What would you do if you felt the need...

[blkbrd666]

...to buy something. I went to a gunshow today and as usual there were no deals to be had. I found 3 not so common handguns but didn't bother to ask the dealers for their bottom dollar. Would any of you have tried to purchase one of these...what to think of their listed prices?

1) Ruger 22/45 MKII blued with a 3in heavy barrel and 2 mags. This gun was LNIB. $225.00

2) Walther P1 Manurhin manufacture with one mag. This gun was in perfect condition...looked like new old stock. $315.00

3) Smith&Wesson model 66 SS with a 6in barrel. Original wood target grips. Don't know if it was just a 66 or a -1 or -2. It was pinned and recessed so I know it was older than a -3. This gun was probably 98%. $499.00

Since I paid to get in I really really wanted to leave with something but didn't. If everyone thinks the above are not really good starting prices then I won't feel so bad.

Thanks,

 

[blkbrd666]

No opinions at all???

 

[Hungry Seagull]

Not exactly.

I have gone to shows and bought nothing. Perhaps the pricing is over retail or too close to it. Perhaps the condition of the items is ... less than stellar. Or other .. considerations.

I am trained to go to shows of a variety of types and enjoy the show experience, ignoring the hype to buy something just because.

However, once in a while I keep a very short list of things in my pocket ready to go should I come across it at a good price and condition.

Call me strange, but when it comes to weapons I prefer to buy virgin factory fresh weapons. Now, Living History such as the Civil War, I dont have issue with those. A reproduction .57 enfield for example works just as well during a shoot skirmish as a original provided all parts are present and working. However, it is a very expensive hobby and Ive gotten too fat to march back and forth in the hot sun all day LOL.

Shows are good. If not for buying, but for to see what is out there. Sort of like a giant flea market example. Once in a while a gem comes along, grab it. Otherwise, enjoy the experience.

 

[2RCO]

Those all sound like pretty fair prices to me.

My problem is I always go to gunshows and attempt to budget myself to a certain $ amount and then proceed to go over budget.

There is one exception --when I go to the Tulsa Gun show at which I give myself a very large budget and buy nothing since I see at least 20 or whatever rare gun it is I'm hankering for. There are so many I can't decide so I go home empty handed.

 

[Boba Fett]

I am trained to go to shows of a variety of types and enjoy the show experience, ignoring the hype to buy something just because.

Same here. If I happen to see something that is an excellent deal and I've been wanting to get it for a long time, I might buy it. Also if I see something that is drastically under priced and I think I can make a few bucks (few hundred I mean) on it, I'll get that as well.

I have purchased the majority of my guns at shows, but in the last 6+ months, I've primarily purchased ammo and not much else. Many times I just go to look and enjoy hanging out with fellow 2A supporters.

Since I paid to get in I really really wanted to leave with something but didn't. If everyone thinks the above are not really good starting prices then I won't feel so bad.

Think of it this way: you pay to go to a Baseball game, but you don't have to spend money on the overpriced foam fingers or fake autographed pictures. Sure the photos might have been only $5, but did you really need one? But you enjoyed going to the game and being with your fellow fans.

Now if you found an autographed rookie card of some famous player, and you'd really been wanting one or it was way below what you know it was worth, then sure, you get it and feel extra good!

 

[orionengnr]

If I can't find a deal on a gun, I can always find a deal on ammo, components, or reloading gear. Always.

This weekend I should have bought the guy out who had three or four 500-round boxes of 200gr SWC 45acp lead bullets for $35 each. That is a 20% discount over the best local price of $42/500.
The fact that I already have, ummm, a few of these bullets makes no difference. I certainly don't have a lifetime supply, or even (at current loading/shooting rate) a three year supply.

I'm still kicking meself in the arse.

 

[chuckusaret]

Recently I have have done better on Gun Broker. Find what I want and call the seller and make a valid offer. Works 90% of the time for NIB and always less than MSRP. The bidding stuff is for the birds