[slade]

I was told by the Texas DPS today that my CHL has been approved and it will be mailed as soon as the card is printed up. Maybe another two weeks. Hoorah. Today is day 101.

Since I've been waiting, I've been bit by the 1911 bug and will go to a gun show this weekend with the thought of buying a Kimber Ultra Carry II or Ultra CDP. (I already have a S&W 340PD which is also a great gun)

Having never bought a gun at a gun show, what are things to look for or beware of? Are the prices better than a local gun shop? Are the dealers of good reputation? Would you buy a quality gun at a gun show?

Appreciate any info.

 

[TX-JB]

I have found that gun prices are running pretty high at the local gun shows here. I have been able to find better deals at the local gun dealers lately.

For CCW, either Kimber would be a great carry gun. I have an Ultra Carry and my son the Ultra CDP.

 

[PastorPack]

I have no problem buying a quality gun at a gun show. I will have thoroughly researched the going price and availability at local shops and also researched any known issues with the gun in question.

 

[CopperKnight]

Here are a couple of points from the Reference forum on buying used guns:

http://www.defensivecarry.com/vbulletin/reference-how-forum/72767-what-look-used-revolver.html

http://www.defensivecarry.com/vbull...rum/29189-1911-colt-clone-function-check.html

Yes, I would buy a quality gun at a gunshow. A used gun there could have the same history as a used gun at any dealer's shop. Having never been to a gunshow in your area, I can't answer the other questions.

 

[dairycreek]

Buying at a gunshow is clearly a case for Caveat Emptor - let the buyer beware. If you do the research necessary you can get a good deal (hopefully a fair deal) but the onus is on you to do the work and to be prepared before you get there. Once you have found the gun you want - don't let some other gun cause you to lose your focus (unless you have done the research on that gun as well). An impulse buy at a gun show can cost you big time. I am assuming here that you are buying a gun that is NIB:king:

If you are buying a used gun I have to assume that you are savvy enough to evaluate a used gun. If you can't do that then don't buy that gun. I often bring along a friend who is a real expert and use him for an expert opinion.

If you put in the work and exert discipline you ought to be able to get a fair deal. Good deals at gun shows are exceptionally hard to find these days. Good luck:35:

 

[p3at]

My Kimber UC II constantly jammed. My Colt Defender never has. Look for a Colt Defender or Colt New Agent. Check out the gun at the show, but buy it new. Best buy on Gun Genie when its available. Lifetime warranty from Davidsons.

 

[MBtech87]

Ive also been able to find guns cheaper and/or same price at local dealers.

 

[FlyboyLDB]

Shop around and do your research before you go. Talk to them. If that particular gun is not moving - most will work with you.

 

[gasmitty]

Shop around and do your research before you go. Talk to them. If that particular gun is not moving - most will work with you.

Best advice so far. Know what the going "street" price is before you hit the shows. I rarely have gotten sweet deals on new guns at the shows, but it does happen. Mine just happened to be a Kimber Pro CDP II!

 

[Defensive Arms]

Hurry down to all the gun shops in your area before the gun show this weekend, and ask them what their best prices are. Then ask the gun show dealers for their best prices.

Buy from whoever gives you the best deal, provided that they're a reputable dealer.

I recommend buying the Ultra CDP. Costs more than the Ultra Carry, but it's worth every cent. Definitely one of the finest 3" 1911's you'll find anywhere.

 

[rhinokrk]

Hurry down to all the gun shops in your area before the gun show this weekend, and ask them what their best prices are. Then ask the gun show dealers for their best prices.

Buy from whoever gives you the best deal, provided that they're a reputable dealer.

I recommend buying the Ultra CDP. Costs more than the Ultra Carry, but it's worth every cent. Definitely one of the finest 3" 1911's you'll find anywhere.

If it has a II after the model, I'd offer at least $60 less then offered.

 

[RETSUPT99]

My EDC is a Kimber Ultra CDP...a great gun that has never given me problems.
I stay away from gun shows. Many 'sellers' offer no assistance after the deal. My local gun shop, however, treats me well and I know will work through problems with me.

 

[varob]

Also at gun shows. Look at all the vendors before you buy. One may have the exact same gun fpr $50.00 bucks more or less then the next guy.

I've bought a few guns at gun shows, but did a lot of homework before I got there.

 

[rodc13]

Some Texas gun-show dealers consistently have the lowest prices anywhere on new handguns. AJC Sports comes immediately to mind. They're always at the SAXET gun shows. There's one coming up in Conroe on the weekend of Sept. 12-13. Here's a link to the show locations and schedule:

SAXET GUN SHOWS SCHEDULED EVENTS AND LOCATIONS

I've bought lots of guns at gun shows, and you can definitely get some deals. You'd be wise to do some homework first, though. One thing I always do, especially if I'm looking for something specific, is to check prices on line at GunBroker auctions, and other big discount dealers like Bud's and Impact. I carry a little notebook around with price ranges for models I'm on the lookout for. Make sure you bring cash -- you'll pay extra to use a credit card, and dealers are much more likely to bargain. Don't ever be afraid to make an offer, or just ask for the best out the door cash price.

And by the way, I'll add my recommendation for the Kimber Ultra CDP II. It's my EDC and is truly an outstanding handgun. My other two Kimbers are great also. Should you be looking at a used Kimber, make sure it's one with the internal, rather than the external extractor, which they only made for a year or so.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[Sportsterguy]

Congrats on choosing a .45 ACP for a carry weapon. I agree with retsupt99 advice on gun show purchases. They used to have great deals but not anymore IMO. IF you know your guns you can still find the occasional good deal and sometimes a steal, but buyer beware.

I hope to not p*** everyone off who owns a chopped 1911 but here is my opinion based on owning one (SA Champion) and seeing others in action: When you shorten the slide on a 1911 the slide velocity speeds up. If everything does not happen precisely as it should there will be a stoppage (FTF, FTE). We're talking milliseconds here. The pistol was designed with a 5" barrel for maximum bullet velocity and reliability. Most of the truly custom 1911 gunsmiths stick with a 5" barrel for maximum reliability. The basic design came with a single recoil spring, not the dual or single stiff recoil springs on a shortened 1911. It's the KISS principle. If you talk to Mr. Wolff from Wolff Springs, Les Baer and other prominent gunsmiths they will tell you that a chopped 1911 is WAY more prone to problems than a full size 1911 if everything is not precisely tuned.

I know there are good ones out there but I have been there myself and witnessed shooters who have had nightmares with their chopped 1911's and even full sized Kimbers in particular. You can easily pack a 5" with the right holster that will give you peace of mind with proper maintenance. Replacing the mag, recoil and firing pin springs when needed are cheap insurance to ensure your weapon will not let you down when it's a life or death situation. I change mine out on my B-Day every year which equals out to approximatley 2500-3500 rds. Shorter barrelled 1911's require more frequent recoil spring swaps due to the added pressure on them (500-1500 rds). I know after sending my Champion back to SA 5 times that I could not trust the weapon and lost ALL confidence in it.

Shooting skills, knowing your weapon, a defensive mindset combined with confidence in your CCW that you know when you squeeze that trigger the pistol is going to fire will be life deciding factors if you have to draw your weapon in SD.

For me it's my 5" Springer that I trust my and my families lives with.

No hard feelings I hope. Just my opinion from years of observation, shooting and instructing others.