Three day long gun shows? First day?

[Outlaws]

I haven't been to a gun show in a while because I generally leave unhappy, but I really want a Swedish M96 or M38, and I figure a gun show is as good a place as any to see one in person rather than buying blind over the net.

So here is the thing...I don't recall going to any gun shows on a Friday, because I was always working, but now I have the chance to go this Friday. Are all the dealers there normally, or is it a hit or miss day? I want to see ALL Swedish Mausers I can see, but I don't wanna get there and find a vacant lot.

 

[Steve H]

About a month ago I went to the gun show in St. George. They had about 15 - 16 tables set up on friday. It was a total waste of time and $$$. This was the first one I had been to in about 5 years. It seems that back then there were a lot more vendors.

 

[Outlaws]

Was Saturday and Sunday any better? We normally have HUGE shows here.

 

[Rexrider]

Outlaws,

I will be going to the show also this weekend. Last year I went on Friday. I can't say a saw any difference other than parking was a little easier. But traffic to and from the show is much worse compared to Sat/Sun.

Having said that I would like to get in on Friday again this time because I am looking for bulk ammo. I don't think it will take long for ammo to dry up this year.

Ammo aside, I prefer Sundays because vendors/private sellers are a little more flexible on their prices when the show is closing up.

 

[fisi]

i'll be in line way before 1100am. friday is just as bad as the other days but i have a specific shopping list that requires my attendance at the show. private sales, fairly decent prices and smalls arms review is the selling point for me.......

 

[salvador31c]

I think Friday & Saturday are are good days to go. I'm just looking to see if anything catches my eye, at this show, but last year i went on sunday an hour before they closed and it was still nicely packed, good luck on your search.

 

[Smokey Joe]

It's a little like fishing.

Outlaws--There is an element of pure dumb luck involved in making a score @ a gun sho. Go when you can, find what you can, haggle as much as possible, be prepared to walk away if seller won't budge down to yr price.

Example: Last one I went to, had to go on a Fri, as I was working that Sat & Sun. Went. Hung around. Sold some stuff. A Bubba-ized Swede Mauser called my name from one table. Fondled same. Drooled on same. (The Bubba who did the work was a good workman.) Asked the price; it was 'way more than I could pay. Went back 1/2 hour before closing and asked for a reduction. Got a reduction but it was still too much for me. (Even though perhaps a fair price for the rifle.) Went back 5 min. before closing and whimpered a final offer--he said "In cash?" I said "Half cash, half a check." He said "OK, I need some cash to pay my table rent. You've got a deal."

So I forked over all the cash I had--about 1/2 the price--wrote a check for the balance, and walked out with a receipt and a Swede Mauser with a shortened bbl, 'scope mounts, a lowered safety, and a nice sporter stock.

The rest of the story:

Next day I went to my favorite gun store & bo't rings & a used Redfield 'scope which they kindly mounted. Then went to the range. Scope took a box of ammo to adjust. At 100 yd. it was making 1" groups more or less, with Federal factory ammo. (No time nor dies with which to work up a handload.) The following week I took it with me deer hunting. The next Monday bagged a deer with it.

So there you are. If you have to go to a gun show on a Friday, go on a Friday. You just never know.