What a horrid gun show.

[MM]

I'm 'bout like Fat Boy. I attend local gun shows to see what's collectible. I prefer no longer made Colts and Smiths and can usually find same in the condition I require at a price that's fair. I deal almost exclusively with 1 or 3 dealers who are familiar with my tastes and they ususally say something like "I've been waiting for you to come along so I could show you something". That something is an example for which they know I am searching, and because of my history of doing business with them I am usually offered a slightly better price than the one being asked.
As far as carry type guns, local brick and mortar establishments are preferred.
MM

 

[arjppj]

I stopped going to that one...its only 1/2 a mile from my work and i dont even bother going there on lunch anymore

 

[NetJunkie]

That show is a C&E show. I don't bother going to C&E shows anymore. Dixie shows are much nicer.

 

[MountainPeak]

I'm a gun show lover, and junkie, so for me, ANY gun show is fun. Even if I don't find anything of value, I enjoy shooting the bull with gun folks.

 

[Atla]

I also like gun shows, but I don't like gun shows that are more like flea markets with all sorts of extra crap that isn't gun related.

And you're right, it was a C&E show - I think I wrote that wrong.

 

[Sebastian the Ibis]

I just went to the Gun show at the Miami-Dade fairgrounds over the weekend and really enjoyed it, I always do. If anyone is ever thinking about coming to Miami, I highly recommend coming on a gun show weekend.

I was looking for a shotgun for down here and wound up getting a mossy 500 and a box of shells for $220. There were a ton of shotguns at similar prices. I was thinking about getting a Saiga too but I couldn't find one in 12ga, but the 410's were cheap $270 I think.

I always enjoy seeing the class III stuff for sale, and I got an invite to go boar hunting with my new shotgun. - a very nice way to spend the day.

but I agree that some of the stuff is way overpriced. Lou's in Hialeah had a very lightly used glock 22, with tricons, a pelican case, and 3 mags for $449. I didn't see anything even close to that good at the show and I was looking.

 

[Nero_Atrum]

I also went to the same gunshow as Sebastian. I ended up staring at 2 G36 clones for a while until I saw the price tag... Close to $4000!!!

 

[Sun195]

I go to be around other "gun people", just to get out of the house, to find certain ammo (Big 5 doesn't sell 6.5 Carcano...), or to find gun accessories (ammo cans, gun rugs, etc.) which are priced better than gun stores (although, maybe not internet). Sometimes I'll find a gun I've been looking for, and while the price is a little higher, they actually have it so I buy - a bird in the hand.

I've never found a good deal on used guns at shows. They all seem to be limited edition, three screw, no lock, collectible, rare, etc, etc, etc. A decent, used gun that's appreciably less than a new one seems to be rare for me to find.

Last show I went to, I'd guess less than 60% of the tables actually had any guns on them.

 

[qajaq59]

As soon as I see Gun and Knife show I know that it's doomed. But I go anyway. It's nice to run into a few friends and shoot the breeze.

 

[Flame Red]

I complain about the shows more than most, but I always seem to go anyway. Around here in Orlando, the line goes down the street to get in and does not let up until the afternoon.

I do admit that most of the time, the only deals are from private sellers. But if you want to fondle something, it is the place to go. Except that if you are looking for something specific you won't find it at the show and if you are not looking for something specific and don't have the cash on had you will find the deal of the century.

Only thing I wonder is when the fire marshall is going to close it down because the isles are impassable. Got to squeeze in every last table possible, just like the houses around here.

 

[Ala Dan]

That is just 'bout what the Alabama Gun Collectors Show has
turned into; just a bunch of old farts sitting 'round the tables
eating cookies and drinking milk, while BS'ing over their high
price guns.