Going to a gun show for the first time

[Batty67]

For me, I go for ammunition that is well-priced and so I can skip S&H (probably cancels out the $10-12 entrance fee). I also go for accessories, and basically to window shop. I've been to 3-4 in the past 6 months and the novelty is wearing off.

 

[Specs]

I stopped going to gun shows several years ago. I have been in gridlock several times while trying to see the tables, and the final straw was being in gridlock with some yahoo sweeping me with a shotgun bore. I know, I know, the guns are all not loaded, right? No matter to me.

I pick up my ammo online and a couple of new guns annually from an LGS so for me to drive 75 miles one way and then pay an admission to be surrounded by a sea of cammy and to have no chance of buying anything anyway is just a waste of time.

 

[doubleh]

I have given up on gunshows in my area. I just got tired of paying to look at over price old guns and new guns priced higher than the local shops sell them for. I don't care anything about knives made in China, old ratty books and magazines, or beat up grips and holsters either. I'll just support the local guys.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Avoid the pizza, it's toxic.

 

[Plan2Live]

Well? It's tomorrow. How did it go? What are your thoughts now that you've been? Did you try the pizza?

 

[jad0110]

As others have said, deals can be found, it just takes a lot of patience. I picked up a near mint, used 4" S&W Model 15-3 for $309 when they were consistently selling for $375 everywhere else. Found a 2.5" S&W 66-1 for $430 when they were $550 and up at other places. Also picked up a mix master Jan '44 M-1 carbine (inland) in very good condition for $530 recently (usually $600-ish in my parts). You can also find rare, hard to find guns that you just don't see other places. I'd never seen a 3" Taurus 431 (.44 special, 5 shot, blue, fixed sights) until I attended my local gun show. Paid $268 for it.

Of course, rip offs are much more common, so watch yourself. I still laugh over the $1,000 Russian SKS I saw a few years ago.

 

[West Texan]

It was definitely an experience. I personally wasn't that impressed as all the guns I saw were at least $75 to $100 higher than the local shops. I was able to find a Don Hume holster for my new Beretta. Paid the same as online but didn't have to pay to have it shipped and best of all I didn't have to wait for it. I avoided the pizza and beef jerky especially when I heard a lady selling the jerky say to another lady " we are her local so if you want some more I can meet you at the 7-11 with it" over all is was a good time looking at guns with a buddy and laughing at the people and high prices. Thanks for all the advice.

 

[Ignition Override]

You guys offer superb advice.
As HankB said, among other requirements:
You have to be able to walk away from a deal that is not so good.

Without solid self-discipline, you won't benefit from most advice that you read.

My problem is that when looking for guns which are very hard to find at a show,
it is easy to lose self-discipline and convince myself that if a really good one is spotted, the only others will be seen on the Internet, which requires shipping and FFL transfer cost.

Many of the guns at shows are the less desirable, worn types from gun shops and private collections.

 

[JayBoogs]

I am approaching my first gun show also and this thread definitely hit the nail on the head. There aren't many gun shows in my area and this happens annually so I definitely plan to go and check it out. I plan to look for a light for my rail and some ammo for the most part.

I don't mean to hijack the thread but how does firearm purchase work if your state (mine being NY) does not allow you to walk away/out on the same day? This is my initial skepticism on attempting a firearm purchase especially with a place/person I may or may not be familair with. ALSO I feel I am not experienced enough to purchase a use firearm. I will need more time to become familair with the internal parts and what's bad and what isnt.