My First Gun Show....Advise?

[PharmrJohn]

I am going to my first gun show on Saturday. I am not sure if I am going to buy or not. I am not adverse to the idea....but I need something. I am probably the only person on this forum that doesn't own a firearm. Money's tight and I have been saving up (well....I was.....I spent it on Christmas for the kids). But I still may be able to pull off something.

I pretty much know what pistols are worth. I like Glock and Sig. I wouldn't mind a Kimber, but that is a little up there in $$$$. I saw the prices for Hi-Point and thought...wow...must be awful.

So that is it. Any suggestions...especially RE: used items?

[Oneida Steve]

Bring cash, if you can. Some dealers will now take credit cards or checks, but cash is best. Everyone takes cash.

[Lori Mick]

Gun shows are sooo much fun! Yes, bring lots and lots of cash....buy lots and lots of guns and ammo!

[Helix_FR]

Hi-Points are not as bad as people say they are. And those that dog them probably have never fired one. Yes there heavy and bulky but the two I've had have always been reliable. For a first gun without a heavy investment its not a bad deal. I don't usually push particular brands or models on people but I encourage them to get what fits. I don't know what your budget is but here are some suggestions based on what I have had experience with in the past. Kimbers, Sigs, HK etc are all fantastic but you are correct, they do run more money, but keep an eye out for these and try them out. CZ 75's and 85's (400.00+)(there a little higher but not as high as the previous and just as good I think CZ is a top notch manufacturer) S&W Model 39 and 59's. (250-350). Taurus PT92's, Beretta Centurions (300-400), Ruger 85's 89's and 95's (250 range) Hi Points (90-150). Stay away from, Raven, Jennings, Jaminez, Lorcin and for God sakes no S&W sigmas.

Be prepared for crowds, give yourself plenty of time. Look at all the tables. Sometimes you find yourself a real nice deal from a guy who only have 3 or 4 guns but has tons of accessories.

[PharmrJohn]

Cool....thanks guys and gals. It is going to be fun. I am trying to get my son to go with me. A little father-son time at a gun show is perfect in my eyes. But.....he doesn't want to get up at 0830. Wus.

[Terry_P]

If there are any Ruger P series there check them out as well (except the P345 as I have heard a lot of bad press on them) as they are reasonably priced, completely reliable (mine) and rugged. If you haven't been to a gun shop to compare prices then be careful as many of the shows I have been to the guns are way overpriced. If you can find someone locally with an FFL they may give you the best deal. I thought there was someone on this forum that was selling at 10% above his cost??

[johnmpeters]

Just have a good time and remember, just because you're at a gun show doesn't mean everythings a great deal or everything is discounted like they portray in the radio commercials. You can find some good deals but many items are actually marked up higher.But it's a great oppertunity to get your hands on hundreds of different firearms and see how they fit you. Have a good time!

[TheGunClinger]

Originally Posted by PharmrJohn

Cool....thanks guys and gals. It is going to be fun. I am trying to get my son to go with me. A little father-son time at a gun show is perfect in my eyes. But.....he doesn't want to get up at 0830. Wus.

I dont know how old your son is but if he is real young he will soon tire and get antsy while YOU on the other hand will be like an old guy in a gun store! You will want to stay until you have seen and held everything in the show at least 4 times. I have discovered that kids and sometimes shhhhhh...wives... will hold you back from that which you covet. Leave them at home.
EDIT.. Watch your prices. Most gunshow dealers want way too much. I go there to view and hode it (as in Let me hode it lemme hode it)then I go price shopping.

[hkruss]

Don't be afraid to try to barter with the vendors. Maybe they will come off the price a little. If not, at least try the tactic of offering full price...less the tax.
Also, check all the tables before you buy. You may see the same model gun you like on several tables at several different prices. Try something like, " the guy over at that table is wanting X amount for this same gun. Can you beat it"? Some might be hungrier than the others and come down a little. Good luck!

[ibtrukn]

if the dude wants tax-----WALK!!

[woolleyworm]

Do your homework beforehand, narrow your choices down to a few specific guns and get some pricing for different gun conditions. Know what is a good price for what gun, don't guess or get caught up in any whims or impulse buys. If you're looking for a great value and a 9mm is ok with you; try to find a Sig P6; they're LE trade ins and can usually be had for between $300-$425 dependant upon condition.

[Double D]

Originally Posted by ibtrukn

if the dude wants tax-----WALK!!

If he is a dealer he has to charge tax. He is putting his business on the line if he doesnt.

[ibtrukn]

duzznt have to charge--supposed to pay...cash deals how much U think goes to the govt? any smart dealer wood bild it into the askiking price.

How much is this Colt? $500-----tax included


IB tries to avoid deelin with a deelr an usually duz.


I dunno------

[Double D]

Whats the diff? I say the colt is 500 tax included or 465 + tax same thing.

[Artemus]

If you expect to find any bargains just stay home.If you just want to be entertained then go and have fun.

[carver]

Originally Posted by Artemus

If you expect to find any bargains just stay home.If you just want to be entertained then go and have fun.

After paying 8-10 dollars for each of you to get in you most probably won't find any good deals, unless you have really done your home work on an item or two that you are looking for. I say go! Have a good time. Keep your money in your pocket unless you should find that good deal. Don't get me wrong, these men and women work hard to trasnport, and set up for the show, but they also have to pay for the space they use. Still some of them will have good deals on some of their items, it just may be though that the items that are good deals are not what you want. I usually take advantage of the reloading materials as they are there in abundance (sometimes). Can't buy these items at Walley World, or the local gun shop. The local shops are most probably the place to look for good deals. Support your neighbor.