Author Topic: Gun Show Tips, Tricks, Advice, etc. (Read 3093 times)

XD9 · « **on:** August 18, 2006, 05:18:23 AM »

I'm going to a huge gun show next month in Whilmington, OH. There's normally about 700 tables!!! Anyway, this will be my first and I was wondering if anyone had any good tips, tricks, advice, or anything they wanted to share about gun shows. It's a two day show on a Saturday and Sunday. Are there better times than others to get good deals (e.g. first thing in morning or last thing at night)? Any tips on getting good deals or making good trades?

Same goes for flea markets, etc. Maybe people can share some of the great deals they've found?

Questor · « **Reply #1 on:** August 18, 2006, 06:09:09 AM »

A lot depends on what you are in the market for, and your style of shopping. Personally, I look for bargains on brass, cast bullets, and similar items. Perhaps the occasional book. I look at the guns, but don't pay much attention to them. Typically there's a lot of junk, but some good stuff too. Good place to go if you like military stuff. It's fun to walk around them.

35Rem · « **Reply #2 on:** August 18, 2006, 07:27:08 AM »

kind of depends on what you might be looking for. all shows are a little different, too. Some have more of some things than others.

Glanceblamm · « **Reply #3 on:** August 18, 2006, 07:35:33 AM »

I will second the vote for brass & cast, along with jacketed bullets.
You might beware of cleaning items such as solvents, paste's, brushes, rods, and the like as they do seem to have a significant mark up over your regular dealer.

Dont buy the first thing that you see as it is probably cheaper, or a better value in total volume just a few tables over. Do Shop & browse. Sometimes I am around the whole place three times before even picking up one item.

Have Fun! the display's and fellowship with others is usually worth the cover charge to get in the place.

XD9 · « **Reply #4 on:** August 18, 2006, 08:19:40 AM »

Right now, I'm not really looking to buy. I'm looking to sell or trade. I'm taking a couple cheaper end guns - a Bersa .380 ACP and an old .22 revolver. I'm hoping to use them to trade up or just sell them outright. I'm not expecting to get a lot. Like you said, I'm mainly going to enjoy being around guns all day and hearing people's stories.

I'm going with a friend who goes to several a year. So, we may get into some "wheelin and dealin" too

.

Catfish · « **Reply #5 on:** August 18, 2006, 08:29:07 AM »

First tip, TAKE ALONG ALOT OF MONEY. There is usually not much I need when I go to a gun show so I look for bargins. Don`t matter what it is, if it`s to cheap it goes home with me. If you can use it or sell it it`s not cheap at any price. Know what stuff is worth and if you have a friend looking for something.
I`ll be there Sat. morn. and can tell you it a real good show. Last time I was there I picked up 3 Leupold scopes, a fixed 24X , a 6 x 24 VX111 and a 3 1/2 x 10 VX111. I got abt. the price of a new 6 1/2 x 24 in all 3.
Look for a grey haired old fat guy probibly wearing an NRA T shirt. You find me and I`ll buy the coffie.

XD9 · « **Reply #6 on:** August 18, 2006, 08:45:05 AM »

haha....I better start counting now if I'm going to be able to number all of the guys at the show that are old, fat, grey-headed, and wearing NRA t-shirts...

. That describes quite a few of them.

Yeah, I thought about taking several hundred dollars with me and seeing if I could make some money from buying and selling. I have another friend in Cincinnati that goes to several a year...he says he makes about $500 per show from b/s Glocks. My problem is that I'm relatively new to handguns and I don't really know their values that well. I'm hoping this gun show will change some of that though. I've been doing all kinds of reading online and hitting all the gun shops in my area. I know alot more now than I did a month ago.

Are you a member of the gun club that's putting this show on?

35Rem · « **Reply #7 on:** August 18, 2006, 09:44:01 AM »

Go get the Standard Catalog of Firearms. Books aMillion, or the like, usually has it. Makes a good study guide. Look at stuff you might be interested in. It will give you a good idea of the value of what you already have too.

Take it to the show.!! If you find something, you or your buddy go check it out in the book, if you aren't sure, while the other keeps his mits on the potential buy. Walk away and it may walk away with someone else! Should save some $$$

I like to thumb through it all the time anyway. it has a lot of pictures, which can help identify some guns.

P.S., good luck finding Catfish.

Zcarp2 · « **Reply #8 on:** August 18, 2006, 11:06:56 AM »

In the larger shows, take a pad and 2 pens. Write down the price and LOCATION and dealer of what you are interested in so you can find the thing again when you decide you want it. Usually, 5 minutes after it is sold. (Ha Ha!!!)

Seriously, I've seen the same item priced very differently in the same show. If the dealers have made their money, Sunday is a wash. If they are struggling to make ends meet, the deals get better the closer to closing time. The only way to know is to be there right past closing time. Whatever you decide, have fun!

dstegjas · « **Reply #9 on:** August 18, 2006, 01:08:56 PM »

I use to setup at several gunshows years ago. One tip that I can give you that might help you snag a deal is this.

The deals aren't always on the tables.

Keep an eye out for anything that people are carrying in the aisles, and don't be afraid to ask what they are selling. This works better if you are buying and don't have to trade anything, but you never know. The people running the shows don't take kindly to sharks hanging out at the front door trying to catch people before they get in. However once you are in, everything is fair game.

Jim

BlkHawk73 · « **Reply #10 on:** August 18, 2006, 01:41:03 PM »

Know what your looking for and what it's available for elsewhere. Gun show vendors depend a great deal on impulse buying. If you can control your urges you'll be better off in the long run and still have the same item along with some extra cash for waiting. Other than that, gun shows are a great place to hear some horor stories and some real folk tales.

Heavy C · « **Reply #11 on:** August 18, 2006, 05:14:27 PM »

I would agree with the deals available on Sunday, price variations from dealer to dealer. When I've tried to sell stuff at shows people always tried to low ball what I was selling - very frustrating. Other than that, it's a great place to find odds and ends and some reloading supplies. Definitely a buyer beware situation.

Have a good time!

DirtyHarry · « **Reply #12 on:** August 18, 2006, 07:48:03 PM »

XD9 and Catfish, I'm going to try to make it to that show as well, maybe I'll run into you guy's...

rockbilly · « **Reply #13 on:** August 19, 2006, 06:51:15 AM »

If possible, I go twice. Saturday morning, and Sunday afternoon. I take a pad and pen and take notes as recommended above.

If it hasn't been a good show for the dealers, Sunday afternoon is a good time to find a deal. They are looking to sell something to cover expenses for their tables, travels, etc, and will usuall deal with you.

If buying guns, be cautious, inspect them well before making a deal. Once you are out the door you own it, normally you can't take it back. There are a few regular dealers at shows that come time after time, if you know them, it is best to deal with then. They are more likely to make good on an item that is not right.

I just attended a show last week-end, spent a bunch of money and didn't buy any thing related to firearms. One dealer had old pocket watches, and Masonic jewelry, I had to have a late 1800s gold pocket watch with a Masonic Orb ball on the chain. For the price I could have walked away with a Kimber, but I have already been offered more than I paid for it, so don't feel too bad.

XD9 · « **Reply #14 on:** August 19, 2006, 02:05:59 PM »

Thanks for all of the great info and advice! Will deffinitely come in handy at the show. We'll only be there on Saturday so, hopefully, we can get some good deals. I have to leave for South Carolina on Sunday or I would be there both days. We're going to get there right when it opens though so maybe that will bring us some luck.

DirtyHarry and Catfish...you guys should post back here after the show and say what kind of deals you found! I'm REALLY going to be looking hard to find a good deal on a Kahr PM9. I would love to have one of those to carry in the summer and carry my XD9 in the winter. I also like the Kel-Tec P-11 but I would much rather have the Kahr. Any ideas on what a Kahr PM9 would go for at a show? They're going for just under $500 at the local dealer. I just shelled out quite a bit for this XD so I may have a hard time convincing the wife to let me do the same for the Kahr

.

stimpylu32 · « **Reply #15 on:** August 19, 2006, 02:36:55 PM »

If you don't find what you want at the Wilmington show , try the one we have up here in Lima on Oct.7&8 , always have great vender turn out and some real good deals IF you know what to look for .

Last show had 3 and 1/2 buildings full of guns , this is a gun show not a flea market with some guns . might be worth a trip up .

stimpy

XD9 · « **Reply #16 on:** August 20, 2006, 12:25:51 PM »

Sounds good...one question though. Where is Lima? Is that still in OH? I actually live in Kentucky so I'm only familiar with southern Ohio.

stimpylu32 · « **Reply #17 on:** August 21, 2006, 10:16:25 AM »

XD9

Take I-75 north from Cinc. about 128 miles , then turn right at exit 128a and go about 2 miles to the county fair grounds , can't miss it .

stimpy

bscman · « **Reply #18 on:** August 25, 2006, 07:24:02 AM »

A few things that have always helped me:

Know what you're looking for, and what it's worth. Don't just go looking for "something." This is the best way to find a good deal--because you know the current market, and what is a good/fair/poor price.

TALK TO THE SELLER. If you show genuine interest and knowledge they tend to be more interested in selling to YOU, and sometimes make a better deal. (I'm 21, I usually get brushed off as some un-knowledgeable punk kid).

Cash talks. I've made some sweet deals making it look like "but this is all i have, will you take it" type strategies.
(I usually have certain amounts of cash in each pocket, wallet, etc. This way I've only got 18 dollars, or 45 dollars, or 312 dollars,

)

If you don't see what you're looking for at a table, but see similar items, ask (especially in the mil-surp world). Many times dealers have extra stock tucked behind the table--or the nice one they aren't quite sure if they want to sell, yet.

Be considerate of the sellers. Don't just grab the item off the counter-show some interest and ask. Many sellers get very agitated by people who just run up to the table, grab a rifle, and start tinkering with it.
DEFINITELY ask before you take anything apart or dry fire.

If a seller isn't willing to drop the price, use phrases like "that price includes tax, right?" (not always applicable) or "if I buy this case of ammo, will you throw in a package of stripper clips? (or patches, oil, etc). Or, my favorite, this handgun comes with three magazines for this price, right? Sometimes they're more willing to give you a free $15 item rather than take $10-15 off the price. You still get a good deal, and it's less money out of their pocket (mark-up).

Never get impatient, or buy the first thing you see. Undoubtedly, you'll find a better deal 3 tables down. Watch the reactions of other potential buyers--if someone more knowledgable passes a "good deal" you should too...it's probably junk.
If a seller isn't willing to let you partially dis-assemble, or has shady responses to your questions pass the item up. There are a lot of people out there that give junk a once over to look "nice" and try and make a buck...trust your instincts.

Broom Rider · « **Reply #19 on:** August 25, 2006, 01:32:19 PM »

Sounds like you are headed for the OGCA show perhaps. Sometimes the first couple hours not all the tables are uncovered but it's a nice show with very little garbage in evidence. Say hi if you see me wandering the aisles. I'm hard to miss, tall (5' 14" with red hair).

Flash · « **Reply #20 on:** September 02, 2006, 04:49:31 PM »

The best advice I can offer is decide what you are looking for and when you find it, negotiate right then and there. If you go around a second time to think about it, it will be gone. Remember that the dealers walk around the floor before you ever get a chance to see who has what so if there's any really good deals, they're usually on some other dealer's table by the time you get in the show. I bought a Ruger SP-101 unfired 22lr at the last show I attended and was really glad to get it. It just so happened that the box and shipper were under the table and it appeared that the gun was just another "Shooter" for sale. By the price, there was little or no room for someone to make a profit on this gun as a clean fired piece but add unfired, the box, paperwork and the shipper and it was a fantastic deal.

hillbill · « **Reply #21 on:** September 02, 2006, 06:28:40 PM »

have yuall tried the big show in tulsa twice a year?they say it the biggest there is, even bigger than the vegas show. all i can do is echo what others have said here. know what yu are looking for and what it is worth.if yu buy somethin yu dont know anything about, yu will get screwed.if your selling walk around, quality stuff brings good money, every thing else brings junk money just like its worth.yu can get good deals on bulk ammo at a big show and on some accessories. i got a ciener .22 conversion for my .45 for about 100$ less than it sold new for at the last tulsa show. it shoots so good ive never had the .45 barrel back on.heres a few things to beware of,any auto rifle or pistol you dont think you can get parts for. absolutely no off brand firearms unless yu have a sense of adventure and can stand a loss.no old mil surp bolt rifles sporterized or otherwise unless yu can chek the headspace or they have some fired cases from that gun and dont look too shady,lol.some mil surps are known to be pretty good guns tho, just dont go for anything too odd.any rimfire auto i buy i expect to work on a little at least, maybe just a good cleaning, maybe more.modern bolt rifles ,look for all the signs of someone trying to accurize a dud.recrowning, bedding stuff smeared around, stock screws buggered, the usual stuff. oh and any scope yu get on a trade rifle, expect it to be worthless. if its good, thats cool. if its bad, dont be too surprised. lots of guys put thier old junk scopes on trade rifles. i better split. happy tradeing!!!!

shooter58 · « **Reply #22 on:** September 04, 2006, 06:29:36 AM »

Since getting my own FFL, I find going to the shows is mainly for shopping ideas. I have saved a tremendous amout of money. Go to the show, see something I like, then come home and order it.

http://1teasipper.gunlocator.hop.clickbank.net

Robert357 · « **Reply #23 on:** September 04, 2006, 08:42:09 AM »

Remember---Buyer beware!

At gunshows.....
I have purchased a semi-auto pistol that the first time I shot it with a full clip shot two rounds then jammed on a single trigger pull.
I have purchased a different really neat old pistol that had a broken saftey.
I have purchased a pistol that the person selling it said was made between 1915 and 1920 to find out it was made much more recently than that.
I have explained to someone at a gunshow table that the pistol they were selling was not what they had labled it as and not worth to me the money they were asking several times.
I have even explained to one person that it was odd that the the pistol they were selling was not manufactured in the cabliber that they indicated it shot and asked when it had been converted, only to get a puzzled look

I have also purchased really good revolvers, pistols and rifles that worked perfectly and shot more accurately that I could ever expect. I have purchased lots of military surplus ammo that has worked fine and lots of bulk ammo, primers for reloading, reloading supplies, etc.

The first rule is that if you want to buy something look it over, then if it looks good, put it down and think about it for a while. Then come back and look it over very carefully trying everything you can. Do this with discipline and start at one end of the firearm looking for defects and work your way to the other end. Every possible mechanical device should be checked and rechecked to see if it works... serial numbers on various parts should be compared...look at the bore, look at the condition of the blueing, look at the lips of the magazine and clip, look at the condition of the ejector, look at the shape of the firing pin that protrudes to see if it is bent or broken; look carefully at the safety and try to move it under every condition and check to see if it keeps the thing from firing under every condition.

P.S. I have made home gunsmitted repairs to the pistol that double-fired and have fixed the safety on the other pistol, so that they both now work.

Good luck, but don't be surprised if you buy someone's junk.

gypsyman · « **Reply #24 on:** October 02, 2006, 04:46:39 AM »

Here is a few tips, from the other side of the table. I've set up and sold at gun shows for over 20 years, and do it for a living. I've been at 3 shows were people have been shot, and another 7-8 where guns went off. So I have seen some pretty stupid stuff. And I'm not excluding the dealers, as it should have been their job to check the guns. So, please, double check.
Whatever show your at, if the person your talking to, has only one table, maybe 2, chance's are, he/she is selling off personal stuff. So their probably alot more likely to DEAL, on whatever your interested in buying. They would just as soon sell it, as take it home. On the other hand, somebody like myself, that sets up 6-8 or more tables, has a shop, or sets up at numerous shows every weekend. While I try and work with a buyer, giving somebody a good deal, especially when the item I am selling an item for is $1-$2- or $3, gets pretty hard. There just isn't enough profit margin on a $1.50 plastic ammo box. Now I'm not sure about all the the part timers, but I send in over $2000 in sales tax just for the Ohio shows I do. So if the dealer says he/she includes tax, you probably have to figure 6-8% of what your paying is for tax. AND PLEASE, don't puff your chest put, and say real loud, I don't pay tax. It just shows how stupid you are. We all pay tax, sales tax, gas tax,property tax, motel tax,etc., etc. (I'll get off this rant right now!!)
I'll close out with this. You'll probably get a better deal if you talk to the dealer in a respectful tone of voice, just like you want to be talked to. Come up to me, or most other dealers, and demand a deal, or say, I'll give you so much, I'll probably tell you, sorry you can't afford that item, maybe you need a better paying job. See ya at the shows.

jhm · « **Reply #25 on:** October 03, 2006, 05:02:03 AM »

Gypsyman are you going to be at the Tulsa show this Month and if so where are you going to be located? JIM

gypsyman · « **Reply #26 on:** October 04, 2006, 08:14:39 AM »

Jim, sorry to say, but no I'm not. I'm located in Ohio, and that is a bit far for me to drive. I have done that show several times.(If your talking about the big 7000 table show) But that was a few years ago. What with the gas price's where their at, it just wouldn't pay me to go that far anymore.

stimpylu32 · « **Reply #27 on:** October 04, 2006, 09:24:03 AM »

gypsyman

Do you ever make it up to the Lima show at the fair grounds , if so i may stop by and say How-Dee , who knows i may even spring for a cup of coffee .

stimpy

jhm · « **Reply #28 on:** October 05, 2006, 03:58:56 AM »

Gypsy: I fully understand the extra expence to go, theres 3 of us that travel around the country trying to take in as many as we can, I just bought a new Motorhome for the WIFE

as she says and I have asked her if it was ok to use it and she said she would think about it but that usually means yes, theres several of my dealer friends that will be set-up there and its just like a big family re-union, its one of the events everyone who likes guns needs to attend at least once in their life. JIM

jason280 · « **Reply #29 on:** October 07, 2006, 07:40:52 AM »

Gypsy pretty much has it nailed. I usually get a table at three or four shows a year, and sell items as a private individual. The best deals I get are with people walking around, and the few individuals who only get one or two tables. A lot of the dealers with multiple tables simply are too inflexible for me to deal with, so I avoid them. I've watched the same group of people lug the same guns from show to show to show, and rarely sell any of them. Thing is, some have as many as four to six tables, and at $65 a pop per day, it can be very expensive for the weekend. Personally, I wouldn't take the time setting up if I wasn't interested in really moving the items. In fact, a lot of the items I take to shows are simply things I don't sell locally or on the internet. Because of that, I am very willing to deal as I do not want to have to haul the stuff back out to the truck.

For the most part, you can find deals at the gun show but you have to be really patient and very observant. If a dealer doesn't want to deal, move on. Play your own game, not their's. He knows you can usually get the item cheaper somewhere else, but he's banking on the uninformed buyer who purchases items more on a whim to buy his goods.