Gun shows

[Alan]

I keep hearing mixed things...some people swear they find great deals at gun shows. Others say it's all overpriced and you're better off online. What's been your experience?

 

[LDB]

I haven't been to a gun show in a couple of decades. Been thinking about going again just for grins. I'm curious about the same things.

 

[TexasGopher]

It's a day out. Bargins can still be had, but not like the 80s and early 90s, depending on what you are looking for.
I like to look, touch, and feel things before I buy them. Now that I've seen it, I may order it online if it is cheaper. If I need it now, I'll buy it.
Ordering online, you have to ask yourself if it's still cheaper after you pay shipping and transfer fees.
It's still the best people-watching events around.

 

[BrotherHubb]

Go with some knowledge about what you’re interested in, if you would like a Smith revolver model 29 as an example, see what they cost from online stores like Bud’s or Classic Firearms and compare prices at the gun show. If it’s pretty close then you can save shipping, paying a transfer fee and take it home that day. Most dealers who have older guns think they’re worth a lot more just because they’re older, that could be true but most likely not. You just need to have a good understanding of true value. Most will also play on your emotions and tell that this is the last time you’ll see one etc.

 

[Davek42]

Gun shows are not what the use to be for sure.
I go because I like guns.
But… these new show are.
70% of the show is guns and gun stuff, 90% of those guns are new.and higher than local gun stores.
10% knifes
20% toys jewelry non gun related stuff.
There are a few deals, but bring lots of cash.
I go early before ball the kids and people with strollers show up and clog the walk ways.

 

[Stang66]

Well I went back in the summer to a local show (small town) and it was ok. I have been looking for an old double barrel shotgun. For some reason lately they have really gone up in price and down in quality. There were a couple but as mentioned even trying to negotiate down to an average of what I was seeing online the guy got snippy. So I pulled up two different ones I had my eyes on online and he didn’t have mush to say afterwards. And as others say be prepared and know what you’re after.
Bulk ammo is sometimes a good price due to online hasmat and or shipping costs. But know the market for sure.
The Pasadena Gun show is way better and usually a much larger selection and number of vendors.

 

[LDB]

Glad to hear that as I was thinking of going to the Pasadena show as my re-entry point.

 

[TexasGopher]

One of the current things not to buy at gun shows is flashlights. Take a look and remember who makes them, and I guarantee you can go to Amazon and buy five of them for what the guy at the show is asking. Now that may not always hold true for weapons lights, but for everything else, YMMV.

One thing we do see at current shows that were unheard of a few years ago is folks making kydex holsters. They can now make a custom fit for just about anything you bring them for a reasonable price. I prefer leather for my carry guns, but kydex has its place.

 

[hivel37]

Remember you’re looking for blued guns. Leave that shiny stuff for me.
Kidding. I’ve been behind a table for 20+ years. Cost of having all that fun has increased greatly. Realize we are dealing with people and the odds of honesty are about the same on both sides of table.

 

[Stang66]

Gun shows are not what the use to be for sure.
I go because I like guns.
But… these new show are.
70% of the show is guns and gun stuff, 90% of those guns are new.and higher than local gun stores.
10% knifes
20% toys jewelry non gun related stuff.
There are a few deals, but bring lots of cash.
I go early before ball the kids and people with strollers show up and clog the walk ways.

Great advice to all! Currently very few expendable items are in short supply examples: bullets, primers, cases, powder, and loaded ammo!