Gun show tips, tricks, and advice.

[beatledog7]

Another key thing is to remember that it is possible to simply buy a ticket, go in, fondle guns, wander about, fondle guns, meet some interesting people, trade stories, fondle guns, eat jerky, fondle guns, and depart without buying anything.

It's not a bad per hour price for a morning's entertainment.

 

[Ironhorse522]

A big thing for younger people is not to act like a know-it-all. I'm only 21 but I let the dealer or individual tell me about the gun before I make any comments. This usually will allow someone who is shady to slip up on their story if they are trying to cheat you. Also carry a flashlight. Always let the other person name the price, it gives you the advantage.

 

[animator]

There are some good points in this thread... many of which I find myself doing at shows.


I typically pick a side, and work down each isle, checking out every table. If I see something I want, make a mental note of where it is, and keep going until I see every table.


Case in point: I needed some MP5 mags. Went to a show and found some for 40 bucks each (ATI mags, not original HK). Decided to keep walking and found another table selling them for 30 bucks each. Kept walking and found a few others selling them as well. Went back to the 30-buck-each table, and offered $20 bill each if I bought 3. They took it. They made money on it, and I felt like I got a good deal. Similar situation happened when I picked up some FAL mags...


I only use gun shows for parts/misc crap any more. Most guns are overpriced due to the political climate. But the little guys selling parts have been a huge help to some of my projects...

 

[IBEWBULL]

I would go with a friend who is knowlegeable about what ever you are looking for .
Just last week a buddy of mine who is really up on guns called to ask my advice on a couple of revolvers.
He has made some steaming deals lately but is not up on current crazy prices.
The Colt Agent first issue was a deal at $5oo. Noox but in 99+%
So no mater what we know it never hurts to ask for advise.
Keep your ears open be polite and for criminy sake don't stomp in on another deal in the works. I have been stomped on before.
Have fun and relax.
Whan the place gets packed sit and have a cup of joe.

 

[carbine85]

Dealers don't want to deal the first few hours of the show. They want to see what the crowd is doing and cover expenses. Dealers will deal more later in the day at the end of the show like on Sunday. Hang out at the door and look at what's coming in and going out. Some of the best gun show deals I have found are outside in the parking lot.
Several months back I saw a Enfield (Saturday) and the dealer wouldn't budge. I went Sunday afternoon and he dropped the price by $100.00 so I ended up buying it.

 

[DammitBoy]

If your attitude going in is that gunshows suck, all prices are terrible, and all dealers are jerks - that's exactly what you'll find.

I'm working in Atlanta right now and I'm about to go to a gunshow at the Atlanta Expo Center. I'm betting I'll be pleased, have a good time and find a great deal...

 

[j1]

Great post. Flashlight and backpack so far, and you MUST go to Mexico a few times to develop your bargaining skills. I wish I knew how to do things on my smartphone better. I am old but can still learn.

 

[GuysModel94]

It's funny how some guys have such a negative view of gun shows, i've only been taken once and it was "my fault" for not doing my research, i almost always write myself some notes and stick it in the backpack. There is lot of good advice here; take the time to enjoy the show and the company of fellow gun owners. Enjoy!!

 

[OilyPablo]

I love gun shows. Went last Saturday - NEW P mags. IN all colors. $10.99. NO tax, NO shipping. Soft gun cases. Made in the USA. Screaming deals, huge selection.

Cases of 500 "dud" tracer .223 (brass) $149

 

[Chevelle SS]

Well the gun show sort of sucked but I picked 80 rounds of reloadable 8mm for $30, 10 12 ga federal slugs for $8, 700 round tin of non corrosive 7.62x39 for $150, and last but not least a 12 ga sxs for $140. Almost no one would haggle with me on prices however. A bunch of WASRs for $600, cheap knives, and jerky, but there was more gun stuff there than last time.

 

[bigfatdave]

buying:
--smartphone
--list of things you want/need with "OK price" and "must buy price" (example, .45acp ball ammo in brass case - OK price 40cents/rd - must buy at 25c/r)
this list should fit on a 3x5" card, hardware on front, ammo on back - that's all the Mrs and I can keep track of between us, at least
--small flashlight (a single "AAA" light is good)
--backpack if making heavy purchases
--rifle-size gun sock if there is any chance of buying a rifle
--cash, and be ready to make change (don't just take $20 or $50 bills)
sleazy tip, distribute your cash or leave half with the Mrs, so you can always haggle based on the "well I can do $___ right now"
--if someone isn't interested in a trade, drop the subject

selling:
--for the love of little children and the benevolent FSM, have your sale goods MARKED with a clear model, chambering, and price ... visible from 10 paces if you're walking around trying to sell them, visible from a height of 7' if you're leaving them on a table for sale
example:
STEVENS MODEL 24 COMBINATION GUN
.22lr & 20g
$375 CASH
--have a cloth for wiping it down, it is going to get a lot of fingerprints
--have an effective way to show it is clear, zip-ties or chamber-flag
--if someone isn't interested in a trade, drop the subject

 

[DammitBoy]

Found a great deal on a vintage Camp Perry 5 pistol range box made by General Luggage back in the 1950's.

It's a wooden box covered in leather and I was able to get it for $50 at the end of the show today. Had the keys for the locks and it's built like a tank.



How cool is that?

It was a good show, more than 200 tables. I think I'll go back tomorrow...

 

[OilyPablo]

THAT is very cool.

 

[Ignition Override]

Take, or buy a bore light at the show.
You might consider also taking a cleaning rod and a few patches which will fit whatever gun 'whispers to you'. An honest seller should not might two/three sweeps of a slightly oily patch.

It's amazing how many sellers expect a buyer to assume that a dirty bore is in really good condition, especially when it has accumulated much more than just some thin dust.

Be ready to identify excessive wear on the crown of a rifle etc.
As others said, have the self-discipline to walk away. It can be very difficult.

 

[M-Cameron]

You might consider also taking a cleaning rod and a few patches which will fit whatever gun 'whispers to you'. An honest seller should not might two/three sweeps of a slightly oily patch.

if i was selling a gun, there would be no way in hell ide let someone swab the bore.....

thats just asking for some yahoo to come by and put a nice nick in the crown or otherwise maul the barrel.

 

[Chevelle SS]

As others said, have the self-discipline to walk away. It can be very difficult.

^This

 

[OilyPablo]

If someone is selling a gun with a dirty bore then the gun should be really super low price and you have a spare barrel at home.

 

[bigfatdave]

You might consider also taking a cleaning rod and a few patches which will fit whatever gun 'whispers to you'. An honest seller should not might two/three sweeps of a slightly oily patch.

if i was selling a gun, there would be no way in hell ide let someone swab the bore.....

I'm with M-Cameron on this one
The other side of that coin is that if I had a dirty bore at a gunshow I'd expect lowball offers ... but then I wouldn't try to sell a gun with a dirty bore (and I would lowball anyone selling a gun with dirty bore)