Where can I get deals?

[Golden_006]

How and where do you get good deals on guns and ammo? It seems like every time I talk prices everyone seems to think they're too high, but I can't find them cheaper anywhere.

 

[MMCSRET]

You have to be ready all the time, every time. I have found good deals while repairing a Hyster lift truck in a BMC West lumber yard, in a grain elevator while visiting a friend that worked there. I bought one from a farmer while we were shopping at Albertsons. Just be ready, have money in your pocket and listen closely.
Yes, I know informal face to face gun deals are not allowed in some regressive areas, but thats not where I live.

 

[nelson133]

Time and patience are your friends, put the effort in looking around.

 

[MinnMooney]

Sometimes, just letting people know that you shoot and are always looking for ammo will bring unexpected results. It could be that someone gave up shooting or inherited ammo/guns but doesn't shoot. They could give you a good deal on it.

As far as getting a "good deal" from Cabelas, Bass Pro, Sportsman's Guide, Cheaper than dirt or the ammo man............ no way. They KNOW the value of their goods and make the most that they can which is called "Retail".

 

[NMGonzo]

I shop at work.

"Hey! ... I was looking for xyz gun ... got any?"

 

[GeoW]

"Yes, I know informal face to face gun deals are not allowed in some regressive areas, but thats not where I live."

US Constitution says it's OK

 

[Jim Watson]

Been maybe a hundred years since that meant anything.
Face it, gun ownership is a privilege that the statists have not got around to cancelling yet.

 

[CJ]

Many times, you can simply ask for a lower price (for firearms anyway). One tactic might be to check online suppliers (like Davidson's gallery of guns) where you can order directly to have them sent to various sellers in your area. Go in and tell them that you can order via Davidsons for $XYZ, do they want to try to beat it (which they usually can with another supplier).

Ammunition is a little more rough. The only place I've seen it completely ridiculous has been at gun shows (although I wouldn't put it past the local pawn shop to have jacked them up...like how all of their SKS's and AK's had the 'hundreds' digit increased the day after Obama got elected). Otherwise, WalMart or my LGS have been my supplier...except when I decided I wanted to test defensive ammunition that just wasn't available locally and waited something like 5 months for it to arrive.

 

[Mike J]

Sometimes you can find things at these links-ammo-accessories www.gun-deals.com/index.php?page=1 or www.ammoengine.com

 

[jnyork]

You need to let people know you are looking, or at least interested in looking. Always have 5 or 10 100 dollar bills in your wallet or where you can get to them quickly, cash does wonders. Always try to bring up the subject of guns in a casual conversation, work it around to something like "I am sort of a collector, I spend a little money and a lot of time in my hobby" . For instance, my wife and I are avid yardsalers, we go early in the morning every Friday and Saturday of the summer months. I get LOTS of good deals on gun stuff and occasionally guns, and always ask " Got any hunting gear, reloading stuff or guns you want to get rid of?". You would be surprised what comes out of the woodwork. Always have quick access to a Blue Book or a laptop on which to check Gunbroker. Study up on what the values are on what interests you. Always be ready, things pop up in the most unusual circumstances.

 

[hometheaterman]

Yep I don't seem to be too good at finding gun deals either. I've seen a couple but only a couple. I'd like to see a lot more than I do.

 

[TonyDedo]

#1 - Group buys are awesome. I'm about to complete a really nice AR varmiter (white oaks barrel, timney trigger, etc) for under $800 via a series of group buys from another forum. I get together and order reloading components with guys from my club - MUCH cheaper than piecemealing it myself. And a local dealer has been selling rifle ammo to a group of us in 10k lots on a cost+ basis.

#2 - Old timers. There are a lot of guys around the clubs who have treasurers just sitting in the corner of their closets, gathering dust. A guy I know scored an old Colt AR and about 10k rounds of match ammo for a few hundred dollars because an old timer was getting out of high power and wanted it to go to someone who'd use it. I scored a beautiful BHP for $450 a couple weeks back under similar circumstances.

#3 - jnyork is spot on about yard sales. The key is knowing what you want and being able to recognize it when you see it, knowing what it's worth (or what you're willing to pay), and being ready with cash.

 

[BaltimoreBoy]

A merchant (middleman) makes his profit by having knowledge and connections that neither his wholesaler nor customer has.

To get deals you must first of all have knowledge - i.e. you must know it is a deal

So in addition to the above comments about talking it up and being ready to move, be sure you really know your values.