What's your strategy at gun shows?

Go with a good idea of what you want and what you are willing to spend
If you find what you want tell the seller what you will pay
Then be ready to walk away because as already posted here most of the time they are well over priced
If the seller meets your price, then ok
 
Some of the more reputable vendors will give you deals if they're present. Canada Ammo gave my buddy a good deal at the last HACS 2 day show in Chilliwack.

The majority of vendors are quite grumpy and have ludicrous prices. It's somewhat similar to the EE, you post a WTB for a firearm that has a current retail price of $299 and everyone who messages you asks for $375 shipped for a used one. D'oh.

I go to the larger ones just to see what's out there.
 
All the negative ninnies are just trying to lessen the competition of being able to find what they are looking for and then trying to brow beat the guy selling his or her goods for a less than what the asking price is.
And if someone paid $400.00 for a plain jane SKS, shame on them not the guy selling it.
Know what you are looking for and know your prices and offer accordingly.
Tight Groups,
Rob
 
Go handle the firearms you interested in too see what you like then..... leave and buy online or at price match from a big box store.
 
Getting back to the OP, my strategy is to arrive when it opens. Do a relatively fast first tour and identify the sellors with reasonable prices and or good looking/quality stuff. Then I plan a route to visit each one on my short list.
 
I go with a big wad of cash and zero expectations. I also bring with me years of firearms knowledge and experience some of it earned the hard way.

I always start low. It's a lot easier to go up than down. Be prepared to walk away if the deal's not right.

I never take offense. I've worked at gun shows and know that dealer has probably dealt with more ignorant arsewipes just that morning than I have all year. Dealers will know what I'm talking about.

Don't worry if I don't buy anything.

I have fun and hope you will too.

If you enjoyed it go back. If you're one of the chronic whiners about gun shows please come here and tell everyone what a crappy time you had. That just means smaller crowds and better deals for me.
 
Know your prices. Sooo much overpricing....seems like some guys fall for it every time, just like a McSherry auction....

I usually manage to find a good or reasonable deal on something if I go, but they are few and far between. I'm usually looking for a broad spectrum of firearms, makes it easier to find something I'm looking for. :)
 
AbdullahD said:
Go handle the firearms you interested in too see what you like then..... leave and buy online or at price match from a big box store.
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Yes, otherwise known as the new, common strategy for killing brick and mortar storefront shops across North America.
 
EL34/6L6 said:
I go because I like guns.
I'm no bargain hunter with only money and pricing on my mind. Its a show, and I'm entertained by it and its content.
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This is the best way to enjoy a gun show. It's called a "Gun Show" for a reason.
If it was meant to be a place to buy guns, it would be called a "Gun Sale";)
 
Go early and have the cash in your hand. Cash in hand can seal a deal, at your offered price, faster than anything else.
It's absolutely essential you know what stuff is worth, retail, retail used and private sale used. The three are different things. Retail used is based on the wholesale price vs the "I want to dump this POS that missed that duck last Fall." of private used.
Might be the wrong time of year for used shotguns though.
No gun shows in Ontario on Saturdays. Sundays from 0800 to 1200 only. Rochester, N.Y.(pop. of roughly 210,358) has a bigger and longer gun show than anywhere near TO(pop. of close to 3 million with another 6 million living nearby.).
Buying online or at price match from a big box store(who won't price match to a gun show or for used firearms.) means you get zero post sale support should you need it. You don't buying at a show either.
 
My current gun show strategy is to not go to them.
Went to a few years back and was extremely unimpressed with the junk trying to be pawned off for triple what it was worth with zero room for negotiation.

One gigantic room full of people trying to seperate fools and their money.
I now realize that my time is far more valuable. No thanks.....
 
EL34/6L6 said:
Yes, otherwise known as the new, common strategy for killing brick and mortar storefront shops across North America.
Click to expand...

Dont get me wrong I love the small time shops. If the price is the same ill buy from the small time guys. But I work hard for my money and would you rather have me buying more ammo and guns and taking people to the range or supporting a business model thats no longer competitive.

Also btw I am going to the Loops show too feel free to come say hi. Cause I am a newb LoL!
 
I go early to see what is available. If I see something I like, I will sometimes return near the end of the show. Often the dealer will lower the price rather than take it home again.
 
Bring a smart phone. See something you like, step away from the table and find it for sale on line. Factor in both asking prices as well as tax, shipping charges and wait times (if that matters to you) and decide if you'll buy it there or online. It's 2015 the information you need to make an informed decision is literally at your finger tips.
 
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