rab357
Member
Gun shows are a waste of time...
Lots of junk surrounded by looky-loos.
Lots of junk surrounded by looky-loos.
Gun shows...I just don't get it.
- Thread starter bearmgc
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22-rimfire
Member
Where can you buy blow guns? Where else can you stroll around where there are lots of people with an AK over your shoulder? Get with the program! 
evan price
Member
Bill Goodman's Gun & Knife Show still cruises through Ohio regularly.
"Call a buddy, bring a friend!"
For a while before Internet shopping got big gun shows were the only place I could locate 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser ammo for my M38. For a "reasonable" price. I stopped going because it seemed like it was always the same guys selling the same stuff...and the interweb made ammo shopping easy, Brown Santa just drops boxes on my porch.
I remember you could get the big Bag-O'-Mausers for $99, with enough parts to probably assembl 5 shootable mauser rifles. SKS's used to be cheap there too. Of course there is the usual obligatory Skinhead literature center and the Black Helicopter/Tinfoil Hattery literature center. Lately I've seen a lot of Airsoft stuff and even powered Scooters, minibikes, and electric skateboards, stuff like that.
"Call a buddy, bring a friend!"
For a while before Internet shopping got big gun shows were the only place I could locate 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser ammo for my M38. For a "reasonable" price. I stopped going because it seemed like it was always the same guys selling the same stuff...and the interweb made ammo shopping easy, Brown Santa just drops boxes on my porch.
I remember you could get the big Bag-O'-Mausers for $99, with enough parts to probably assembl 5 shootable mauser rifles. SKS's used to be cheap there too. Of course there is the usual obligatory Skinhead literature center and the Black Helicopter/Tinfoil Hattery literature center. Lately I've seen a lot of Airsoft stuff and even powered Scooters, minibikes, and electric skateboards, stuff like that.
Limeyfellow
Member
I did find an M1903 going for $95 at a show and I was selling that show so grabbed it before it even opened. Most the small dealers and private sellers generally get looked through by bigger ones first.
Oh and tables at those shows cost alot of money so dealers tend to hate private sellers walking around after paying $50 for a table. It rarely makes much profit nowadays as people are rarely buying and most of what is sold seems to be military surplus, some handguns and the occasional ar15. If you are lucky you get the right seller in, like I was lucky to sell a Winchester Model 52 for $1100. Other then that I only sold a couple of cheap shotguns all weekend and that was for a dealer. The only people who do tend to make money out of these things are those that organise them.
Oh and tables at those shows cost alot of money so dealers tend to hate private sellers walking around after paying $50 for a table. It rarely makes much profit nowadays as people are rarely buying and most of what is sold seems to be military surplus, some handguns and the occasional ar15. If you are lucky you get the right seller in, like I was lucky to sell a Winchester Model 52 for $1100. Other then that I only sold a couple of cheap shotguns all weekend and that was for a dealer. The only people who do tend to make money out of these things are those that organise them.
cbsbyte
Member
The only large gun show in the Northeast is the Big E in Springfield Mass. There are few few smaller shows in upper New England, Conn, and Upstate NY but they are more limited and too far to drive too for the effort. The Big E has been growing smaller and smaller over the last several years, since non-residents, who where a bulk of the attendees can no longer buy guns, or ammo in Mass. Ten years ago it use to fill a couple large arenas, now its down to only half a building. There are only a few gun manufactures like Hometown S&W and a host of used firearms dealers who are selling their ware for highway robbery prices. Though I did buy a few good gun collecting books at a good price at the last show I went to a few years ago. I now void going since it is a complete waste of time unless one likes a good laugh at the prices. Plus you have to be searched by the police when you enter and leave.
Matthew748
Member
Some gun shows are just plain bad, I will give you that. There are some decent ones out there though. I cannot help but think that some people have unreal expectations about most shows. Yes, you are going to see someone trying to sell old cabbage patch dolls. Yes, that weird guy with the beef jerky stand is going to be there. But there are deals to be had if you look around at most shows. Even if there are no deals, there are usually some interesting things to look at.
molonlabe
Member
I usually find them a waste of 6 dollars 12 counting my wife. I have found some deals. I bought a S&W airgun from a going out of business sale. It was a copy of a 586 combat masterpiece similar to the crossman .357 Python looking thing. The quality was way better with the same weight of the 586. It was made by Walter for S&W. It hangs on my wall in the gun room. (All the real ones are in the safe) It has a 9 shot revolving cylinder with a 6 inch barrel. Total price 70 bucks.
The rest of the time I buy odds and ends like stripper clips or things not readily available by mail order. For the life of me I can't understand how they can mark those prices up and still afford tables. Maybe a lot of people pay those prices, I wont.
The rest of the time I buy odds and ends like stripper clips or things not readily available by mail order. For the life of me I can't understand how they can mark those prices up and still afford tables. Maybe a lot of people pay those prices, I wont.
JohnBT
Member
No used guns at the gun show? It's the Baby Boomers fault, we bought them all. You've seen the posts here - I have 8 of these and 14 of those and 12 Pythons; I have 100 guns; I have 200 guns; etc.
Maybe the shows will improve when we have to start selling off our collections to pay for gas and heating oil.
John
Maybe the shows will improve when we have to start selling off our collections to pay for gas and heating oil.
John
rbernie
Contributing Member
Where else could I buy a blowgun if not for the gunshow?
It's funny - I was talking to a fellow at the last gunshow I attended (Mesquite, TX). He's a regular at the gun shows in TX and OK and such. His position was that there were too many shows being scheduled, and not enough time between shows for the 'regulars' to pool their $$ for the next purchase. As a result, the gunshow audience was doing more looking and less buying on a per-show basis. The net result was higher prices on firearms (since the table and transportation and meals and labor per show ain't free) and more low-cost (aka junk) vendors.
Seemed to make sense.
It's funny - I was talking to a fellow at the last gunshow I attended (Mesquite, TX). He's a regular at the gun shows in TX and OK and such. His position was that there were too many shows being scheduled, and not enough time between shows for the 'regulars' to pool their $$ for the next purchase. As a result, the gunshow audience was doing more looking and less buying on a per-show basis. The net result was higher prices on firearms (since the table and transportation and meals and labor per show ain't free) and more low-cost (aka junk) vendors.
Seemed to make sense.
The gun shows in the DFW area have changed....
I guess it is because the golden age of milsurps is over. You can only look at so many Remchesterbys before you get bored. When I have a gun to sell, I reply to insulting/degrading remarks by just saying "well, I guess this gun is not for you". Then walk away. I have cut down the number of shows I go to because of distance, Big Town 45 miles, and not much there, one of the Amon Carter shows that used to be at the convention center. I do take in the Market Hall show and the High Caliber show in FW. There are deals still out there if you are lucky. I always look forward to the gun show babes. While the guys are looking at guns, alot of eyes are on the babe they brung.......Even the pawn shops are pretty thin on the gun racks too. They have discovered Gunbroker so any milsurp you find is a lucky strike.......chris3
I guess it is because the golden age of milsurps is over. You can only look at so many Remchesterbys before you get bored. When I have a gun to sell, I reply to insulting/degrading remarks by just saying "well, I guess this gun is not for you". Then walk away. I have cut down the number of shows I go to because of distance, Big Town 45 miles, and not much there, one of the Amon Carter shows that used to be at the convention center. I do take in the Market Hall show and the High Caliber show in FW. There are deals still out there if you are lucky. I always look forward to the gun show babes. While the guys are looking at guns, alot of eyes are on the babe they brung.......Even the pawn shops are pretty thin on the gun racks too. They have discovered Gunbroker so any milsurp you find is a lucky strike.......chris3
The shows here in Ohio are pretty good. We are lucky that AIM and SOG are based here so surplus is pretty reasonable. If you frequent shows as much as I do you figure out pretty quickly who you will and who you will not deal with. Every one of these operations has people who are just idiots and unpleasant....not to mention unscrupulous. I turned in the name of a dealer who had a post war Walther P1 with a broken locking block to the show promoter some years back. I told the guy the gun was broken and dangerous, his reply "That is whoever buys the d*** things problem". The promoter did nothing apparently as I still see the guy set up at the shows.....I won't deal with him.
However the thing to remember is if we don't support the shows all we will be left with is the retail outlets....no bargains to be found in those places.
However the thing to remember is if we don't support the shows all we will be left with is the retail outlets....no bargains to be found in those places.
Manedwolf
member
Airsoft has to be one of the worst things to happen to gun shows. Especially the deceptive tease that occurs because of it.
You see what looks like a real 1911 with a tag on it of $99 from the other side of the table, go over to it...and it's a toy.
You see what looks like a real 1911 with a tag on it of $99 from the other side of the table, go over to it...and it's a toy.
fletcher
Member
I go to pick up the occasional thing that isn't sold locally (such as 9x18 or 7.62x54), and primarily to browse. Gun shows are a great place to pick up, hold, and look at just about any firearm you might want to buy.
Texas Moon
Member
- Joined
- Dec 13, 2004
- Messages
- 483
The attitude of some show dealers is just terrible.
Recently I lugged into a show a 1903 Springfield and an original 1886 8mm French Lebel rifle. Not a Berthier but a real Lebel too.
Easily $1000+ worth. I was needing cash and was willing to take $800 for the pair. One dealer grabbed me as I walked in.
He asked me: "What are you going to do with the guns."
I replied I wanted to sell them.
He said "How much?" He had not even looked at them yet.
I said: "$800 for both".
He said: "Not from me." and walked off!
Another time I was moving down the aisles, checking tables, with a nice Ruger No.1 slung on my shoulder. This dealer guy comes up to me, very curtly, ORDERS me to come to his table as he wanted my rifle. I just stood there for a few moments with my mouth hanging open.
When I got to his table I just silently walked on past. I had no intention of doing business with him. I was down the aisle a few tables when this same dealer guy comes up to me and GETS UP IN MY FACE about why I didn't stop at his table. At this point in time I told him to STF up and get out of my face or I was gonna stomp his a$$. Other attendees also got on his back.
Sheeesh.......
Another show: had a nice clean M1917 Colt .45acp revolver. It was a shooter grade gun. Worth maybe $400 max. Not like it belonged to Sgt York or anything.
This dealer guy practically pounced on me as I walked in. He demanded that I allow him to "inspect" it. Boy did he! He removed the grips, the side plate, studied it to the tune of 45 minutes as I stood there. Even drug out a couple of books and compared proof marks!
Finally I said "Look Bud, do you want the gun or not?"
He just handed it back, turned away, and said NOTHING!
Not a thanks or anything. I certainly did say something. LOL
Recently I lugged into a show a 1903 Springfield and an original 1886 8mm French Lebel rifle. Not a Berthier but a real Lebel too.
Easily $1000+ worth. I was needing cash and was willing to take $800 for the pair. One dealer grabbed me as I walked in.
He asked me: "What are you going to do with the guns."
I replied I wanted to sell them.
He said "How much?" He had not even looked at them yet.
I said: "$800 for both".
He said: "Not from me." and walked off!
Another time I was moving down the aisles, checking tables, with a nice Ruger No.1 slung on my shoulder. This dealer guy comes up to me, very curtly, ORDERS me to come to his table as he wanted my rifle. I just stood there for a few moments with my mouth hanging open.
When I got to his table I just silently walked on past. I had no intention of doing business with him. I was down the aisle a few tables when this same dealer guy comes up to me and GETS UP IN MY FACE about why I didn't stop at his table. At this point in time I told him to STF up and get out of my face or I was gonna stomp his a$$. Other attendees also got on his back.
Sheeesh.......
Another show: had a nice clean M1917 Colt .45acp revolver. It was a shooter grade gun. Worth maybe $400 max. Not like it belonged to Sgt York or anything.
This dealer guy practically pounced on me as I walked in. He demanded that I allow him to "inspect" it. Boy did he! He removed the grips, the side plate, studied it to the tune of 45 minutes as I stood there. Even drug out a couple of books and compared proof marks!
Finally I said "Look Bud, do you want the gun or not?"
He just handed it back, turned away, and said NOTHING!
Not a thanks or anything. I certainly did say something. LOL
Tejas Gunwerks
Member
Now you see how attendees of gunshows treat dealers. Why we might get an attitude after putting up with 2,000 to 5,000 customers. You are complaining about three incidences, try 50 to 100 rude, obnoxious, know it alls every weekend.
Old Dog
Member
Gun shows are what they are. For the life of me, I just don't get why some of you keep going to your local gunshows, and then keep on complaining about them ...
Thankfully, we have great shows up here put on by the Washington Arms Collectors, 25 bucks (well, 35 now, I believe) a year gets you a membership, a great monthly newsletter, and many folks involved in WAC are very active gun lobbyists on the state level.
I've never had a problem with a dealer at a WAC show, most go out of their way to be friendly and courteous ... of course, the prices are occasionally laughable, but there are still plenty of good deals to be had hereabouts.
Thankfully, we have great shows up here put on by the Washington Arms Collectors, 25 bucks (well, 35 now, I believe) a year gets you a membership, a great monthly newsletter, and many folks involved in WAC are very active gun lobbyists on the state level.
I've never had a problem with a dealer at a WAC show, most go out of their way to be friendly and courteous ... of course, the prices are occasionally laughable, but there are still plenty of good deals to be had hereabouts.
molonlabe
Member
Sorry, but I beleive thats a strech. I suspect the bad ones are a small precentage of that total. I know, I worked booths. Its kind of like being a cop. If ya can't take the job get out. Its that simple. In business the customers will make or break your success.
Houston has some pretty good gun shows. The HGCA show about 4 times a year is good. There are also about 3 promoters that organize small shows almost every other weekend. Those probably happen too often.
There some good pistol dealers that maintain low prices and live on volume that keep the prices under control. I haven't noticed prices being too bad in most cases.
I also see guys with signs selling stuff all the time. It surprises me that anyone would think that is weird. I like it since I know what he is selling and sometimes how much he wants without having to even ask.
I have a freind whose sole purpose for going to some shows is to hit up on anyone coming in with a gun to see if they can catch a good deal.
There some good pistol dealers that maintain low prices and live on volume that keep the prices under control. I haven't noticed prices being too bad in most cases.
I also see guys with signs selling stuff all the time. It surprises me that anyone would think that is weird. I like it since I know what he is selling and sometimes how much he wants without having to even ask.
I have a freind whose sole purpose for going to some shows is to hit up on anyone coming in with a gun to see if they can catch a good deal.
I tired of being assaulted by the lowball aggressive dealers at the door. My solution was a large backpack to carry everything and keep on walking when questioned about "what did you bring to the show". They thrive on passive, decent people who won't say no. A good show operator would have a 100 ft. "no dealer" zone at every entrance so people could get safely in the door before the vultures swarmed.
jamz
Member
I've never been to a gun show because it's hard to get away during the weekends. From the reports I've read in the past year or so I doubt I will ever make an effort to go to one.
22-rimfire
Member
If you like or appreciate firearms, you need to attend a gunshow from time to time. You won't know what you're missing.
gopguy
Or we will all be doing our shopping on the net.
That might be OK for you young guys, but I want to handle a few pieces every now and again.
This kind of thread is started every month or so and most posters complain, but if we quit supporting this icon of America, the anti's have won. The reason states like mine (Ohio) get bad Brady ratings is that we still run free-market gun shows.
Or we will all be doing our shopping on the net.
That might be OK for you young guys, but I want to handle a few pieces every now and again.
This kind of thread is started every month or so and most posters complain, but if we quit supporting this icon of America, the anti's have won. The reason states like mine (Ohio) get bad Brady ratings is that we still run free-market gun shows.
They can be fun to go to, but why are so many of the gun dealers just IMMENSE... One of the shows here assigns tables based on seniority, the sellers with the longest relationships with the organizers get the front tables etc. That first row is stocked with 3 and 4 hundred pounders.
I have noticed the shows have changed. Way more junk, Pots and pans, military shirts and pants, chinese knives, fantasy crap like swords and star trek looking weapons, forgery saddle ring carbines and SAA's that were made in the twenties sold as frontier era. Fewer and fewer tables with quality used guns. Silly prices, $435 for a "rare" model 770 winchester, run of the mill 7 mag 700 BDL for $625. Once in a while a gem it there, but rarely after the first hour or so. Found a Officers target model for $275. Bought a NIB Colt match target woodsman 2nd with the original hangtag and box and papers for $500. Savage 99's have gone off the scale lately, 300 F for $975
a .358 R for $1800. Same with winchester .22's from before 1964. pumps for way over a grand. beat up bolts for $500. Model 34 remmy tube feed IIRC well over $700 very nice condition, but as far as i could tell, not historically significant nor described as such.
The wanna be crowd was huge, but I saw very little money changing hands.
I have noticed the shows have changed. Way more junk, Pots and pans, military shirts and pants, chinese knives, fantasy crap like swords and star trek looking weapons, forgery saddle ring carbines and SAA's that were made in the twenties sold as frontier era. Fewer and fewer tables with quality used guns. Silly prices, $435 for a "rare" model 770 winchester, run of the mill 7 mag 700 BDL for $625. Once in a while a gem it there, but rarely after the first hour or so. Found a Officers target model for $275. Bought a NIB Colt match target woodsman 2nd with the original hangtag and box and papers for $500. Savage 99's have gone off the scale lately, 300 F for $975
a .358 R for $1800. Same with winchester .22's from before 1964. pumps for way over a grand. beat up bolts for $500. Model 34 remmy tube feed IIRC well over $700 very nice condition, but as far as i could tell, not historically significant nor described as such. The wanna be crowd was huge, but I saw very little money changing hands.
Hokkmike
Member
Been to 40 or more shows. Bought 2 guns in all of those years. You have it about right!
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