first gun show in 4 years

[Trigger Mike]

I went to my first gun show in 4 years Saturday.  My sons wanted to go to an annual Toy Soldier show that we used to visit when we lived near Atlanta but had missed in 5 year.  My youngest had never been and was too young when we moved away.  I did take him the last year we were there but snow cancelled it.  While up there I realized the gun show was 6 mile away so we went.  I took a couple of WW2 items to get rid of to raise funds.  It's a good thing I did as I spoiled them at the Toy Soldier Show. 

 

At the gun show I saw a decent crowd.  I saw lots and lots of AR-15s but not one Colt AR-15.  Most were brands I was not familiar with or were the lower grade Ruger or Smith & Wesson, not the higher end of those brands.  I did not see a lot of buying though of those weapons.  I did manage to sell my two WW2 items.  I also noticed the dealers were short tempered and rude though there were exceptions.  One dealer had several WW2 items and complained he had not sold anything, but he was way over priced.  He had British Enfields at 850 or more but offered only 325 for mine since the bolt was mismatched to the rifle.  I sold it to someone else.  

[Marshal Dan Troop 70448]

I would never sell, and never have sold or traded a gun with a Dealer. I rather see one go to a collector then see that same one doubled trying to sell to a collector by a dealer. MT

[Trigger Mike]

totally agree.  i sold to a collector right in front of the dealer.  

[Tennessee Trapper Tom]

Everytime I go to a gun show, prices are higher. I know two dealers that are cheaper at the store

[Pat Riot]

Here in the Portland area I am not impressed at all with the guns shows here. I guess I got spoiled in California. Yes, I said "California".

 

 

[Big Rock, SASS #44055]

Yep, gun shows used to be the place to find a deal, but now-a-days, as others have stated, prices are cheaper in their store than at the gun show.

[Marshal Dan Troop 70448]

There is a local store, "Shooters" that has specials during the show, even on firearms they didn't bring, or one that could be ordered. Got some great deals by attending the show and working a deal out with them at the table. Better deal the at store.

Used firearms are ridiculously high, even collectables by individuals. They all think they have a pot of gold because its old. 

I seen a buyer pay 4700.00 for a Python, and a good grade but new stocked Garand sell for 1700.00.  MT

[J.D. Daily]

6 hours ago, Pat Riot, SASS #13748 said:

Here in the Portland area I am not impressed at all with the guns shows here. I guess I got spoiled in California. Yes, I said "California".

 

 

My experience in CA was "Crossroads of the West at Cow Palace.  This same show is at the Reno Convention Center.  I haven't attended the show.  However the Big Reno Show at the GSR is better especially if you like Winchesters.  There are many dealers with military arms and accessories.  I have a CA friend who has a Curios & Collector's FFL who collects military rifles. He comes to the show once or twice a year.

[Cold Lake Kid, SASS # 51474]

I see much the same here in Canada.

Mostly over-priced junk.

Some folks should look up the prices of new before they buy the used stuff offered.

[Ramblin Gambler]

I had an interesting conversation with a dealer a while back where he explained why prices are sometimes lower at the shows.  It's all because of something called an MAP (minimum advertised price).  Most of the brands have one, and they all use slightly different definitions.  Some won't allow you to go under that price no matter what (beretta for instance).  Apparently they'd rather their guns rust on the shelves than get devalued.  You can't even offer a free gift with purchase, like a magazine or pen that will bring the total price under that MAP.  But most manufacturers only regulate the actual advertised price.  Which means that dealers can hand write a lower price on the tag at a gun show, but can't advertise that price online or in their normal shop.  Some will allow you to take less money if it's offered, but you can't have a tag with a lower price on the gun.  Often, those lower prices are 'gun show only' prices because it's mandated by the manufacturer. 

 

This only applies to new guns obviously and also only people who are worried about whatever recourse the manufacturers have if you fail to comply. 

 

When it comes to used guns, it seems to me like the better the guy is doing at that show, the more likely he is to come down on prices.  I don't know if he's doing poorly because he has a bad attitude, or if he has a bad attitude because he's doing poorly.  You can also look for someone who has bought a lot of guns that weekend, as they will be experiencing a cash flow problem. 

 

There are a lot of used gun sellers at the local shows who don't have a brick and mortar store.