I see a lot of people here on THR who go to shows and then kind of seem dissappointed. I don't go because aside from doing some serious drooling it's not really worth it to me. The price of parking and admission negates any deals I might find and I'd rather spend that money on ammo and range fees. I am sure that gunshows are a good place to see some neat toys and chat with other shooters and dealers, but is there something you're hoping to see or experience at gunshows that just never seems to happen? Are your expectations too high?
Are your gun show expectations too high?
- Thread starter Amadeus
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HBK
member
I'm pretty much done with gun shows. I never find anything that I really want and the parking and admission is too much to just go window shopping. When I was younger, the gun shows had more cool stuff and things I wanted to buy. The guns I want, I never seem to find at gun shows these days.
7.62FullMetalJacket
Member
What was stated above. Ain't worth it. Old man "used to be" is gone. Gun SHows are no longer fun.
Especially considering the opening paragraphs of Enemies Foreign and Domestic
Especially considering the opening paragraphs of Enemies Foreign and Domestic
Zeke Menuar
Member
I have no expectations of gun shows. I have not attended one for two years? Gun shows don't interest me much anymore.
ZM
ZM
I just attended a 700 table show on valentine's day. I agree they've changed in the past 10 or 15 year just like everything else. They seem to be more commercialized than they once were. Still, I continue to learn a lot by going and always am glad to see asking prices for guns that interest me.
There is some real junk for sale, but the collections are fun to see and most folks will still visit about the things that interest them. Most of the real trading still goes on before the public is admitted, and I suspect the better stuff is either out of sight or priced as sucker bait.
My best deals at gun shows are usually for bags or cases, parts and occasionally equipment such as dies or the odd knife. It's another way to meet people with similar interests, although this show is so well attended one tends to get swept along.
There is some real junk for sale, but the collections are fun to see and most folks will still visit about the things that interest them. Most of the real trading still goes on before the public is admitted, and I suspect the better stuff is either out of sight or priced as sucker bait.
My best deals at gun shows are usually for bags or cases, parts and occasionally equipment such as dies or the odd knife. It's another way to meet people with similar interests, although this show is so well attended one tends to get swept along.
Billmanweh
Member
what do you mean?
Redlg155
Member
If I could just find a gun show down my way that was comparable to the shows at the Tulsa, OK fairgrounds I'd be a happy camper. At the larger shows you could truly spend an entire day browsing and still miss something. Now I go mainly for the ammo deals.
I'll try the Jacksonville shows sometime in the future. Hopefully they will pan out to be better shows. Down here in the Panama City area you can just about forget any large shows.
Good Shooting
Red
I'll try the Jacksonville shows sometime in the future. Hopefully they will pan out to be better shows. Down here in the Panama City area you can just about forget any large shows.
Good Shooting
Red
WhoKnowsWho
Member
Any show that has Miwall Ammo showing up, I know I am going to be happy with what I get!
My first show, I was expecting way cheap prices, then I saw the truth. But I have never really been disappointed, I have always been able to get something I need, whether it was an accesory or firearm, and my wife too has found stuff she has wanted for a lower price than normal.
My first show, I was expecting way cheap prices, then I saw the truth. But I have never really been disappointed, I have always been able to get something I need, whether it was an accesory or firearm, and my wife too has found stuff she has wanted for a lower price than normal.
I must be weird, I still like gun shows. All that's changed really in the last 10 years is that people are more savvy to prices with all the internet dealers, but I still happen upon good deals at nearly every show I go to.
Either ammo, surplus stuff or accessories will end up being as cheap or cheaper than I can order it, often I can find an old gun cheap or something neat being walked around, and I just like mingling with like-minded folk.
Just scored a nice 1909 LSA No1mkIII this weekend at a show for $150, which is a great deal for what it is.
It IS a question of expectations. I expect all kinds of things. I expect high prices, kettle corn & jerky, crowds and people gouging on prices. But, I also expect every once and a while for their to be a diamond in the rough, and I would rather be there to find it than sulking at home.
Either ammo, surplus stuff or accessories will end up being as cheap or cheaper than I can order it, often I can find an old gun cheap or something neat being walked around, and I just like mingling with like-minded folk.
Just scored a nice 1909 LSA No1mkIII this weekend at a show for $150, which is a great deal for what it is.
It IS a question of expectations. I expect all kinds of things. I expect high prices, kettle corn & jerky, crowds and people gouging on prices. But, I also expect every once and a while for their to be a diamond in the rough, and I would rather be there to find it than sulking at home.
Missouri Mule
Member
I still go ocassionally. But, I don't expect much.
For some reason the local shows have really gone to the dogs.
For some reason the local shows have really gone to the dogs.
Sheldon
Member
Here in southern Ca. we used to have what was billed as the biggest gun show west of the Mississippi at the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds. Been a number of years now since the city banned gunshows on county property. I do miss that show and have not been to ANY of the smaller shows in adjacent counties........they just don't compare in size and selection. I used to just make a day of it and cruise all the tables and look at all the stuff I couldn't afford.....pretty much everything!! I do miss the bulk prices on primers from Miwall though as well as the lead bullets from West Coast Bullets. I always loaded up from them. I did always seem to find some deal every show whether it was ammo or mags. The big hootered girls signing the posters were fun to STARE at too.........schwinggggggg!!!
I go to the shows for several reasons, despite the fact that it's almost always the same folks exhibiting.
First of, I go because the liberal, bleeding heart, tree hugger, socialist, pinko politicians of MD don't want me to. After all, a declining number of admissions at gun shows means that less of the citizens of MD are against gun shows right? And....if they are against gun shows, they are against guns, right? (That's how our politicians think here....sad isn't it?)
Secondly, I go because it's worth the $5.00 to spend a couple of hours out of the house....besides you never know when a good deal is going to pop up.
Lastly, the Wolf 7.62x39 prices there are as good or better than anywhere online. There's usually two guys with big ammo tables. One sells it for $86/1000 while the other guy has it for $80/1000. Even ammoman.com sells it for $109/1000 last time I checked.
That being said....I went to the show in Timonium this weekend but will be skipping the show in Upper Marlboro next weekend.
First of, I go because the liberal, bleeding heart, tree hugger, socialist, pinko politicians of MD don't want me to. After all, a declining number of admissions at gun shows means that less of the citizens of MD are against gun shows right? And....if they are against gun shows, they are against guns, right? (That's how our politicians think here....sad isn't it?)
Secondly, I go because it's worth the $5.00 to spend a couple of hours out of the house....besides you never know when a good deal is going to pop up.
Lastly, the Wolf 7.62x39 prices there are as good or better than anywhere online. There's usually two guys with big ammo tables. One sells it for $86/1000 while the other guy has it for $80/1000. Even ammoman.com sells it for $109/1000 last time I checked.
That being said....I went to the show in Timonium this weekend but will be skipping the show in Upper Marlboro next weekend.
starfuryzeta
Member
There are three "brands" of shows that run through here throughout the year.
The best one has vendors from everywhere in it. It is still reasonably priced admission with free parking. Many vendors from the beef jerky person to customized leather holster dealers. Oh yeh, tons of firearms.
The second best is a militaria show. It has a few firearm dealers, but mostly memorabilia. You can find quite a few gems here.
The last one has been a crap shoot. Higher admission, parking fees at the venue, and the most firearms was from a local dealer.
I have to agree that the internet has made much of what is at the gun shows obsolete. But I think that its not from online stores as much as it is an educated buyer. Before I got onto the internet, I was like a deer in the headlights at gun shows. Now, I smirk at the overpricing going on.
Forewarned is forearmed. Now, to buy that $600 glock 17...
The best one has vendors from everywhere in it. It is still reasonably priced admission with free parking. Many vendors from the beef jerky person to customized leather holster dealers. Oh yeh, tons of firearms.
The second best is a militaria show. It has a few firearm dealers, but mostly memorabilia. You can find quite a few gems here.
The last one has been a crap shoot. Higher admission, parking fees at the venue, and the most firearms was from a local dealer.
I have to agree that the internet has made much of what is at the gun shows obsolete. But I think that its not from online stores as much as it is an educated buyer. Before I got onto the internet, I was like a deer in the headlights at gun shows. Now, I smirk at the overpricing going on.
Forewarned is forearmed. Now, to buy that $600 glock 17...
I collect Finn rifles and gun shows have been very good to me over the last few years. In about 50% of the shows I attended I found at a very good price some really collectible rifles. The other 50% I got very reasonable ammo and occasionally a lesson in firearms or history. The Tulsa show is always great to go to but the competition for the rifles I collect is strong. Even so I still find at least one rifle there 75% of the time.
FPrice
Member
I try to go to gun shows without expectations. I look, try guns and equipment I may not be able to find locally, and generally just have a good time looking and talking. Sometimes you find that rare thing you have been looking for and you get a chance to add to your collection. I've done that a few times so I consider it a worthwhile trip.
Plus, as Norton said, it helps to irritate the anti-gun people.
Plus, as Norton said, it helps to irritate the anti-gun people.
BluesBear
member
I go to a gun show every chance I get.
Why? you ask. (Yes you did I heard you.)
Here's a few reasons.
last week's show
Federal .22LR $4.25 box/375
.44 Spl 240gr LSWC $9.95 per box/50 (not reloads)
.41 mag 210 LSWC $11.95 (not reloads)
.357 mag 158gr LSWC 7.95 per box/50 (not reloads)
Winchester 12ga 00buck $1.00 box/5
Remington 12ga 000buck $1.00 box/5
Genuine Colt Ambidexterious Safety $20.00
Original 1970s style Colt Grip Safety $5.00
HKS Speedloaders new in package $6.00
this week's show
Pachmayr Screwdriver set NIB $12.50
.44 spl 240 JHP $12.95 per box/50 (not reloads)
Winchester .44 Special Cowboy loads $12.95 per box/50
PMC .41 Mag 210 TCSP $10 box/50
.357 mag 158gr JHP $9.95 per box/50 (not reloads)
Federal 12ga 1oz slug $1.50 box/5
Clever Mirage 12ga 1¼ox #4 $2.95 box/25
Galco Silhouette belt holster for N-frame looks unused $10.00
These were all out the door prices tax included.
Sure I had to wade through a buch of "juff" and had to do some haggling, and yes there were some outrageous prices on some things, but I had fun and I think I made some good deals.
Too bad I didn't have the money today for the $500 NIB Colt Double Eagle .45. (The NIB .40 was only $50 more)
The Taurus snubnosed .41 mag was tempting for $200 but I just hate those damned ports. Those were just the prices I was quoted, didn't even try to haggle since I couldn't buy them.
If I don't go to the shows then I'll never find another $250 S&W 28-2 6" (2003) or another $350 S&W 629 Lew Horton (2003) or another $200 Marlin 39A (2001) w/scope or another $425 Colt Commander Enhanced (2000).
Why? you ask. (Yes you did I heard you.)
Here's a few reasons.
last week's show
Federal .22LR $4.25 box/375
.44 Spl 240gr LSWC $9.95 per box/50 (not reloads)
.41 mag 210 LSWC $11.95 (not reloads)
.357 mag 158gr LSWC 7.95 per box/50 (not reloads)
Winchester 12ga 00buck $1.00 box/5
Remington 12ga 000buck $1.00 box/5
Genuine Colt Ambidexterious Safety $20.00
Original 1970s style Colt Grip Safety $5.00
HKS Speedloaders new in package $6.00
this week's show
Pachmayr Screwdriver set NIB $12.50
.44 spl 240 JHP $12.95 per box/50 (not reloads)
Winchester .44 Special Cowboy loads $12.95 per box/50
PMC .41 Mag 210 TCSP $10 box/50
.357 mag 158gr JHP $9.95 per box/50 (not reloads)
Federal 12ga 1oz slug $1.50 box/5
Clever Mirage 12ga 1¼ox #4 $2.95 box/25
Galco Silhouette belt holster for N-frame looks unused $10.00
These were all out the door prices tax included.
Sure I had to wade through a buch of "juff" and had to do some haggling, and yes there were some outrageous prices on some things, but I had fun and I think I made some good deals.
Too bad I didn't have the money today for the $500 NIB Colt Double Eagle .45. (The NIB .40 was only $50 more)
The Taurus snubnosed .41 mag was tempting for $200 but I just hate those damned ports. Those were just the prices I was quoted, didn't even try to haggle since I couldn't buy them.
If I don't go to the shows then I'll never find another $250 S&W 28-2 6" (2003) or another $350 S&W 629 Lew Horton (2003) or another $200 Marlin 39A (2001) w/scope or another $425 Colt Commander Enhanced (2000).
SapperLeader
Member
I still like going to shows. I usually find a decent deal at most of the gunshows, and sometimes find a really awesome deal. For example, in january at the Richmond Showplace gunshow, I purchased a Star bm 9mm pistol for 158 with tax. The usual price on one is 200 +, and if I ordered one from SOG, it would h ave been 158, with 20 shipping and 40 transfer fee. (Since then I have found a shop that has a 20 dollar fee). So in virginia at least, if you avoid going to the dale city show, you can find some deals.
My expectations:
Lots of guns for sale, most at reasonable prices. (Reasonable, not wholesale or deep discount)
Ammo in every caliber I need, including 9mm Makarov, 7.92x57 and 5.45x39, at the same prices found on the internet.
The shows I've been to in the last 12 years (Roanoke, Hampton, VA) have usually met my expectations.
Lots of guns for sale, most at reasonable prices. (Reasonable, not wholesale or deep discount)
Ammo in every caliber I need, including 9mm Makarov, 7.92x57 and 5.45x39, at the same prices found on the internet.
The shows I've been to in the last 12 years (Roanoke, Hampton, VA) have usually met my expectations.
NRA Instructor
Member
I go because I can. It's my truck drivers wave to those who would like to close them down.
Seldom buy but enjoy looking and talking. Mainly talking.
Seldom buy but enjoy looking and talking. Mainly talking.
7.62FullMetalJacket
Member
Agents patrol the parking lot and take plate numbers and such. Not looking to register guns, but gun nuts . This is from a novel. However, I could see this happenning in SoCal, Metro DC, Metro NYC, etc to "investigate" the gun show loophole. You know that the terrorists all go the gun shows, don't you?
spartacus2002
Member
I only go to the big shows because all I'm looking for is parts.
DMK
Member
The only reason I go to gunshows anymore is to buy a gun. The gunshow allows you to wander around and compare a lot of different guns from different dealers without having to drive all over the place.
I go to the local show. Every time I've went they have guns there. Thus the name gun show. I have never seen one named "exactly what you want cheap'. Cheap easy way to look at lots of hardware. Might find something that I just have to have at a price that fits my have to have . Besides some of the stories that can be overheard are worth the price of admission.
gwalchmai
Member
Yesterday I paid $14 admisssion for my son and myself to get in the Eastman show in Gwinnett county, GA.
I found a pair of walnut double diamond grips for my 1911 for $19.95, a pound of Titgroup for $13.95, 1000 Winchester primers for $14.95, a pound (well, 14oz) of Clays for $13.95, and my son found an AirSoft rifle that he wanted for $25.
Last one I went to I bought a Springfield WWII for $369.
All told, I don't save much money at gun shows, but my son enjoys it and we get to see a lot of neat stuff (he wants a dual AK47 mount ). But the best part is contributing to the continuation of gun shows whose very existance bother the antis to no end.
I found a pair of walnut double diamond grips for my 1911 for $19.95, a pound of Titgroup for $13.95, 1000 Winchester primers for $14.95, a pound (well, 14oz) of Clays for $13.95, and my son found an AirSoft rifle that he wanted for $25.
Last one I went to I bought a Springfield WWII for $369.
All told, I don't save much money at gun shows, but my son enjoys it and we get to see a lot of neat stuff (he wants a dual AK47 mount
). But the best part is contributing to the continuation of gun shows whose very existance bother the antis to no end.- Status