Gun show questions

[NoVA Shooter]

Hello everyone.

I’ll be heading to a gun show this weekend and have finally saved up some cash for 1 or two guns (I hope) and I have a couple of questions before I go.

First, in negotiating a price, it there an advantage to making a cash offer? I know there is a percentage fee for using a credit card (I think up to 5%), but other than that, would a seller really value cash enough to sell a gun for less than if it were by some other method?

Second, I’m looking for a fun carbine (rifle that shoots pistol caliber type of carbine) and I hoping for a few suggestions. I was looking to spend up to $500 for one.


Thanks,

NoVA Shooter

 

[Tallinar]

I'd suggest looking at a Rossi 92 or a Marlin 94 for the pistol caliber carbine. Can be had in .357 mag, .44 mag, .44-40, or .45 Colt typically.

As for the cash thing, it really depends. If you're dealing with a retailer, then they probably don't care what form of currency it is. However, if it's a private seller just trying to clear out a collection or something, then sometimes allowing a little glimpse of the Benjamins can influence people.

My dad taught me the trick of pulling out your cash and laying it on the table, then verbalizing your offer. It's amazing how body language like that can make a difference in private transactions.

 

[Pulsar]

hello

Yes most dealers or individuals will sell cheaper for cash
it is much better to negotiate with cash in hand

as far as the carbine
I don't have one or have first hand experience, so I cant help you out

 

[Bubbles]

You're going to Chantilly, right? Yes, take lots of cash to the show. We dealers love cash. No CC upcharge and it doesn't bounce. Also, some dealers don't accept CC's at shows because it can be a PITA running the card.

You'll also find people - not dealers - walking around with a gun that has a For Sale sign and price tag on it. If you've got cash you can get some screaming deals.

 

[heeler]

What Bubbles said makes good sense.
The Gunshows around here are such that the dealers save a couple of them are always asking way to much for their wares but cash strapped individuals will usually hand over the goods once the green is flashed.
Of course the dealers hate this but such is life.
I have bought far more rifles and shotguns at shows from individuals than the dealers.

 

[Shadow 7D]

Most sales at a gun show are cash in hand, I know dealers who explain that their prices reflect a gunshow discount, and if you want to use plastic, come to their shop on Monday. Cash is also what you use with individuals, sometimes you get the guy who needs to sell, other times its collectors rotating out some, go looking for deals, but expect everybody to want 100% retail, you have to dicker a little.

 

[QuietEarp]

It seems like the people at the gun show almost expect cash. I will try to flash the money to make the deal in the future. I know that the sight of money speaks volumes. After a gun show I usually find that my local gun stores have decent prices and are there to stand behind their products.

As for the carbine, I have little experience with the Hi Point carbines though they are cheap and I have heard decent things. For a fun gun on a budget it might be worth doing some internet research on.

Good Luck and let us know if you come home with something.

 

[Shadow 7D]

Gunshow Discount - I can die now in the knowledge that I truly have heard everything!

Who hid the rolling on the floor laughing my ass off smiley?

try a what : what :

Hey, I never said I bought there (got friend & FFL who charges 25+ shipping)
Seen some decent deals, but from individuals not table holders

I was just relaying what a number of dealers (yes I have frequented their stores before) said when offered a purchase via CC. I think they would accept a CCW for ID on checks, because bad checks puts a crimp on that.

 

[22-rimfire]

Marlin 1894 available in 357 mag and 44 mag. They used to make it in 41 mag. Great rifle and popular for folks in the woods.

You need to plan on using cash at gunshows. Many shows will have an ATM at the building. There will be some dealers who will accept credit cards, but these dealers generally don't have the better prices on average or they simply add a % after the price is accepted to pay the credit card company their fee. Know what you are looking for and have some prices in mind. You need to be able to spot a good deal and take advantage of it immediately. The opposite is true too. I have "lost" guns I wanted to buy at shows simply because I couldn't make up my mind. Good luck and relax and have fun. There is almost always another gun, or gunshow coming up.

 

[Jeff H]

Who hid the rolling on the floor laughing my ass off smiley?

Come on. Fess up!

Gunshow Discount - I can die now in the knowledge that I truly have heard everything!

I haven't seen a smilie for that phrase yet, usually it's just ROFLMAO, the PC police decided long ago that you couldn't have a smilie with its ass flying off...

Gunshow discount is an oxymoron unless you get lucky with a private seller. I go for parts, ammo, reloading supplies, etc. Rarely buy guns, they are a tad overpriced usually.

 

[JTHunter]

NoVA Shooter - think about the availability (and PRICE) of the different ammos. There is probably more .357 available than .44 Mag. Also, the respective revolvers will vary on price, so you stand a better chance of snagging revolver and carbine in .357. Last, controlability, .44 revolver kicks more.

 

[welldoya]

As somebody said earlier, check out the guys walking around looking to sell. That's where you'll find a deal.
As to the pistol caliber carbine, it depends on what caliber your handgun is.
The Marlin Camp 9s and 45s are nice if you can find one. You should be able to get a Camp 9 for $500 but you would have to be lucky to find a Camp .45 for that price.

 

[Deus Machina]

Cash can make a huge difference.

Some of the locals can be talked to a halfway respectable price if you've got the green, but good luck taking them off their sticker if you've got plastic.

Plus, hard to pay a guy walking around with a sign with a credit card!

BTW, I know of one local shop that actually gives a gun show discount. His regular shop is mostly "I'll order whatever you want" and actually has respectable (not great) pricing, but his in-house selection goes with him to get discounted at a show.

After seeing the prices at the local show, I'm wondering how long that will last until 1) he can't keep anything in his shop because he's not trying to jack the price, or 2) he says 'why the heck not' and moves his prices closer to the others'.

 

[Sav .250]

Wheel and deal! It`s your money.

 

[NoVA Shooter]

Thanks everyone for the great advise. I’ve bought a couple of guns from this gun show (The Nation’s Gun Show in Chantilly) for a good price, but I’m not the best negotiator so it’s good to know that at least cash will help.

As far as the carbine goes, now that you guys have given me a good starting point, I’m more confident I’ll be leaving with a new addition to my collection.

 

[gym]

Cash, know the price of what the firearm retails and wholesales for in advance, and don't be afraid to lowball a dealer, they are used to it. Also if a guy is having a bad day, he will be more flexible, don,t afraid to walk away, and tell him you want to look around, they are notorious for hunting you down and making the deal if they see the cash, and konw you are serious. And please don't believe things like "I paid more than that for it" , as unfortuantelly some dealers just have a progressive list of bull they will go through in making the sale. There are however "Good guys" there also, you will need to figure out the difference.

 

[CraigC]

Either take some reference material with you or know relative prices before you go. Gun shows just ain't what they used to be and there are a lot of speculators trying to get rich off every sale. I go to every gun show I can but I can't remember the last time I bought a gun at one.

 

[Ledgehammer]

As far as pistol caliber carbines check out the keltec sub 2k I got one in 9mm and it accepts my glock mags. Pretty sweet - should be priced around 380. I got the stainless version

 

[Shadow 7D]

I just bought a barrel locally, I might have wheeled it down a little, but for a excellent condition barrel of not the most common caliber, I know that I'm not OVER paying, could I stick him $10, yeah, but why bother when a new one is twice what I'm paying.

 

[GreySmoke2]

Here in the peoples republic of Illinois the Gun Show prices are often higher for used than new off Gunbroker. Know your prices before you go. Not only for local shops but for what it is on the net....

 

[Shadow 7D]

Gotta love the local list, now I found a wood butt stock I was looking for, for less than what my LGS charges for a used barrel (it was cut crowned and refinished, but it had to be) I'm getting all my parts.

Now I go mainly to see what is out there, it's worth the $5 just to look.

 

[Claude Clay]

good luck at the show

be sure to stop at the NRA-ILA booth.... the young lady there has a working knowledge of the Marlin 357.

 

[19&41]

When I was starting out with gun shows, I would try to go on Saturday and Sunday and do research in between. I would lose some of the things I was looking for, but I would make fewer regrettable purchases. It helps to watch the prices on the items you are interested in. An averaged price within the show is going to be a better indicator than the published reference prices.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

First, in negotiating a price, it there an advantage to making a cash offer?

Not many people will say no to cash, right now, if you're serious and not lowballing them too much. If it is a dealer, he must collect sales tax. I will often say, "I've got (X amount) of cash in my pocket, right now. How about we make it (X amount) out the door?" What is the worst that could happen?

 

[billib]

Be sure to look around. can save you money based on my experience at va gun shows, as much as 40-50 . also, keltec sub2k., a fun folding carbine in 9 or .40, i have a nine, 33 round glock mags fit if you get glock model. have fun, never been to chantilly. check out dark sun if they are there, good prices, no upcharge for cc.