What's your strategy at gun shows?

I find gun shows are only good for the smalls such as holsters knifes magazines optics gear etc.. firearms always seem to be at the high end of the price point. For any chance of a bargain you have to be their when the doors open or they are gone... I find dealers troll the tables and pick up any deals before the doors open for the public. At least that's been my experience.
 
1GLOCKAHOLIC said:
I find gun shows are only good for the smalls such as holsters knifes magazines optics gear etc.. firearms always seem to be at the high end of the price point. For any chance of a bargain you have to be their when the doors open or they are gone... I find dealers troll the tables and pick up any deals before the doors open for the public. At least that's been my experience.
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Yes, I only buy smalls. Never guns. I don't doubt your other sentiment either.
 
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I've made quite a few deals at gun shows. Guns, parts, doodads. I think people move way too quickly sometimes and don't actually take the time to see what it on the table. The deals are there, and I'm never the first one through the door.
 
Is it really that bad?
Last show I snagged a cil pump 12, a win 2200, uncut lee Enfield, wingmaster, rem 572 pump 22 and a beauty auto 5 and my bill didn't cross over 1000.
same guys gave me deals on old components for my 270 and 3006, new dies for a 32 special and good used dies for a 375. Also got to spend several hours bsing and handling firearms.
is it really that bad guys?
 
Claybuster said:
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.
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X2. I've been on both sides of the table - that matures your perspective.

I typically have 4-5 guys there that I say hi to and often do deals with.
 
sunray said:
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.
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Ontario gun shows run Saturday and Sundays usually 9ish to five. Do you really get a kick about misinforming people or do you believe your own drivel on every subject. You should be banned.
 
1GLOCKAHOLIC said:
I find gun shows are only good for the smalls such as holsters knifes magazines optics gear etc.. firearms always seem to be at the high end of the price point. For any chance of a bargain you have to be their when the doors open or they are gone... I find dealers troll the tables and pick up any deals before the doors open for the public. At least that's been my experience.
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In NS the gun shows are open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays, but many of the sellers set up their tables Friday night. Friday night is when the real deals are made between the sellers themselves. I have purchased a rifle at a show, but it was from someone I knew and at a price I knew to be fair. My "strategy" when I go to a show is to know ahead of time what I want, what the item is worth and whom I can go to for advice or a reference when dealing with someone I haven't done business with previously. I have never regretted any purchase I have made at a gun show because I use this "strategy" whenever I go to one.
 
TANK1867 said:
Ontario gun shows run Saturday and Sundays usually 9ish to five. Do you really get a kick about misinforming people or do you believe your own drivel on every subject. You should be banned.
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Before you trash anyone for "drivel" (even sunray) you should check your facts. The shows in and around the GTA and South Central Ontario are Sunday only and run from 7:30-1pm. There are other shows but it is not accurate to say all Ontario gun shows run two days from 9 to 5.

http://www.ontariogunshows.com/

fenceline said:
Guess I will just have to wear shades. I haven't been to a show yet where I wasn't able to find something for a deal. I've also seen a lot of people walking way too quickly. Looking, but not seeing.
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X2. The people who piss and moan about no deals at a gun show either aren't looking hard enough or don't know enough.
 
I have had some good deals at gun shows, go early enough, you don't necessarily have to be there when they open the doors, but at least a hour after. I have bought a Swiss Vetterli Modell 69/71 for $ 260.00 with a case, very good shape. Also picked up a .577 snider cadet carbine with case and reloading dies for $350.00 that would put all the ones on EE to shame. My last purchase was a Swedish m1867 in 50-70 that was not a bad deal since its in good shape and I was looking for a rolling block at $400.00. So look around at if the price is good and its what your looking for buy it. The last gun show I went to was in Perth ,Ont last weekend and it was ok just nothing that jumped out at me as a good deal or that peaked my interest, Did pick up some fffg that was on sale. I have noticed that he folks going are getting younger and more woman are attending which is great for the sport may it be hunting,shooting or collecting.
 
fenceline said:
Guess I will just have to wear shades. I haven't been to a show yet where I wasn't able to find something for a deal. I've also seen a lot of people walking way too quickly. Looking, but not seeing.
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You can say that again!! My last show I had a fellow next to me selling 7.62x39 for $45.00/200 while I had 720 round spam cans for $95.00. As he sold out he would buy off of me.
 
First I know what I'm looking for. Second I do my research and know what it goes for $ wise. I hit the show as soon as it opens with a friend who is also looking for items, I know what he/she wants, he/she knows what I want, we split up and as fast as is reasonable we see all that is available. We text if we see a important item, we use our phones to take pics also. After we have seen it all, or at least 50% each we meet go over what we have seen and go back to see if we can make a deal. I always know the value of what I'm interested in, I don't get caught up in the impulse buy, and I walk away if the deal is not FAIR for both of us with a hand shake and a thanks for your time.
Things I bring with me are, a small magnifying glass, a bore light, and any notes I have with regard to what to look for in certain items. And most of all I bring a attitude of friendliness, and try to meet and make new friends. Enjoy the gun SHOW, if you leave empty handed oh well no big deal, I'm sure you will have seen some cool stuff, I always do!!!
 
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