Will you buy from dealers at shows?

[Invisible Swordsman]

If they have something I want, at a price I'm willing to pay, I'll buy from anybody.

 

[itchy1]

Medalguy wrote: "Let's face it, guns are commodities. Buy wherever you get the best deal, tax, title, and license included"

Could not agree more. Whoever can supply what I want at the best prices gets my scratch.

 

[ThorinNNY]

I mostly go to local gun shows to support the organization - fire department, American Legion, Knight of Columbus, etc hosting it. I pay the modest admission fee, buy a raffle ticket or two, maybe coffee & a donut or burger.Sometimes I found good deals, but lately there`s precious little ammunition available and everything`s selling for wildly inflated prices.
I saw a dealer asking $ 100.00 for a used Chinese made.177 side lever cocking air rifle. You used to be able to pick them up for $19.95 at tool show they held at firehalls, etc.

 

[ExTank]

I voted yes, because most of the dealers at the shows I frequent also have brick-and-mortar storefronts and businesses as well throughout Missouri.

So I am supporting local merchants, without having to drive all over eastern and central Missouri to check out their finer wares; it's one-stop shopping!

 

[Deanimator]

With the caveat that most local dealers who come to gun shows aren't likely to have anything I'm interested in in the first place, I will buy from dealers that I know, at least if I'm looking for something new.

With one exception, there isn't a gun store north of Cuyahoga Falls that's apt to have anything I want, for a price I'd be willing to pay. That leaves gun dealers at shows, some of which at least have new guns of some interest.

I'm mostly interested in used [pre-lock] S&W and Colt revolvers at reasonable prices. Those, you're NOT going to see in most shops in the entire Cleveland area. It's gun shows or NOTHING.

 

[Reloadron]

With the caveat that most local dealers who come to gun shows aren't likely to have anything I'm interested in in the first place, I will buy from dealers that I know, at least if I'm looking for something new.

With one exception, there isn't a gun store north of Cuyahoga Falls that's apt to have anything I want, for a price I'd be willing to pay. That leaves gun dealers at shows, some of which at least have new guns of some interest.

I'm mostly interested in used [pre-lock] S&W and Colt revolvers at reasonable prices. Those, you're NOT going to see in most shops in the entire Cleveland area. It's gun shows or NOTHING.

Have you visited Jim Davis at Northfield Gun & Tackle in Northfield Villiage (on SR 82). One heck of a collection of "stuff" in general. I have dragged several nice old S&W and Colt revolvers out of his place. He is also open to offers.

Overall here in NE Ohio we do have a few good shows. When my wife and me had our brick and mortar gun shop we actively worked the shows as licensed dealers. One of our selling points was if you buy a gun and have a problem we were easy to find on the Monday morning after the show.

Ron

 

[gym]

Impossible to find anything locally, gun shows are my only means of having access to the newest stuff out there

 

[Sam1911]

On the other hand I have bought several of my most favorite guns from sellers and dealers at gun shows with NO paperwork.

Hopefully that's not true. A dealer has to complete the 4473 form no matter whether he's selling at his shop or a gun show.

 

[Bruno2]

I was wondering about that statement too Sam. Could the dealer have been possibly selling a buddies gun or his own private stuff?

 

[Sam1911]

I don't think that matters. As a licensee, he has to do things a certain way.

 

[Skyshot]

If I'm looking for a particular item, I'll make an offer. All they can do is say no. A couple of years ago I wanted one of the 581 series mini-14's with the short barrel. An out of state dealer had one and it was the last day of the show. He was asking $699.95 and background check. I told I had $600 and if he could figure out the tax and BG check, I'd take it off his hands. He just laughed and said he couldn't. About thirty minutes later I was about two rows over from his table and I saw him motion me to come over. So I did and he said "your on if you haven't spent that money yet". I said write it up and left there with it for $600. NIB tax BG check and all.

 

[MedWheeler]

I buy what I want, when I want, when I see it for the price I'm willing to pay. I do prefer to stay within the limits of the law, but I have few other restrictions.

My local gun shops are very bit what dealers at gun shows are. I have none that I "favor."

 

[we are not amused]

At gun shows, you have both local dealers and others from some distance away, all gathered together under one roof.

My idea of heaven!

Why would anyone object?

I have seen many people on this forum state their hatred of gun shows, and some of them leave me wondering about their rationality. If you don't like crowds, then don't go.

 

[JohnM]

Sure, if they have something I want at a fair price.
Doesn't happen too often , usually I just wander around visiting.

 

[FourTeeFive]

Whomever has what I want and a good deal on it, gets my business.

The local gun shows have a number of dealers that come in from farther away than I typically visit, so it is nice to go to a show and see a bunch of different inventories all at once. Some of the best deals I've gotten at gun shows have been from dealers. Right place at the right time.

 

[Chuck53]

Of course I will buy from a dealer. As stated many times in this thread, if the dealer has what I want at a price I can justify to myself paying; then I will buy it. I don't mind the paperwork because I am not a criminal, and getting checked doesn't scare me. There are perks to buying from an individual who needs the cash though! That's where the best deals to be had are found. I have bought $1500 rifles for half price from a person who either doesn't know what they have or just wants cash in their hand today! All that being said, a person will NEVER benifit from being completely closed minded about where and how they will spend their money to get what they want, that's basically being ok with possibly getting ripped off or never being able to get what you want...and that doesn't make any sense.

 

[savanahsdad]

I voted NO. I don't care about the paper work, I'd fill that out all day , but the 48hr wait for a hand gun is just a joke ! why a dealer from 60 miles away would even bring handguns to a show just erks me ! I have bought long guns from dealers at shows , but very rare, and when I have I tell them I'll pay sticker price but they have to eat the tax, I got a Moseburg 835 for $207 from a dealer at a show because thats all I had , take it or leave it but for the most part I just walk right past them,

 

[PabloJ]

Never been to a gun show. Never will either. Too dangerous, and prices are pathetically out of line, I hear. I prefer to look at hardware from the comfort of my home, and buy from LGSs to help support local economy. That's just me.

Not being paranoid about our government officials I prefer to do paperwork and buy from FFL dealers. I used to attend shows in Albany and Syracuse organized by NYS Gun Collector's Assn because those were pretty much dedicated to guns only. I don't know about the rest of the county by in state south of Mason-Dixon line where I now live the gun shows are actually larger then usual flea markets. Not worth attending.

 

[GBExpat]

Will you buy from dealers at shows?

For the right gun at the right price, ab-so-lute-ly!

 

[Bruno2]

I believe the market for new firearms is just like every other retail market. These big online gun dealers are hard to compete with. It's no different than a LGS trying to beat Academy or Wal Mart on gun prices. Then again, guns have to be transferred to an FFL when bought online. Some FFL's charge upwards of $40-$50 just to do a transfer. Couple that with the notion that there isn't even $50 in profit for selling a new pistol , so it seems to me like LGS's should try to do more online transfers. All they have to keep up is their license in this case. They don't have to buy and maintain a ton of inventory just to make a minimal profit this way.

 

[leadchucker]

I prefer "used, discounted, no background checks, flea market action - not retail."

However, if a dealer at a gun show makes me a good deal on something I'm looking for, I'll do it in a heartbeat. BTW, contrary to popular belief, this has happened.

 

[herrwalther]

I'm split. Going to a gun show is a great way to see what competing dealers offer and for what price. And to see how they undercut each other trying to get rid of merchandise so they don't have to bring it back to their store. I have yet to buy a firearm from a Non-FFL at a gun show but I always keep my eye open for something on my firearm bucket list.

 

[Scooter22]

I've bought quite a few guns from gunshows over the years. I bought 3 rifles at the last 2 shows. Fall 2012(2) and spring 2013(1). Hard to find models anywhere. The price was right, I haggled for the price W/tax included. I filled out the form and had a NICS check.(big deal). Never saw these models in a local dealer and online auction I'm paying shipping and 20 bucks for a dealer transfer. Thats if I found one and didn't get out bid. So that 40+ to the cost of the gun. Gun shows dangerous?? You gotta be kidding. Also I've found other hard to find parts rummaging through the boxes. Like a 100+ receiver sight for 20 bucks. "Gunshow, gotta go"!

 

[TennJed]

With all due respect it seems very silly to take the "I will never buy from a dealer" approach. Basically you are saying you will not buy something because of the paperwork and background check. If you feel that strong about it why do it at your local FFL? Makes no sense to take that stand at a gun show but not at a gun store

 

[Drail]

My thoughts exactly. My problem with the whole process is the basic premise of "Oh you want to do THAT? You have to buy a license. And you have to buy it from us." I am really getting tired of being forced to buy a "license" for everything. Oldest scam in the book.