blackcash88
member
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- Mar 30, 2008
- Messages
- 885
Watch out for the NDs that are invariably going to happen!
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DWARREN123
Member
Fix up 3 list, I need, I want and I would like. Check prices locally and on the internet and go to the show. See if prices are close or even less.
You can usually pick up a deal once in awhile especially for cash.
Be aware that many cheap items sold at shows are just that, cheap. They may look like a name brand item but are knock offs, this is not always a bad thing.
You can usually pick up a deal once in awhile especially for cash.
Be aware that many cheap items sold at shows are just that, cheap. They may look like a name brand item but are knock offs, this is not always a bad thing.
thebaldguy
Member
Eat before you go. You're there to get gun stuff not food. I bring a shopping list of things I'm looking for. Do your homework and figure out what's a good price. I walk through the entire place before I buy anything. Smile and be polite - it goes a long way when you haggle prices. Cash is king - don't expect much of a discount if you use a credit card. Bring a friend along as an extra pair of eyes can be helpful.
You never know what you will find. Sometimes you find a good deal, sometimes you don't. Sometimes I've seen some pretty good deals on Sunday afternoon right before closing.
You never know what you will find. Sometimes you find a good deal, sometimes you don't. Sometimes I've seen some pretty good deals on Sunday afternoon right before closing.
I am looking for a specific brand of handgun. No ammo, no swords, no chewy meat---just a gun. I have found some fine examples at good prices and I bought--after haggling a bit, of course--and had the cash in hand to back up my offer. The selection is better than at my local dealer.
Advice?
You've come to the right place m'boy!
Guns:
Sure we love them, we want more of them. When we are surrounded by them, one can easily get lulled by the intoxicating effect of steel and start sliding through the aisles like a fat kid down a greased slide...err with money that is..
Do your homework if you plan to stand a chance in scoring a deal. Someone said once "believe the gun, not the story behind it". I like it. It's not mine but I use it any chance I get to sound kind of sage-like.
Ammo:
Sure we love it. We wish all we had to do was put a few rounds in the ground, water them, and they would produce limitless fruit. Me, I prefer to place 2 rounds in a room alone, soft lighting, champagne and Barry White. Close the door and let nature take its course.
Ok, do your homework as well on the pricing. Sadly, you will not find as much in this arena unless you have extremely odd caliber weapons, or you have a lot of luck.
Gun supplies vs Junk:
This can be interesting. Some times another person's junk is anothers...uhhh junk sooner or later. Take your time and look at what is being sold and if it fits your needs rather than wants. Sure, you would be the coolest kid on the block with an Eotech-pez dispenser or the cool German pewter schnapps glasses that were excavated from Heidelburg Castle and are now yours for the incredible price of $10 but eventually things like this lose their luster. I'm still waiting to catch a dream with my Apache Dream Catcher....no luck, maybe I should have went with the Husky Dog sweatshirt instead...
Jerky:
It's your friend. Eat lots of it and don't trust a single person who is averse to dried, smoked meats and cheeses. These are probably the same people who insist on bottled water and having a salad for lunch. Don't get me started on that.
Ok, you've been there now about 1 1/2 hours:
Time for Gunshow Scavenger Hunt!
See if you can spot these gems before your friend:
A person who has a hook(s) for hands.
The rare female mullet
The baby mullet gets double points
The guy who zaps the stun guns for attention
The super squeegy towel stand
Overhear someone mention the words "government" and an expletive in the same sentence
Overhear Hillary and an exple.......wait that's political and not appropriate here!
Other ways to pass the time:
Find a paintball table and pretend you are an enthusiast. Strike up a conversation and when he thinks you are going to buy something say you will probably just go to Walmart for supplies, but, maybe I'll see out in the field sometime!
All in all, have FUN. Make it what you want it to be.
Rok
You've come to the right place m'boy!
Guns:
Sure we love them, we want more of them. When we are surrounded by them, one can easily get lulled by the intoxicating effect of steel and start sliding through the aisles like a fat kid down a greased slide...err with money that is..
Do your homework if you plan to stand a chance in scoring a deal. Someone said once "believe the gun, not the story behind it". I like it. It's not mine but I use it any chance I get to sound kind of sage-like.
Ammo:
Sure we love it. We wish all we had to do was put a few rounds in the ground, water them, and they would produce limitless fruit. Me, I prefer to place 2 rounds in a room alone, soft lighting, champagne and Barry White. Close the door and let nature take its course.
Ok, do your homework as well on the pricing. Sadly, you will not find as much in this arena unless you have extremely odd caliber weapons, or you have a lot of luck.
Gun supplies vs Junk:
This can be interesting. Some times another person's junk is anothers...uhhh junk sooner or later. Take your time and look at what is being sold and if it fits your needs rather than wants. Sure, you would be the coolest kid on the block with an Eotech-pez dispenser or the cool German pewter schnapps glasses that were excavated from Heidelburg Castle and are now yours for the incredible price of $10 but eventually things like this lose their luster. I'm still waiting to catch a dream with my Apache Dream Catcher....no luck, maybe I should have went with the Husky Dog sweatshirt instead...
Jerky:
It's your friend. Eat lots of it and don't trust a single person who is averse to dried, smoked meats and cheeses. These are probably the same people who insist on bottled water and having a salad for lunch. Don't get me started on that.
Ok, you've been there now about 1 1/2 hours:
Time for Gunshow Scavenger Hunt!
See if you can spot these gems before your friend:
A person who has a hook(s) for hands.
The rare female mullet
The baby mullet gets double points
The guy who zaps the stun guns for attention
The super squeegy towel stand
Overhear someone mention the words "government" and an expletive in the same sentence
Overhear Hillary and an exple.......wait that's political and not appropriate here!
Other ways to pass the time:
Find a paintball table and pretend you are an enthusiast. Strike up a conversation and when he thinks you are going to buy something say you will probably just go to Walmart for supplies, but, maybe I'll see out in the field sometime!
All in all, have FUN. Make it what you want it to be.
Rok
doc2rn
Member
Two words, "Dont Go!"
If you dont need jewelry, antiques, quilts, blown glass, toys, pocket knives, or surplus ammo cans they are a waste of money where I am from.
If you dont need jewelry, antiques, quilts, blown glass, toys, pocket knives, or surplus ammo cans they are a waste of money where I am from.
I love going to gun shows. I started shooting about 8 months ago, and had almost no knowledge of firearms before then. My friend who introduced me to shooting goes to the gun shows with me. We've been to three so far, and he uses the shows as opportunities to teach me about different firearms. It's a lot easier to pick up and handle different guns at a show than it is at a shop.
Another benefit is that my friend know what's a good price, what's a steal, and what's overpriced. The education about different pricing alone is worth the trip. I'm starting to point out good deals to him.
I now own six guns, two pistols, three rifles, and a shotgun, and I've bought half of those from one table at the gun show. The table is set up by a gun store in Central Indiana, and always seems to have a good deal on something. With gas prices the way they are, I just wait until there is a gun show, and the price of admission is less than what I would pay in gas to get to the store.
As for the prices, sometimes you'll find good deals, and sometimes you won't. I've seen a $200 price difference in the same gun at one show, so it's smart to shop around. Two weeks ago I picked up a CZ-75BD new, with two mags, for $399 plus tax. I think that I got a good deal.
Go and have fun. Take a friend with you who'll enjoy it as well. Go through once to check prices, head back to the tables with the deals, and get something that you want. Then, don't head for the door, but walk around again to see what you've missed. And, now here's a crazy thought, maybe talk to some people. It's not just a gathering of guns, it's a gathering of people who like guns. Talk to some like-minded people and enjoy the fact that we are pretty much the only country in the world where you can go to this type of event. That alone is worth the price of admission.
Another benefit is that my friend know what's a good price, what's a steal, and what's overpriced. The education about different pricing alone is worth the trip. I'm starting to point out good deals to him.
I now own six guns, two pistols, three rifles, and a shotgun, and I've bought half of those from one table at the gun show. The table is set up by a gun store in Central Indiana, and always seems to have a good deal on something. With gas prices the way they are, I just wait until there is a gun show, and the price of admission is less than what I would pay in gas to get to the store.
As for the prices, sometimes you'll find good deals, and sometimes you won't. I've seen a $200 price difference in the same gun at one show, so it's smart to shop around. Two weeks ago I picked up a CZ-75BD new, with two mags, for $399 plus tax. I think that I got a good deal.
Go and have fun. Take a friend with you who'll enjoy it as well. Go through once to check prices, head back to the tables with the deals, and get something that you want. Then, don't head for the door, but walk around again to see what you've missed. And, now here's a crazy thought, maybe talk to some people. It's not just a gathering of guns, it's a gathering of people who like guns. Talk to some like-minded people and enjoy the fact that we are pretty much the only country in the world where you can go to this type of event. That alone is worth the price of admission.
BADUNAME16
Member
I had hours of fun at my last gun show--I took my wife and 8 month-old daughter, and neither one complained once.
In fact, one seller offered me two holsters in trade for the little one!
But seriously, we had fun and met some nice people--more than one complimented us on "starting her off young" when it came to being around guns.
I did just miss out on a good deal on a Saiga, but I just had to make the rounds at least once before I committed.
Take just as much cash as you want to spend, and don't go over it.
I didn't see any klan/wp/nazi stuff--maybe those times are over...
Don't expect too much, and you won't be disappointed!
In fact, one seller offered me two holsters in trade for the little one!
But seriously, we had fun and met some nice people--more than one complimented us on "starting her off young" when it came to being around guns.
I did just miss out on a good deal on a Saiga, but I just had to make the rounds at least once before I committed.
Take just as much cash as you want to spend, and don't go over it.
I didn't see any klan/wp/nazi stuff--maybe those times are over...
Don't expect too much, and you won't be disappointed!
Bartkowski
Member
Know what you want and what prices are reasonable. Talk to the seller for a bit and ask if he/she is firm with their price. Even if they hadn't planned on lowering it they might go $5 less.
Go early and look over every table quickly, if you don't find what you want go through the tables again slowly. Also don't buy something until you have seen everything since there might be a better deal.(unless there is something like 1000rdns of 7.62x51 for $20 or something ridiculous.)
Go early and look over every table quickly, if you don't find what you want go through the tables again slowly. Also don't buy something until you have seen everything since there might be a better deal.(unless there is something like 1000rdns of 7.62x51 for $20 or something ridiculous.)
22-rimfire
Member
I especially enjoy gun shows when I'm not on a mission to buy anything. I almost always find something that I can't resist. As a result, I advise you to know the general values of the kinds of things you're most interested in. If you find something that is priced fair for you, BUY IT immediately. Don't procrastinate. Do it or keep walking.
Knowledge is the key. It has always been the key to life and gunshows are no different.
It helps to have a pocket full of cash too.
I take two wallets. One has an amount of money I'm comfortable carrying that would allow me to buy something or "almost buy something". The other wallet contains the bulk of the $$. It is there if you find something you can't live without otherwise I keep it in my pocket. Sometimes it helps in the negotiaton if you just barely have enough $. Dealers who want to sell to you may not let you walk on if you have close to the selling price.
I like shows because I get to look at lots of used firearms that I almost never see at gunshops anymore. You can pick them up and fondle them.
Best to go early. But sometimes you can get some bargains on Sunday afternoon if the show has been slow for the dealers.
Knowledge is the key. It has always been the key to life and gunshows are no different.
It helps to have a pocket full of cash too.
I take two wallets. One has an amount of money I'm comfortable carrying that would allow me to buy something or "almost buy something". The other wallet contains the bulk of the $$. It is there if you find something you can't live without otherwise I keep it in my pocket. Sometimes it helps in the negotiaton if you just barely have enough $. Dealers who want to sell to you may not let you walk on if you have close to the selling price.I like shows because I get to look at lots of used firearms that I almost never see at gunshops anymore. You can pick them up and fondle them.
Best to go early. But sometimes you can get some bargains on Sunday afternoon if the show has been slow for the dealers.
lee n. field
Member
- Joined
- Dec 29, 2002
- Messages
- 4,319
Stay away from? Beef Jerky and Bubba's Custom "Whup Ass Double Charge" Handloads.
Stevie-Ray
Member
I haven't bought a thing at my last 3. It's because I know the general prices of the items on my hit list. A decent price is a maybe. A great price is a yes. Only exceptions to this is finding what I want only at the show. Then it just depends on how much I want the item.
Sebastian the Ibis
Member
It's all been said before.
Take cash.
Go early on the first day to find the bargains.
Go late on the last day to haggle prices down to bargains.
Look for the people wandering around trying to sell stuff to the dealers- usually it is crap, but you never know.
Eat and use the toilet before you go- preferably not at the same time.
And leave the S/O at home...... someone has to be able to go on gunbroker and google for you when you call
Take cash.
Go early on the first day to find the bargains.
Go late on the last day to haggle prices down to bargains.
Look for the people wandering around trying to sell stuff to the dealers- usually it is crap, but you never know.
Eat and use the toilet before you go- preferably not at the same time.
And leave the S/O at home...... someone has to be able to go on gunbroker and google for you when you call
Joe Demko
Member
Soak your handkerchief in Bay Rum, Eau de Cologne, or lavender water before you go. You can hold it over your nose when you are constrained to stand near one of those all-too-common gunshow denizens whose personal hygiene habits are rather dodgey.
B.D. Turner
Member
If you absolutely MUST have some beef jerky, a beanie baby, a couple pieces of fake turquoise jewelry, a tin sword made in China, some homemade fudge and a book on how to overthrow the government, then the gunshow is a surefire place to be.
Don't forget all the Natzi stuff and bumper stickers to let every thief in town know you keep a gun in your truck.
Don't forget all the Natzi stuff and bumper stickers to let every thief in town know you keep a gun in your truck.
blackcash88
member
- Joined
- Mar 30, 2008
- Messages
- 885
Surprised nobody's mentioned the asshat with all the sooper dooper spy stuff who keeps cracking off those stun gun/flashlight/pleasure device/whatever combo things.
Yes as Joe mentioned, bring a tank of oxygen, when attending the suncoast show. You may want to use your toilet also before leaving. And those blowguns they sell are always handy for hitting the neighboors cat from coming over, the plastic pellets of course.
blackcash88
member
- Joined
- Mar 30, 2008
- Messages
- 885
Ah, yes, I forgot about the perpetual march of the Stanky Bubbas.
tank mechanic
Member
Gun shows are a great place to look for the table that is manned by one older gentleman, who looks like he has been into firearms for the last half century, and has a table full of items that he has collected during his long shooting career. This gentleman, most of the time, just needs to clear out his gun area at home and has a treasure trove of stuff that you never knew you needed, but you will be very excited when you find it. I always look for this type of seller because you will never see his wares at any gun shop or big box store and you might not ever see it again.
Around here, there are usually great buys from individuals that are walking around. Same thing for some tables there for purposes other to sell guns (like clubs, etc.) that are selling a gun for a friend as a favor.
But I would still watch out for the guys that are looking to sell at a premium. There are there every show carrying around the same ones.
But I would still watch out for the guys that are looking to sell at a premium. There are there every show carrying around the same ones.
Flintlock Tom
Member
Unfortunately, most of us are somewhere in between.
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