gun show handis

[packerbacker]

hello

i am new to the h&r thing but have caught the bug. i now have 3 h&r's and am looking to get my first h&r rifle next. i have posted for suggestions on caliber and think i know what options should be best for what i want to hunt with it. my question is, how do i go about deciding if i run across a good one at a gun show? i have to admit, i have not gone to many of these but it seems like you come across fix-r-upers as much as good ones at a good price. any suggestions as to what to look for to make sure i get a good gun at a good price. what are "red flags" i might come across that would lead me to not look at one. i'm interested to see if i could find a h&r at a gun show as opposed to buying new again. it seems like many of you have had great success finding good guns at great prices going this route. (although it is painfully obvious you all know much more about guns and how to tinker with them than i do) as always , thanks again. you all are a great group of guys with a ton of great info and advise. have a good weekend.

mitch

[xhare]

My experience with gun shows in general is that you dont find many 'deals' at them.  Very often the prices are as high or higher than those at gun stores.  In addition to that they often have entrance fees and in the case of the big gun show in Louisville, parking fees.  You are out $20 before you walk through the door. Gun shows are great for locating rare finds or to see someone's collection on display (but not for sale).  If you find a great deal then go for it, but I would watch the prices closely as they may not be deals afterall.  Arm yourself with knowledge and you will make a smart purchase. 

One more thing, if you buy a lemon, the dealer you bought it from will be long gone after the weekend.  Just one more thing to remember.

[PHATINJUN]

Some things to look for would be the obvious lock up and the slop if you break the gun open does it wobble around on the hinge pin. Another is to take the forearm off and check the 3 #'s on the hinge lug do they match the last 3 digits of the frame serial #. If it's a rifle you want to look at the firing pin to make sure it is not on a shotgun or Rimfire frame the shotgun pin will be much bigger than a centerfire and the rimfire will not be round but more of a inverted "-" than a pin. As far as prices go it can very greatly but I always look at it as am I willing to pay what they ask I will be happy walking out the door no matter who says I paid to much. Another thing to do is print out the prefix to yr desination that is in the faq's it will help you with the yr of manufacture. Also read the heck out of the FAQ'S to give yourself more knowledge. Kurt

[bilmac]

There are gun shows and then there are gun shows I guess. I had about given up on them too, then a buddy picked me up to go to one I had never been to before. There was a lot of stuff there that was very reasonable, and a lot of reloading components that you can't get in a store now. My friend says that this show is always one of the good ones. 

[petemi]

I've always done well at gun shows, but I know what I'm looking for and how much I am willing to pay.  I've found it never hurts to haggle a bit.  I've also stumbled on some great stuff I wasn't really looking for.  One time it was 4 boxes of T/C .32 cal. Maxis, long discontinued, at a give-away price.  I always enjoy looking at the oldies, both sporting and military, and it's a fun day out with a couple of friends, whether I buy or not.

Pete

[SM Bob]

If the gun shows in your area are anything like the ones in my area I wouldn't waste
your time looking for a Handi or anything else there for that matter. You will find way
better deals on line from a dealer or an auction site like Gunbroker.com Even after
you pay shipping and a transfer fee you will still be way ahead of the game money wise.

                               Robert

[Troyboy]

If you know what you are looking for you can get lots of deals at a show. Most of the firearms that i have purchased have been at shows. If the gun looks good chances it is if it looks abused it probably is. Ask lots of questions and offer up what you are willing to pay. Good luck