[elcaminoariba]

Expensive to get in the door.

Overpriced guns.

Big crowd to fight.

Lousy selection.

If you're looking for a specific model of gun, you WON'T find it.

You'd better be looking for parts for an AR15 or forget it.

High cost of tables makes sellers raise prices.

No way to return most items if they're defective.

Tables full of non gun crap.

Nowhere to sit.

Usually I can find a silver lining, but not with gun shows anymore. Someone point out a silver lining to them cuz I can't find it.

[Nushif]

Fondling guns you don't own?
Window shopping?

I can't say I always know exactly what I want. Hells, one of my best guns is a gun I didn't even know existed until I went to a horrible gunshow, had to fight crowds, had nowhere to sit (why am I sitting at what amounts to a tradeshow again?) and had to fend of beedf jerky being thrown at me.
And I still came home with an excellent handgun somehow. 8) Am I too optimistic to be a gun owner?

[elcaminoariba]

How long ago was that lucky instance?

I can go to a gun store to fondle guns that aren't mine, ALL without standing shoulder to shoulder with, or behind tough guys showing off to their half dressed girlfriends, all crowding around a table.

[Nushif]

About .... A year ago? Probably less.

[elcaminoariba]

I envy your optimism :D

[Dr.Rob]

Window shopping and I have found a few good deals over the years.

[Alec]

<insert obligatory comment regarding cured sliced meat here>

I actually enjoy them, as there are almost none in my state now, and the local stores don't have much more than the typical.

[fletcher]

I like them as a place to see and get your hands on a large variety of guns all in one place that you likely won't find at any local gun store. They're typically a decent source for milsurps like Mosins as well.

[steveno]

you forgot trinkets , jewelry and jerky

[Zach S]

Beanie babies, deer jerky, cheap pocket knives...

Haven't been to one in years.

[Badlander]

I enjoy looking for oddball Items and the ocasional good deal. I always run into A few folks I have not seen in A while. I don't go with the intention of buying A particular item. Just as something to do. I enjoy them.

[moonpie]

guys showing off to their half dressed girlfriends, all crowding around a table.not a reason but it is one of the perks. i live in a small town an hours drive from a small city. i like being able to park in one space , go into one building, check out guns i never see at local shops or walmart, do a hands on inspection of accessories i only see online , and spend a few hours with people i happen to find interesting. i think if i get a fair deal on a gun that i wouldn't normally see then it is a bargain.

[beatledog7]

At gun shows, I look for and usually find:

- Good bulk ammo prices, esp factory reloads of common handgun rounds
- Holsters to touch, feel, and test fit before buying
- Other gun people with interesting thoughts and opinions
- Useful gadgets and gizmos that I didn't know I needed
- The occasional gem!

[Friendly, Don't Fire!]

Male bonding.
period

[Plan2Live]

You nailed in Elcaminoariba, "half dressed girlfriends"!

Seriously, I find it a great place to window shop while not feeling guilty about fondling guns, knives, lights, etc. I recently bought a great flashlight for about half the price of a similar Surefire. I never would have known about it if not for the gun show. Same goes for knives, the local stores don't have the sheer variety. I agree on the crowds and generally overpriced items but do enjoy getting to pick things up and examine them. Hard to do that over the Internet and the folks at the local gun store tend to get annoyed if you handle a bunch of stuff and don't buy anything. Just human nature. At the gun show, they know they are going to get groped. Now, about those girlfriends.....

[jmr40]

Take lots of cash. Take something along to sell or trade. Don't go looking for anything special, you won't find it at a bargain price. Look for deals on guns, then sell or trade them later at a profit to buy what you really want.

There are lots of individuals walking around at gunshows who need rent money the next AM in a bad way and will sell good guns cheap. About half the time I don't find anything I'm interested in, but some of my best guns have been bought at gunshows for a fraction of what they would have cost new. I've also sold or traded quite a few for a good bit more than I paid for them.

I helped a guy out with rent money a few years ago by buying his Colt 1911 for $250. Six years later I got $650 for it in a trade on a rifle I really wanted. Just be patient, don't get insulted easlily and learn how to play the games. There are lots of deals out there if you know where and how to look.

[Deanimator]

At least in the Cleveland area, if you want a decent selection and reasonable prices, gun shows are your ONLY choice.

Local gun store prices are typically astronomical, and selection average to poor. In the past, customer service has sometimes been miserable.

GOOD gun books? Forget ANY store in the Cleveland area, ESPECIALLY now that Borders is going out of business. I buy Collector Grade books from one vendor who goes to the Berea gun show.

[jcwit]

I would guess if you have a negative attidude going in, you'll have a negative experience coming out.

Would any one expect a gun show, car show, camper show, or spring home improvement show with no crowds? No expense to attend? Low cost tables? Do you think the facility rent if free?

As to the other items not addressed, what are you looking for that you can never find.

[Shear_stress]

The gun show was the internet of the 20th Century.

[Sav .250]

"No where to sit"............. It`s a Gun Show, move along.

"No return policy" Buyer beware!

"Cost to much to get in." What`s the cost of a movie ticket these days?
Only option. Don`t go.

"Tables full of non-gun crap".. True. Lots of really cheap knives.

" Looking for something specfic." May take more than one visit.

"over priced guns." True. But you don`t have to buy.......anything.

Don`t like Gun Shows? Stay home and catch up on your ..."honey
does!" :)

[Bojangles7]

I've been to several gun shows in the last year and have found much better deals than my LGS. YMMV

[Hanzo581]

It's seven dollars to get into the major one near me. For that I get to hold and fiddle with a wide variety or firearms and accessories local gun shops don't carry. So for me, I take the "show" part literally, and look at things but don't buy, as they are severely overpriced in most cases.

That being said there are deals to be had, $12 PMAGs out the door was the last good deal, then $6 a box PMC Bronze .223 which is two dollars less then I can get it around here.

[K0ZZZ]

It's worth every penny to go in with my wife, have her look at the guns on the table, and have the guy behind the counter say "here's a nice lightweight 2" snubby for you, the ladies like 'em" and have her counter with "But the 2" won't give you a great sight picture or maximum velocity. Besides, I shoot a Beretta Laramie now..."

[12131]

Good answers already given above. I will just add, stop whining.:neener:

[FourTeeFive]

Last month I went to a small local gun show. Sold three guns, two at very decent prices. And got a great deal on a new Sig. What's not to like?

[mmitch]

Any endeavor, when approached with a negative, defeatist attitude, will fail to satisfy.

Mike

[LibShooter]

Here's an example:

On an impulse, I decided to buy a pocket holster for a gun I had at home. The seller agreed to let me take a couple to nearby tables to see if they had a pistol like mine. I found one, checked the fit and went home with the perfect holster. I sure could not have done that at Gander Mountain, most mom and pop stores or the internet.

Also, i kind of like some of the half dressed girlfriends.

[montanaoffroader]

I've found a few good deals at our local gun show. For example, last year's show I picked up a Single Six in good shape, just a few little dings on the bottom of the grip frame, and a Bianchi holster to fit. All for $200 OTD. Try getting that deal from your LGS. It won't happen around here.

I've picked up some decent deals over the years, and I've also seen some outrageously priced stuff as well. But no one is forcing me to buy it if I don't like the price.

Plus I really, really, like jerky :neener:

[Red Tornado]

Cajun. Alligator. Jerky.
RT

[moonpie]

like an old hooker friend told me years ago " late at night the price is right". toward the end of the show people are more willing to negotiate. i've had some satisfying negotiations by being patient.

[olde-dawg]

I went to a Michigan gun show and found a Malin lever action Model 1936 that was a first year rifle, mfg. in 1936. I paid $250 which was a steal. They are okay if you get there early, just don't go at noon.

[krmgator]

Every now and again have found some good ammo deals.

Disagree on the "overpriced" aspect. Managed to get a good trade and a deal on my current Kahr. Also, there a lot of people buying so there must be some deals to be had.

Great place to find inexpensive accessories.

And oohhhh, you get to touch all those OPG's (Other peoples guns)

[El Mariachi]

We're going to our very first gun show next week in So Cal, Crossroads of the West. Unfortunately (or fortunately?) I'll only have enough spending money to buy some beef jerky......:D

[BFC]

Fun way to spend an afternoon for 7$. May get lucky and find something, if not I get to handle guns and BS with like minded folks. I usually take my scantily clad wife to gun shows, girlfriend doesn't care for guns......:evil:

[oldbear]

Gun shows, with the exception of the big collectors shows, have been a big let down to me for many years now. Limited selection, sky high prices and all to often surely dealers. Yet I still manage to get together every with the buds every 12 -18 months and attend one show. It's a good way to people watch, get some over priced guy food, and spend an afternoon with the guys. Other than cleaning supplies I usually don't find much to buy.

[Steel Talon]

catch your deals in the parking lot.....:cool:

[we are not amused]

If you don't like them, don't go! I enjoy them, I picked up 5 boxes of 30-40 Krag factory ammo a couple of years ago for $20 a box! do you know what its going for now-if you can find any?:D
I enjoy fondleing the guns, there is a bigger variety than any gun store I have ever been to.:cool:
Plus most of the ammo I buy is either at a Gun Show, or from the contacts made with a reloader in the area.

Plus the Half dressed girlfriends, and the beef jerky ain't half bad.;)

[we are not amused]

I forgot to add, that about a third of the guns I own were bought at Gun Shows, and I was happy with all of them.:)

[FourTeeFive]

I've picked up some decent deals over the years, and I've also seen some outrageously priced stuff as well. But no one is forcing me to buy it if I don't like the price.

Exactly. Some prices are laughable, some are great. The buyers seemed to be in a bit of a feeding frenzy at the last show I attended. I walked in with a pistol in a blue Sig box and had guys walking up to me immediately. I sold it for a good price and then bought another Sig at a dealer. Ended up paying $590 for a NIB new-production Sig P225 "Polizei" with three magazines. That is a very good price, yet the same dealer had some very overpriced guns. Who knows; I just paid my money and walked away happy.

[Hawthorne2k]

I build websites on the side in exchange for goods and services. Gun shows are GREAT for finding clients.

[wally]

Depends on where you are and who runs the shows.

We have great gun shows here, pretty much one a month. I rarely buy guns on-line as I can almost always meet or beat on-line prices at local gun shows and I get to inspect what I'm buying first.

Of course lots of bad deals are out there if you haven't done your homework.

You'd better be looking for parts for an AR15 or forget it.

At shows here, parts for guns are pretty much hit and miss except for US military guns with surplus parts. But in general for gun parts, nothing beats Brownell's. I've lucked into some parts at gun shows, but I'd never have that as my only reason for going.

[k-frame]

Here's what you do the next time: 1) You and a couple of buddies buy a table to display a few items you would like to sell or trade; 2) setup on Friday(which in our area the event is only open to exhibitors); and 3) visit with the other exhibitors and do your buying and selling BEFORE Joe Public has a chance. NO crowds, and the BEST deals on just about everything.

Sounds like a good idea. In Georgia the Eastman folks seem to be asking only $70 per table. If you have enough goods to make it worth your while that seems like a very reasonable price for a single table. I'm assuming you are already a licensed dealer, else how do you handle the background check?

[Vonderek]

To kill a few hours and it's cheaper (and less rage-provoking) than going with your spouse to the mall.

[RDCL]

I absolutely love gun shows. They're just fun period! Being surrounded with folks having a common interest....and the huge crowd only re-enforces in my mind how many of us there are (gun enthusiast).......and that's a good thing brothers.

Four words: Blued steel and walnut.

......Gun shows are the last of places where there is a LOT of that. As far as prices go at least here in Ohio I have seen some great deals on the older out-of-production guns that I usually prefer.......and sometimes NOT so great deals. At the last show I went to my brother-in-law picked up a Ruger MkII pistol in exellent condition for $300.00. Not a bad deal. Not bad at all.

At the very least......think of it as a fair.....even if you are not buying anything that day......of gun folks showing off their toys....."Gun-Porn" as the saying goes, in the same way we love looking at pics in the forums.:)


I cannot imagine a world without gun shows......and IF they ever disappear I'd be very depressed about it.

[The Lone Haranguer]

Usually I can find a silver lining, but not with gun shows anymore. Someone point out a silver lining to them cuz I can't find it.
So when is your next one? :p

[daorhgih]

VERY good prices on unopened case-lots of factory-fresh ammo, ALL sizes;
" " " " re-loaded, AND Good leads to guys who make the customs;
Patience & Planning: I had a slow-moving pistol, but nice, and I went to all the
holster tables, trying-on for size. The gun sold to the table-tender, for MY
price, because I happened to show it to the right guy at the right time.
Most money comes in to shop, early on the first day;
I can make mental-notes of things that interest me, just by listening;
I can pit one table against another, and come closer to what I want to pay;
"-- The occasional gem! --" YES! If I can, I go to the first and last day of the
show. "Asking price" and "selling price" vary vastly. I found a .45 ACP
Randall Raider, NIB, three R-R mags., with authentication letter for $850, at
the last ONE hour of the show. Asking price had been $1250.
Don't have Über-gun-knowledge-attitude and still expect to be treated well.
Don't ruin any sale by mouthing off. You may get followed to your vehicle!
ALWAYS ask for a sweeter deal, even after the deal is almost sealed. Dealers
do, and they have a lot more head-room back at their shop, than shows on
the tables.
Roll up your wad with the $100-s on the top.

[Shienhausser]

Besides the shooting range , they are the second choice I'd be motivated to leave the house for.

[Batty67]

Buying ammunition in bulk quantities at good or better prices, especially obsucre ammunition calibers, like my .30 carbine. No S&H, usually no taxes, the savings easily pay for the admission cost.

Great chance to fondle guns and see a large selection of holsters, etc.

[sansone]

for many years I went to every gun show within 30-40 miles of my home.
Then the prices were no longer a bargain,
so I continued going just for window shopping,
Then the LE started trolling the parking lots,
finally the entry fees got absurdly high...
I go no more

[Dr_B]

I have been to several in northern Idaho in the last year. Every one of them had table after table of WWII rifles and one or two tables with overpriced revolvers. That's about it.

[TacoMalo]

If you buy ammo in bulk you can save on shipping costs but other than that it's people watching with a side of halfway decent jerky and the slightest smell of ozone from all the bug zappers/stun guns being fired off every 5 seconds. :)

[Deltaboy]

Spending time with my daughter.
Getting some hard to sharpen SS knives back Razor sharp.
Getting a good deal on a knife, ammo or goodie.
Once ever 2-5 years getting a great deal on a gun.

[Rail Driver]

I like the beef jerky, the free knife sharpening (for the cheap knife you just bought at the table two rows over), and the amusing stories overheard being told by sellers of "George Washington's personal 1911" and at least 3 people trying to sell "brand new WWII .45 pistols" that are rollmarked series 80 :P

[parisite]

Gunbroker.com is my 24/7 gun show.

[Daveboone]

It was six dollars last fall to get into the local gun show in CNY. Certainly reasonable. If your worried about sitting, stay at the computer. I like the opportunity to compare prices (I have never had problems finding good deals on what I wanted, after shopping around- sure, some dealers are more expensive- its capitalism in action. dont buy from them). I enjoy looking at the antique and collectable arms, and the surplus arms on the market.

[parsimonious_instead]

Sometimes my experiences with guns are as much about atmosphere as they are about substance.
Gun shows are about a 90/10 mix of that for me.
Nothing wrong with 'em, and even in lower NY State I often find ammo at decent deals, sometimes...

[ball3006]

Lightening your wallet........................................chris3

[SimplyChad]

Practicing you 2nd amendment right with other like minds while you still can. Anyone?

[SimplyChad]

O and raffles ;)friend picked up a new XD for a dollar ticket

[orionengnr]

Geeze, in all my years I've never been to a bad gun show...CT, FL, TN, CA, IL, TX. Some are better than others...

These days, I view the $7 entry fee as cheap compared to a movie I didn't want to see anyway. And giving that $10 to Hollywood so they can continue to spout anti-2A values? No thank you.

At a gun show I am among people of a like mind (for the most part). Some of the vendors are crooks, but most are merely optimists. :)

Recently, there are very few times when I walk out empty handed, although it's been a while since I bought a gun at a gun show. That is not necessarily a function of no deals...mostly a fuction of limited funds on my part.

I spend my money on primers, powder, gun parts/accessories, reloading accesories, occasionally loaded ammo...

I have two on the schedule for the next two weekends. :)

[Jesse Heywood]

Most of my time at guns shows is spent talking to old friends. That, alone, is worth the price of admission. I have bought guns and accessories at shows, I have also gone home empty-handed and found what I was looking for on the net. I have also worked tables, many times I will help out a friend in exchange for a badge allowing me to get in free.

I look at it like this. The price of admission might seem high, but that is usually dictated by the price paid to rent the arena. The same for the table rental. If you don' t like it, use your feet. If you consider a gun price too high, use your feet. If you buy something, get a receipt or business card. You might have to wait for the next show for the dealer to make things right. If you don't want to do business that way, use your feet. And if you are simply trolling on an Internet forum to get people upset, use your feet and don't come back.

[kimbershot]

last show i went to was almost 2 yrs. ago. total waste of time, money and gas as it was a replay of the 2-3 shows i had been to previously. best thing about going to these shows is that it gives me a chance to stop at a gun shop on the way home that is usually out of the way. i have made several purchases at the store, the first being a seecamp 32 that i bought at list (gun show wanted +$100!. i also found a "used", unfired dan wesson valor for 1k and bought it.:rolleyes:

[elcaminoariba]

"- Other gun people with interesting thoughts and opinions"

I thoroughly enjoyed this one :D and btw, THR is much moar efficient at this ;)

[Krispy]

Gun shows provide a valuable outlet to the general AMERICAN public.
As a older American I can remember when there was only the LGS and
K-mart to buy a firearm...Today's firearm selection is vastly superior to
what what available years ago .All firearms have elevated prices,but I
remember many years ago when the gun shows were invaded by a lot of cheap inports...The shows were filled with unsavory characters buying cheap handguns...The local press had a fieldday with people who
had purchased a handgun for less than a $100 bucks...Tayoday's GS do a
good job of providing quality products at a reasonable price to the
general AMERICAN public..Support your local gun show or it might
disappear..
PS....i'am neither a vendor ,seller or anyway connected to gunshows..

[ms6852]

I got this for $800 instead of $1200.
http://springfield-armory.com/armory.php?model=8
http://www.galleryofguns.com/genie/default.aspx?item=PX9152LP

[Magic_Man]

Nothing anymore IMO. Everything is overpriced & the selection is terrible & it cost me $ to get in. If they were free I might go again.

[BearGriz]

I was at one over the weekend and I saw a fun 4-point metal target that "jumps" when you shoot it (like a spinner, but it moves around).

I didn't buy it, but might at the next one. At the least I found out about a product that hadn't shown up on my radar (I like to visit the LGS and surf forums like this). I can buy it when I feel like it, and research it in the meantime.

Oh, and +1 on the male bonding, my nephew was in heaven!

I'd have to say though...those glass sculptures and fugly ceramics were way overpriced...I can find better targets for a lot less!

[Lex Luthier]

We have a couple of shows a year in the Twin Cities that are only a disappointment if you want them to be. Attitude is everything, and one always has the option of staying home.

The big one in the fall at the state fairgrounds has so many vendors it almost takes both Saturday and Sunday to see it all. Often, there is an amazing array of German WW2 collectibles and other militaria. I found my D-Day paratrooper uniform at a show like that. I intend to take some stuff to trade to the next one, and maybe make some new friends.

For you guys who have blinders on for a bargain, stay online and make more room in the aisles for us who love to look and maybe make the right connection of man and metal.

[ZombieKiller57]

I find better deals at gun shows than I do locally. Most the time I don't know what I want until I see it. Then using Red Laser App on my iPhone I check competitive prices and then begin to negotiate. I don't think I have overpaid yet

[Gunnerboy]

Gun shows are where i got several amazing deals like a remington berthier for $70 and a ww2 italian m38 carcano with 30rnds and 2 clips for $50 and both were in good to very good NRA.

[basicblur]

Only been to about three, as I was unimpressed.
First one I spent more time looking at the old WWII German/Nazi stuff-kinda like a stroll down history lane.
Second one-can't remember a darn thing about it (so you know that was a bust).
Third one-only reason I went was a newbie shooter was looking for someone to go with him (and split gas expense)-best thing about it was the hot dogs (they always smell/taste better at events) and time spent chewing the fat ('bout guns/politics) around the table with some out-of-towners that were attending since the local NASCAR race was rained out.

I'm just funnin' a little bit-for some reason, at the last show just about every table I visited seemed to have a 'loss leader'? It was so prevalent, I was wonderin' if there was some organized communication urging vendors to have a good buy on at least ONE item!?

I remember buying some ZOOM Snap Caps, loaded up on the latest version 30-rd PMAGs ($11 each), and a few other trinkets the local gun shop tends not to carry-all at as good or better prices than I could get elsewhere, 'specially taking shipping into account for small items.

Fergot to mention-never much luck pricing modern guns, but we're blessed with a local 'no haggle' dealer that has the best prices I've seen.
Matter of fact, the newbie that dragged me to the last show was underwhelmed, and wanted to stop at the local shop on the way home. The local shopowner said he jest loves it when a show comes to the area, as his shop business really spikes!

[murdoc rose]

I don't like the entry fees and it cost way too much to set up a table so I don't go unless its free entry and I have nothing better to do. As far as prices go its the same everywhere. Most guns may be overpriced but a lot of the time that's just sticker price.

[FourTeeFive]

Half-dressed girlfriends
Beef jerky samples
Free knife sharpening

I seem to be missing all of these things at the Washington state gun shows. Do they really exist or am I so wrapped up in looking at the guns that I miss the other stuff?

[CapnMac]

Back in my day (before poverty and foreclosure) shows were all about milsurp.

No other place would have tables of milsurp parts and people trying to sort out which trigger guard they wanted v. have.

You always, always, always wear good walking shoes to a show.

That being said, I have known enough dealers that I always seemed to wind up behind a table while they did all the things they couldn't trapped there.

Even been some shows where I wound up with a table for myself. Such is life.

[19&41]

The food, jewelry, home security and gizmo dealers are the "commercials" of a gun show, and there are usually fewer than those presented on say, an episode of "Top Shot".

[fallingbird]

First gun show I ever went to (35 yrs ago) I bought a US marked Cavalry SAA for $375.
Been hooked ever since, hoping for another home run.

[oneounceload]

The ONLY I go is to look for something specific - and NOT something mainstream like everyone's AR, 1911, Glock, etc....... - there won't be deals on that stuff - but go looking for a nice Euro SxS, possibly a collector Luger, or something else, and there is usually a few, even at reasonable prices.

[sm]

Beef Jerky.

[ChileRelleno]

I go to Gun Shows for...

Looking at guns.
Fondling guns.
Talking guns.
Laughing at the incredible amount of bull**** I hear thrown about.
Catching the rare good deal.
Looking at the mountains of misc crud.
Fondling random pieces of whatever catches my eye.
Haggling price on whatever misc what-not catches my eye.
People watching... I love crowds for this purpose.
Running into people I haven't seen in awhile.
The food, surprisingly, the folks who run the concession at our local gun shows put out some good eats.
Raffles.

[Lakeshore]

For me gun shows are mostly good for entertainment. I rarely tire of looking @ guns and there's always the posibility that I'll find something interesting to buy. If nothing else I'll usually bring home some ammo or an extra mag or some cleaning supplies.

The shows I attend all have free parking and the price of admission is generally less than a movie ticket.

[woodsong]

But -- when you do happen upon that super find and scoop it up before anyone else does ... and then 3 people try to buy it from you before you can get out of the door with it ... then it all becomes worthwhile!

[Amb]

Loopholes.

Can't find better ones than at the gun show.

In fact, now that i think about it, I need to go to the next gun show that's coming to town to pick up a box or two.

[thefamcnaj]

The last gun show I attended was a huge let down and it was my sons first and I thought he'd be blown away. He was by the sniper rifles but that was it. Everything there he's seen in box stores and the local gun shop. I found a good holster and that was it. There was a huge knife booth across the auditorium that caught my eye but when I got to it, it was a "made in China" supestore of 5 dollar knives.
The high point of the day was fondling a S&W E series 1911 that wasnt for sale :(

[bubbiesdad]

Beanie babies, deer jerky, cheap pocket knives...

Haven't been to one in years.
kettle korn, aluminum siding

[Texas Gun Person]

Lousy selection?


You just need bigger gun shows in your area. :)

[Arkansas Paul]

I've been guilty of griping about gun shows as well, but I've had positive experiences the last few times. Got a lot of reloading gear last year for a good price. Went to one a couple weeks ago with a shotgun to sell. Didn't have any luck getting rid of it, but I saw some good deals on things I liked. Unfortunately, I would have had to sell the shotty to take advantage of them. That's not the show's fault though. The deals were there, you just had to wade through a little BS to get to them.

[Ignition Override]

They can be a meeting place for buddies who live about 45 min. away, who are otherwise seldom seen.
Some sellers have no social skills, but others will surprise you when they are (also) addressed in a civil manner.

Despite the small shows in this area, at a show you can handle a gun which is seldom or never seen in shops here, especially many milsurp types from WW1-1960s.
Many people prefer to trust what are often insufficient photos and very brief or deceptive descriptions on 'GB'. This is surprising. Lots of shoppers don't seem to be aware of shipping and FFL costs.

The guys who drink late on Friday or Saturday and appear at gun shows in the afternoon have milsurps which can be in really good condition.
A slight problem is that one buddy who often rents a table has an extremely practiced and highly-developed power of observation, goes outside for a 'puff' and spots the better deals first, before they make it past the door.

[wacki]

Expensive to get in the door.

True, but the Indy1500 is huge. I'm happy to pay for the window shopping rights.

Overpriced guns.

Sometimes yes, but I've found some of the best deals at gun shows.

Big crowd to fight.

Complain much?

Lousy selection.

Better than any of the gun shops I know of.

If you're looking for a specific model of gun, you WON'T find it.

I bought a 10/22, AR15, SP101 3" & FNP40 at a gun show and had no problems finding one.

You'd better be looking for parts for an AR15 or forget it.

??????

What gun show do you go to?

High cost of tables makes sellers raise prices.

Cheaper than my local skeet & trap range.

No way to return most items if they're defective.

I returned a AR15 upper. Guy just inspected it (to make sure it was never shot) and allowed me to swap out a M4 for a mid-length. I did it 6 months after purchasing it too.

Tables full of non gun crap.

Alligator and buffalo jerky..... yummy.

Nowhere to sit.

They don't have a cafeteria at your gun show? Well then just get stamped and sit in your car.

Usually I can find a silver lining, but not with gun shows anymore. Someone point out a silver lining to them cuz I can't find it.

I've gone to the Indy1500 probably 20 times and I spot something I never knew existed every time I go. Last time it was a heavy duty magnesium fire starter (which I bought), time before that it was a 12 gauge shotgun shell drum for the AK47/Saiga. Time before that it was Busse knives. Time before that it was high performance upgrades and stocks for my Ruger 10/22. Time before that it was explosive bullets (which are apparently legal in Indiana). I can go on and on and on....

[marv]

I've been going to gun shows since I got home from the Army in '55.Still go to 5-6 a year. Sometimes all I buy is a bad hamburger, sometimes I find the gun I just can't live without. I figure I've spent enough on admission thru the years to pay for a pretty decent car.

[tackstrp]

sell guns, consignment fees around ther run about 20%. and more than once guns left on consigment got back with somethng broken. once fireing pin, once slide cracked, anothing time bent magizine lip. And the final straw left gun and 2500 rounds of 223 ammo. 350 rounds were stolen. Not always same gun shop.

[HammerheadSSN663]

Its where I go to buy all my lamps made of sea shells, medieval broadsword replicates, confederate themed bumber stickers, stale hotdog, nazi helmets, fake Colt .45 mags, and 5-10% over retail handguns.

[Hossfly68]

Why son, you won't find mags for that pistol anywhere cheaper than these $45 dollar ones I'm sellin'!

He even told me they were new and I could SEE the powder residue on the follower! Came home and ordered one for $25 that night from Midway! There were some real Daisy Duke type cuties there though. I was somewhat surprised the wife didn't hear my neck muscles stretching. I'm still somewhat confused by one guy I met though. He had a bunch of Isreali built guns on his table. I picked up one that looked like a CZ, i'm thinking it was a Jericho. He didn't want to sell it too bad I guess. Told me how the Isrealis only make junk. Strange sales technique isn't it?
Should I have bought some beef (turkey/chicken/deer/alligator/raccoon/possum/veggie) jerky?

[kozak6]

Definitely. Or maybe some Chinese junk knives. Gun shows seem to have a lot of those to go around.

A lot of vintage slipjoints, too. I find that surprising.

[RichBMW]

Gun shows in Tampa are a waste of time. Crowded, no bargains, $6 parking, $8 admission. Ammo is cheaper at Walmart.
I'd rather stay home and mow the lawn.

[skoro]

Usually I can find a silver lining, but not with gun shows anymore. Someone point out a silver lining to them cuz I can't find it.

Complete agreement. I went to my last gunshow three years ago. Someone else can pay to see velvet paintings, wire and glass bead "jewelry", and rusty milsurps.

They won't get into my pocket any more.

[Patriotme]

I hear a lot of talk about how bad gunshows are but I've always had a lot of luck in my area. I usually save $20-$40 on a gun by buying it at the show instead of a LGS. There's the chance to handle a lot of guns that I wouldn't normally think about and the NRA is usually there so I can sign up with a $10 discount and a free ticket for the show.
Yes, there's a lot of crap, beef jerkey and hokey stuff sold at the show but if you know what you want beforehand there are deals to be found.
I still deal with all of the LGS but I'll be honest. Most have really irked me with lousy customer service and destroyed a lot of the loyalty that I would have for a local business. I guess I buy half of my guns at the gunshows and I've gotten decent deals on ammo there.
I guess there's a huge difference in the shows depending on your area.

[FourTeeFive]

There were some real Daisy Duke type cuties there though.

I think I need to take a trip to Mobile for a gun show!

I'm still somewhat confused by one guy I met though. He had a bunch of Isreali built guns on his table. I picked up one that looked like a CZ, i'm thinking it was a Jericho. He didn't want to sell it too bad I guess. Told me how the Isrealis only make junk. Strange sales technique isn't it?

Did he have any of the "junk" Galil rifles to sell? You do meet some strange people at gun shows...

[rugerman]

Used to enjoy them, now I rarely go unless I need reloading supplies (local supply is way over priced and usually out). But the last time I went there was too much BS for my taste and there were very few reloading supplies and the ones there were as high as the lgs or higher, and they were selling wall hangers for the price of rare collectable guns. I may go again but it will be a while.

[chrt396]

They have gun shows in the Tampa Bay area it seems every other moth. I guess a lot of vendors are hung with tons of AR parts and are trying to move them at these shows! I guess AR sales have been severely down the past year and they have all these accessories and parts and no one to buy them. I walk right past those tables.
I go for a few reasons.
1. I like soft pretzels with lots of salt..and they have them
2. I pick up some reloading supplies at a reduced price. For example,,,I buy a box of CCI LP primers for $28 instead of $38 that the local guy is selling them for. Lead bullets for a box of 500 cost $35 at the show..and $56 locally. There are several examples of these price differences on reloading equipment and supplies.
3. I pick up targets, cleaning brushes and an occasional ammo can pretty cheaply. OOHH...I picked up a metallic S&W garagr sign one time.

That's about it! Gun prices are too high at the show..and I'd rather buy a gun from a local dealer if I can. 9 out of 10 times, I have bought locally at a lower price than Buds or Gun Broker.

I did go to a show last month where I paid $8 to park..$8 to get in...that kind of tweaked me a little. Kind of took away from the savings I had on my supplies!

I go to them in the hopes and dreams, that I MAY be wowed by a deal. It has not happened yet..but i dream!

[FourTeeFive]

The local one I think was $7 with free parking. I don't remember seeing any free food samples.

As I mentioned before I was really surprised at the variance of gun prices. I'm not an expert but I spend a lot of time looking at used guns in person and online, and sometimes buying them, and have a general idea of what things are worth. But the gun show prices are all over the map. Some things WAY overpriced but the occasional bargain. The Sig P225 Polizei I bought there was for about $100 less than I've ever seen a similar model, and I didn't have to pay shipping and transfer costs. And they're not all that easy to find, at least not around here. The dealer mentioned he was selling it on consignment but it was new. Who knows. Right place at the right time for me!

[kozak6]

The last time I went, there were a ton of cheap Swedish Mausers in great shape. I thought that was kind of interesting.

[FourTeeFive]

The last time I went, there were a ton of cheap Swedish Mausers in great shape. I thought that was kind of interesting.

Milsurp guns come in waves. Enfields used to be like that. Although not in great shape!

[kozak6]

Nah, it was many years after a wave. That's why it was interesting.

[kimberkid]

I enjoy looking for oddball Items and the ocasional good deal. I always run into A few folks I have not seen in A while. I don't go with the intention of buying A particular item. Just as something to do. I enjoy them.
+1
For me its more of a social gathering I always run into aquaintances from work, from the range, from church ... and some I never even knew were "gun people".

I rarely go looking for anything other than ammo and I usually take something to walk around with that hasn't been to the range in a couple years ... sometimes I sell or trade it but usually not.

[valnar]

I go for the show aspect but rarely buy anything. It seems like the same old junk every time, coupled with brand new stuff.

Here are the tables I usually see (minus the cheap knives and trinkets of course)


Legit dealer selling new guns. All overpriced
Old war relics banged up and not worth anything. Usually cheap.
Occasional nice collectable gun, but the seller KNOWS it and prices it high. I saw an Uzi for $2000 last time I went.


I can never find the rare or desirable nugget for a good price. I have better luck with Gunbroker.

[JoeMal]

Gun shows are for killing time and occasionally finding a good deal. Last one I went to I got a great deal on a NIB Ruger MKIII

I also saw a rusty hunk of junk (Literally, it was shaped like a gun but was covered in what looked to be a .25" of rust. Was a revolver) that looked like it had been sitting at the bottom of the ocean for 100 years, and they were asking $10,000 for it. Sure, it may have some history to it, but how the hell would you know?

[MikeNice]

I have found that the quality of the show varies with the promoter. I can just never remember who promoted the last good one.

The variety is never that great though. I don't remember ever seeing a CZ at the gun show in Raleigh. I don't remember running across any EAA or Stoeger guns either. It seems like everything is Kel Tec, Sig, Taurus, S&W, Glock, Walther, and SA. There is the occasional Cobra, SCCY, or ATI. Plus at least one table coverred in Jiminez .380s.

I still go though because it is a gun show and I am drawn like a moth.

[McClarkus]

Just for fun - entertainment. I occasionly buy a lottery ticket just for the week long daydream, not because I think it is an especially wise investment.

[jmace57]

Benefit - People watcing of some of the strangest people you'll ever see.

[wacki]

Just came back from the Indy1500. This is what I bought:


38 special ammo for less than 1/2 of what walmart was selling it for.
1,000 rounds of 5.56 for a tad less than aimsurplus and I didn't have to pay shipping.
A really nice gun mat with AR15 blown up schematic diagram on it
A bunch of steel targets that are way way way better quality than anything sold by Walmart or Gander Mountain. I highly recommend these: http://bobcatsteel.com/


Almost bought a Security Six but it was a little too scratched up for my tastes.

There was a bunch of other stuff I wanted to buy as well. It was probably my 15th time at the Indy 1500 and I saw stuff I hadn't seen before.

[P5 Guy]

Hours of entertainment, meeting friends, maybe finding some parts, handloading stuff and the jerky!
What more could one ask for, besides smoking gun deals?

[jdr3366]

I live in a relatively small city, Asheville. I look forward to the gun shows every 6 months.
Ammo is cheaper than anyplace else.
Bought a pistol (Bersa Thunder 380) for $250, a reasonable price for the one I wanted.
Went to the next booth and bought an extra magazine for the Bersa
Got ear plugs fitted to my ears.
Try out lots of holsters.
Handle some pistols that I've read about.
Hoppy's #9 is $2 cheaper.

[CharlesT]

I go to guns shows for two reasons:

To socialize with other people that share my interests

and, more importantly...

CHEAP MREs I can get 3 MREs for $10. :)

[Aiko492]

Fun to take the kids to. Got a beautiful Ruger 10 22 @ 18 yrs old w/ walnut stock and checkering for $250.

[Ignition Override]

Don't various sellers look at other guy's tables when they set up the night before, in order to price identical or similar guns at nearly identical prices?

[MikeNice]

Not if they're smart. Look at the other guy's table, then charge $15 less, and wave the credit card fees. That is how you clear your table.

[Sav .250]

My brother and Me go mainly to bond and B/S. Plus, he buys breakfast. :)

[vellocet]

The same keep-on-your toes feeling you get at ranges where you are surrounded by people you don't know with guns. Just kidding; I went to one in Tampa a few years ago, bought nothing, and never returned. In my county, close to Tampa, they do not allow gun shows.

[azmjs]

It's like a cross between a gun museum and a zoo.

[AlliedArmory]

I go to buy powder and primers. Maybe some beef jerky and various small tools. Guns are way over priced there.

[Shrinkmd]

The coolest and most unique thing I found was flower jewelry made from fired cases, being sold by the artist herself. Her site is here: http://jenuinelyjeni.com/

Very clever, and she was a good saleswoman. It's not on her website, but she had single brass flower with a colored stone in the middle, and it was my favorite. She had a funny line about that piece of jewelry "fooling the liberals" because it looks like a flower on the front, and then you flip it over and you discover it's a 44 magnum case.

Too bad they were out of pink Kalishnikitty T shirts, as the combination would have been perfect.

No beef jerky guy at the last Poconos gun show, or did I miss him? There was also some outfit selling handmade knives, which looked interesting, but I'm not much of a knife person. The endless $5 china made knives remind me of a bad 70's flea market.

[BearGriz]

What are they good for?

Well I got to see Nutnfancy and PFIdude in the flesh today at the one here in UT! :)

Yes, I say that a little tongue-in-cheek. I know many of you probably don't like their videos. Still, it was a little surreal to be talking to them.

Bought a jumping target (http://jumpingtargets.com/products/22-paddle-target), though it only cost me $15 at the show. I wonder if the additional $14.99 is shipping or if they also charge for that?

Anyway, I am excited to try it out. I did save $14.99, but spent more than that on admission and food.

Though my son loved the experience, which is priceless, I suppose.

[Nushif]

Today I scored an ammo sling, ten stripper clips and fifty rounds of .303 British for $20. 8)

I love gun shows for the atmosphere, the occasional deal and well ... Going somewhere.

[Inebriated]

I like gun shows. Get to check out guns that aren't yours, all without a guy behind the counter telling you why you should get it, you find some decent deals, have decent conversations, and I almost always can find something my local stores don't have. I don't remember the last time I went to a gun show and didn't find something.

[KAS1981]

The non-gun related stuff for sale is kind of annoying.

The last one I went to there were great prices, decent prices, and terrible prices.

Seems there's always three "types" that are easy to pick out: a) the tough guy know-it-alls with their uninterested wives/gf's, b) weirdo in fatigues, and c) crabby old men.

[KAS1981]

Don't various sellers look at other guy's tables when they set up the night before, in order to price identical or similar guns at nearly identical prices?
Evidently not. At the last one I went to there were dealers set up right next to each other, with $50-100 difference in many of their guns.

[The Sarge]

Dremel Stuff
Brushes/patches
targets
hemostats/tweezers and gunsmithing tools
magazines for many of my C&R collection
Reloading components.

[SublimeSilence]

Sorry to necro this thread but I just went to a gun show this Sunday and it was very disappointing. I've been going to this same gun show for a while and every couple months the prices get higher and higher, to the point where my LGS(which is about 20% more expensive than buying online) was cheaper than what they wanted. You could have found a deal a year ago even but now...

I feel as though guns at gun shows these days are for people who want to get ripped off on things they don't have at their LGS and yet have no idea how to use the internet.

I'm going to be going to the indy 1500 though later this month and hope for some better deals/prices. Last year when I was there I actually enjoyed it and found some deals.

[Jeffhole]

I've never bought anything at a gun show, but I've been to a few of the Tanner ones out here in Colorado. I take my wife and daughter, they always have a good time just looking so that right there is worth it for me.

[zfk55]

I remember when I was a little kid going to the guns shows with my Dad. He always had three or four tables but just to exhibit, not to sell. We always had a lot of the more exotic firearms back when he was a Class III, and it was fun to see them and show them, but there were always good deals too at the shows.

It seemed that once the actual dealers started showing up, the good deals on everything disappeared. Now it's higher than retail on most firearms and not much fun to go. We only go on the off chance there might be old Swiss rifle parts that aren't identified.