their stuff. They are often not FFL dealers. There are still deals around, but you are not likely to get big deals on common new firearms from dealers who sell new stuff almost exclusively. I go to a regular gunshop for those purchases.

Knowing a little about a dealer's operation also helps point you in the direction of the better dealers who are likely to have what you want at a fair price.

Prices I scoffed at several years ago, are now good prices. Keep that in mind when you shop for firearms at shows. Know your firearms and know appropriate pricing. Otherwise you may well think that many of the dealers have overpriced firearms.

[Kman]

Just a few tips,,The GS is a marketplace, buy, sell or trade, treat it as such.
Knowledge is wealth, even if the ony thing you know are SKS rifles, or Mosin Nagants, take full advantage of what you know.
Carry cash, this is no place for credit cards or checks.
Lastly,,just cause a guy has it on his table,,doesn't mean he has a clue as to what it is,,or what it's worth.

[hemiram]

My experience is if there are bargains, I have no money, and if I have money, there are no bargains. The last time I bought a gun at a show, I found one I was looking for, a Beretta 84 .380, and bought it, for a decent price, in very good condition. As I was getting ready to leave, a guy opens up his table, and he has a half dozen of them, in excellent condition, with the smooth walnut grips I wanted, and an extra mag, for about $10 more than I paid for mine with plastic grips and one mag. He sold all 6 in about 10 minutes at $350 each.

[rondog]

My poor old feet won't let me go to gun shows. All that walking really pisses them off. And our shows here are typically very crowded. I hate crowds.

Only really great deal I ever found was a 1947 Enfield No.5 Mk.1 Jungle Carbine in a pawn shop for $150. It's in excellent condition, and it's the real deal, not a modified No.4.

[LS240]

I went to a gun show on Sunday in Grand Junction, CO. Most of the prices were fair, if nothing spectacular. Most of the vendors were very nice too and I didn't have to deal with one rude person the entire show, making it a very enjoyable experience. One vendor though had absolutely outrageous prices. For example, a totally stock Saiga .223 listed for $825. Mind you another dealer had an identical example not 8 feet away for $370. This same guy also had a WASR10 for $875. That's a sub $400 rifle under any sane circumstances. I just shook my head and walked away.

[stchman]

I love it when gun show vendors tell you the reason they are charging $400 for a Mosin Nagant M44 is that YOU will not find them anymore.

I personally think some of the gun show vendors are told by their wives to get rid of some of those guns. They really don't want to and put ridiculous prices on them. They can tell the wife that they tried, but no one bought.

[Mike OTDP]

Not only that, but they can then legally justify that FFL.

Seriously, it depends on the gun show. Most gun shows in Maryland have the same dozen dealers hawking the same commonplace wares. OK if you want a 1911 or Glock...not OK if you are interested in Olympic target pistols and antique duelling pistols. Which I am.

Get the right show and there are occasionally bargains. What you really get is choice. You can pick over the rare stuff, instead of buying the one example available, no matter how poor the condition.

[Renegadewolf]

There are some really good WWII guns at gun shows for reasonable prices. I saw about five M1A1 Thompsons on the same table, M1 Garands, and M1 carbines all in the same place. the M1 garands were a little high but the rest of em were pretty good.

[essayons21]

If you go to a gunshow looking for a deal on whatever gun, caliber, or accessory is currently the hot new trend, you are setting yourself up for failure. Whatever is in vogue the dealers will jack the prices up on, knowing someone with more money than sense will bite and they can make a quick buck. After all, that is why they are there.

If you go looking for something specific, 9 times out of 10 you will leave disappointed... such is life.

However, if you go to a gun show with a broad range of items you are interested in buying, and shop for deals more than you shop for specific items, you will probably be rewarded.

[searcher451]

The thing about gun shows is that you will find plenty of examples of both: good deals and horrible deals, if not out-and-out scams designed to suck in the uninitiated. If you go to a gun show with, say, $600 in cash burning a hole in your pocket, then you'd better have some discipline -- or at least a darn good idea of what you are looking for and how much you'd willing to spend if you find it. It's also worth noting that one person's good deal is another person's scam; perspective is everything, based on what you need or want and what you are willing to pay to scratch the itch.

[Rail Driver]

I love going to the gun show for one reason: There are a lot of things that I can't get locally unless the gun show is in town. Even if the item has a markup of 20% I still end up saving money vs. shipping especially on ammo.

[hso]

I have found several great deals at gun shows over the years, but I'm usually looking for milsurp or older "collectible" firearms instead of NIB. I've also had plenty of luck picking up good deals on AKs or ARs or FALs or... at shows.

[Jefpainthorse]

Two absolutes about gun shows...

Go with a short list and cash---- you won't find anything you want.

Broke and go to browse... every thing you need or want will be at firesale prices, with multiple examples.

I go to 4 or 5 a year. I'd rater spend $12 on the odd chance I find something than blow it on a cheesburger or movie.

[Kman]

essayons21
{However, if you go to a gun show with a broad range of items you are interested in buying, and shop for deals more than you shop for specific items, you will probably be rewarded. }
Thats the truth!
There is another thread,,"whats your never buy gun?" the overpriced one...

[Kman]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kman
KR,, you been hanging out at too many shows,,,didn't see yu at the last KW show,,I cleaned up there,,out of money by noon!

rmfnla:
You didn't clean up, you got cleaned out!

LOL, yep,,and enjoyed it tremendously! Thats the idea, all I need is enough gas money to get home,,thinking back, I sold two, traded two for one and bought three. I luv a good show,,,

[fallingbird]

Lately I noticed that people walking around gunshows still sell good old guns at cheap prices so they can buy new tupperware encrusted junk guns. Thats why I still like to visit one every now and then.

[KingMedicine]

Lately. no home runs in the gun shows. Mostly assault rifles for 200 more then they should be.

[Kman]

spent 3 hrs at a very small local show this morning, took home two new toys,,CZ 52 on a table for $165-he took $150, the other was a DW 4" stainless .22, now how many stainless .22 Wesson's do ya see?? Guy was asking $300, I was going to buy it regardless, but instead was able to trade him my charter arms "undercover" .38 plus $50. I'm in the DW .22 for $250, just got back from shooting it,,nice revolver, quite accurate little piece, if it was a longer barrel I might just keep it. couple pics of the DW
BTW anybody know if the grips are original?

[commygun]

15 years ago the local gun show was awash in good deals.About the mid-90's selection started going south while prices headed north. I still go regularly but very rarely buy a firearm.

[mljdeckard]

Plenty of both.

I am a capitalist, I have no problem with anyone doing their thing to make money. A gun show is in some ways, a pure expression of capitalism, you can buy what you want, and people can see what the market will bear. At one show you will see piles of ammo priced way to high. At the next show the ammo will be in stacks priced to blowout.

Shopping at a gun show is like buying a car. If you go in not knowing ANYTHING about what you are buying, you will be at the mercy of the guy who is selling. Educate yourself. And ultimately, be ready to WALK AWAY.

[HOWARD J]

I never went to a gun show to buy guns. I was looking for & usually found parts for old rifles. Also ammo for same--like I found a box of Carcano 7.35 ammo for the old rifle.
Always something interesting to see.