Author Topic: Gun Show Today....Blahh (Read 1498 times)

petemi · « **on:** April 30, 2011, 12:11:47 PM »

Cheboygan, MI. About 240 tables, one overpriced Handi .30-06 and a couple of Pardners selling for 159.00. Some vendors had dies, bullets, brass, primers and powder at reasonable prices if you knocked off shipping and HAZMAT. The thing was, I didn't see anything I needed.

I looked at a Mosin Negant carbine in nice shape for 159.00, but Dunham Sports Had them refurbished for 98.00 less than a year ago. Oh well, Patty and I spent the day together, had a good breakfast and lunch and about a 3 hour round trip to sit and visit. We came home empty handed, but happy.

Does anyone know what it is with the gun shows anymore? All the vendors are trying to sell used junk for more than new. There were rusted out frames and barrels all over the place (not Handis) that I wouldn't give a nickle for......tomato stakes.....possibly scrap iron. One guy had some very nice, clean looking barrels in various calibers that may have stubbed to a Handi, but I don't know enough about it.

We saw a lot of black rifles and handguns, and not so many traditional firearms. That might give you a clue as to where the American Mindset and the BATF are going. If you can't hit it with one shot, you shouldn't have a rifle in your hands.....my opinion.

Pete

gcrank1 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 30, 2011, 12:39:56 PM »

We have better selections down here in SC WI, but prices are generally up over last year. Some small shows are still only charging 'vendors' $15/table with a $5 door (wasnt long ago that was $10/table and $3/door), but a bunch are handled by a marketing dude that charges $40 (!!!)/table. Fortunately he is still at the $5 door fee. The guys that make the circuit have got trans and food/lodging costs, so prices have to go up. Sure cuts out the small enthusiusts, like most of us, to get a table and expect to do much.
But...there are still a few small VFW, and such, local shows that are truely small and a relatively inexpensive 'night out'. You never know what will turn up at any of them, big or small. I have found some deals

and it is the only way I could try playing with a few of my notions.
Hey, you could have gone out for a dinner and movie and what would you have?

necchi · « **Reply #2 on:** April 30, 2011, 01:44:55 PM »

gcrank nailed it, add to that, the economy has tanked so alot of people arn't buying, so the price of items sold have to be higher for the vender to break even,
There's usually dicker room if you don't insult the vender. I haven't seen anything that jumps off the counter for me the last few show's either.
But it's still a good time. A day away from the same-olde/same-olde and hang out with a bunch of shooters an such.

zackyholdem · « **Reply #3 on:** April 30, 2011, 03:22:48 PM »

about the only gun show i will visit in Michigan is the one in Birch Run, its big enough that it forces dealers to stay competitive on their prices and you can usually get some good deals, i usually go after ammo at gun shows nowadays it about the only thing that is cheaper at gun shows than in stores

schuetzen · « **Reply #4 on:** April 30, 2011, 04:03:01 PM »

Quote from: petemi on April 30, 2011, 12:11:47 PM

We saw a lot of black rifles and handguns, and not so many traditional firearms. That might give you a clue as to where the American Mindset and the BATF are going. If you can't hit it with one shot, you shouldn't have a rifle in your hands.....my opinion.

I was thinking about this the other day. There has been such a large number of people serving in the military for the last 10 years, it is bound to influence what is considered traditional firearms. This will have it pros and cons. Black rifles and semi-autos in general will become the norm, however traditional firearms will likely loose market share.

gcrank1 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 30, 2011, 04:34:22 PM »

Yeah, in another 10 yrs or so who's gonna want my really cool stuff?

wreckhog · « **Reply #6 on:** April 30, 2011, 04:36:18 PM »

There is a show 2 hrs away tomorrow. Gas prices are too much and show prices are too high. Gonna walk down to the pond and catch some bass.

us920669 · « **Reply #7 on:** April 30, 2011, 04:50:27 PM »

I'v been setting up twice a year at one show here in Va for at least 20 years now. It's a cut above a fire house show, but not by much, and it's now $60. The club guys say they have all kinds of liability costs, and I believe them. We still have private sales in Virginia - the famous gun show loophole - so there is a lot of stuff on tables and guys walking around with signs on their backs. A lot of brick and mortar dealers selling at a very slight discount. The old timers from the club are still there, wearing leather vests and string ties, offering their prize Colts and Winchesters for many many thousands. If one does sell, it moves about three isles over and sits there for the next five years. I mostly sell books and odds and ends. I sometimes don't even take in the table cost anymore, just see it as something to do, see people and pick up anything I need. I truly regret the lack of garage sale type stuff - just a sign of the time.

Slowhanddd · « **Reply #8 on:** May 01, 2011, 03:33:35 AM »

We have a show going on this weekend here too.Picked this one up yesterday for a steal.Not a Handi as I didn't see but one there.A over priced 45LC that's been to every show this past year.I made him a off of $225 on it,but he wouldn't bite.Wants $375 for it and it's just not worth that to me.This one is one sweet Ruger 77-22lr.Going back this morning to look for a different scope.Need one with a AO on it plus a little more magnafication.

hillbill · « **Reply #9 on:** May 01, 2011, 04:42:48 AM »

that is one sweet ruger 22! ive been waning one of those for years but havent found a bargain on one.

spruce · « **Reply #10 on:** May 01, 2011, 05:03:57 AM »

I tend to view gunshows as an entertaining/educational experience. An enjoyable way to spend a couple/three hours for only a $5 cover charge.

Gives me a chance to look at a far greater assortment of guns and accessories than you see in the typical gunshop. Most guns seem to be overpriced (at least to me), but there are occasional good deals to be had if you shop carefully.

Best deals are the guys who cleaned out their closets and shelves of small stuff they no longer have use for. Last show I went to I picked up an older Bianchi holster for a K-frame in good condition for $15.

gcrank1 · « **Reply #11 on:** May 01, 2011, 05:36:28 AM »

That is pretty much my take on it too, and as a social event with old, and new friends. At one 'slow' show I visited with some 'good ol' boys', one wearing a WWII cap who were much like many of us, and still enjoying life. Proud to count them now as friends and hope to see them at the next show there. Made the whole trip worthwhile!

dpe.ahoy · « **Reply #12 on:** May 01, 2011, 09:15:07 AM »

Entry is up to $6 here now. Prices are higher than ever, not much moving out the door. Seem to be more people walking around with stuff for sale, but they are just as high as the guys who rented tables. Just a way to kill time and ONCE in a while luck on a deal. DP

Dinny · « **Reply #13 on:** May 01, 2011, 09:40:42 AM »

Slowhanddd,
I've had that same rifle for nearly 15 years. It is one of the best shooting 22 rifles I have ever shot or owned. In fact, I have shot hundreds of squirrels with it and will not part with it anytime soon.

Enjoy!

Thanks, Dinny

wreckhog · « **Reply #14 on:** May 02, 2011, 05:22:09 AM »

Quote from: wreckhog on April 30, 2011, 04:36:18 PM

There is a show 2 hrs away tomorrow. Gas prices are too much and show prices are too high. Gonna walk down to the pond and catch some bass.

I went anyway. They had a new Topper combo. 20 gauge and 30-30 barrels asking $239.

Got good deals on powder, great deal on brass and insane deals on dies. Also picked a Norinco ATD .22LR, as new and unopened as could be, for half the GB price. Plus since I got there with an hour left, I did not pay to enter.

gcrank1 · « **Reply #15 on:** May 02, 2011, 05:34:25 AM »

Ya wont know if ya dont go!

Airsporter · « **Reply #16 on:** May 02, 2011, 12:05:10 PM »

I used to go to every regional gun show I could. Not anymore. Tired of spending $7-$8 admission, plus roundtrip gas, to see a lot of mostly overpriced stuff. There is usually a bargain or two to be had on some low end items, but seems cheaper these days to buy online and pay shipping. Shows may be worth it if you are contemplating a relatively expensive purchase and want to 'touch & feel.'

spartacus1239 · « **Reply #17 on:** May 02, 2011, 05:15:46 PM »

I have a gun show every month 4 blocks from me.... go once or twice a year to laugh at the fools trying to rip off the people who don't know any better.

Last month, just walked out in disgust. Honestly wanted my $5.00 back. not only were the prices just ridiculous, but the vendors at the tables were just arrogant azzes! 4 other people with me and all of us were just shaking our heads as we walked out after a quick walk through

TonyS · « **Reply #18 on:** May 03, 2011, 07:43:45 AM »

What I really liked, here in So. Cal, were the samarai swords (fake) and barbie dolls. Yeah, I want to pay $8 or $10 to see those.

petemi · « **Reply #19 on:** May 03, 2011, 10:13:41 AM »

Quote from: us920669 on April 30, 2011, 04:50:27 PM

The club guys say they have all kinds of liability costs, and I believe them.

My wife's club is cancelling a scheduled "Fiber Fest" for spinners and weavers because they can't afford the five hundred dollar insurance for two days. It is just crap.....what are you gonna do, get your finger stuck in a spinning wheel? This is the stuff that's ruining our quality of life and leisure time. You can thank bleeding heart judges and juries for that......spill a cup of coffee in your lap and get a million dollars. Just B.S.

Pete

mechanic · « **Reply #20 on:** May 03, 2011, 12:23:43 PM »

Last time I went I spent $10.00, (took grandson along), to see table after table of cheap bags, scopes and tazers. Several tables of black guns that were overpriced to the max, and a couple old dudes walking aroung trying to sell their collection of "rare Springfield 22's" and such.

I can get much better deals on the forums here and not have to pay admission and gas. If I want a cheap bag or gun case I'll just go to Walmart.

Ben

gcrank1 · « **Reply #21 on:** May 03, 2011, 03:49:11 PM »

Us 'old dudes' have to try to sell the 'rare stuff' somewhere that we dont have to worry about shipping and breakage. After a few messed up rifles Ive about settled on FTF for a complete gun.

PowPow · « **Reply #22 on:** May 03, 2011, 04:08:06 PM »

Quote from: mechanic on May 03, 2011, 12:23:43 PM

I can get much better deals on the forums here and not have to pay admission and gas. If I want a cheap bag or gun case I'll just go to Walmart.

That's it. Folks here know exactly what they want and how to get it at a fair price.
The people who are currently enjoying the gun shows may be going to learn what their options are.

The gun show is where I first saw and handled a Ruger #1.
I did not buy the one I saw, but I developed an interest in them, and now have a couple.
It was worth the $5.00 education.

mechanic · « **Reply #23 on:** May 03, 2011, 04:33:11 PM »

Quote from: gcrank1 on May 03, 2011, 03:49:11 PM

Us 'old dudes' have to try to sell the 'rare stuff' somewhere that we dont have to worry about shipping and breakage. After a few messed up rifles Ive about settled on FTF for a complete gun.

Wish ya' luck. I'm kinda' long in the tooth too, old enough to remember when some of those old 22's were new. Last time a guy tried to get $250.00 out of one. I wanted one to cut down for grandson, but not at that price.

gcrank1 · « **Reply #24 on:** May 03, 2011, 05:19:46 PM »

Ben, I thought you meant 'rare Springfield 22s' as in the ones based on the '03. Now Im thinking you were referring to the Savage/Stevens versions......last one of those 'Springfields' I got for the G-sons , at a show, was $75, and much more in line with what you are saying.
Yeah, its a 'brave new world'..........beyond this place there be dragons!

LabRat2k3 · « **Reply #25 on:** May 03, 2011, 08:36:33 PM »

Yep, the last couple of gun shows that I have been to seem to be named right, at those prices they seemed more interested in showing what they had than selling it. Everything they had was "rare" so it was worth more. Around here if you want to find good gun deals you go to the flea market, not as many full-time traders, just average guys who want to sell what they have at a fair price.

Macphoto · « **Reply #26 on:** May 04, 2011, 07:49:07 AM »

My recent gunshow experience seems to be contrary to most. Had 3 tables in Texas, sold most everything and bought a 158 topper 30-30 and 20 ga for $105. Even got a freshly tuned FWB 150 match 10M airgun for $200.

Maybe the region has something to do with it. Not too many black guns, at least no more than before.

6x6 elk · « **Reply #27 on:** May 05, 2011, 05:32:55 AM »

The last 3 junk, I mean gun shows, I have gone to have been a waste of time and gas money. Old, non-collectors guns , going for close to new prices. With Vendors not willing to budge hardly anything on price, and complaining they are not selling anything. Old ammo that has been sitting on shelves for years, going for the same or more than you could get at your local sporting goods store. I will have to be really bored before I will be at another gun show.