first trip to a gun show, any advice?

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SpeedAKL

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I've never been to a gun show before in my life, honestly. The one I'm going to is the Roanoke Valley Gun Show here in town. I'm gonna bring my checkbook; not planning to spend a huge amount of $$$ but if there's a good deal on ammo or a cheap milsurp rifle that I like, then I might bite. Any tips of buying / haggling at these things. I assume it's a very different environment than buying from a dealer, and I don't wanna get taken for a ride.
 
Most things will be overpriced. If you're planning to buy, go in knowing exactly what you're looking for, and how much it's worth.
 
I agree with Fletcher; yet you can find surprises that you just won't find elsewhere. My husband bought a M-1 carbine in very good condition at the High Caliber Gun Show early this year; at a subsequent show, I found a S&W 66-3 in pristine condition. Hadn't really intended to buy either one, but we're glad we did :D You might find something you never thought to find, and come home with it.

Springmom
 
Just keep your wits about you. Knowledge is your best weapon against overpriced items, so don't go in unarmed.
 
Cash is king, first of all. I would take cash if I were you. You might run into a private seller with a good deal that only wants cash...
Environment won't be too much different, as most will be dealers anyway.

Rule number 1, for me, is know what it's worth before you walk in the door.
Why pay too much if you can get it down the street cheaper. Some folks think cuz it's a gun show, the prices will be better. Know what it's worth.

If you are looking for something in particular this is easier. Cruise the gun auction sites for the item, and similar items. Establish a base price.
Look up ammo prices online, too. Figure in the shipping, too. Buying local, you'll most likely have to add sales tax to the price, unless it's stated or negotiated otherwise.
Milsurp rifles: again, check the price online, add shipping and a dealer fee (maybe $40) to the price of the gun.
Example Mosin 44 is $70, plus fees/shipping makes it $110 to you. If it's around that, out the door, you're probably good to go.
 
I love gunshows, just for the vast array or guns in one area...love the eye candy. I agree w/the previous posters. You are likely to find that alot of things are overpriced, but you wont even know that unless you do your homework. Research fair prices and look for them at gunshows..I have also found that most of the sellers will not budge on pricing, so dont expect that type of activity. Know what you want and how much you should spend on it.
 
Bring cash - most dealers prefer if, and its puts you in a stronger position when bargaining over a price. Be polite with table holders/dealers, smile, ask permission to handle and open the action, and don't handle their guns with hands wet from a soft drink or salty from popcorn. Enjoy yourself and try other shows also.
 
Never make an offer you aren't willing to back up immediately with cash.

Exercise a little common courtesy...
- Never ask anyone to "hold" a gun for you. Either buy it or walk away.
- Always ask if it's okay to handle the guns.
- Refrain from taking up a bunch of someone's time "talking guns" unless you intend to buy.

You can buy the same fundge, beef jerky, stuffed toys, or sunglasses at WalMart for half the price.

If a kid is selling something for a school/church/group fundraiser, buy it.

and finally...

Avoid anyone who uses the terms AK-47 and "da switch" in the same sentence.

Brad
 
Some things will be overpriced but there will also be some good deals there too. Most of the sellers there will be dealers although many will be licenced dealers that operate their businesses as a hobby rather than for a a living which is where I think the business of selling guns/gunsmithing is headed. Look at all the tables FIRST unless you find something you can't live without and don't think will be there when you return. Have cash if possible as I doubt anyone will be willing to take a check and I would not count on being able to use plastic. If you are worried about carrying cash with you at least have enough to leave a deposit so you could get cash from an ATM if necessary. Other than that have an Idea of what you want and what it is worth. The "Gunshow Loophole" is a myth if you purchase from a licenced dealer they will have to do a NICS check and you wil have to be a resident of that state to purchase a handgun.
 
1. Don't go nuts and buy the first thing you see.

2. Carry a Palm Pilot or a notebook to take notes on what you find and where.

3. If you think you're going to buy a LOT of ammunition or bullets, bring a rucksack or some kind of carrier on wheels.
 
Never make an offer you aren't willing to back up immediately with cash.

This is absolutely true. It's amazing some of the offers people will respond to because they think you're wasting their time fishing.

When you offer, be serious and be prepared with cash.:)

Only other thing I'll add is be very sure before you make an offer. Look them over close and know all there is to know before opening your mouth.
 
Would you be comfortable taking a check from some random dude walking up to your counter at a gun show with no easy way to verify if it is good or not?
 
Take Cash. (8 different people said take cash, why the question?:banghead:) Checks will not be taken. MAYBE if someone knows you personally, but doubtful

Split it up in different pockets so you don't have to pull it all out at one time.

That can also help negotiations...(pulls out money)"gee, I've only got $200, will you take that instead of $250?"

Have a good time....oh yeah, and take cash.:)
 
When I hit a show I carry my designated wad of "Gun Money" in cash. You never know what you'll find. It may be a private sale, which is legal in Va., or it could be a dealer. I use a credit card mostly for large purchases from regular dealers, cash for the little guys and cash for private sales.

I always make a list of what I'm after and a idea of the price. There usually are some good deals on ammo, some guns and accessories. To me the real value of the gun show is the ability to handle all the guns I've been reading about or am interested in maybe buying. Do your homework.

Go with the attitude of having a good time, learning something, fondling lots of guns and don't expect to find Hitler's PPK in a box of old parts.

Some of my recent finds were a S&W K22 in perfect shape, a Ruger Blackhawk in 98% condition, A Interarms blue PPK for $300, a magazine for my .22lr TPH, (hard to find).

Look in the local papers, usually there's a coupon to save a buck on admission. Yes, buy the Boy Scout popcorn or whatever and ask to handle stuff if someone's near. Usually around here the State Police set up shop right in the auditorium for background checks, so they go pretty quickly.

Have fun.
 
Here's another couple tips
1. Don't point a gun at anyone. (sounds simple, but it happens)
2. make sure the gun you are handling is UNLOADED. We don't want to hear about you on the news...:what:
 
Good advice so far. I've found good deals on the guns themselves to be rare at gun shows. Sometimes you will be able to find an oddball or out of production type for a decent price. If you have something like that on your want list you might get lucky.

I've usually brought home some parts or accessories that were worth the money, more than guns. Again, know the market value before you go.
 
How are typical bulk ammo prices compared to online sites like CheaperThanDirt, OutdoorMarksman, etc?
 
Don't be in a hurry to buy anything on your first walk around go around and check each table one at a time and make notes or keep in mind what you see that interests you and note what and where it is.
Many things are way overpriced so expect to haggle or negotiate on price many people pay too much by buying at the sticker price.
I would check with online auction sites such as gunsamerica gunbroker and auction arms noting fair market prices write them on a small piral note pad for anything I would be looking to buy.
Pick up or order a Gun Blue Book Price Guide and highlight or mark any pages that are of interest.
Many good deals walk the floor or walk in the door so if you go very early and walk the floor once or twice it often pays to hang around the entrance as much as possible and be among the first to see what someone walks in trying to sell.
If someone walks in with something of interest at least try to get a phone number many potential sellers get disgusted with some of the lowball offers gun show table holders give them and end up selling it for less than they originally had it marked.
Bring a small mini flashlight or buy a bore light or at least have a business card and light with you so you can use it to check the bore and chamber.
check whatever you are interested in out from one end to the other but do so without showing any emotion or attachment be prepared to walk away when haggling you can always come back and haggle some more but your money only goes once.
Bring LOTS of cash most people prefer it.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring snacks as the food is usually overpriced as well.
Many good deals are offered on the last day a few hours before closing time so if something talks to you and it is not rare or a gun in high demand it can pay to go back the second day.
Good luck and good hunting.:evil:
 
get a full look at what every table has to offer, know your pricing before you go, and stick to the budget you have given yourself.
 
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