First time at a gun show

There is no harm in looking at the guns at the show- just don't buy anything until you have taken the class and rented a few guns to see what caliber/style you like the best.

Of course, you can always buy every gun you like, which is what some people here have managed to do.

Good advise at a show is to talk to everyone who is willing to talk, and please don't drop the guns/point the gun at anyone/dry fire the guns. Asking around is perfectly fine, and we can always use a new shooter.

You won't be "in the way". You'll find most "gun nuts" to be nice guys, and more than willing to share their secrets and information.

Well

I'm just wondering if it might be a good place to go to get information and talk to people, I really don't know what to expect.

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You'll get some good info, and definitely some bad info.

I would go to the show, fondle some guns. Write down make/model of what you like (and price). Buy something I would not.

Then come here, and ask questions. You'll get much more reliable info on this forum.

JeffDilla said:

is there a slower time that might be better to go where people might have more time to talk

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Sunday morning tends to be the slowest I have found.

When you are ready to go back to a show to actually buy, the best advice I can give you is know what you are shopping for, know what it should cost, have cash in hand, and be willing to walk away.

I don't go to talk, but I've found that many dealers are packed up and gone by Sunday afternoon. Some even leave Saturday. I go early Saturday afternoon after things have thinned out a little. It's usually too crowded in the morning for my tastes.

Although I have seen things that I wanted at gun shows (and I go to about
six a year) I've never seen a gun I wanted priced fairly. I'm usually after accessories, magazines, etc. Be careful.

I do think it is good entertainment. Have fun!

I have seen shows where they are selling used guns for more or slightly less than new prices. You should research what your "wish list" and know the going prices. News Shooter is right, go on Saturday before all the good stuff is gone.

Don't forget extra cash for beef jerky.

Seriously, though, my experience has been hit or miss. Some places are on the level, others are out to gouge. Last one I went to, I saw a used Mossberg Maverick 88 with pistol grip that a guy wanted $250 for. I could buy a brand new one with both 28", 18.5" barrels and a pistol grip for the same.

The couple of times I've been, I always had hopes of stumbling across the deal of the century-- pipe dream. There were some reasonable prices, but mostly they'd be a wash with Internet prices (plus shipping and transfer).

But, I did get the opportunity to check out guns that I'd only seen on the internet, so that was nice-- great for up close, 3-D comparisons.

Sending you a PM

Jeff
I'm not sure how far up in Maine you are so this might not be
a good idea, but there is a pretty nice show in Concord NH this weekend. It's one of the better ones, although I don't know how big the one in your town is.

is there a slower time that might be better to go where people might have more time to talk, when it's not so hectic? Maybe sunday afternoon?

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I use this tactic;

For the best selection, be there when the doors open on Saturday. For the best deals, stay til close on Sunday and talk them into selling you stuff so they "don't have to pack up and take it with them".

I have had success with this formula.

Yep some folks sell beef jerky in bulk. As well as ammo.

Gun shows are nice things. Some are better than others but there is always something to look at.

Books are one thing worth looking at.

Look at the gear that's available and ask about it.

Look at the guns. Ask the dealer before you handle them, it's good etiquette. Ask the dealer and others any questions you have, you'll get some good and bad answers. Observe the guns offered and the prices that are asked for them. Ask why. A fella saying a gun is rare don't make it so, this is where books come in handy. Compare prices between dealers for guns and ammo. Learn the difference between a used gun in excellent condition and a used gun in very good condition (this'll take more than one show.). Pick up cards from dealers so that down the road you can comparason shop.

tipoc

Enjoy the show - bring back answers to your questions, we can vet them and give the background on why.

Just like guys talking about cars, you get some informed opinions, and you get some who are dead certain about handmedown folk knowledge.

One topic sure to get things going is when competition technology is recommended for a duty or CCW pistol. Kinda of like putting NASCAR parts on a rockcrawler Jeep with dub wheels, if you get the mixed image.

Look for the overweight guy in black BDU's carrying a tricked out M4 with a rocket grenade on the flash hider. There's always one.

Look at the guns. Ask the dealer before you handle them, it's good etiquette. Ask the dealer and others any questions you have, you'll get some good and bad answers. Observe the guns offered and the prices that are asked for them. Ask why. A fella saying a gun is rare don't make it so, this is where books come in handy. Compare prices between dealers for guns and ammo. Learn the difference between a used gun in excellent condition and a used gun in very good condition (this'll take more than one show.). Pick up cards from dealers so that down the road you can comparason shop.

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That's great advice. Good post.

All the replies up to this point have been right-on, but I wanted to share a couple of my impressions. Though my grandfather took me to a few gun shows as a young boy, my first one as an adult was just last year, and the experience had some unexpected elements.

First, expect to see a goodly amount of non-gun stuff (jerky, airsoft, jewelry, etc). Love it or hate it, that's the gun show experience.

Second, you may run into vendors selling various Nazi regalia, like SS uniforms, knives, plates, books, etc. This can be a little off-putting, so be prepared for it. There's a group of people who collect artifacts from the Third Reich, and for whatever reason some of them sell their stuff at gun shows. Don't let it scare you off, or conjure images of right-wing skinhead militia meetings.

Third, if you're used to the customer service experience in virtually any other industry, you may be in for a shock. While plenty of dealers and exhibitors are very friendly, plenty others are, um, not. You may think it's because you're new or in the way, but rest assured they treat everyone that way. It's not you, it's them.

Finally, enjoy yourself. Look at and fondle (with permission, of course) all sorts of sweet guns, see which ones feel good in the hand, etc. As long as you go in committed to not buying anything, there's no harm in listening to the amazing backstory behind the worn out P-38 Hitler killed himself with

Have fun!

Rest assured, there will be jerky.

Go hungry; there will indeed be beef jerky there, as well as some other treats.

You can also start your Christmas shopping; beanie babies, other dolls & trinkets, toys, maybe some purses, some "antiques", and probably some automotive products will be available too.

Sam

Don't forget the Peanuts!!!!

Oh yeah, don't forget to get your glasses cleaned and your pocketknife sharpened for free.

The challenge will be not to get excited/overwhelmed and make rash purchasing decision.

Oh yeah, don't forget to get your glasses cleaned and your pocketknife sharpened for free.

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Don't let that guy anywhere near your pocketknife unless it says STAINLESS CHINA on the blade.

I still remember my first gun show...not too long ago.

It was an incrediible feeling for me...got me all tingly and squirming from the excitement.

I love gun shows.