This note to encourage people to attend gun shows to buy some, not all, of their reloading supplies and to encourage some of the over-priced vendors to offer gun show bargains. I picked up a pack of 1,000 Federal Small Rifle primers for $15, a 22 Hornet shell holder for $3 and some powder for $18 a lb. Also saw a few bargains on brass. Now granted, these were exceptions, but it saved me more than the price of admission to the KC gun show this weekend. I have been looking for a 22 Hornet and found a dealer who had one at home...a Ruger 77, heavy barrel, in like new condition (he said) for $550. I see them on-line for $650+. This would have been cash, no tax, had I wanted it, but I am looking for a Savage. Took his number though in case someone else wants it or I change my mind. I hear complaints about gun show prices and have a few myself, but there are bargains available if you pay attention and know your prices.
Gun Show Bargains
- Thread starter Sniper66
- Start date
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LiveLife
Member
Here's a tip.
I keep phone numbers/email addresses of vendors who attend the gun shows I go to. When a gun show comes up, I contact them to verify what the gun show prices will be and the inventory status. If the prices are good, I reserve the components for cash payment or prepay and pick up at the gun show ... this way I don't leave the gun show empty handed or not attend if the prices are lower online/elsewhere.
Also, several vendors have my wish list and contact me if/when they have the components at a good price. Some vendors close to me/driving through my town will actually do a drop at my house.
I keep phone numbers/email addresses of vendors who attend the gun shows I go to. When a gun show comes up, I contact them to verify what the gun show prices will be and the inventory status. If the prices are good, I reserve the components for cash payment or prepay and pick up at the gun show ... this way I don't leave the gun show empty handed or not attend if the prices are lower online/elsewhere.
Also, several vendors have my wish list and contact me if/when they have the components at a good price. Some vendors close to me/driving through my town will actually do a drop at my house.
Madcap_Magician
Member
You can find bargains at gun shows?
medalguy
Member
Sure. There are bargains as well as overpriced stuff and jerky.
You're not implying there is something wrong with jerky?
bluetopper
Member
This past weekend at a local gun show I bought 4, 4 pound jugs of Vihtauvouri powder for $10 a pound.
Were you brandishing when he gave you that price?
justsoIcanupvotethis
Member
Dammit! I didnt even know there was a show in KC. I just hid indoors all day Sunday and ran my new Chargemaster. Probably not the worst thing if I missed one.
bubbacrabb
Member
I always see plenty to look at at gun shows, but I'm always disgusted with the prices. Money isnt really a big worry of mine, so when I order, even if I got to spend a few thousand dollars if its a lot cheaper I'll buy it. I know i'll load 30k of primers, so if i can save a lot of money ordering that many I will. I just hate paying parking, to get in, etc. I'll shop at home from now on. I argued with a guy that spp are impossible to find, I bought 10 k of them locally only a week ago. they're still everywhere that I am.
LiveLife
Member
Over the years, I have found gun shows less and less appealing (I even make my own jerkybubbacrabb said:
). Now, I won't go to one unless I have inventory/price confirmation from vendors before the show.bds said:
Bowfishrp
Member
I always look at reloading components but have yet to run across a good deal. Normally only overpriced items.
Over the past two or three decades, gun show have been slowly deteriorating from my point of view..
But, I will admit, some of that is where I have lived at the time, not going to major shows, and changes in my interests that differ from the local gun show mainstream.
I still enjoy going to local shows in my parts. There is usually a vendor or two that have good selections on primers and powders and at prices competitive with on line ordering when you figure in shipping, hazmat, minimum quantities and time.
As far as firearms, most vendors are concentrating on home defense stuff. Not much M1911 stuff any more and even very little AR-15. I have gotten interested in old firearms and there is not much of a selection there either. Usually not a choice between a couple examples, but a choice of buying the one or not.
Finally, the amount of "junque" seems to be growing.
One factor for the shift was when mail ordering components became legal in the late 1980s to early 1990s. I remember returning from gun shows with the car springs on the stops due to the trunk being full of bullets.
But, I will admit, some of that is where I have lived at the time, not going to major shows, and changes in my interests that differ from the local gun show mainstream.
I still enjoy going to local shows in my parts. There is usually a vendor or two that have good selections on primers and powders and at prices competitive with on line ordering when you figure in shipping, hazmat, minimum quantities and time.
As far as firearms, most vendors are concentrating on home defense stuff. Not much M1911 stuff any more and even very little AR-15. I have gotten interested in old firearms and there is not much of a selection there either. Usually not a choice between a couple examples, but a choice of buying the one or not.
Finally, the amount of "junque" seems to be growing.
One factor for the shift was when mail ordering components became legal in the late 1980s to early 1990s. I remember returning from gun shows with the car springs on the stops due to the trunk being full of bullets.
dragon813gt
Member
- Joined
- Jun 30, 2011
- Messages
- 1,137
After the cost of admission and gas to get there there are no deals to be had by me. I can get components for the same price at Cabelas and not have to worry about waiting to get in and the cost at the door. Maybe there are deals out there but I haven't seen any in a long time.
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When I started this thread it was to encourage people to HUNT for bargains and deals. Granted, there aren't many. When my buddies and I split up to begin our cruise through the show, we always say, "Happy hunting". Because that is what it is, turning over every rock and firearm in search of special guns and, hopefully, special deals. For me, every show is different. It is a lot of fun to me. I learn a lot...every time and have made some friends. And, this time, I did find few bargains. Oh forgot to mention one bargain in my previous post. A guy who had some boxes of 20 ct Fiocchi .223 Extrema 50gr for $7...now that's cheap!!
LiveLife
Member
I have gotten good deals and buys at gun shows but that was like 10 years ago. I am like you and go with friends so we can look for items we are all interested in buying and call them on the cellphone to let them know.
But for the past several years, we have walked out of gunshows with less and less "buys" and more reloading components (powder/primers) priced comparable to online prices. (In the past, gunshow prices were lower). I mean who would spend $100-$200 more on a used AR upper that you can buy new cheaper online? As to bulk bullets, I have not found a better price than what I can buy online for the past 5 years.
Maybe it's the economy but I do find some vendors more willing to negotiate the price of items. For the most part, some of the prices on new parts/components make me go, "Are you kidding me?! Really?!" When they counter back with a slightly lower price, I counter back with even lower online shipped price on my Android phone.
But for the past several years, we have walked out of gunshows with less and less "buys" and more reloading components (powder/primers) priced comparable to online prices. (In the past, gunshow prices were lower). I mean who would spend $100-$200 more on a used AR upper that you can buy new cheaper online? As to bulk bullets, I have not found a better price than what I can buy online for the past 5 years.
Maybe it's the economy but I do find some vendors more willing to negotiate the price of items. For the most part, some of the prices on new parts/components make me go, "Are you kidding me?! Really?!" When they counter back with a slightly lower price, I counter back with even lower online shipped price on my Android phone.
Best deals I've found for reloading components has been at shows. From the dude cleaning out his garage type sales. Have several boxes of Nosler Partitions, gold dots and milsurp bullets I got for a small fraction of what they were worth new. Funny, last hog I shot was with ammo where all of the components were second hand gun show finds.
dc.fireman
Member
LMAO!
ErikO
Member
I got a decent price on Tula small rifle primers, $20/1k. Found a so-so price on 100 62-grain .224" Penetrators but still got them. Also I now have most of the small parts for my AR pistol build. All of the prices were checked w/some internet shops I've been watching from my iPhone before I purchased them.
All this was done over two shows. The $20 I spent on entrance fees between the two still had the prices at a good level vs. shipping and/or sales tax.
All this was done over two shows. The $20 I spent on entrance fees between the two still had the prices at a good level vs. shipping and/or sales tax.
jcwit
member
I have gotten super bargains at gun shows.
Springfield 45 auto S/S GI, brand new with case and papers, $300.00
Lube/Sizer presses, old but unbroken and with sizing dies Lyman brand $10.00 and $15.00.
Reloading Dies that I needed, carbide, $5.00 each 8 or 10 different calibers
I could go on but I think most will get the idea. BTW I don't buy Jerky.
My biggest problem is I now have most of what I want, its doubtful I'll ever use up all the reloading components I have in stock, and as far as wishing for more or new arms, I can shoot a different firearm everyday for 7/8 month and never fire the same one twice. Not much more I want or wish for.
I now look for collectiable knifes.
Springfield 45 auto S/S GI, brand new with case and papers, $300.00
Lube/Sizer presses, old but unbroken and with sizing dies Lyman brand $10.00 and $15.00.
Reloading Dies that I needed, carbide, $5.00 each 8 or 10 different calibers
I could go on but I think most will get the idea. BTW I don't buy Jerky.
My biggest problem is I now have most of what I want, its doubtful I'll ever use up all the reloading components I have in stock, and as far as wishing for more or new arms, I can shoot a different firearm everyday for 7/8 month and never fire the same one twice. Not much more I want or wish for.
I now look for collectiable knifes.
Otto
Member
- Joined
- May 14, 2007
- Messages
- 2,357
No better place for jewelry, jerky, Nazi memorabilia, crappy optics, old surplus, flashlights, and the proverbial "old guy" that sharpens knives.
lets see.....
$8.00 parking.
$10.00 entry fee
$7.00 jerky
$3.00 soda.
$25.00 fuel.
dents in the side of your truck free.
lets see.....
$8.00 parking.
$10.00 entry fee
$7.00 jerky
$3.00 soda.
$25.00 fuel.
dents in the side of your truck free.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
I get fair deals on components and I've got good stuff from Altamont but can't remember the last time I bought a gun at a show. Most dealers are trying to get rich off every sale, waiting for a sucker.
Amen brother! Although I usually park far enough away that I don't get dents, which is typically about 14miles from the front door.
beatledog7
Member
Every time I go to a show I hear great stories, meet nice people, and learn something.
At the last show I attended I managed reasonable (i.e., beat the cost of shipping and hazmat) on powders and even found bullets and brass. Also:
- Sampled but didn't buy jerky
- Saved shipping on a specific belt and holster (got to try it with my actual gun) I wanted
- Got my .257 Roberts itch reinvigorated. Still needs scratching.
- Got to visit and run a scenario in the new mobile defensive handgun training simulator.
Costs were $7 to get in and maybe $7 in fuel. Parking was free.
Just not having to pay hazmat on the three pounds of powder I bought made the show worthwhile.
At the last show I attended I managed reasonable (i.e., beat the cost of shipping and hazmat) on powders and even found bullets and brass. Also:
- Sampled but didn't buy jerky
- Saved shipping on a specific belt and holster (got to try it with my actual gun) I wanted
- Got my .257 Roberts itch reinvigorated. Still needs scratching.
- Got to visit and run a scenario in the new mobile defensive handgun training simulator.
Costs were $7 to get in and maybe $7 in fuel. Parking was free.
Just not having to pay hazmat on the three pounds of powder I bought made the show worthwhile.
Steel185
Member
I'm on the "not many deals at shows" wagon, but i still go. I guess its the "hope" of it at this point. Still i do find same deals. Last time i went there was a creepy gun stilling at a table with nothing more than a few sheets of paper that said, "info on Selling: 5.56mm, 7.62mm. 50 cal brass powder and bullets". Everyone was ignoring him, but i figured, sure I'll bit. I asked whats the scoop on the 5.56mm? He said he was getting in a huge shipment of pulled componets for all the above and was taking orders at low prices, and delivering next month's show, where he would also sell them at a higher price. gave me a quote for 1000 62gr .224 pulled bullets for $50. 5 cents each was the best deal i had found on them, so i put down my money half expecting to loose it, but the next month he called me and it was just what he said. Wish i bought the brass and powder too. So if you see the creepy guy, no one wants to talk to (most shows there are plenty) thats who i see what they have for sale.
I got his card for next time
I got his card for next time
UKWildcatFan
Member
I'm going to the big show in Springfield, Mo show this weekend. About a 3 hour drive for us as we are in St. Louis. I go to these more for the time I get to spend with my father. He is my best buddy. We laugh at prices, our ignorance for some stuff there, have some BBQ and we might pick up some powder or something. The motivation is not finding screaming deals, but spending all the time with my father that I can. You never know, tomorrow is promised to no man.
Alex
Alex
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