Give your GunShow report.
- Thread starter HDon
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Not this weekend, last weekend. It was packed! I was working as I usually do serving food to the guests and vendors, at great prices! We made over a $1000 of profit. The vendors sold tons of stuff; at the beginning of the show, there were tons of firearms, ammo and magazines, by the end there were few firearms, no ammo and no magazines. I got an Ishapore 2A in great shape for $200. Some prices were good, some were great, some were average and some were terrible.
Oh, the local Joe's sporting goods place is selling an Ishapore 2A in worse condition than mine for $700.
Oh, the local Joe's sporting goods place is selling an Ishapore 2A in worse condition than mine for $700.
Most prices in Montgomery Al. were not good. Some deals were to be found.
I saw a WASR - $700
But, a fellow in front of me picked up a very nice Romanian AR for $450 walking away. Good deal.
Bushy $950 on one table $1200 on another. M&P's the same way.
STAG and DOUBLESTAR stripped lowers - $269 & $279
Very nice 4" blue Ruger Speed Six - $385
A few good deals around in pistol, but a bad time for laying out cash. Picked up another USA SS 30 Round Mini 14 for $25. Bought a couple thou primers from the guy I usually buy from. Plenty of cool stuff to look at. A 2 1/2" Python that was pristine. The fellow SAID he was not going to sell it. I know I can't swing it, so who cares. A broom handle mauser with a stock and a long barrel that was really cool.
I saw a WASR - $700
But, a fellow in front of me picked up a very nice Romanian AR for $450 walking away. Good deal.
Bushy $950 on one table $1200 on another. M&P's the same way.
STAG and DOUBLESTAR stripped lowers - $269 & $279
Very nice 4" blue Ruger Speed Six - $385
A few good deals around in pistol, but a bad time for laying out cash. Picked up another USA SS 30 Round Mini 14 for $25. Bought a couple thou primers from the guy I usually buy from. Plenty of cool stuff to look at. A 2 1/2" Python that was pristine. The fellow SAID he was not going to sell it. I know I can't swing it, so who cares. A broom handle mauser with a stock and a long barrel that was really cool.
tubeshooter
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I just got back from one in central NC. It was the first time I ever remember waiting in line to get in, and my buddies said the same.
I expected higher prices, but these were more than I could bring myself to do. I wasn't really in the market for anything but maybe a beater SKS I could use for parts if needed. The going rate was about $350 for a Yugo, and about $450 for a Russian or Chinese.
Used, plain jane Remington 870s were starting at $300. You can get a new one for $239 at Dick's with their current special.
Lots of the more common ammo was either unavailable or borderline unreasonably priced. I saw a 700 round tin of x39 for $170. They also wanted $23 for a brick of Blazer .22.
No thanks - I think I'll wait for the hype to die down. Fortunately I had bought stuff earlier and wasn't in dire need of anything.
[EDIT: I feel I should mention that I have not been to a show in about 6 years or so, and am probably a bit more susceptible to "sticker shock" than someone who buys stuff often. My expectations on pricing could be a bit outdated.]
I expected higher prices, but these were more than I could bring myself to do. I wasn't really in the market for anything but maybe a beater SKS I could use for parts if needed. The going rate was about $350 for a Yugo, and about $450 for a Russian or Chinese.
Used, plain jane Remington 870s were starting at $300. You can get a new one for $239 at Dick's with their current special.
Lots of the more common ammo was either unavailable or borderline unreasonably priced. I saw a 700 round tin of x39 for $170. They also wanted $23 for a brick of Blazer .22.
No thanks - I think I'll wait for the hype to die down. Fortunately I had bought stuff earlier and wasn't in dire need of anything.
[EDIT: I feel I should mention that I have not been to a show in about 6 years or so, and am probably a bit more susceptible to "sticker shock" than someone who buys stuff often. My expectations on pricing could be a bit outdated.]
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denfoote
Member
My gunshow report is brief.
I haven't been to one in years!!
The last time I was, there was a virtual sea of red and blue bandannas!!
I haven't been to one in years!!
The last time I was, there was a virtual sea of red and blue bandannas!!
After reading all the hype on this Forum about idiotic panic buying and empty shelves, our gun show had table after table after table of hi-cap magazines, black rifles, ammo, reloading supplies, accessories and all the usual stuff. Most prices were about the same (which means gun show prices are already pumped up) and maybe 5% price increases overall, but nothing panic driven.
Lots of ammo was sold, but the whole panic-buying talk may be just a few people unwisely making a lot of loud noise.
Lots of ammo was sold, but the whole panic-buying talk may be just a few people unwisely making a lot of loud noise.
craig
Member
i probably went to my last show today.
i can now understand why some dealers go out of business.
when you look at a price tag that still has the old price readable and the new price is $100 to $400 more depending on model that tells me all i need to know about that dealer.
it seems most of the dealers at the shows i go to have never heard of the internet and how you can check prices before you go.
every now and then you can find a deal from a private seller, but the bst forums and the internet seem to be the way to go.
the one i like best is how a gun can sit at the dealer for almost 2 years and go UP in price.
i can now understand why some dealers go out of business.
when you look at a price tag that still has the old price readable and the new price is $100 to $400 more depending on model that tells me all i need to know about that dealer.
it seems most of the dealers at the shows i go to have never heard of the internet and how you can check prices before you go.
every now and then you can find a deal from a private seller, but the bst forums and the internet seem to be the way to go.
the one i like best is how a gun can sit at the dealer for almost 2 years and go UP in price.
Archie
Member
I went to a local gunshow in Glendale, PDSR California on 15th November. I bought a sleeve of primers (WSP) for $105 plus tax. That's higher than before, but they've been gradually increasing and I'm not sure if that's more than usual these days.
Found a number of interesting older pistols and revolvers. A couple of pre-64 Winchester Model 70s and one very nice pre-64 Winchester Model 94. None of the guns were outrageous either high or low, to my mind.
PDSR California doesn't allow 'assault weapons', so there are no ARs for sale and I'm not really interested anyway. One can find uppers and barrels and all the assorted doodads, but they aren't in my field.
I saw some friends, looked in vain for some more books for my library - oops, found two on Pre-Columbian American history - and found another set of Herrett grips for a K frame S&W.
Nothing real exciting, but better than mowing the lawn.
Found a number of interesting older pistols and revolvers. A couple of pre-64 Winchester Model 70s and one very nice pre-64 Winchester Model 94. None of the guns were outrageous either high or low, to my mind.
PDSR California doesn't allow 'assault weapons', so there are no ARs for sale and I'm not really interested anyway. One can find uppers and barrels and all the assorted doodads, but they aren't in my field.
I saw some friends, looked in vain for some more books for my library - oops, found two on Pre-Columbian American history - and found another set of Herrett grips for a K frame S&W.
Nothing real exciting, but better than mowing the lawn.
Not this weekend, but last, over in Jackson, Ms. There were lines waiting to get in and we got there early. Local folks said they had never seen anything like it, the place was packed 20 minutes after opening.
I did get lucky and found some 32-20 ammo I had been unable to find at home, Lousiana or Georgia, although I will admit I was not looking hard.
I did get lucky and found some 32-20 ammo I had been unable to find at home, Lousiana or Georgia, although I will admit I was not looking hard.
Frank4711
Member
Suncoast gunshow, Lakeland Fl, packed with people. Heard the fire dept closed it for a while, too many people...
Gunnerpalace
Member
Not gunshow related but Cheaper Than Dirt is charging 40 bucks for pmags.
Fat Boy
Member
Wichita; lots of people in attendance, lots of buying/selling going on, from all appearances....I got there at 9:15am, when I left at 11:15am the line waiting to get in was at least as long as it was when I arrived...
Small show in San Antonio - total crapfest. Very few well stocked gun tables. Mostly junk. Maybe about 10 EBRs with prices raises about $200-300.
Handguns prices up to that of stores like Academy. In fact, Academy had a couple of M4 ish guns for their normal prices and said they would get more. Plenty of Glocks, Berettas, SW at their regular prices which are good for stores. They had 9mm for sale - Blazer Al for $7.99 / 50.
So the show wasn't worth the entry price - not going to do that one again.
BTW, I then went to the coin show - hardly any tables or dealers - clobbered by the economy.
Handguns prices up to that of stores like Academy. In fact, Academy had a couple of M4 ish guns for their normal prices and said they would get more. Plenty of Glocks, Berettas, SW at their regular prices which are good for stores. They had 9mm for sale - Blazer Al for $7.99 / 50.
So the show wasn't worth the entry price - not going to do that one again.
BTW, I then went to the coin show - hardly any tables or dealers - clobbered by the economy.
Very long lines, big crowds, little space from what I saw. Took a good while just to get in, then waited in line at every table. The show venue should've opened up at least one additional area (the building looked to have the space available). This seems like it could've made things better for the crowd and the vendors.
Prices were at a premium. The 700 rounds tins of Hotshot were around $170. Cheapest 7.62x39 per 20 rnd box was $5.00 (most had it priced at $6 per box). WASRs cut outs were $500+ (one guy had a few single stacks for $400) Couple of Norinco underfolders were priced over a grand each. Thumb hole Bulgy's were $800. ARs were $800-$1500+ (didn't pay any attention to which manuf.). SKS's were $300 for Romanian, $450 for Russian. Most of the guns were pistols, shotguns and milsurp stuff. Centerfire rifles especially lever guns were few and far between, asking prices were generally $600+ 9x18 Wolf was $12.50 / 50. A Bulgarian Makarov was $345.
Carry ins from the public seemed pricey too. Saw a guy that had a SAR-1 that claimed it only had a little less than 1000 rnds through it wanted $1100. A fellow had an H&R SS in .44 mag, looked a little beat up and maybe shortened(?) wanted $200...I probably should've taken, but didn't need.
Left empty.
Prices were at a premium. The 700 rounds tins of Hotshot were around $170. Cheapest 7.62x39 per 20 rnd box was $5.00 (most had it priced at $6 per box). WASRs cut outs were $500+ (one guy had a few single stacks for $400) Couple of Norinco underfolders were priced over a grand each. Thumb hole Bulgy's were $800. ARs were $800-$1500+ (didn't pay any attention to which manuf.). SKS's were $300 for Romanian, $450 for Russian. Most of the guns were pistols, shotguns and milsurp stuff. Centerfire rifles especially lever guns were few and far between, asking prices were generally $600+ 9x18 Wolf was $12.50 / 50. A Bulgarian Makarov was $345.
Carry ins from the public seemed pricey too. Saw a guy that had a SAR-1 that claimed it only had a little less than 1000 rnds through it wanted $1100. A fellow had an H&R SS in .44 mag, looked a little beat up and maybe shortened(?) wanted $200...I probably should've taken, but didn't need.
Left empty.
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SLCscottie
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- 130
Gun Show at Salt Lake City:
Longest Line I have ever seen at this one. Price to get in went from $8 to $10. Most who got there early went for ammo. There was no system for who was in line for the ammo. It was almost looking like the stock market pit. I couldn't get help and two guys waiting started arguing. An hour or two later we were able to get help without a line. 7.62 X 39 Wolf Military Classic $259 plus tax for 1000 rounds. Ouch! One guy earlier in the morning had to have spent a couple thousand dollars for an assortment of ammo. I couldn't tell if he was buying for friends or just himself.
Someone later mentioned they planned for 9,000 people but got 12,000 the first day. I don't know if there is any accuracy in that.
Longest Line I have ever seen at this one. Price to get in went from $8 to $10. Most who got there early went for ammo. There was no system for who was in line for the ammo. It was almost looking like the stock market pit. I couldn't get help and two guys waiting started arguing. An hour or two later we were able to get help without a line. 7.62 X 39 Wolf Military Classic $259 plus tax for 1000 rounds. Ouch! One guy earlier in the morning had to have spent a couple thousand dollars for an assortment of ammo. I couldn't tell if he was buying for friends or just himself.
Someone later mentioned they planned for 9,000 people but got 12,000 the first day. I don't know if there is any accuracy in that.
I saw a 35 or 40 round polymer AR mag with a $100 tag on it. Ridiculous, but like I said, some folks prices were not to bad. Not all are gouging, most are just bumping them up a bit while demand is so high.
There was lots of ammo, and it was mostly priced reasonably.
There was lots of ammo, and it was mostly priced reasonably.
Mike OTDP
Member
I was at the Chantilly, VA show this weekend. Packed. ARs plentiful but expensive. AKs scarce, also expensive. Ammo was flying out the door...people were bring in hand carts. PMags were running $20, but were in good supply.
Ohio Rifleman
Member
Just got back from the gun show. It was pretty crowded, but no worse than it has been. Ammo prices weren't too outrageous, though I saw a brick of 60 rounds of 7.5x55 Swiss selling for $55. I bought a brick at another table for $20 less.
Lots of folks carrying SKSs and AKs. I didn't look too much at guns, but there didn't seem to be many EBRs. The usual Mosins and other milsurps were there, prices generally unchanged. Lots of .223 and .308 for sale.
Lots of folks carrying SKSs and AKs. I didn't look too much at guns, but there didn't seem to be many EBRs. The usual Mosins and other milsurps were there, prices generally unchanged. Lots of .223 and .308 for sale.
Rossshady120
member
thanks to **** ass obama i have to wait in line and **** is overpriced i mite as well not even go and wait the 5 days at my gun store.
Central NC today, and was a pretty poor show from my standpoint. Ammo must have all gone first thing Sat., Didn't seem to be much at all left. Saw one stripped AR Lower for $400! There were some assembled doublestar lowers at another table for $500! There were a few AR's left, but don't remember seeing any under 1k. The few AK's there were running high, $600-1400 for some Norinco. Mags all seemed high, I picked up a few Circle Kay mags for 14 a piece, gotta buy something right! PMags were pricey 20+ and AK mags about the same.
KINGMAX
Member
Raleigh - Dixie Gun & Knife Show
I went to the Raleigh - Dixie Gun & Knife Show today, as always still the same ole stuff, I spent a whole $17.00, 7 to get in, 5 for 2 GLOCK frizbees for my dog and 5 for a zipper gun rug. Everything else was over priced. NOT TOO GOOD
I went to the Raleigh - Dixie Gun & Knife Show today, as always still the same ole stuff, I spent a whole $17.00, 7 to get in, 5 for 2 GLOCK frizbees for my dog and 5 for a zipper gun rug. Everything else was over priced. NOT TOO GOOD
I have given up on the Austin Gun Show. Even before the election prices were on the high side. The election has not helped. Only about three vendors had decent prices with not much of a selection. The entire event gave me the feeling of being in a giant pawn shop that only had reject guns at higher than new prices. An example; a much mis-treated Vangard for $595, this included rust and stripped out scope threads. I stopped by a big box store on the way home and picked up a new one with a Pentax scope and a box of ammo for $550 out the door.
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