Unsure of the rest of the Country, but for Montana, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming; shows are NOT the place to buy a currently produced firearm. Go to your LGS or online for that.
Shows are for out of production guns and collector items, parts and small accessories. Reloading supplies, bullet molds, alloy, holsters, sights, knives, hunting gear, books etc. Small stuff.
I collect older S&W revolvers, but have a few other varied firearm interests as well. You attend shows for boxes, old catalogs, parts, stocks and other items, related to your collecting interests. Should You find a deal on a quality firearm...Icing on the cake.
You also attend to visit with friends who have tables, or other Collectors with similar interests to your own. To NETWORK.
This discussion comes up often. I liken gun shows to a sporting event....You have to play (attend) to make a goal......Meaning; actually find that occasional rare deal.
At a Reno Show a few years back. Found the 25th S&W Combat Magnum or pre M-19 to come out of the Factory in 1956.
Fairly rare gun, sent to their West Coast Rep. It was in high condition and MISMARKED as a M-15. I paid $450! An easy $2K gun and a wonderful addition to the collection. Was it worth attending THAT Show? I'd say so.
I always seem to find some stocks, sights, parts, boxes, etc on tables. Once checked a basket of assorted junk and found a pre war S&W Sight adjustment tool...or basically a small, screwdriver. Gave the guy .25 cents. A $200 screwdriver now.
Last local show, I found a set of circa 1990's Smith Combat stocks for a K frame, in a box of assorted junk. Bought the grips for $40. they are easily worth $200.
Same Show, but several years back. Bought an entire box of assorted holsters for $90 on the table from an Estate sale. Six of the holster were from Milt Sparks, three were Kramer's and the other three were from El Paso Saddlery. Any ONE was worth $90. Funny thing was it was UNDER the table. I asked the guy if ALL of his stuff was out? He produced the box.
Look past the tables of high priced black rifles and magazines. Look tables over carefully. Any items NOT on the table? Maybe stored in boxes under the table? Found a bargain Pre M-29, 5 screw .44 mag like that. Saw a black box similar to what the old, original .44's came in, before the wood presentation cases. Asked the guy what it was. He pulls out a 95% or better gun, in a box that is THE nicest , early Magnum case I have. Bought the gun, box and the enclosed proper screwdriver, for a grand. The box with tools TODAY is worth $500 or better.
LOOK around. Ask sellers..."Anything NOT out"? Look at what guys are carrying around to sell or trade. TALK to the guys at tables. Especially if they seem like a simple gun nut, not a Dealer. It's amazing what comes out of peoples garages and basements. Let the guy know YOUR interests.
We do Displays at many of the MT Shows. Was complimenting a guy on a beautiful display of Colt target revolvers. Mentioned I do Smith's ,but still enjoy the Colt's too. He pulls a nice Smith M-14 Single action Only gun out from under the table. I ended up with it for a very fair price. Be Personable. Be polite. TALK to people.
Yes, Shows CAN and DO suck at times. But look past the negatives and LOOK for the positives.
FN in MT