I had an 01 FFL back in the mid to late 90's. The BATF agent who came to my home to interview me told me he didn't want me selling at gun shows. He was VERY fixated on gun shows. He didn't say it was against the law, he just warned me in an intimidating manner not to do it. I researched, and found that with a 01 FFL it was perfectly legal for me to sell at gun shows. However, as I had not intention of buying or selling firearms as a business, I never sold at gun shows or anywhere. I just wanted to do a little gunsmithing on the side, and wanted to make sure it was legal. The attitude of that BATF agent has always stuck with me though.
My gun show experiences as a dealer
- Thread starter H_AMMER
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MagnumDweeb
Member
If dealers find being at gun shows so frustrating then they shouldn't go. No tears for gun dealers. You chose to get into the business and take the risk, you reap the rewards and consequences, I'm just a consumer.
I go to gun shows to fondle firearms I'll buy elsewhere cheaper should a deal come up. Nothing more, nothing less, and maybe some gun cleaning supplies and cheap bulk targets (not anymore since I learend to print off my own targets on my printer). Once in a blue moon cheap 8mm and 7.62x25 ammo as well as some reloading components (rare especially now).
If I buy a gun its from a greybeard who showed up at 9:00 a.m. and is selling off his life time collection out of his trunk for excellent prices. I'm not selling any of my guns privately at a gun show, that's what gunbroker is for.
Gun shows should be swap meets like before 1968. But now they are horrid showcases for overpriced goods and license holders get ticked when you are sitting there with your smart phone comparing their prices to Buds or gunbroker as if you are the bad guy.
If your upset because people want guns without "paper" oh well that's reality. Buy a bunch of guns for yourself and let them sit in the back of a safe for a couple years so you can "liquidate your collection." It that's too hard, then that's your problem.
I go to gun shows to fondle firearms I'll buy elsewhere cheaper should a deal come up. Nothing more, nothing less, and maybe some gun cleaning supplies and cheap bulk targets (not anymore since I learend to print off my own targets on my printer). Once in a blue moon cheap 8mm and 7.62x25 ammo as well as some reloading components (rare especially now).
If I buy a gun its from a greybeard who showed up at 9:00 a.m. and is selling off his life time collection out of his trunk for excellent prices. I'm not selling any of my guns privately at a gun show, that's what gunbroker is for.
Gun shows should be swap meets like before 1968. But now they are horrid showcases for overpriced goods and license holders get ticked when you are sitting there with your smart phone comparing their prices to Buds or gunbroker as if you are the bad guy.
If your upset because people want guns without "paper" oh well that's reality. Buy a bunch of guns for yourself and let them sit in the back of a safe for a couple years so you can "liquidate your collection." It that's too hard, then that's your problem.
X-Rap
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I much prefer the swap meet type atmosphere of the old days and in some states it is still prevalent, CO is pretty much on the down slide as far as gun shows and the dealers are as guilty as anyone. A couple weeks ago I saw a Colt 6920 with an asking price of $3400 and numerous Rock Rivers for $1500-1800. One "dealer didn't like the price I had on my scoped A Bolt 300WSM at around $650 but had an A Bolt on his table for over $900.
Madcap_Magician
Member
I am not going to judge one way or another, but I have seen an awful lot of 'casual sellers' without FFLs who somehow make it to every gun show in the state with a table full of guns that they sell and business cards to hand out.
Regardless of whether or not that SHOULD be illegal, I'd say it probably IS illegal.
Regardless of whether or not that SHOULD be illegal, I'd say it probably IS illegal.
X-Rap
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My dad and I hit two shows a year in which we try to trade or sell guns that are redundant, uninteresting, or just plain aren't satisfied with. We take quite a few guns but we also have quite a few more. He likes to tinker and refinish and together we manage to build and improve on our collection. I certainly don't view what we do as any business, to me it's more about improving and feeding an enjoyable hobby. When he gets to the point that he isn't interested anymore I doubt I will continue to set up at shows anymore, to him it is enjoyable interaction but to me it is kind of a pain in the arse.
spearpoint
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Folks have become remarkably complacent about such things -- lest we forget, the existence of the GCA is the problem...
Fundamentals.
Fundamentals.
smalls
Member
I think he was being facetious.
mgkdrgn
Member
Actually, not likely.
BATFE spends a lot more time and effort on FFL's than they do on non-licensed dealers.
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