gunshows

[xmaster]

I noticed on a poll on this forum that a small percentage of people buy guns at gun shows. I'm in the market for an AR and there is a gunshow in town this weekend. How about some rules of thumb for buying guns at gun shows. Or should I skip it and go to the Mardi Gras parade and purchase my AR somewhere else.

 

[Meplat]

I noticed on a poll on this forum that a small percentage of people buy guns at gun shows. I'm in the market for an AR and there is a gunshow in town this weekend. How about some rules of thumb for buying guns at gun shows. Or should I skip it and go to the Mardi Gras parade and purchase my AR somewhere else.

I've found a few (very few) deals at gunshows. Mainly from FFL holders who had gotten fed up with all the regulations and were liquidating. In my experience - at least in this area (an area not tooooo far from you) the prices the vendors want are a wee bit on the inflated side.

 

[f4t9r]

Gun shows here are the best place to buy an AR15 , bought 2 that way and bought parts to build another. Saved a couple hundred bucks from what local shops want. Prices are as good or better then online prices.
Worth a stop to find out and see what the show has to offer.
Find the tables you are interested in and work the price to get best deal.

 

[usp9]

First educate yourself on exactly what you are after. Then know the current expected price of what you are after. Gun shows do not always mean bargains. Just like anywhere some vendors are high, some low, some are knowledable, some are not. Do not buy on emotion, which is hard to avoid, being in the proverbial "candy store", but from a educated, informed basis.

One of the tools I use is internet pricing from various sites. I make notes on what certain guns should cost, options, finishes, etc. and compare with what is available.

Above all - BE PICKY, like ladies, "there are plenty of fish in the sea".

Happy hunting

 

[Mizzle187]

First off are you looking to buy used or new? If new I personally wouldnt buy a "AR" at a gun show becuase the price isnt right and most of the time your buying from a very small operation and or individual and if you have problems with the weapon the chance of getting it taken care of lower. Now if the price is right and the seller is a known as relaible and honest then maybe. I dont know the resources you have though as in local shops that are worth a damn or internet access(eve though you posted on the net). I would buy a rimfire rifle or a pistol at a gun show if the price was unbeatable. The reason I say this is becuase I have numerous places to buy guns locally and one of them is very well known in the gun world. Plus I always have access to the internet and could shop reputable stores which is where I just got one last week.
www.Eaglefirearms.com

 

[M2 Carbine]

I buy almost all my guns and gun stuff at gun shows. The price (I pay)ALWAYS beats dealer's prices.

Shop around the show. Compare price. I've seen almost $100 difference between two dealers not 75 feet apart.

If possible know about what you want and about what it should sell for.

Finally ask the dealer if that's his lowest price. Some will knock a few more dollars off or "eat" the sales tax to close the deal.

Don't pay with a credit card. Many dealers will charge you an extra 3 percent.

 

[UWstudent]

where's the mardia gras parade?

 

[Declaration Day]

It really depends on the show. I've been to huge shows and literally saw NOTHING that I was looking for. Or if I found it, it was overpriced.

A couple of weeks ago we had a gun show at our state fairgrounds. It wasn't that big, but it was the highest quality show I'd been to in probably four years. I went there intending to buy some ammo or accessories, and I walked out with an M1a. There were a couple of other great gun deals that I would have taken advantage of if I had the cash.

My best advice is to do your homework on the gun you want. Compare brands and get a feel for what prices are.

Go to the show only if you're willing to walk out empty-handed.

I get very excited at gun shows, and have made impulse buys that I regretted. They were costly, and I've learned my lesson.

 

[Red Tornado]

The few shows around here are loaded with AR's, and I imagine they are everywhere, so there should be some competitive prices. Do your homework on the internet and figure out what you should pay for any manufacturers rifle, and make a small list that you can reference. This way you can instantly check to make sure what kind of deal you are making.

If you find a price that's within shipping+transfer of the Internet prices, you're doing pretty good.

Good luck,
RT

 

[xmaster]

where's the mardia gras parade?

Lots of places in Louisiana. New Orleans is planning on having as good of one as ever. The one I refered to is in Baton Rouge where I live. I have a fairly new job that is down town where the parade runs. So I have a place to hang out and a parking space!

 

[M2 Carbine]

It really depends on the show. I've been to huge shows and literally saw NOTHING that I was looking for. Or if I found it, it was overpriced.

This is a fact.

At some big shows I don't see a single "good deal" that interested me and I leave with a couple thousand primers, etc.

Then, like the last show, I bought a Kel Tec PLR-16 for $430 and a individualy owned M1 Carbine. The Carbine was priced so low that I tried to talk the owner into trying to get himself a better price rather than sell it to me, but if he insisted I couldn't turn it down.

The shows are far different from 15-20 years ago. Pretty much then I'd usually have to make up my mind which good buys I wanted the most.

 

[MudPuppy]

First educate yourself on exactly what you are after. Then know the current expected price of what you are after.

That's exactly right.

One other bit of advice I would offer is to not purchase ANYTHING the first time--just look. (that's if it's a frequent show--we have one once a month in
Austin.)

 

[xmaster]

Lots of good advice. What about if I start thinking used? Like a colt flat top model for $900. What are the things to look for? Like besides exterior rust.

 

[scout26]

Yep, have a list of what you're looking for and what you are willing to pay.

I gone to shows and walked out with nothing. I've also gone to shows and had to have help carrying out the stuff I bought.

The Scout26 Gunshow Tactic: If you find something that you like, but is overpriced, go back to that table when they're starting to pack up. Make your offer. Something along the lines of "I'll give you $40 for that MEC 650 Jr in 20ga, and you won't have to haul it back out to your truck, and explain to your wife that you blew the entire morning and didn't sell a thing."

"I'll give you another $20 for those 6 bags of 20 ga wads.....How about $10 for that case of primers."

It's amazing how willing they are to negotiate when faced with the prospect of having to haul it out of the building and going home with 0$'s to face Mrs Vendor who's been stuck at home with the kids all day and wants to get a babysitter and go out to dinner.

 

[Sinsaba]

And then there is the used market. I don't know about there but here in VA most any gun show you go to you will see people wandering around inside with a gun slung over their back and a sign saying "For Sale" ... or sometimes you will see someone at a table with a sign saying "Personal Sale"

These Face To Face (FTF) sales can take place without paperwork (though the one time I've don it I had printed out bills of sale for our mutual protection) and frequently, you can get a good deal.

I don't know that much about buying used but having 2 glocks I know what to look for if I'm buying a used Glock. Having a Beretta CX4 Storm I know what kind of wear to expect from the number of rounds I've put through it. And of course, is it clean and does it appear well maintained. I'll knock $25 right off the price of a piece is dirty.

 

[f4t9r]

Lots of good advice. What about if I start thinking used? Like a colt flat top model for $900. What are the things to look for? Like besides exterior rust.

I bought a Colt AR15 flattop NEW Match Target for 900 a few Months back at the gun show. Seen one last weekend for 925. New Rock River AR (I like These) 875.
I do not like getting a used AR unless I know about the gun and the pricing on used is near new price. The best way to get what you want is to buy a Lower (complete) then shop around for an Upper. Like others have said do your homework and know what you are looking for. I have found a guy at the Bill Goodmans Show In Ohio who treats me right and knows what he is talking about and you can build a AR for about 750

 

[desoto]

There was some discussion on this board about a group buy on Colt AR15's. If you are in no hurry you may want to wait and see where it goes:http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=179693

 

[Taurus 617 CCW]

In times past I have kept a small piece of paper with me or obtained a table map of the show and mark off a table with the gun and price on it. I go around the entire show before I consider buying so I know what kinds of deals there are. I also know most of the local vendors and we chat frequently. As many have said before do your research before the show so you know the market and going price. I have saved myself from some really bad purchases with that information. Don't forget to have fun too.

 

[Mizzle187]

I paid $1000 even for a brand new in box Rock River CAR A4 with quad rail and tac mount top along with a spare 30 and 20 round magazine at Eagle Firearms.

 

[xmaster]

Thanks again guys. That is a lot of great info. I just called to make sure the show was this weekend. It is. Starts at 9 am tomorrow. I think it is one in a circuit. I think it is the same one with Heather? that says "sure shooten I'll probabally see you there", after she jacks the slide of a pump gun.

BTW Desoto that guy isn't even born yet.