Buying at a gun show.

[Cedar Creek]

Yep, yep, yep! The term 'gun show' is kinda misleading, because very few guns are brought there for display. In addition to people walking around with guns for sale many of the tables are manned by private sellers eager to trade their firearm for some of your money, which will be the only paperwork involved.

Good Luck - two of my favorite rifles came from Wannamaker at what I feel was a great bargain and no paperwork. One was a straight purchase and the other was a trade + $60 from me; all parties were happy both times.

Cedar Creek

PS - be sure to wear some good, sturdy shoes and carry a satchel for your treasures.

 

[urbanscout]

Like everything in life the show can have its pros and cons. A big show allows for varity but draws a big crowd and can can bump up prices. It also pulls in all sorts of folks. Use your common sense and the manners your mom taught you and you'll do just fine.

I've gotten good deals at times and sometimes I thought everything was to rich for my blood.... When you can't find what you want for the price you want..... wait for a smaller show to see. I've found some great deals at smaller shows too.

 

[packrat]

All good ideas! I should probably ask if they have "the good stuff" in a back room too, and how well anything I buy will defeat body armor. I think a few violent spasms here and there coupled with random profanities would go a long way too.

Really though, I have a tendency to think people are going to freak out when it comes to anything gun related. I grew up in California where they treat you like a criminal for expressing an interest. I guess I was overthinking it.

You are in Oklahoma now. We treasure our guns, God and freedom. You will see some unique individuals that you wonder about, but overall, good folks. Get ready to see more guns than you thought existed.

 

[Honeybee]

Just go to each table and ask what is cash price with no paperwork.

And use heavy forign accent.

 

[poopgiggle]

And use heavy forign accent.

AM TO BE NEEDINK MOSIN FOR GLORIOUS REVOLU...HUNTING TRIP, DA?

 

[Shootum]

Next weekend will be the first time I go to a gun show with money to spend. From what I understand, a lot of private sales go on at gun shows. How does that work? Do people generally indicate that they are selling a firearm in some special way? Are most of the people walking around with rifles slung over their shoulders selling them? Should I just approach people randomly and ask? I'm probably overcomplicating this...

You picked a dandy show for your first one, may I suggest advanced tickets (no waiting in line) I picked up four at OPS yesterday. As mentioned a good pair of walking shoes, and something to take notes on it's easy to lose track of a table that you may want to come back to later. I start walking about three weeks before the show to kinda get in shape for the marathon walk it really is a BIG show and I like to see it all, guns and fellow gun lovers (including the Dregs and Mouth-Breathers). My son and I make a weekend out of it, go with an open mind and have fun.

 

[jbarnett]

If you don't find anything just save your money. You can find good deals in the classifieds here.

 

[HMFIC]

Let's all get ready for the GUN SHOW!

[Broken External Image]

 

[jm838]

Actually, I did go last year, I just didn't have any money to spend, hence my lack of experience buying. It was incredible though, I had never seen anything like it. I also went to a show back in CA once, but, as with most gun-related things in CA, it was pretty watered down. No black rifles, and 75% of the vendors didn't have any guns at all. If I wanted a knife there were plenty, but it was a gun show, so I kind of expected guns. I'm glad I can go to real ones now

 

[foghorn918]

...... My advice would be if you find the gun your looking for at your price, you better buy it, or it probably won't be there when you go back later.

THIS....made that mistake last spring. Found what I was looking for the first 10 minutes, but wanted to look some more to make sure it was good for the price. When I went back for it, yep it was gone. Know what you want, know what is a good price (your price), there may not be a second chance.