Disappointed by Gun Show

[Rexrider]

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TO A PHOENIZ,AZ. GUNSHOW PUT ON BY CROSSROADS?
WOW! ONLY BEEN TO A FEW OTHERS, BUT THIS SHOW ROCKED. GUESS IT'S ALL ABOUT WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR. I SAW JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING I COULD WANT. THEY HAD IT ALL!

Yep, probably one of the last great shows left. However, there are still tables and tables of beef jerky, china and crystal, airsoft, kids toys (not toy guns), jewelry, etc, etc.

I typically do not go to a show to buy firearms any more. Compared to gun shops in the Vally, firearms typically cost more at the show. I go to buy ammo, mags, holsters and such. The ammo alone covers the price of admission.

When I went to shows back in the late '80's and early '90's, there seemed to be much better deals to be had. It was much more common for me to leave with a firearm. And I don't recall ever seeing china and crystal for sale either.

I guess all this extra "stuff" at shows is a necessary evil needed to fill all the tables to make the show stay profitable for the promoters. If the alternative is no gun show then I guess I can keep ignoring the beanie babies.

 

[Stevie-Ray]

I go to our trade center gun shows that appear at least once a month. Some are good, some are not so good. I always go on Friday night, as they don't charge you to get in, (because there are some sellers that don't make it in til Saturday) and all my favorite dealers are there anyway. If it's a waste of time, it's just that. At least I don't waste money. The shows are still where you get the best prices on guns around here. I sure miss Bill Goodman's Gun and Knife Shows. When they were here, they were definitely the best, and where I scored my best deals.

 

[CB900F]

Fella's;

"The only bad thing is that you can't hold a virtual gun in your hand to see how it fits it." That's the single bad thing about an e-buy to you?!

I won't buy a gun I can't handle. Because I also like to do things like inspect the bore, cycle the action, look for kitchen table gunsmithing, inspect the side(s) of the gun the on-line photo didn't show you. Not have to have a long distance argument about condition with a guy who's already got my money. Ya know, things like that.

900F

 

[VirgilCaine]

In his words they wanted everything at "Wal-Marts" prices (yes, he said it as if it was plural).

Are you sure it wasn't the posessive, not plural? I know gun shows are the refuge of every poorly-educated, snow-job artist with a truck full of overpriced stuff, but...

 

[Zen21Tao]

Fella's;

"The only bad thing is that you can't hold a virtual gun in your hand to see how it fits it." That's the single bad thing about an e-buy to you?!

I won't buy a gun I can't handle. Because I also like to do things like inspect the bore, cycle the action, look for kitchen table gunsmithing, inspect the side(s) of the gun the on-line photo didn't show you. Not have to have a long distance argument about condition with a guy who's already got my money. Ya know, things like that.

I have bought several guns, an AR upper receiver, and FN FAL parts kit online and have been happy with everything I have received. As for the guns, I just went to some local gunstores to hold the models I was looking at online then when I liked the feel of it I would buy it cheaper online rather than in the gunstore.

 

[nvshooter]

gunshows

I go to every one of them I can. You never know what you'll find. I put together a little list of things I need (actually, want is the better word) and go after those items first. I hate to pay exhorbitant shipping costs on small items, so I look for those. After that is dispatched, I go looking for the fun stuff. I like to look at everything short of really, really old guns. They hold no appeal for me. I also like to be around so many "gun people" and talk with them about the laws and such. It's a good way to kill the odd Sunday afternoon...

 

[Shootcraps]

As for the guns, I just went to some local gunstores to hold the models I was looking at online then when I liked the feel of it I would buy it cheaper online rather than in the gunstore.

That's thoughtful. The gunstores should charge a 10% usage fee for that.

 

[CB900F]

Zen21Tao;

I gotta say that if, or perhaps better, when you have a disagreement with an online seller, my sympathies will be with your local gun emporium.

900F

 

[Herself]

I really enjoy the Indy 1500 shows we have four times a year here. Always plenty of stuff, some great deals, some overpriced.

I must admit I was a bit taken aback by my most recent purchase -- maybe I should have bought that Colt Government '380! -- as it was an AMT Backup, a gun that has to be beat with a hammer to take down and reassemble. (Well, you have to tap the bolt out and back in; not totally awful unless the previous owner thought "stainless steel" meant "never ever rusts, don't worry," which he had. Arrgh!) Who thought that was a good idea?

So, caveat emptor, just like any other shopping.

One of the very best parts of gun shows is the Gun Culture Experience. Yeah, yeah, there is a very wide cross-section of humanity there, some of 'em even double-wide, but the majority of folks you meet are good, honest gunnies. It really is a culture, and one where most people say please and thank you, and look you in the eye.

That can make even a so-so gun show a positive experience!

--Herself

 

[Walter]

I know I'm going to sound like an "old fart" saying this, but I don't care.
Gun shows went to hell when the law was changed to allow licensed
dealers to participate. I don't know the exact year, maybe late 70's or
early 80's, but before then, licensed FFL dealers were not permitted
By Federal law to buy or sell at gun shows.
Then, for some reason, Congress, or the ATF, or somebody, changed the law
so that licensed dealers could buy and sell at gun shows.
It hasn't been the same since.
I went to a gun show in Ft. Worth last weekend. BORING.
I doubt if I ever go to another one.

Walter

 

[mp510]

Wasn't that the FOPA of 1986?

Anyhow, I don't have a problem with anybody who is at the gunshows to sell militaria, knives, air/pellet guns (including airsoft), other weapons, and it's great to the LOTS of guns. I have noticed a decline in the number of guns at shows, but they seem to be replaced with gun mannual tables (or open space). I have not noticed the Beanie Baby Revolution yet.

If you attend shows sponsored by small time local Gun collecting organizations, you should find more guns than other stuff. It's always fun to look!

 

[Zen21Tao]

Zen21Tao;

I gotta say that if, or perhaps better, when you have a disagreement with an online seller, my sympathies will be with your local gun emporium.

I have yet to have had a dispute after a purchase from an online dealer because I do my research and make sure I am purchasing/doing business with places I can trust. This has included group guys on surplus firarms and AR receivers with other UFPRC gun club members.

Here is the worst experience I had and how I resolved it. My grievence was with Glockmeister becasue they took my order for a Glock 29 which I told them I wanted overnight shipping on. Next day I was at my FFL guys waiting for UPS. I called Glockmester and they told me that their distributor was "out of stock" at the moment. The thing that really pissed me off was they conducted business as if they had the merchandise in hand and it was shipping that day for me (they even excepted overnit shipping). I ended checking with Top Glock and Kentucky Imports. Top Glock gave me great customer service but they too were out of the model I wanted. I did endup getting a great deal for Kentucy Imports and they had the model I wanted in stock. I received it next day. My FFL guy does massive group buys for Florida Defensive Carbine Club and he has done business with all three of the companies (Along with all other companies I buy through). I trust his judgement about an online company greatly.

As for sympathies being with the local gunstores, I have bought from each of them as well. They understand that I know their products are marked up for the college kids and that if I can get what they have for within $50 more than what it would cost me online they have a sale.

 

[dzimmerm]

At least two BORs ammendments

A fellow member of the local gun rights club pointed out that gun shows are more about the 1st Ammendment than the 2nd. Where else can you network face to face with so many others that hold similar beliefs?

dzimmerm

 

[loose cannon]

heres you a caveat emptor watch out for guys with $270 imported aks without the legal number of us parts.i suspect this is a new sting being used by batfe in my area.

 

[Cuda]

I went to the Tanner Gun show this past weekend up in Denver and although I wasn't "disappointed" I wasn't totally pleased with some of the stuff on sale. Saw a pistol that interested me but the price was 40 more than I can buy nib in Colorado Springs.. Asked if he would negotiate, said price was firm.. No biggie I thanked him for his time and wished him well. Then was talking to a guy selling reloaded ammo. My wife asked him who reloaded the ammo and what the ballistics were, FPS, MV and would they be ok in her Ruger SP101... Guy had no clue and almost seemed bothered by her questions. That concerns me for those who buy the product and could possibly be hurt by lousy ammo..

In any event the wife and I and our 15 year old daughter had a good time just looking around. Bought a few boxes of factory ammo, stopped at our favorite Italian Rest. on the way home and now if it will only stop snowing I could go to the range and practice some more.

C

 

[Inner Monkey]

Unless you are looking for ammo or beef jerky the shows in my area are pretty lame.

 

[CZ 75 BD]

Guy...

April and October each year.

http://www.tulsaarmsshow.com

 

[ceetee]

I gotta say that if, or perhaps better, when you have a disagreement with an online seller, my sympathies will be with your local gun emporium.

900F

Gotta go half in with Zen on this issue. I'm shopping for a particular pistol that carries a MSRP of $485. I can order it online any day for $369. Before I buy, I want to pick it up, feel it... you get the idea.

My local gunshop is out of stock, doesn't know when he's going to get more in, won't order one for me to look over, and if/when he does get one in stock, his price will be in the "high $500's to low $600's". I prefer to buy local, but why should I buy from a store that has no interest in actually earning my business?

Same with the local gunshows here. The dealers all act like they're doing me a favor by letting me look at their wares; heaven forbid I should actually want to handle one! What with having to pay for parking, pay for admission, and seeing their prices actually higher than their in-store prices, (gotta cover the cost of renting a table, don'tchaknow) I've pretty much stopped going.

 

[Ala Dan]

Here lately, all of the so called "gun shows" in the Birmingham, AL area
have gone south~! Its more of a "junk" show, than a authenic
gun show; consisting of everything from jewelry to captured clothing
from WW-II, Korea, and Viet-Nam. Lot's of pith helmets, and military
patches, etc.

 

[Arc-Lite]

Gun shows are like anything else...you buy your ticket, and take your ride....it either works for you, or it doesn't. My interest there, is the SEARCH and that you never know what you MIGHT find....