West Palm Beach Gun Show

[chuckusaret]

I just left the show, very disappointing. Prices were outrageous and very few gun sales were made and very few people in attendance. It appears to me that the people that want a gun have either already bought what they want or the outrageous prices have turned them away. The only vendor with reasonable prices compared to the other vendors was Willie's of Lake Park. He had KelTec's and Ruger LCP's in the $330-$350 range, while other vendors were in the $400 to $500 range and assorted ammo priced well below the other vendors. As always I donated to the Veterans Charities and took chances on the gun raffles. As with everything I believe I, with many others, have attended my last gun show in West Palm. I believe I'll skip the monthly shows and only attend the annual Shot Show in Orlando.

 

[craig]

Unless I have somehing to sell, or I'm really bored I don't go to shows anymore. It's not worth the hassle/expense.

There's nothing there I can't find for much less on the internet.

 

[EvanWilliams]

The gunshow in Coconut grove is usually pretty good. I went to one WPB show and it was fair. That was 8 years ago.
WPB had a great Range that was run by the Sheriff's dept. 200 yrds if I remember right.

 

[numaone]

EvanWilliams,
I went to the same show on Saturday. I want a refund. The only thing I was actually looking for, I couldn't find- single-point slings. I realized why I continue to go to gunshows. It's like a train-wreck. You know you shouldn't look, but you just can't help yourself...

The PBSO opens their rifle range monthly. They have 100,200, and 300 yd ranges on selected Saturdays and Sundays. I've heard it's fairly nice. I plan to go in August when I get my 700 in shooting condition. http://www.pbso.org/oldpbso/PBSO_Org/Bureau_of_Training/Handgun_Shotgun/handgun_shotgun.htm

 

[zulu6]

I have found that many gun dealers in this area do everything that they can do to not sell guns. Rudeness, bad customer service, and stunningly high prices are the norm. There is no reason to think that they get any better when they set up a table at the show. I hope that when demand finally falls, they remember how they treated us when business was good. As for me, I've given up on most brick and mortar dealers and I've certainly been to my last show.

 

[maskedman504]

Unless I have somehing to sell, or I'm really bored I don't go to shows anymore. It's not worth the hassle/expense.

There's nothing there I can't find for much less on the internet.

++1

But sometimes, I am pretty bored on a Sunday.

 

[sig228]

The only reason I go to gun shows anymore is to handle the guns I'm interested in. No real deals there. See what you like, then off to gunbroker or gun genie to get that deal. About the only thing I buy at gunshows anymore is ammo cans or accessories, but certainly not guns. Beef jerky isn't bad either!!

 

[chuckusaret]

I have found that many gun dealers in this area do everything that they can do to not sell guns. Rudeness, bad customer service, and stunningly high prices are the norm.

You are correct. I have shopped for guns from the Florida Keys to Ft Kent Maine and have never run into salesmen as bad as the ones here in Palm Beach county. There were several tables at the gun show also where it appeared that it was a bother for them to assist a customer. I would like to point out the one exception here in Palm Beach County, Liberty Guns, they treat you as a customer should be treated.

 

[Mohawk]

Must be a trend. Last show I went to in N. Arizona didn't have many people in attendance and most who came were looky-loos. Prices for guns and ammo were very high. Dealers were surly. Probably cause they couldn't sell anything.

 

[smilin-buddha]

I went to the last show just to pick up my primers.

 

[THE DARK KNIGHT]

Hah, exactly. The dealers are probably because because their artificial, fear driven run on guns is nearing its end and they'll be back to normal prices soon.

 

[AWorthyOpponent]

I spoke to one of the guys working there, I asked about a 1911 that I was interested in. He seemed really rude when I was asking some basic questions about it, kinda blowing me off. I said: 'Am I bothering you? Because if I am, I can go pay that nice guy $50 more and walk out knowing that you probably wont sell anything because you have ****ty customer service." he apologized and said that he was upset because he had to spend his 4th of july there. After that he was really nice, and even gave me a box of .45 JHP to go with the gun.

I walked back by him later and he seemed to be trying to be polite.

As for the deals, there really aren't that many but if you take your time, you can find them. It just depends on what you're looking for.