Gun show deals...or lack thereof.

[irishlad]

Mk-211's link has a very good description of it. California was alot different back then. Great hunting and fishing. Wasn't anti gun. Started changing fast in the 90s. I left in 2000.

 

[CQB45ACP]

Mk-211's link has a very good description of it. California was alot different back then. Great hunting and fishing. Wasn't anti gun. Started changing fast in the 90s. I left in 2000.

Okay I read the article. Yep it was big and things changed fast for certain.

 

[RetiredUSNChief]

I'm not saying bargains were common. But as recently as 4 or 5 years ago I regularly saw items of interest that were going for a good price, including ammo. You had to look for it but the bargains were there. But for the most part prices were similar to what was at the LGS. But these days they seem to be significantly more on most stuff. But I definitely agree about the entertainment aspect and the little odds and ends to be found.

I agree...they're there occasionally.

I remember a gun show in the early 90s where I found a guy who had a pile of Winchester .22 WMR on his table.

The problem was I could do better in the stores.

I made him an offer to buy his whole lot of he came down off his price by a dollar/box. I don't recall exactly how many boxes now, but it was in the order of three dozen or so. He turned me down.

I told him I could buy it locally for less than his asking price by 50 cents or more power box. If he just met me on a price that would make it a reasonable deal, I'd buy it all.

"That's what it's selling for, so no deal."

Whatever. His business. But this boxes sure looked like they'd been around to me.

But hey...that meant I could spend more money on bulk 9mm from the Georgia Arms people at the show!

 

[Shivahasagun]

Some guys don't really want to sell their stuff, they just want to chat. Unless you're willing to pay way too much.

Other guys also don't really want to sell because "sorry honey, the guns didn't sell. Ah, well. Maybe next time..."

Or, "you don't want to pay my high prices? Don't you know I've had this gun for 35 years and it was the first gun I bought my Dad and last gun my Grandpa fired and we had alot of good times with it?"

In other words he has emotional attachment to it and because it's worth more to him than the rest of humanity he wants more for it.

Lots of people over-pay for stuff and won't sell unless they get ALL of their money back. So they end up stuck with it because they probably can't find another guy to make the same mistake.

Guys customize things to his desires, it was expensive, and thinks YOU want the same thing and will pay just as much.

Nope. Customized things are normally worth less, not more.

Anyway, the best deals I find at gun shows are from ME! I come to move my merchandise and get on with my life.

I've lost count of Glocks I've sold for $300-$350 in excellent/like new condition with box and accessories. .22 rifles semi auto rifles are $100-150 for a 10/22, Marlin 60, etc. Ruger Blackhawk .44 mag without Ruger recall performed on it in excellent shape minus a minor, but long scratch on the barrel? $450. Fair / good Enfield .303 no.4 mk 1 by Savage? $400. The last AK I had was a Romy in excellent shape. $500. Ruger GP100 .44 special like new w/box? $500. Sell your stuff and move on, people. You're getting older and going to die. Try to sell it if you want to sell it and stop screwin' around.

 

[OLDE RETIRED COASTIE]

last time i got what I thought was a good deal, in 1999, oct I think, picked up a Ruger security six, 4 inch barrel for 350. I thought that was a pretty good deal so bought it. Here in Mobile, al, picked up small pistol primers for 40 dollars per 1000, bought 10 of them.

 

[Bush Pilot]

I have never been to a gun show. There are several around here every year, but I have never had the desire to go.

These days you're not missing a hell of a lot.


Stay safe.

 

[deadeye dick]

When I lived in Fayt-nam as a child, we had a huge 7 days a week indoor flea market. And 20% of the booths were military surplus, A2 uppers, triangle stock, all kindda stuff you could only imagine, and everything was negotiable.

Gun Show now, I just get that really good cup of $.50 coffee and just chat with friendly people

Here in G'ville SC coffee is $3.00 a cup and most are not friendly.

 

[Mark_Mark]

Here in G'ville SC coffee is $3.00 a cup and most are not friendly.

$3 for drip coffee? and not friendly in SC

 

[deadeye dick]

$3 for drip coffee? and not friendly in SC

AND they only accept CC, Debit or food stamps. No cash, 1/2 price on refills. Told them to KMA