Gunshows are fun, except when they are irritating.

[H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619]

Went to a gunshow today.   Was surprised to see a USFA SAA clone for a reasonable price.   

"I'd like to buy that gun."

"Sorry, it's not Mass compliant."

Went to another booth.   Saw an Uberti Buntline.

"I'd like to buy that gun."

"Sorry, it's not Mass compliant."

Why do dealers bring things to a gunshow in Massachusetts that they can't sell?

[Eyesa Horg]

With the 72 hour wait up here now; I wonder how well our shows will do. 🤞

[Rye Miles #13621]

10 minutes ago, H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619 said:

Went to a gunshow today.   Was surprised to see a USFA SAA clone for a reasonable price.   

"I'd like to buy that gun."

"Sorry, it's not Mass compliant."

Went to another booth.   Saw an Uberti Buntline.

"I'd like to buy that gun."

"Sorry, it's not Mass compliant."

Why do dealers bring things to a gunshow in Massachusetts that they can't sell?

Makes no sense at all! What is the purpose of showing guns you can’t buy? 🙄

[Eyesa Horg]

12 minutes ago, Rye Miles #13621 said:

Makes no sense at all! What is the purpose of showing guns you can’t buy? 🙄

That's what I'm wondering. Last year when the law went into effect, they exempted gun show to July IIRC. I believe it's in effect now but not positive.

[El Sobrante Kid]

33 minutes ago, H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619 said:

Why do dealers bring things to a gunshow in Massachusetts that they can't sell?

 

Did you ask any of the Sellers that question? They would probably know.

[Gateway Kid SASS# 70038 Life]

27 minutes ago, Eyesa Horg said:

With the 72 hour wait up here now; I wonder how well our shows will do. 🤞

We have three days wait as well. Gun shows are practically nonexistent because of that. Mostly jerky, clothing, fake Indian jewelry so called “art” etc. Denver politicians decided that wasn’t enough so along with that, firearms in your car must be in a locked container if you are not in the vehicle. And your car must also be locked. Applies even if the vehicle is inside your locked garage. Not in effect long enough for official statistics yet. Cop friend told me last Wednesday that home break ins are rising with obvious signs of looking in closets, dressers and basements. Many times the only thing missing is firearms. With all that if the DA decides you didn’t properly secure your firearms in your home or vehicle you can be held personally liable for the criminal use of them. Meaning a thief trespasses into your property, breaks into your locked home, steals your lawful firearm from the unlocked nightstand and uses it to rob the convenience store…. you may be partially responsible.     
How did we get to this point?

    
Gateway Kid

[Whitey James]

I used to love going to the "Bill Goodman's Big Gun and Knife Show" in Nashville with my dad growing up. You could literally spend a whole day there. The last couple of gun shows I attended have been pitiful. I imagine the internet has taken away the mystique of seeing lots of different guns and knives you may not get a chance to see at your local gun store. Gone are the days of crates full of SKS's for $100 each. 

 

[H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619]

 

Other issues aside, "Mass compliant" means that in order to be sold a handgun must be on the "approved list."   To get on the list, it must be able to pass various Massachusetts mandated safety tests.   This of course applies to new guns.   Used guns on the list are also okay.

But, if the gun is not on the list, it can not be sold here.   This applies to guns made after 1998.   However, for guns made prior to 1998, you still have to be able to prove that it was registered in the state prior to 1998, or it can not be sold here either.   If you happen to own guns not on the list, or pre 1998's that  were not in the state, you can bring them with you if you move here, but it is somewhat ambiguous as to if you can sell them or not.

This is why used guns are more expensive here.   

But see, every dealer KNOWS what is and is not Mass Compliant.   So, I really don't know why they'd bring things to a gunshow they know they can't sell.

 

Edited January 26 by H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619

[Sixgun Seamus]

Haven't been to a gun show in about a year. Went today here in the free state of Ohio where they actually trust the citizens to make responsible gun purchases without a wait. A buddy actually got a couple of good deals on a pistol and a revolver. He picked up some .22 ammo at a very good price. The overall show had more guns there than last year but I would say that 1/3 was non firearm related. 

[Maddog McCoy SASS #5672]

A buddy of mine when to a gun show in the northern part of Illinois where he lives and tried to buy a brick of 22lr shells (500). Not only did he have to produce his FOID card, the dealer had to get an approval number for the purchase the same as a firearm and record his FOID card and his drivers license. They also told him that he should not be purchasing high volumes of ammo as the State police may want to investigate the reason for his large purchase of ammo.

 

Illinois Firearms Owners Identification Card-- 1 month wait to get a new card ( may take longer), must be renewed before it expires or you can lose your firearms and ammo ( required for both)

Long gun- requires Approval number , Foid card, Drivers license, and 72 hour waiting period from the time they get the approval number.

Handgun - requires Approval number , Foid card, Drivers license, and 72 hour waiting period from the time they get the approval number.

Ammo - requires Approval number , Foid card, Drivers license, and the dealer must keep a record of the purchase..

 

I went in a gun shop in Indiana a couple months ago and looked at a couple older 22 rifles. When I inquired about a bolt action 22 mag rifle and told him I was from Illinois, he told me to get out of his shop and not to come back as he would not sell anything to a resident of Illinois. I did not say anything and left but I was not a happy camper.

 

I have not run into that at the gun shows but usually the ones close to me have dealers from both states and transfer stuff as needed to be compliant..

 

[Smokin Gator SASS #29736]

They have guns on their table that they can't sell because it still got you over to their table. You may see something else that you want and can buy. Some may get mad and not buy anything from them but everytime they get someone to their table there's a possibility they may get a sale.

[Horace Patootie, SASS #35798]

For all who live in a gun unfriendly state, maybe we could get President Trump to buy those states and make them part of a friendly state.

Horace

[Frontier Lone Rider]

West Virginia is also a Free State, if you have the cash, you can buy it.

 

But any bargains are rare.  I told my buddy to fire off a rocket if he sees a bargain at a gun show, no rockets so far.  One goes to hopefully be able to buy something and won't have to pay shipping and any HazMat.

 

My wife asked me if I was going to the local gun show, I told her I was just going to walk around in circles and meet friends.

[High Spade Mikey Wilson]

I used to love going to the local gun show held twice a year in the spring and fall. I don't go anymore. You spend $10 to get in the door and the folks selling tasers, knives, jerky, honey, clothing, etc. outnumber the firearm dealers and private sellers. I can see that other stuff for free at the local farmers market.

[Eyesa Horg]

9 hours ago, Maddog McCoy SASS #5672 said:

A buddy of mine when to a gun show in the northern part of Illinois where he lives and tried to buy a brick of 22lr shells (500). Not only did he have to produce his FOID card, the dealer had to get an approval number for the purchase the same as a firearm and record his FOID card and his drivers license. They also told him that he should not be purchasing high volumes of ammo as the State police may want to investigate the reason for his large purchase of ammo.

 

Illinois Firearms Owners Identification Card-- 1 month wait to get a new card ( may take longer), must be renewed before it expires or you can lose your firearms and ammo ( required for both)

Long gun- requires Approval number , Foid card, Drivers license, and 72 hour waiting period from the time they get the approval number.

Handgun - requires Approval number , Foid card, Drivers license, and 72 hour waiting period from the time they get the approval number.

Ammo - requires Approval number , Foid card, Drivers license, and the dealer must keep a record of the purchase..

 

I went in a gun shop in Indiana a couple months ago and looked at a couple older 22 rifles. When I inquired about a bolt action 22 mag rifle and told him I was from Illinois, he told me to get out of his shop and not to come back as he would not sell anything to a resident of Illinois. I did not say anything and left but I was not a happy camper.

 

I have not run into that at the gun shows but usually the ones close to me have dealers from both states and transfer stuff as needed to be compliant..

 

But yet we aren't being "infringed" 

[Chantry]

13 hours ago, Eyesa Horg said:

That's what I'm wondering. Last year when the law went into effect, they exempted gun show to July IIRC. I believe it's in effect now but not positive.

Probably the dealers are working the MA, NH, VT, ME, NY gun show* circuit and it's easier to bring everything rather than leave behind guns they can't sell in MA when they go to a MA gun show.

 

I have to be really bored to go to a MA gun show.  Under MA law I can't buy a gun or loaded ammo and I'm not even sure I can buy reloading components.  There aren't many CT gun shows and all the other states I listed above hold them at locations farther than I want to drive.

 

Between the internet and the older dealers disappearing the gun shows have gotten smaller with a lot more low end junk.  Just about everything else is over priced.

 

*CT holds maybe one gun show a year and IIRC all firearms must have been made prior to 1945 per the people putting on the gun show (Not CT law).   It's just as hard to buy a gun or ammo in CT as a non-resident as it is in MA.  I don't know if RI has any gun shows.

[Texas Jack Black]

46 minutes ago, Chantry said:

Probably the dealers are working the MA, NH, VT, ME, NY gun show* circuit and it's easier to bring everything rather than leave behind guns they can't sell in MA when they go to a MA gun show.

 

I have to be really bored to go to a MA gun show.  Under MA law I can't buy a gun or loaded ammo and I'm not even sure I can buy reloading components.  There aren't many CT gun shows and all the other states I listed above hold them at locations farther than I want to drive.

 

Between the internet and the older dealers disappearing the gun shows have gotten smaller with a lot more low end junk.  Just about everything else is over priced.

 

*CT holds maybe one gun show a year and IIRC all firearms must have been made prior to 1945 per the people putting on the gun show (Not CT law).   It's just as hard to buy a gun or ammo in CT as a non-resident as it is in MA.  I don't know if RI has any gun shows.

 Head up to Maine for shows and buy Ammo and long guns Only a few hrs. away . Have a nice meal and enjoy.

 You can purchase ammo and long guns in Mass. if you hold a Lic. from your state or a Mass Non Resident permit.

Edited January 26 by Texas Jack Black
xx

[Badlands Bob #61228]

I live in Georgia and we don't have any state restrictions on buying firearms or ammo.  If you have a Georgia conceal carry permit, you don't even have to go through the background check to buy a gun.  Just fill out the 4473, pay and take your gun home. 

 

However, the gun shows still suck.  Just a waste of $10.00.   Nothing but over priced plastic guns, Chinese optics and AR-15 accessories.  I do better at local gun stores and the occasional pawn shop.  

[Texas Jack Black]

24 minutes ago, Badlands Bob #61228 said:

I live in Georgia and we don't have any state restrictions on buying firearms or ammo.  If you have a Georgia conceal carry permit, you don't even have to go through the background check to buy a gun.  Just fill out the 4473, pay and take your gun home. 

 

However, the gun shows still suck.  Just a waste of $10.00.   Nothing but over priced plastic guns, Chinese optics and AR-15 accessories.  I do better at local gun stores and the occasional pawn shop.  

 If you fill out a 4473 it must be called in and get a yes ,no or hold. That is a fed. requirement.

[Springfield Slim SASS #24733]

Why is the 3 day wait a problem? In California we have a 10 day wait, so if you want to buy a gun from an out of state dealer you just have to go through a California FFL dealer at the show, and there are always a few to choose from. The seller has to agree to this, of course.

[Cowtown Scout, SASS #53540 L]

22 minutes ago, Texas Jack Black said:

 If you fill out a 4473 it must be called in and get a yes ,no or hold. That is a fed. requirement.

Nope, my FFL fills in my Texas Carry permit and does not have to call in, been that way in Texas for a long time.

[John Kloehr]

17 minutes ago, Springfield Slim SASS #24733 said:

Why is the 3 day wait a problem? In California we have a 10 day wait, so if you want to buy a gun from an out of state dealer you just have to go through a California FFL dealer at the show, and there are always a few to choose from. The seller has to agree to this, of course.

Separate from a right delayed being a right denied, the wait is a problem for parties to a sale.

 

In my state, I may go to a show or store an hour or three from my house. With the 4473, I walk out with my purchase in a half hour or less. With a waiting period, I would need to go back to that seller (show or store) a second time. This would make it less likely for me to make a purchase far from home so the seller will make fewer sales.

Edited January 26 by John Kloehr

[Texas Jack Black]

19 minutes ago, Cowtown Scout, SASS #53540 L said:

Nope, my FFL fills in my Texas Carry permit and does not have to call in, been that way in Texas for a long time.

Interesting. I thought all sales requiring a 4473 called for a call in. 

 My ATF cousin says a call in is required .

[Eyesa Horg]

32 minutes ago, Springfield Slim SASS #24733 said:

Why is the 3 day wait a problem

Because our Constitutional rights should not be delayed, I 

shouldn't have to make 2 two hour round trips to the LGS. Gun shows usually only run two days here, so where am I going to have to go to get my purchase or will it need at my expense be shipped to my local FFL? 

Just a few of the reasons. 

Besides, a felon doesn't have a waiting period, not is he/she even required to admit they made the purchase or theft. Old statement, but "Don't tread on me"

[Texas Jack Black]

38 minutes ago, Eyesa Horg said:

Because our Constitutional rights should not be delayed, I 

shouldn't have to make 2 two hour round trips to the LGS. Gun shows usually only run two days here, so where am I going to have to go to get my purchase or will it need at my expense be shipped to my local FFL? 

Just a few of the reasons. 

Besides, a felon doesn't have a waiting period, not is he/she even required to admit they made the purchase or theft. Old statement, but "Don't tread on me"

Sucks, but states rights caused this .Way back when the Bill Of Rights was added

[Eyesa Horg]

6 minutes ago, Texas Jack Black said:

Sucks, but states rights caused this .Way back when the Bill Of Rights was added

But still, at least to my limited knowledge, the 2nd is the only one treated differently depending on where your standing or occupying space. 

[Cowtown Scout, SASS #53540 L]

51 minutes ago, Texas Jack Black said:

Interesting. I thought all sales requiring a 4473 called for a call in. 

 My ATF cousin says a call in is required .

The NICS check requirement is taken care of by the Texas Carry Permit and I am sure other states have the same agreement with ATF.

[Tall Tale Todd]

1 hour ago, Springfield Slim SASS #24733 said:

Why is the 3 day wait a problem? In California we have a 10 day wait, so if you want to buy a gun from an out of state dealer you just have to go through a California FFL dealer at the show, and there are always a few to choose from. The seller has to agree to this, of course.

Because you have to wait 3 days and that’s a problem. 

[Texas Jack Black]

1 hour ago, Cowtown Scout, SASS #53540 L said:

The NICS check requirement is taken care of by the Texas Carry Permit and I am sure other states have the same agreement with ATF.

👍

[Frontier Lone Rider]

8 hours ago, Texas Jack Black said:

 If you fill out a 4473 it must be called in and get a yes ,no or hold. That is a fed. requirement.

 

I live in WV.  I have to fill out the 4473, but if you have a Carry Permit and the FFL knows you, he does not have to call in the transaction.  Plus, in WV we do not tax the sale of firearms or ammunition.  Just another perk.

[Texas Jack Black]

23 minutes ago, Frontier Lone Rider said:

 

I live in WV.  I have to fill out the 4473, but if you have a Carry Permit and the FFL knows you, he does not have to call in the transaction.  Plus, in WV we do not tax the sale of firearms or ammunition.  Just another perk.

👍

[watab kid]

seems counterproductive to both them and you if they cant sell what they bring , wonder why they bother ? 

 

and why would a SAA be noncompliant ? i dont get that at all , 

Edited January 27 by watab kid

[Scrub Oak Willie 53737]

I think up in MA. they have a drop test, they drop a pistol (revolver ) from a certain hight and it should not go off !!!!!

 

Willie

[Abilene, SASS # 27489]

More requirements than just a drop test.  

 

I think another reason for the vendors to bring stuff you can't buy is that, especially with the small sized states in New England, some people from other states will be going to that gun show, and they can but those guns.  The vendor has to ship it to their FFL but it can be done.

 

I haven't been to a gun show in over ten years.  

[Dantankerous]

On 1/26/2025 at 9:14 AM, Badlands Bob #61228 said:

I live in Georgia and we don't have any state restrictions on buying firearms or ammo.  If you have a Georgia conceal carry permit, you don't even have to go through the background check to buy a gun.  Just fill out the 4473, pay and take your gun home.

Same in Kansas.  The state issued concealed carry license does away with the call, waiting, aggravation...