mr surveyor

after going to at least a half dozen gun shows per year for many years, I think I can safely say that I have never found a "deal" from a table dealer... particularly with anything new. I have even had dealers snub me at their booth when I was in the market for a good double gun. Good thing since I saved a good bit from going to a local dealer the next week and ordering from him. I realize these shows are for dealers to display their wares to a larger audience than they may normally have in store, but they really don't seem to want to sell much (except the Kel-Tec dealers ordinarily seem to sell out).

I do understand the ammunition sales issue. If I were a dealer I would not want to transport and handle a 10 buck brick of .22 LR's instead of maybe 2 S&W airweight models at the same weight.

Geezer

It's not often you find a good bargin at the shows these days. The table costs alone jack up the prices. I prefer to try to deal with the folks that bring their guns in to sell/trade. There are some dandy bargins in that pool. Also, the gun shows are the best way for me to get ELEY TENEX .22 ammo. The people watching is worth the admission peice.

Stetson

There are still good buys if you look hard! I must admit I hate fighting the crowds to spend my hard earned dollars from traveling salesmen.
So it must be unique for me to stand in line and wait while we wait
to process paper work usually standing up.

randytulsa2

I've got to agree with the majority opinion here. I used to love gun shows and find deals on things that interested me at them.

Not any more. Long lines, high price of admission, no difference in the price between the gun show and the gun shop (or online).

Waste of time anymore, and I guess we have the internet to blame. That, and somewhere along the line people who ran gun shows figured out that they were a source of revenue instead of a get-together for hobbyists.

__________________
"...bad decisions that turn out well often make heroes."


Gary D. Mitchell, A Sniper's Journey: The Truth About the Man and the Rifle, P. 103, NAL Caliber books, 2006, 1st Ed.

aus71383

Last gun show I went to had a bad selection of reloading supplies, but I still got 5,000 WLP primers for a good price. I also got 350 185 grain LSWCs for my .45 for a good price.
Found some Hoppe's at half the price I could order it for, and without paying shipping. Got some extra bore brushes etc... for cheap.
If I had a set of my orders with me I likely would have walked out with a nice little Seecamp .32 ACP too.
And it wasn't a good show either. I took my wife with my and pointed out to her what different things were, made jokes about the crap for sale. Asked around about the prices for some knives (Cold Steel and Benchmade) on display.
This was in Southern California, at the Crossroads of the West show. They did have a bunch of WWII paraphenalia, but it didn't bother me. People can do what they want to as long as they don't bother me.

Austin

Bark'n

You know, I've missed six or so gun shows that I planned to go to this year, and it really didn't break my heart.

I have noticed a real difference. I'll still go to one now and then but it's not "The Event" it used to be.

I have still gotten a few good deals on gear bags, cleaning supplies, accessories and occasionally a Benchmade knife for $20 off Retail.

__________________
-Bark'n
Semper Fi

"The gun is the great equalizer... For it is the gun, that allows the meek to repel the monsters; Whom are bigger, stronger and without conscience, will prey on those of us who without one, would surely perish."

dwalexk

Well I still go to 1 or 2 a year.. They have all overpriced junk.. If you want to sell it's a joke.. I told one guy " YOU KNOW IF I OFFERED YOU $50 TO TAKE THIS GUN YOU WOULD ASK ME FOR $100" He was not happy.. Ammo, OK if you are looking and know the prices
BEFORE you go.. Survival gear, Surplus gear OK.. Some reloading stuff like bullets ( Only due to what shipping costs are ) Besides the LUCKY time you catch someone going in or out that has not sold a gun, pretty much a good way to lose an afternoon.. OOHH and look at .50 cal rifles that no one can afford or shoot !!! Not like the old days when a gun show was a place to find deals !!