Gun Shows...This is not a gun show bashing thread

[Thor Bloodax]

I go because it is part of the hobby to keep up to date. Some of the displays are like going to a museam. You never see anyone actually shoot some of the stuff. Also, there is the occasional (and I mean occasional) find at a dealer table. The best deals I have found are at the private owner tables. You do have to avoid those who think their old used junk is worth thousands of dollars because of the "historic" value and the fact that "they don't make these any more" mentality.

 

[TAB]

Gun shows are like strip clubs. You get to see alot, touch a little, but nothing ever comes home with you.

 

[Treo]

I have found some good deals at gunshows I got a NIB CZ452 scout for $40.00 off MSRP W/ a nice soft case thrown in at the last one.

I have friends I only see at gun shows. and I like to walk around and look.

$5.00 admission and 0 for parking it's a cheap date W/ my wife

 

[BigBlock]

BigBlock,

If you do not enjoy them why go? Do you feel like you will miss something if you do not go?

I don't, anymore. I went to several thinking I should be able to find some good deals or at least some cheap ammo, or even look at some rare guns...I've always been more disappointed than a kid who finds poop in his stocking from Santa....

 

[Jon Coppenbarger]

Well I had stopped going to them for a few years and decided like everyone else around election time I thought about going again. So I called and got a few tables at a show (have done 3 since the election)

Packed up all my extra mags, ammo a few guns and other extras like knifes and bayonets and the such and off I went. Tables have run between $50 to $60 each. In the winter not much to do anyway so I have the time.

So I look at it this way. you get better deals on the other side of the table. you get there on say friday to set up and shop the day before. also you get to shop before the show opens both days and you get to see most everything that walks past you.

If I sell a fire arm I go threw a dealer for back ground and if I buy one I do the same. Laws here state you must.
will retire this august so I am getting rid of things I have bought over the years and do not want or want to turn them into something else I want. will do like one or two more at the most before I stop.

I have seen a few things going on so far. I think the econemy has caused a few folks to sell some items at decent prices and others looking to sell some items to buy others. If you offer a decent price you may get some nice items.

I always find a few good deals on ammunition before the shows. I am only looking for nice fire arms to upgrade. in just the 3 shows I have found 3 usgi ww2 colts, two commercial colts one from 1947 and one from 1955, two series 70 gold cups, two series 70 govt and a nice series 80 enhanced stainless. not counting the smith or colt revolvers and a few other things.
so with a little bit of my time I have increased my collection and each one I bought the difference between what it cost me against what it normally would of cost more than off set what i spent to be there.

 

[azalps]

I like to see what everybody is looking at and think I really don't need it or already have it. I can usually find something I don't need but must have though.

 

[Im283]

I totally enjoy going to them. I like them whether or not I plan on buying a gun or how much disposable cash I have on hand. I never fail to find something I can afford with that disposable cash. Sometimes I see somethng that makes me wish I had more cash. I especially like being around like minded people in regards to gun. No telling what I can find to come home with. I never fail to find something I can't live without. It is great to comparison shop for a new gun. Here in Knoxville there are a lot of local dealers present.

This past weekend I went to the fun show. Was looking for some .380 and .25acp ammo. I was also wanting to check out first hand a XD45. I found ammo right where I knew I would, slightly higher priced than Walmart, but then again Walmart is sold out of it. Found five dealers selling the XD45 I wanted to see. Low price was 519, high price was 559. well I ended up buying the pistol. You guess which price I paid

Basically as long as I can scrape up 9 bucks to get in the door I want to go.

 

[ScotZ]

I go to pick up ammo cans or something like that. The last show I went to I came home with a SIG 229 .40 without a scratch on it for $500. NOt great but not too bad either.

 

[deerhunter61]

For those that go to the gun shows for reloading do you find reloading suppies such as primers, bullets and powder? If do you actually save money on them over purchasing them at say Cabela's?

 

[ar10]

For those that go to the gun shows for reloading do you find reloading suppies such as primers, bullets and powder? If do you actually save money on them over purchasing them at say Cabela's?

When I went last Saturday they had only 2 reloading booths. Both powder and primers were about 2.00 higher than I could get at the local gun store in Columbus. They were probably cheaper than the internet purchase if you factor in the hazmat and shipping costs.

 

[Harold Mayo]

It's like a showroom for me, mostly. Get to handle stuff that I might or might not buy.

Most people who bash gun shows have no clue about how they actually work behind the scenes for those who are veterans of them. I grew up with them as my dad took me along all the time and I learned how to find deals and talk to people and make connections that casual gun show attendees miss out on.

Gun show content varies by region, too. Some are overwhelmingly for collectors while others have lots of new stuff or black stuff.

 

[pgeleven]

i avoid mine in my state because they rarely have CC/Debit access. i barely carry cash and i cannot remember the last time i carried a checkbook

also, the vendors have a thing about jacking the prices wayyy up. i miss the NC gunshow circuit, they were the best...

 

[CaptainCrossman]

rebirth of thread.

I used to go to gun shows to buy ammo and milsurp sporters at a good price. I like vintage milsurp sporters of the post-war 1940-50-60's era. They have a character all their own and certainly are a collectible. I like the Lee Enfields, Enfield Eddystones, Mausers, Springfields, Jap 38 and 99, Krags. None of them are the same, each customizer used a slightly different approach, and they all usually shoot pretty good. I stay away from the purist military guns. I'm not a numbers match fanatic.

I also like "odd" caliber guns, classic deer rifles, and lever actions. One area I may delve in to is the antique lever action Marlins, they seem to be largely overlooked as of late.

lately gun shows have become somewhat of a drag. The prices are out of sight, entrance/travel/food prices high, and some of the vendors really nasty and impossible to negotiate with. It has become really hard to find a good deal.

 

[Nushif]

I go to drool. Usually I'll take whatever gun budget I have with me and if something catches my eye and I want it ... I get it, but mainly I go to fondle, drool and generally play with guns.
So entertainment sums it up for me.

 

[FROGO207]

I go just to keep the vendors coming back and providing a variety of services that are good to have. Yes I often find a deal on something. Always looking for parts and pieces that you cant find any where else too. As for the people that attend I think that it has a large entertainment value in there also.

 

[cls12vg30]

I go to look, usually buy something, ammo, accessories, etc.

I like being able to physically see and handle many different guns, especially when I'm considering a purchase and want to be able to see all the options in one place. Same goes for holsters, it's easier to make a decision on one when you can hold it in your hand than it is from a picture on a website.

These days I also go to the shows to volunteer with Grass Roots North Carolina.

 

[JTHunter]

Usually, I go to browse and see if I can find any deals. Usually not but I like to dream. Too much "non-gun" items (relics, medals, food, T-shirts, etc.). These shows are run by a group called "ECA".
And they DO tax! It is either built in to the price already, or the vendors add it on at the end. Illinois has to get its "cut".

 

[ObsidianOne]

I go, usually with my girlfriend's step dad, he's usually looking for reloading supplies.
I mostly go just to be around other shooters/collectors, look at guns, and grab a box of ammo if it's the right price.
I usually leave empty handed though.

 

[Jon Coppenbarger]

wow this thread was over two years old.

 

[bracer]

I was given my first rifle in 1949 and over the years have purchased used and new firearms. So now I go to gun shows to see what prices are for the firearms I have. I have only purchased two firearms at gun shows ,most are over priced. The last gun show had a lot of semi auto black stuff and very little good quality older firearms. But is fun to see what is being asked for pre 64 Winchesters and old Browning firearms.

 

[22-rimfire]

Almost always, it is a new member who brings back an old thread. I would rather a new thread be started.

At a good show, there are few places you can look at, handle, or buy as many different firearms. Good shows are well attended with a lot of dealers selling their wares. You get to observe what is popular and what is not. You see a lot of people that you seldom see other than at shows. Gunshows are part of Americana.

I generally do not attend a show (even local) if I have less than $1000 of available cash to take with me. It never fails that if I go to a show with little money, I find something that I can't live without. So, I simply don't create the stress. There are few gunshows that I attend that I don't fine something that I "can't live without". Even small shows can be very good. Even if prices are high, at least you see what the actual price asked is on firearms you might be interested it. But all I ask is a fair price; it does not have to be a screaming deal.

 

[Jonah71]

I'll be going to my first gun show in about a week. I may actually luck out and find a good holster for my old 2003 Kimber BP Pro, but I doubt it. Since it's only about 15 miles away and the cost for the day is $5, I'm not gonna be out much. I really don't expect to see any "bargains" but may take along some cash. Would at last like to say I've been to one I guess.