Here in Texas, you can go to some pretty good shows (esp. Dallas/Houston) for $7 (and the parking is usually free). Let's see, $7 to go look and pick up all different kinds of guns for 2 hours, or $7 to go watch a 2 hour movie produced/directed/starring some anti-gun/anti-American Hollywood buffoon while surrounded by rude folks who feel the need to talk on the cell phone or to each other the whole time..... I can tell you which one I'm going to choose!
Gun Shows Outdated?
- Thread starter Koblenz
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GTSteve03
Member
Hey Koblenz, the only really good excuse to go to the gun shows here in Atlanta is to buy stuff from Georgia Arms. At least they have good prices on newly-loaded and reloaded ammo.
Oh yeah, and you can sometimes get a good deal on ammo cans. Other than that, yeah they're pretty much a waste of $7.
Oh yeah, and you can sometimes get a good deal on ammo cans. Other than that, yeah they're pretty much a waste of $7.
alucard0822
Member
I enjoy gun shows, if nothing more than to see and meet a couple thousand sensible gun loving folk in a gun grabbing anti-freedom state. I have rarely bought any guns from there, and the ones I did were late sunday packing up deals and longguns without the waiting period. There are a few gunsmiths and small manufacturers that are at the shows, but not on the net, and sometimes not local, and some of the stuff I have bought from them is worthwhile. Most of the shows in MD don't have much in the way of reloading equipment/components or decent deals on ammo, and to buy a pistol normally involves a cross state trek about 10 days after the show to pick it up (of course you pay and fill out a mountain of paperwork at the show). The best shows around are out of state in Harrisburg, PA and a couple down in VA, I can't buy guns there, but they are huge shows with better prices and have some neat product demos from big companies that definitely make the trip worthwhile, and they do have a ton of reasonably priced reloading gear.
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
In my "neck of these old woods", gun shows have run their course. Every
now and then, one can find a rare piece (or a bargain) to add too their
collection; but its not very often~! We have learned that most of these
so called "GUN SHOWS" are nothing more than a few old farts sitting
'round the tables eating cookies, and drinking milk; glamouring over
their few "high dollar" weapons scattered on the tables in front of them.
Added: guns shows are a good source for finding out of print gun
related books; and/or parts and pieces.
now and then, one can find a rare piece (or a bargain) to add too their
collection; but its not very often~! We have learned that most of these
so called "GUN SHOWS" are nothing more than a few old farts sitting
'round the tables eating cookies, and drinking milk; glamouring over
their few "high dollar" weapons scattered on the tables in front of them.
Added: guns shows are a good source for finding out of print gun
related books; and/or parts and pieces.
Last edited:
jack the toad
Member
Although I'm somewhat frustrated with the majority of gunshows these days, I still attend them and can usually find something I'm wanting and even at a bargain price if I look hard enough.
I have no connection with the show but for those that have never been to the Wannemachers show in Tulsa (April & October) it is a show in itself due to the size. I think it covers 11 acres inside the Expo building at the fairgrounds and I'm talking wall to wall tables and narrow aisles. In other words, packed. Billed as world's largest show, it has free parking with shuttle service to the door, all indoor, air conditioned, etc. There's even a motel on the fairgrounds. I usually see several tour buses from other states in the parking lot. For those that watch American Rifleman tv, the appraisal segment is filmed on the upper level of these shows.
I try to go twice a year.
I have no connection with the show but for those that have never been to the Wannemachers show in Tulsa (April & October) it is a show in itself due to the size. I think it covers 11 acres inside the Expo building at the fairgrounds and I'm talking wall to wall tables and narrow aisles. In other words, packed. Billed as world's largest show, it has free parking with shuttle service to the door, all indoor, air conditioned, etc. There's even a motel on the fairgrounds. I usually see several tour buses from other states in the parking lot. For those that watch American Rifleman tv, the appraisal segment is filmed on the upper level of these shows.
I try to go twice a year.
22-rimfire
Member
You're right. I'd get an FFL to sell at shows. But, I am not interested in having a store with public access, business hours etc. The change in the FFL rules definitely hurt gun shows. Here you can still rent a table without the FFL, but I can see the day when that won't be possible anymore.
davera
Member
I regularly visit gun shows in search of milsurps to feed my small but growing collection. I like being able to inspect and handle them before buying. You do have to be aware of market prices and availability and this would be true for anything else you buy. My last purchase was an 03-A3 in very good condition for $550. This was neither a great deal nor a rip-off. Yesterday, a friend picked up a nice 03 for $600 - again, neither a great deal nor a rip off.
On each gun show visit we take note of prices and condition of lots of rifles. 03's and 03-A3's have been running from a low of $500-ish to a high of $700-ish so when we see something we like and cash meets opportunity - we can pounce on it.
There are very few screaming good deals out there but if you are a wise shopper you can get a fair price on things.
On each gun show visit we take note of prices and condition of lots of rifles. 03's and 03-A3's have been running from a low of $500-ish to a high of $700-ish so when we see something we like and cash meets opportunity - we can pounce on it.
There are very few screaming good deals out there but if you are a wise shopper you can get a fair price on things.
I usually go when a show comes to town but haven't bought anything from a gunshow in years. Most of the prices are a joke and the dealers think they know more than anybody which, judging from their guns and prices, they don't.
But, for $5 I can't think of anything I would rather do and there's always the chance that I'll luck up on something that I've been looking for, most likely from a guy walking around looking to sell rather than from a dealer.
But, for $5 I can't think of anything I would rather do and there's always the chance that I'll luck up on something that I've been looking for, most likely from a guy walking around looking to sell rather than from a dealer.
BADUNAME13
Member
Went to one today...
$8 to get in (Better than a Movie)
It wasn't a very good one, but I still Sold a AR7 (Made $44)
and bought 300 rounds of Barrett .50 for $3 each! (VERY good price)
Outdated... nope!
$8 to get in (Better than a Movie)
It wasn't a very good one, but I still Sold a AR7 (Made $44)
and bought 300 rounds of Barrett .50 for $3 each! (VERY good price)
Outdated... nope!
I still enjoy going to gun shows, but they sure seemed better when I was a kid. It's been a very long time since I bought a gun at a show. I am one of the ones who just wanders around looking at "what's out there", occasionally stopping to paw through a box of miscellaneous odds and ends or old reloading supplies.
I walk right past the tables of new guns, the dealers with the latest, greatest HK or Glock, ARs and AKs (nothing wrong with that stuff, It just doesn't excite me any more). The last show I went to I bought some brass ($1 a box, 30-06 and .300 Win Mag), some assorted old bullets for reloading, a rusty but very useable Rock Chuck press for $30, and a couple hundred rounds of Yugoslavian 7.62 for $15/100. I don't shoot much of that caliber but I figured these days that's a good price and I would pass it on to a friend. Then there's always one or two dealers at the shows here that have ammo at internet prices without the shipping.
There's also the same old dealers with incredibly overpriced junk I've learned to simply ignore, one guy in particular who always has a scowl on his face. He never has price tags on his stuff and I've always regretted it any time I've ever asked about something. I have always wondered how in the world he makes any money at all when he's wanting twice as much as the guy two tables away for the same thing. I guess he just lives off the occasional sucker.
I guess you just take the good with the bad. Go for what you like and ignore the rest.
I walk right past the tables of new guns, the dealers with the latest, greatest HK or Glock, ARs and AKs (nothing wrong with that stuff, It just doesn't excite me any more). The last show I went to I bought some brass ($1 a box, 30-06 and .300 Win Mag), some assorted old bullets for reloading, a rusty but very useable Rock Chuck press for $30, and a couple hundred rounds of Yugoslavian 7.62 for $15/100. I don't shoot much of that caliber but I figured these days that's a good price and I would pass it on to a friend. Then there's always one or two dealers at the shows here that have ammo at internet prices without the shipping.
There's also the same old dealers with incredibly overpriced junk I've learned to simply ignore, one guy in particular who always has a scowl on his face. He never has price tags on his stuff and I've always regretted it any time I've ever asked about something. I have always wondered how in the world he makes any money at all when he's wanting twice as much as the guy two tables away for the same thing. I guess he just lives off the occasional sucker.
I guess you just take the good with the bad. Go for what you like and ignore the rest.
deadin
Member
I think the biggest thing I miss about "old fashioned" gun shows is that there just doesn't seem to be any "horse traders" any more. Now it all seems to be "profit" oriented. Used to be I could trade two $50 cats for a $100 dog or vice-versa. Now anybody willing to trade wants to allow low book (or less) for what you have and wants top book for their stuff. We used to trade stuff around just so we ended up with something different at the end of the day.
Of course, in those days I couldn't afford to own more than a couple of guns, so I had to trade to get something new to play with.
Of course, in those days I couldn't afford to own more than a couple of guns, so I had to trade to get something new to play with.
Hmm I am new to firearms but have been to a few shows in my past before I was "in the know". I did go to one today and got some AR15 20rd mags for a bit less than what I am seeing them online (used) but for the general firearms, I wasn't seeing any better pricing than my local gun shop. In fact some were more expensive. Even Ammo wasn't much cheaper, and at least equivalent (I only look at .22, .45 and 5.56 since that's what I have) online, but I guess you do save the shipping. So for me at least, if I was ready to buy in bulk ammo (didn't have the cash reserves this month to do so) I probably would do so and make out ahead, and I got introduced to a local armory but other than that...meh for purchasing but I do enjoy seeing all the different types of weapons up close and being able to handle them.
So in recap - for the insane price savings I used to think they meant - negative
To see lots of firearms I never had a chance to encounter before - positive
To buy bulk Ammo and at least save shipping - positive
To see the BATF booth in the corner shunned - super positive
So in recap - for the insane price savings I used to think they meant - negative
To see lots of firearms I never had a chance to encounter before - positive
To buy bulk Ammo and at least save shipping - positive
To see the BATF booth in the corner shunned - super positive
I still go to the shows, but I've noticed a lot more tables selling $5 junk knives, beat up "vintage" watches, snow globes, rusty license plates and Airsoft tacticool.
I could drive all over town to a bunch of different shops and waste a whole lot of time doing the meet-n-greet with the sales people and the "can you let me see this and that" from under the glass at each shop... or I can go to the gun show and touch and feel and look up close. If I want to piddle with the action, every person at the table has a pocket full of zip ties and cutters.
When the majority of tables have snow globes, I'll stop going.
I could drive all over town to a bunch of different shops and waste a whole lot of time doing the meet-n-greet with the sales people and the "can you let me see this and that" from under the glass at each shop... or I can go to the gun show and touch and feel and look up close. If I want to piddle with the action, every person at the table has a pocket full of zip ties and cutters.
When the majority of tables have snow globes, I'll stop going.
Cannonball888
Member
Not to mention homemade beef jerky and gawdy jewelry. Gunshows are degrading somewhat into a general fleamarket. Personally I think anything other than gun-related stuff, mil-surp, and historical militaria should be prohibited. But for the promoters selling tables is part of the revenue, so they're more than willing to sell one to Joe Garagesale.
ranger335v
Member
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"I suppose if Congress ever passes a ban on mail order ammo, ..."
Actually they did. The 1968 Gun Control Act was touted as the panacea for reducing crime and catching criminals but it was, as anyone with a pea brain knew it would be, a failure. Even so, we lost the privilige of mail order guns AND ammo, had to fill out forms for each store bought weapon AND ammo, even .22rf.
Many of you won't remember that law. Most of it was slowly dropped, one provision at a time, but it remains a moth eaten example of congressional idiocy for passing grand sounding but unworkable laws vs. the Constitution and common sense. (Sort of like the latest disfunctional plans to deal with illegal imigration. Again.)
Actually they did. The 1968 Gun Control Act was touted as the panacea for reducing crime and catching criminals but it was, as anyone with a pea brain knew it would be, a failure. Even so, we lost the privilige of mail order guns AND ammo, had to fill out forms for each store bought weapon AND ammo, even .22rf.
Many of you won't remember that law. Most of it was slowly dropped, one provision at a time, but it remains a moth eaten example of congressional idiocy for passing grand sounding but unworkable laws vs. the Constitution and common sense. (Sort of like the latest disfunctional plans to deal with illegal imigration. Again.)
another okie
Member
Ten bucks for entertainment and social time is cheaper than a movie and popcorn.
22-rimfire
Member
I enjoy the local shows. It is usually the only time I see many of the dealers and it is enjoyable visiting if I'm in the mood. I sure wish some of the show attendees would take a bath before attending... but that is another story and I guess part of the whole experience. Gunshows are full of the sights, sounds and odors of life.
Koblenz
Member
That's exactly what I did. I have stockpiled quite a bit of Georgia Arms ammunition over the years.
As for those who say shipping costs offset the lower internet prices, I would say that all depends on which company you order from. I have about a $100 ammo order on the way from Ammunition To Go. Shipping was $8.99. Their prices are very reasonable and the shipping is not much more than I would pay in sales tax if I bought the ammunition locally.
Some of my best finds have been at gun shows. My first Swiss K-31 was the last the dealer had and a sleeper. Under all the grime was a beautiful flame walnut stock. Then the little Ruger #1 light rifle in 7x57. Looked like it had been used for a boat paddle then left in the sun a few years, again beautiful wood under that clouded factory poly finish. Last winter a nice old Savage 99 with Weaver K-4 (dot reticule) turned out as private sale from dealer, no paperwork. Last was the 96/38 Swede with 2 digit serial number , all numbers matching.
B.D. Turner
Member
For over 20 years I went to every show within 150 miles of home. I knew most every dealer and could swap,trade, buy and sell with many of the friends I made over the years on both sides of the tables.
Here are a few things that have turned me off to gunshows in the past 5 years.
Selling non-gun items: Luggage, blow guns, toy guns, rings and watches home water filters, nazi items, books on building bombs, hitler posters, and pawn shop junk.
Signs on outside the show "All firearms bought or sold must go through a dealer" There is no N.C. law that prohibits individuals from selling long guns to another individual. These signs lead the public to believe they cannot sell a firearm to anyone but a dealer.
The internet will be the downfall of the gunshow profit makers just like it already has been to the auto market. Why pay more at a dealer when you can find a better deal on the net.
The gunshow dealers do not want you to swap among yourselves on the floor because they are not getting a piece of the pie. Shows have changed over the years I wish for the better.
Here are a few things that have turned me off to gunshows in the past 5 years.
Selling non-gun items: Luggage, blow guns, toy guns, rings and watches home water filters, nazi items, books on building bombs, hitler posters, and pawn shop junk.
Signs on outside the show "All firearms bought or sold must go through a dealer" There is no N.C. law that prohibits individuals from selling long guns to another individual. These signs lead the public to believe they cannot sell a firearm to anyone but a dealer.
The internet will be the downfall of the gunshow profit makers just like it already has been to the auto market. Why pay more at a dealer when you can find a better deal on the net.
The gunshow dealers do not want you to swap among yourselves on the floor because they are not getting a piece of the pie. Shows have changed over the years I wish for the better.
zeroskillz
Member
Even though I'm a dealer now, I still like shows. There's nothing like being able to handle just about any firearm I'm interested in, all in one place.
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