I was in the market for either a FAL or AR. I'm mostly leaning towards an AR. I was shopping around for a nice flattop carbine as I'm on a budget. $700 or so. And I was considering ordering one and having it sent to a local FFL to avoid coughing up taxes on it. But I have been hearing that one shouldn't buy rifles sight unseen. Plus I'm a little impatient. So I've considered going to a gun show and buying one there. I have never been to one. What's the skinny on buying an AR at a local WA gun show? Which show should I look out for? What is the current going rate for flat top carbine AR's at the shows? Mostly looking at the Oly PCR 16 or the DPMS. Would I be able to get one for around that price? Or is it not worth waiting for and just pick one up locally? TIA
WA State guys. Anyone go to gunshows?
- Thread starter Ari
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Powderman
Member
A word on gunshows.
Caveat Emptor or "let the buyer beware" is the rule, especially when buying AR 15 rifles of any manufacture.
For the most part, AR's are plentiful and available in almost any size, shape, and flavor. You must be very careful when shopping, though--there are some pitfalls to avoid.
I don't know how familiar you are with the AR15, so here goes.
First of all, be brand conscious. To my knowledge, the good ones out there are:
Colt
Bushmaster
Armalite
DPMS
Olympic Arms
in no particular order or preference.
Be aware of the offshoot (generic) names, too. For instance, Eagle Arms is the plain vanilla version offered by Armalite. The old service mark SGW can still be found. It stands for Schutzen Gun Works, which was started by Bob Schutzen, president of Olympic Arms.
A good non-mainstream AR, from what I've heard, is American Spirit Arms.
Of course, you have the high-dollar customs that you normally won't see at a gun show:
Les Baer
Fulton Armory
Clark Custom
just to name three.
Be very observant for the ubiquitous hand of "Bubba"--it seems that almost every jackleg gun plumber in existence buys a set of vise jaws, a forend wrench, and presto! He, too, can build AR 15's!!!
I ran into a specimen of a B16 (Bubba'd AR 15) at a Lakewood gun show. Seems the guy was so anxious to sell a post ban upper that he put a muzzle brake on a post-ban--BY WELDING IT ON!!!
(I sure would not want to fire that thing!!!)
Also, be very aware of the law concerning post and pre-bans. Don't fall for the "Hey!! I have a pre ban receiver for sale!" It won't do you any good unless it was assembled into a complete rifle.
If you wish, and if you have some rudimentary know-how, you can build a Frankengun. I took an Oly Arms lower, a generic parts set for the lower, a long A2 buttstock with its attendant parts, and a complete Armalite A4 upper. I now have a super dependable AR that I use as a duty rifle. It's so accurate that it's scary. Very nice gun, and all for a total of about $750.00.
Bottom line--be very careful at the gun show. You can get good bargains--but you can also be ripped off in a hurry. If you want, PM me for more info.
Caveat Emptor or "let the buyer beware" is the rule, especially when buying AR 15 rifles of any manufacture.
For the most part, AR's are plentiful and available in almost any size, shape, and flavor. You must be very careful when shopping, though--there are some pitfalls to avoid.
I don't know how familiar you are with the AR15, so here goes.
First of all, be brand conscious. To my knowledge, the good ones out there are:
Colt
Bushmaster
Armalite
DPMS
Olympic Arms
in no particular order or preference.
Be aware of the offshoot (generic) names, too. For instance, Eagle Arms is the plain vanilla version offered by Armalite. The old service mark SGW can still be found. It stands for Schutzen Gun Works, which was started by Bob Schutzen, president of Olympic Arms.
A good non-mainstream AR, from what I've heard, is American Spirit Arms.
Of course, you have the high-dollar customs that you normally won't see at a gun show:
Les Baer
Fulton Armory
Clark Custom
just to name three.
Be very observant for the ubiquitous hand of "Bubba"--it seems that almost every jackleg gun plumber in existence buys a set of vise jaws, a forend wrench, and presto! He, too, can build AR 15's!!!
I ran into a specimen of a B16 (Bubba'd AR 15) at a Lakewood gun show. Seems the guy was so anxious to sell a post ban upper that he put a muzzle brake on a post-ban--BY WELDING IT ON!!!
(I sure would not want to fire that thing!!!)
Also, be very aware of the law concerning post and pre-bans. Don't fall for the "Hey!! I have a pre ban receiver for sale!" It won't do you any good unless it was assembled into a complete rifle.
If you wish, and if you have some rudimentary know-how, you can build a Frankengun. I took an Oly Arms lower, a generic parts set for the lower, a long A2 buttstock with its attendant parts, and a complete Armalite A4 upper. I now have a super dependable AR that I use as a duty rifle. It's so accurate that it's scary. Very nice gun, and all for a total of about $750.00.
Bottom line--be very careful at the gun show. You can get good bargains--but you can also be ripped off in a hurry. If you want, PM me for more info.
Bart Noir
Member
Ari, the best gunshows in our area are those run by Wash Arms Collectors (WAC). The next is at Monroe Fairgrounds on May 3 & 4. Next after that is Puyallup Fairgounds on May 17 & 18. You don't have to be a WAC member to get in, but you have to be a member or join if you are going to make a firearms purchase there. You can join at the show and I think they even refund the entry price when you join. Bonus: the Puyallup show will have the NW Knife Collectors show alongside. I'm gona be there!!! Olymic Arms are from Olympia WA, so if you have a problem with one of theirs, just drive for an hour and bang on the door. A good shop is Federal Way Guns, on Pacific Hwy at about 334th or so. They always have a selection of AR-15 models, usually by Bushmaster.
Bart Noir
Shotguns are for winning handgun fights.
Bart Noir
Shotguns are for winning handgun fights.
Hey Bart,
I don't have a CCW so it would cost me $35 just to be a member. Question is, is it really worth it? Are there alot of good deals there? Can I purchase accessories with out a membership? Or do you have to be a member to buy anything? Thanks again. Considering I'm in the Kent area I'll give Federal Way Arms a call. Thanks.
I don't have a CCW so it would cost me $35 just to be a member. Question is, is it really worth it? Are there alot of good deals there? Can I purchase accessories with out a membership? Or do you have to be a member to buy anything? Thanks again. Considering I'm in the Kent area I'll give Federal Way Arms a call. Thanks.
Powderman
Member
Ari, you can buy all the accessories there you want without a membership. The membership fee will allow you to purchase the guns there.
SASS#23149
Member
selection,yes......deals,no
IMHO,there are no "deals" at a gunshow,just a lot to look at.The guys there pay or their tables and are there to make money,just as in a shop.
I find it's MUCH better to buy from my local guy,who will stand behind the gun more than a stranger at a show will.
What with todays' political climate,gun sales are climbing so a dealer doesn' have to cut a fat deal to sell,unfortunately for the buyer.
Sorry to ramble on so.
Mike
IMHO,there are no "deals" at a gunshow,just a lot to look at.The guys there pay or their tables and are there to make money,just as in a shop.
I find it's MUCH better to buy from my local guy,who will stand behind the gun more than a stranger at a show will.
What with todays' political climate,gun sales are climbing so a dealer doesn' have to cut a fat deal to sell,unfortunately for the buyer.
Sorry to ramble on so.
Mike
BusMaster007
Member
Hi, Ari.
Here's the link to WAC:
http://www.washingtonarmscollectors.org/
It's a good idea to get your Washington State Concealed Pistol License, anyway.
With it, you can go to the show and join WAC and purchase a firearm that day, as your background check has been performed by the State already.
Without the CPL, you will have to wait until WAC and the State both check you out.
Contrary to popular media hype, you CANNOT buy a gun at the WAC gunshow if you are not a member.
Breaking the rules or the law will get you expelled and/or worse.
You may find some very good deals there, too. Not everyone at the show is out to get your last dime in a greed fest.
As a new member and first time gunshow goer, you may even strike a sympathetic chord with somebody who'll help you around and find a great deal.
Good Luck.
Here's the link to WAC:
http://www.washingtonarmscollectors.org/
It's a good idea to get your Washington State Concealed Pistol License, anyway.
With it, you can go to the show and join WAC and purchase a firearm that day, as your background check has been performed by the State already.
Without the CPL, you will have to wait until WAC and the State both check you out.
Contrary to popular media hype, you CANNOT buy a gun at the WAC gunshow if you are not a member.
Breaking the rules or the law will get you expelled and/or worse.
You may find some very good deals there, too. Not everyone at the show is out to get your last dime in a greed fest.
As a new member and first time gunshow goer, you may even strike a sympathetic chord with somebody who'll help you around and find a great deal.
Good Luck.
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