horsemen61
Member
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- Oct 20, 2011
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- 6,755
So I'm going to my first gun show this weekend any advice as to what I should expect.
gun show
- Thread starter horsemen61
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Certaindeaf
member
Tired feet. And beef jerky.
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
If it's like the one I went to Saturday.
1,000 men, woman, and screaming kids, standing in the aisles of a building designed to hold 500, without the tables set up.
Bull-shipping about the price of hogs & the unseasonable weather.
Who wouldn't get out of the way long enough to see what was on the tables, let alone talk to a dealer about it.
rc
1,000 men, woman, and screaming kids, standing in the aisles of a building designed to hold 500, without the tables set up.
Bull-shipping about the price of hogs & the unseasonable weather.
Who wouldn't get out of the way long enough to see what was on the tables, let alone talk to a dealer about it.
rc
DammitBoy
Member
You should expect that 95% of the posters here will tell you they are a waste of time and not worth it.
Don't listen to them, have a good time.
If you are actively looking for a certain firearm, you should research the current value of that firearm before you go. Use several sources.
Look through the whole show before making a deal. Pay attention to every table. Don't bounce all over the place everytime you see something shiny.
My friends always ask me how I find the deals they don't. I tell them my method and they ignore it. Have a system, stick to it and good huntin!
Don't listen to them, have a good time.
If you are actively looking for a certain firearm, you should research the current value of that firearm before you go. Use several sources.
Look through the whole show before making a deal. Pay attention to every table. Don't bounce all over the place everytime you see something shiny.
My friends always ask me how I find the deals they don't. I tell them my method and they ignore it. Have a system, stick to it and good huntin!
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Amen +1 ^^^^
The last two that I have gone to, the Market Hall show in Dallas and the Will Rogers Show in Fort Worth, how the Fire Marshall hasn't shut them down is beyond me. Especially the Dallas one, easily 5,000 people in an area designed for maybe 3,500 and that was without around 2,000 tables. And the previous poster was correct more than 50% of the people standing in front of the tables are just there shooting the bull and not even window shopping. Kinda takes the fun out of going.
The last two that I have gone to, the Market Hall show in Dallas and the Will Rogers Show in Fort Worth, how the Fire Marshall hasn't shut them down is beyond me. Especially the Dallas one, easily 5,000 people in an area designed for maybe 3,500 and that was without around 2,000 tables. And the previous poster was correct more than 50% of the people standing in front of the tables are just there shooting the bull and not even window shopping. Kinda takes the fun out of going.
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
Not if you find a good deal on the first table inside the door.
That is where it pays to do your homework and know what a good deal is when you find one, not 15 minutes later when it is long gone.
If I had $20 bucks for every good deal I lost out on in the last 50 years by passing it by and looking at the whole show first?
I'd have enough $20 bills by now to buy a NIB Colt Python and have change left over.
rc
I think it depends a lot on where you live.
The shows in Houston, where I go to school, tend to have a lot of NIB Tauri, glocks, sigs, etc. for either the same price as a normal store or even more, a very few used firearms ranging from decently priced to waay too much, and a bunch of t-shirts, knives, accessories, etc. I tend not to find anything worthwhile except to constantly "window" shop at the newest handguns to check out how they feel in my hand etc if it can be done without wasting a dealer's or paying customer's time/energy.
The shows I go to at home in Las Vegas, where I spend vacations with my family, can be counted on for much the same but with a larger selection of used guns, more beef jerky/popcorn/other snacks, and always good deals on ammo from the Miwall booth(s). The ammo deals compared to any local store including even Walmart make it worthwhile to go and pay the entry fee.
I should add that I almost only look at handguns, so I don't know if there are better deals/finds on the rifles or shotguns. Since I don't particularly like shooting long arms, the only ones I look at are the older military ones for historical coolness.
So yeah, depending on what the shows in your area are like, expect a lot of stuff at or above normal going price with a few deals lurking about that you need to keep an eye out for, maybe some cheap ammo (name brand or professional reloads), and an opportunity to see and hopefully handle some more rare, exotic, or older firearms that you otherwise wouldn't be nearly as likely to see in person.
The shows in Houston, where I go to school, tend to have a lot of NIB Tauri, glocks, sigs, etc. for either the same price as a normal store or even more, a very few used firearms ranging from decently priced to waay too much, and a bunch of t-shirts, knives, accessories, etc. I tend not to find anything worthwhile except to constantly "window" shop at the newest handguns to check out how they feel in my hand etc if it can be done without wasting a dealer's or paying customer's time/energy.
The shows I go to at home in Las Vegas, where I spend vacations with my family, can be counted on for much the same but with a larger selection of used guns, more beef jerky/popcorn/other snacks, and always good deals on ammo from the Miwall booth(s). The ammo deals compared to any local store including even Walmart make it worthwhile to go and pay the entry fee.
I should add that I almost only look at handguns, so I don't know if there are better deals/finds on the rifles or shotguns. Since I don't particularly like shooting long arms, the only ones I look at are the older military ones for historical coolness.
So yeah, depending on what the shows in your area are like, expect a lot of stuff at or above normal going price with a few deals lurking about that you need to keep an eye out for, maybe some cheap ammo (name brand or professional reloads), and an opportunity to see and hopefully handle some more rare, exotic, or older firearms that you otherwise wouldn't be nearly as likely to see in person.
firesky101
Member
devote the day to it don't run through. If you see a private seller (not a gunshop with half the tables) talk him up, often you can get deals on things they did not bring, or that one rifle he did not put on the table yet. Got a steal on an svt-40 like this just a couple months ago.
mrcooper
member
I have been going to gun shows fer over 50 years and yes their has been a lot of changes, after i retired i went to 4 a year I now go to 2 a year, I stopped looking at guns at gun shows YEARS ago I can buy new rather than high priced used junk, I used to buy parts but that has dried up and now the reloading supplies are going for way too high prices. so i go to meet old friends and drink coffee and some times block the Isles, ha ha My last 2 gun shows I never bought anything.Remember you dont have to spend money if you dont want to
"You won't find another for this price."
"Hardly even been shot!"
Expect new prices for the old, heavily used and worn out.
All seriousness though, you can actually find a deal from time to time, also its a great place to trade out something you don't want anymore for a new toy. I find it a great place to get a feel for how a gun handles (no ranges that rent guns in my area
).
Good source for reloading stuff too.
"Hardly even been shot!"
Expect new prices for the old, heavily used and worn out.
All seriousness though, you can actually find a deal from time to time, also its a great place to trade out something you don't want anymore for a new toy. I find it a great place to get a feel for how a gun handles (no ranges that rent guns in my area
).Good source for reloading stuff too.
bannockburn
Member
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2007
- Messages
- 26,299
Since this is your first show, maybe consider taking along a small notebook and pen to write down where you saw something that interests you. That way you're not going back and searching the whole show several times over trying to remember where things are. Bring a credit card and lots of cash as many of the table holders don't do credit or else they charge extra for it.
Sav .250
Member
If it`s a good one, trying to move about is like moving around in a crowded subway. Take your time and enjoy.
Lex Luthier
Member
Do not get all hung up when someone is attempting to overcharge. Do not collect all the freebies like brochures and yard sticks etc. It makes you look like a tourist.
Be prepared to haggle, and perhaps not buy anything. At least you will have done some good market research. There may be some dealers there who are always there, so what may seem like a deal right then will still be a deal net time the show comes through.
Buy a case of ammo from the ammo guy to establish a relationship. He will remember you next time. Good luck.
Be prepared to haggle, and perhaps not buy anything. At least you will have done some good market research. There may be some dealers there who are always there, so what may seem like a deal right then will still be a deal net time the show comes through.
Buy a case of ammo from the ammo guy to establish a relationship. He will remember you next time. Good luck.
Bring cash!!!
If you know what you want nothing speaks deal like a nice crisp stack o dough. I agree if you see what you want at a good price Buy It! Chances are you won't find it for much less at another table. And in 15 minutes it isn't going to be there.
If you know what you want nothing speaks deal like a nice crisp stack o dough. I agree if you see what you want at a good price Buy It! Chances are you won't find it for much less at another table. And in 15 minutes it isn't going to be there.
Do your research. And if you see something you are interested in try to haggle. They can always say no but it's worth a shot. And like Remllez said. Bring cash. Cash is king. Don't go on an empty stomach. Bring snacks and water. Keep in your car and when you need a break go out and take one. Don't rush throught the show. You might miss something.
I have more than I can use in firearms and knives. Seldom do I find a bargain in the shows. Since I am not worried about my image, I make a sign with trade bait listed and hang it on my back. I have never been to a show and not come back without offers and/or telephone numbers. I admit it looks a little stupid, but if its stupid and it works, it ain't stupid.
always worked for me.
blindhari
always worked for me.
blindhari
JRH6856
Member
If you don't like having guns pointed at you, get over it. You're going to get muzzle-swept a lot.
Last show I went to was mostly dealers with retail prices. Saw some good prices on used long guns that didn't interest me. Flash lights tables had big crowds for some reason.
Last show I went to was mostly dealers with retail prices. Saw some good prices on used long guns that didn't interest me. Flash lights tables had big crowds for some reason.
MtnSpur
Member
Last weekend my wife and I went to a show and 10 minutes inside the door I turn around and this yahoooo has a rifle muzzle pointed 5 inches from my face
. Needless to say he heard my opinion of his weapon handling skills 
. The guy behind me patted me on the back. But..I digress...so what to expect: A LOT of overpriced guns. A LOT of plastic guns. A LOT of "this gun only had 6 rounds through it". A LOT of false providence of where the gun came from.Do your homework and look for the gun YOU have a desire for. Bring cash. The private sellers/vendors are easier to work with on deals, typically. Sometimes it takes 10 gun shows to get that one gun you've been looking for. Most importantly, have patience, you'll need plenty of it. Best of luck.
Gun shows are pretty fun, go and check out the cool stuff even if there's nothing you want to get. Definitely ask them whats the best they can do on an item.
I bought a brand new 1911 at a gunshow and there was a zip tie on it to prevent racking the slide, I asked him to take it off so I could inspect the barrel, he said its brand new but I said I still wanted to inspect it for myself. Not to mention the fact he was a dealer from about 4 hours away, how am I supposed to know he didn't clean up a used gun or even swap barrels
Gun shows are fun but definitely crowded.
I bought a brand new 1911 at a gunshow and there was a zip tie on it to prevent racking the slide, I asked him to take it off so I could inspect the barrel, he said its brand new but I said I still wanted to inspect it for myself. Not to mention the fact he was a dealer from about 4 hours away, how am I supposed to know he didn't clean up a used gun or even swap barrels
Gun shows are fun but definitely crowded.
Where the show is held and its size are going to be the big factors affecting "enjoyability" IME. The weather may also have an affect as well, since a cold, crappy winter day (or a blistering hot summer day) may drive more people to the show than a nice spring or fall day.
A crowded show can be a PITA to get around in and see the merch.
My advice:
If you're just going to look, LOOK. DO NOT BUY until you've done the basic research on anything that catches your eye.
Someone upthread mentioned bringing a notebook and I second that recommend. Take notes on make/model/caliber/price on anything that catches your eye, and then check online. If you have a smart phone w/internet access, you can check while at the show.
Shop around from table-to-table. You may find the exact same gun cheaper from one dealer to the next.
Cash or check will typically get you a better deal than a CC.
If the dealer has a business card, snag one, and write down your "impressions" on the back for future reference. Like, "Guy was pushy, condescending." Or, "Helpfull, knowledgable, seemed honest."
Having said that, if a dealer makes a bad first impression, give them a second chance; Gun Shows can be stressfull, and anyone can have a bad day.
Dealers have a considerable amount of money tied up in their inventory; don't be too put out if they're not exactly thrilled with the idea of you handling their firearms if YOU don't seem like more than a "window shopper."
Flip side of that is, don't buy anything until you've at least checked the action either there on the spot or on a "rental" at a shooting range. The most "balanced" or "natural" feeling gun in your hand doesn't make up for crappy trigger.
Again: DO YOUR RESEARCH. Either here or online consumer reports, the internet can be your best friend when it comes to researching firearms and avoiding buyer's remorse.
This is just me personally, but don't be too down on the beef jerky sellers, or the candle sellers, or anyone else selling non-gun related stuff. They're just folks trying to make a buck and maybe get ahead a little.
But a good gun show shouldn't have too many of these; if the ratio is too high, then you are at a "Gun Show," not a gun show.
A crowded show can be a PITA to get around in and see the merch.
My advice:
If you're just going to look, LOOK. DO NOT BUY until you've done the basic research on anything that catches your eye.
Someone upthread mentioned bringing a notebook and I second that recommend. Take notes on make/model/caliber/price on anything that catches your eye, and then check online. If you have a smart phone w/internet access, you can check while at the show.
Shop around from table-to-table. You may find the exact same gun cheaper from one dealer to the next.
Cash or check will typically get you a better deal than a CC.
If the dealer has a business card, snag one, and write down your "impressions" on the back for future reference. Like, "Guy was pushy, condescending." Or, "Helpfull, knowledgable, seemed honest."
Having said that, if a dealer makes a bad first impression, give them a second chance; Gun Shows can be stressfull, and anyone can have a bad day.
Dealers have a considerable amount of money tied up in their inventory; don't be too put out if they're not exactly thrilled with the idea of you handling their firearms if YOU don't seem like more than a "window shopper."
Flip side of that is, don't buy anything until you've at least checked the action either there on the spot or on a "rental" at a shooting range. The most "balanced" or "natural" feeling gun in your hand doesn't make up for crappy trigger.
Again: DO YOUR RESEARCH. Either here or online consumer reports, the internet can be your best friend when it comes to researching firearms and avoiding buyer's remorse.
This is just me personally, but don't be too down on the beef jerky sellers, or the candle sellers, or anyone else selling non-gun related stuff. They're just folks trying to make a buck and maybe get ahead a little.
But a good gun show shouldn't have too many of these; if the ratio is too high, then you are at a "Gun Show," not a gun show.
cleardiddion
Member
It really depends on what you want to make of it.
If you want to have fun, you will even if the show may be mediocre.
Sometimes you go in not really expecting much but come out ahead. A couple years ago I ended up walking out a show with three Enfields in hand because I got screaming good deals.
If you want to have fun, you will even if the show may be mediocre.
Sometimes you go in not really expecting much but come out ahead. A couple years ago I ended up walking out a show with three Enfields in hand because I got screaming good deals.
DammitBoy
Member
I use a notebook and make a map with notes so I can find that spot again quickly.
JVaughn
Member
Three kinds of dealers at the gun shows:
- people that have regular gun stores and brought the store with them. I ingore these guys completely. if I wanted a gun store gun, I would go to the gun store.
- people that have private collections to sell. These people have tables, and prices vary pretty much from one extreme to another. They know what they have, they know what it is worth. you can find a good deal here sometimes
- people that have private items to sell that don't have tables. they walk around with guns in their hands, on their belts, over their shoulder, wherever they can. I saw one last weekend with a full sized .38 revolver tied to a string and hung around his neck. You have to stop them and talk about their guns, find out what they want for them, etc. They also hang out outside and at the door. most of the deals I have bought in the past came from these people.
basically however, the group here is right - do your research and know what the value of the gun(s) you are looking for is. gun shows are often times good opportunites to make a deal; but you have to work for it.
- people that have regular gun stores and brought the store with them. I ingore these guys completely. if I wanted a gun store gun, I would go to the gun store.
- people that have private collections to sell. These people have tables, and prices vary pretty much from one extreme to another. They know what they have, they know what it is worth. you can find a good deal here sometimes
- people that have private items to sell that don't have tables. they walk around with guns in their hands, on their belts, over their shoulder, wherever they can. I saw one last weekend with a full sized .38 revolver tied to a string and hung around his neck. You have to stop them and talk about their guns, find out what they want for them, etc. They also hang out outside and at the door. most of the deals I have bought in the past came from these people.
basically however, the group here is right - do your research and know what the value of the gun(s) you are looking for is. gun shows are often times good opportunites to make a deal; but you have to work for it.
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