Buying at shows ??

[Classified00]

Greetings all!

I'm in the market for an autoloader. Although I've shot a few many moons ago, I'm just getting back into the game.

I went to a Gun Show today and checked out a few Sigs, Glocks, and Berretas. Is there anything I should know about buying at a show? Anything to watch out for? Any tricks to getting a good deal

By the way, I'm totally undecided about what I want :banghead:

Thanks!
Brent...

 

[Tamara]

Tip Number One for getting a good deal at shows?

Spend some time perusing the gun counters of the shops nearest you. Jot down or memorize the prices of the guns you're interested in.

Go to a few gun shows in your neck of the woods. Jot down or memorize the prices of the guns you're interested in.

Now you know the average local market value of the guns you're interested in. Go from there.

I know it sounds simplistic, but that's really the best way to do it, and the only way to know a good deal based on your local market.

 

[Longbow]

Amen!

 

[WonderNine]

Haggle!

 

[Robert inOregon]

Spend some time perusing the gun counters of the shops nearest you. Jot down or memorize the prices of the guns you're interested in.

Go to a few gun shows in your neck of the woods. Jot down or memorize the prices of the guns you're interested in.

Now you know the average local market value of the guns you're interested in. Go from there.

I know it sounds simplistic, but that's really the best way to do it, and the only way to know a good deal based on your local market.

That sounds like old fashion shopping to me.

 

[WhoKnowsWho]

It is.

When I went to my first show, I was expecting to see $150 Kel Tecs, $425 Glocks, $550 ARs, and $90 SKSs.

Smack!!

Glad I knew a little about prices and such, or I might have actually thought some of those $250 beat up Yugo SKS rifles were a deal!

Though I did see a beautiful wood stock and finish on a Russian SKS at Saturday's show... too pretty to think about firing.

 

[standingbear]

and..

go on a sunday.thats when some dealers are willing to lower their prices to move the inventory,especially if paying cash.berettas are good guns as well as sigs.ive had both and must say i enjoy my 226 more.it just fits my grip better.its all personal preferance. you may also try renting berettas and sigs at an indoor range to see which one fits and which you like.better than buying a gun that has a quality rep but just dont fit right.

 

[Classified00]

Thanks for the tips!

Brent...

 

[HBK]

Cash usually gets you a small discount.

 

[bubbygator]

Glocks within a certain serial range have an acknowledged "possible" weakness in their rear frame rails. See GlockTalk for details. If the pistol of your choice is in that range, you should get a discount for having to go through the hassle of having the frame replaced (free, but it's still a hassle). As this weakness is only a very low probability, some Glock owners have chosen to not "upgrade" their frames.... still, demand a discount!

Cosmetic effects do not affect how a gun shoots... but your money is cosmetically perfect! - ask for a discount for any scratches, rust, dings, discolorations, etc. particularly on a nicely blued piece. A bad looking gun is difficult to sell; it could be a good buy at the right price.

Try this: "Don't you have a hi-cap magazine for this pistol? I'm not sure I want a gun without a hi-cap mag." ... or extra mag, or holster, etc. Many dealers have a good profit already priced into their used pistols & can afford to give a little. Many private parties have already had their monies-worth out of their pistol & simply want to turn it over high enough to have a start at some other gun thing. As someone else pointed out, Sunday will find most everyone at a show ready to deal your way over a used pistol.

 

[mephisto]

look around. sunday 1 hour before the show ends is a great time to shop.