tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post3273813686532830113..comments2023-11-10T04:17:00.492-05:00Comments on View From The Porch: Gun Shows:Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07285540310465422476noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-71284380546054452332012-01-17T19:20:14.664-05:002012-01-17T19:20:14.664-05:00i once entered a gun show down south with a couple...i once entered a gun show down south with a couple of old pistols and a couple hundred bucks, and after trading and haggling my way across the exhibition hall a couple hours later, emerged with a pristine 03A3 Springfield. it doesn't happen often, but it can happen.Critterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04452486400885521156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-1905432879274223922012-01-17T13:01:37.758-05:002012-01-17T13:01:37.758-05:00Pawnbroker: I agree with everything in your commen...Pawnbroker: I agree with everything in your comment, and I would certainly give him the opportunity if the situation came up (the KRISS was just an example, really). But I have seen situations where the guy buying half a dozen of gun X to put into his inventory, and then regularly buying 2 or 3 at a time to maintain his stock, can sell them for less than my dealer would pay just to get just one in the store.<br /><br />Personally, my FFL is pretty good, and from what I've seen can usually manage it. But he does run a pretty small operation, and sometimes he just can't compete against the bigger guys.Jake (formerly Riposte3)https://www.blogger.com/profile/02976718318892210404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-81276783076953040872012-01-17T12:45:33.519-05:002012-01-17T12:45:33.519-05:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.the pawnbrokerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16643081755036536592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-15560591695779078152012-01-17T09:07:56.824-05:002012-01-17T09:07:56.824-05:00Billy Sparks hit my main reason to buy new at gun ...Billy Sparks hit my main reason to buy new at gun shows - I can get hands on before buying with stuff that I would otherwise have to travel halfway across the state (at least) to do that with, because my local FFL's don't keep it in inventory (the KRISS Vector is a good example - the only time I've been able to handle one is at the local gun shows).<br /><br />Add in the fact that the guy who has it there already will most likely be selling at a lower price than my local guy who would have to special order it, and I'll probably (though certainly not always) end up paying less at the gun show.<br /><br />OTOH, if my local guy has it in inventory, I'm probably better off buying it from him. And even if it's a little bit more expensive, I'd be tempted to buy from him just to help keep him around.Jake (formerly Riposte3)https://www.blogger.com/profile/02976718318892210404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-24406464527327876282012-01-16T22:13:37.908-05:002012-01-16T22:13:37.908-05:00PS - although I did get a copy of Fast and Fancy R...PS - although I did get a copy of Fast and Fancy Revolver Shooting by Ed McGivern. What the hell; I figure I can learn something from a guy who could throw five glass balls in the air and hit all five before they hit the ground.<br /><br />Oh yeah, that was when he was 57 years old. Now all I have to do is shoot about a million rounds of 38 Special...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-85151052343099296332012-01-16T22:04:33.647-05:002012-01-16T22:04:33.647-05:00All true...although I have noticed that if you go ...All true...although I have noticed that if you go on the afternoon of the last day, you can (maybe) get some knocked off the price. Under the idea that it's better to get $10-20 less than it is to drive the item back to the store in South Bend or Marion or Sellersburg or wherever...<br /><br />But yes, generally better to look for older pieces. STILL kicking myself for not buying that S & W Model 28 in 95% condition a while back.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-33289590321748225982012-01-16T21:47:40.568-05:002012-01-16T21:47:40.568-05:00One thing I get at some (not all) shows is the com...One thing I get at some (not all) shows is the comradarie of rubbing elbows w/other gunnies. It helps you remember you ain't alone.....Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-11278091490912419762012-01-16T16:11:50.676-05:002012-01-16T16:11:50.676-05:00Up until a year ago I could never figure out why p...Up until a year ago I could never figure out why people said that you could get a good deal at a gun show. Then, at one show, I found 3 differant guns from my "list" at decent prices (not super, but decent). Of course I only had the cash for one of them. ACK!!! The next show... nope... back to nothing. <br /><br />Oh, and I have noticed that the local (big-ish) gun store has worse prices at the show than they do in the store. At least on the pieces I looked at specifically.<br /><br />At least it's still a decent place to pick up bulk ammo.<br /><br />sStuart the Vikinghttp://drunkenroundtable.squarespace.com/vikingblog/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-56093753096211804812012-01-16T13:32:52.016-05:002012-01-16T13:32:52.016-05:00Here in Des Moines the B&M stores don't di...Here in Des Moines the B&M stores don't dicker at all on new inventory. And they all have their little niche. The shows bring in the small town guys that often have a line to fill out paperwork. I suck at wheeling and dealing and picked up M&P #4 for what cdnn was listing them for. I know a dealer pays less in bulk, but no local dealer bothers to either stock them or wants 500 or more.JD Rushhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02565824360743868119noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-87577405293420488172012-01-16T13:23:47.771-05:002012-01-16T13:23:47.771-05:00My observation is a certain percentage of tablehol...My observation is a certain percentage of tableholders are there just to be there. Not to sell guns, that's for sure. When you see the same gun(s) on a dealer's table in three states, half a dozen show locations, over several years, you know they aren't serious about selling.Willhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00722792638246578812noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-56918414220486405332012-01-16T13:08:25.113-05:002012-01-16T13:08:25.113-05:00Fred:
What they did here in CA was to set up tran...Fred:<br /><br />What they did here in CA was to set up transfer dealers, so a dealer near the show would hold the handgun for the required 10-15-20 (whatever) days hold. Think it was like a $25 fee.<br /><br />There is a current lawsuit about that "cooling off" period, which is the stated reason for the waiting period. (It's not the real reason, of course.) If you already have one or more, why is it needed, is the basis for the suit.<br /><br />CA now has a ten day wait for all types of guns.Willhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00722792638246578812noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-31616870471188301942012-01-16T12:53:49.267-05:002012-01-16T12:53:49.267-05:00What I like best about the Gun Shows is that I usu...What I like best about the Gun Shows is that I usually find some sort of accessories for the Guns that are too Old to be New, but too Young to be Old. Think of spare magazines for all those Smith "Gun of the Month" models from the '90s for an example. Plus, of course, one gets to haggle and trade and wheel and deal.<br /><br />And Bulk Ammo, of course.<br /><br />But as to your #2, same thing happens with other Businesses. Used to help my buddy with his Comic Book/Sci-Fi Store. Always some sort of Show or Con, and being Stuck in the Vender's Room while all the Fun Stuff was happening up stairs got old.Bubblehead Les.https://www.blogger.com/profile/00730873284089958084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-81109114081807419862012-01-16T11:43:52.905-05:002012-01-16T11:43:52.905-05:00Great blog fodder Tam, I enjoyed reading this and ...Great blog fodder Tam, I enjoyed reading this and all of the comment's. Gun Show's tend to be a hit or miss in some respect's if your looking for that once in a lifetime find. Where they really pay off though is in meeting long time collector's and gun seller's. I've met more intresting people at gun show's and steam engine show's than at any conference or training course I've attended.Sport Pilothttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04862280966739841769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-51884249332289970182012-01-16T11:27:36.314-05:002012-01-16T11:27:36.314-05:00The 48 hour waiting period for pistols here pretty...The 48 hour waiting period for pistols here pretty much kills shows for me now. It's stupid to drive halfway across the state for the show, do the paperwork, and then drive halfway across the state in the other direction two days later to pick it up at their shop.<br /><br />I've passed up so many deals because of this...Fredhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12141654754595945677noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-210443812089647922012-01-16T11:21:41.114-05:002012-01-16T11:21:41.114-05:00Kansas City MO has several gunshows every year. Th...Kansas City MO has several gunshows every year. The crowds vary depending on the weather, both of nature and political. You tend to see the same dealers, the same guns over and over. I just went to an RK Shows gunshow this past week end. Lots of "junk" and fewer actual gun dealers. And very few individual sellers walking around. After this one I have decided to save my schekels and make an annual trip to the big Wannamacher show in TulsaDean Carderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13797363411746750583noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-5195387273224739642012-01-16T11:07:58.766-05:002012-01-16T11:07:58.766-05:00PB,
I've just never begrudged a man what I co...PB,<br /><br />I've just never begrudged a man what I consider a fair price. I've been on both sides of that table and so have you.<br /><br />See SB's comment at the top of the thread for an accurate reflection of how I hear a lot of the complaining about gun shows. ;)Tamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07285540310465422476noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-30114371056919017602012-01-16T11:03:12.980-05:002012-01-16T11:03:12.980-05:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.the pawnbrokerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16643081755036536592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-39454663556534846342012-01-16T10:48:21.540-05:002012-01-16T10:48:21.540-05:00I go to my shows to support their existence, see n...I go to my shows to support their existence, see new stuff that hasn't filtered to my store yet, and apparently for amusement for all the guys who still believe there's an ammo shortage and that Wal-Mart's shelves aren't currently bent from being over-stacked. I guess they're hoping someone might wander by and cover their entire table fee by buying one box of ammo.<br /><br />There is the occasional rare gem that's priced fairly, but the number of $500 plain LCPs gets a bit annoying, but tells you which tables to not bother even talking to.cjnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-56513763715748794202012-01-16T10:43:26.886-05:002012-01-16T10:43:26.886-05:00(I don't even slow down to glance at the new g...(I don't even slow down to glance at the new guns, really, except to check the price on Glocks/M&Ps/Ruger 22/45s, as a general barometer of what the pricing would be like on the rest of the table, should I see anything interesting.)Tamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07285540310465422476noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-22102355154312398442012-01-16T10:41:51.419-05:002012-01-16T10:41:51.419-05:00The Raving Prophet,
Sorry your gun shows suck.
E...The Raving Prophet,<br /><br />Sorry your gun shows suck.<br /><br />Every show, I find at least one something worth bringing home: A WWI Carcano, a Savage .32, a Dreyse 1907, a tip-up Smith Old Army, an FN 1922... I can't remember the last time I left one empty-handed, or hadn't wished I'd had more to spend.Tamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07285540310465422476noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-8655771861868468862012-01-16T10:38:26.931-05:002012-01-16T10:38:26.931-05:00I don't really go to many gun shows anymore. I...I don't really go to many gun shows anymore. I got tired of paying $8-10 to stand in an incredibly crowded room looking at table after table of whatever the gun of the month happens to be, followed by those who are under their impressed that their garden variety used K frame is worth $800. It's all the more annoying because I keep see people proclaiming gun shows to be the perfect place for that great deal as though it was still 1996.<br /><br />But then, a couple weeks ago I got bored and hit a show, and ended up coming home with one of the new Sig 1911 Ultras. No, it wasn't tremendously cheaper than a local shop, but it was a bit less, and the ability to comparison shop a half dozen different models in one place is useful. You just have to have a good idea what you want- if you go in there knowing nothing you'll likely get taken (the aforementioned $800 model 19... it wasn't even a funky variant...).<br /><br />Still, the show had more LCPs and TCPs than really was absolutely necessary...The Raving Prophethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08830254881182697135noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-64345129620267204652012-01-16T10:15:23.887-05:002012-01-16T10:15:23.887-05:00I like gun shows. It's like walking around in...I like gun shows. It's like walking around in a museum that lets you touch the exhibits. I have to laugh at some of the dealers though. When you want to sell or trade something it's a turd.. When you buy it it's suddenly gold. Oh well.. the funs in the looking.JimBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05200736126653935817noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-80735263993784762232012-01-16T10:08:00.896-05:002012-01-16T10:08:00.896-05:00I was at the show Saturday, I am glad I don't ...I was at the show Saturday, I am glad I don't suffer from any kind of claustrophobia. Between the hours of 9 AM and 4:30 PM it was pretty much nut to butt out there. I'm new to the gun show experience, this was my second, and 90% of my gun knowledge is from my time in the military (So I know the m16, m249, and the 1911) so those tables with a hundred beat up pistols are all very interesting to me, as well as the tables with all the beat up old SKSs and whatever else. <br /><br />Thing was, I couldn't get past the crowds of people looking at all the black rifles to get to the neat looking ones. Hell, I'm looking for some reasonably priced used firearms and I couldn't get to them without feeling like I was blocking the line to the lifeboat on the Titanic.<br /><br />On the plus side, I saw the dude from Dual Survival and listened to him talk for a bit. Seemed a bit cocky and self assured, just like on the show. And my wife and youngest also had a good time.<br /><br />Side topic, my wife mentioned that on the shuttle bus back to the car that there was this camaraderie on the bus you just didn't notice on the same ride from the Home and Garden show.<br /><br />wv: Colde... What they used to call it in Merry Olde England when it was chilly.Woodmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17258502914515356626noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-35469231982978653722012-01-16T10:01:01.150-05:002012-01-16T10:01:01.150-05:00I like gun shows with a good scattering of tables ...I like gun shows with a good scattering of tables full of interesting junk. Old guns, parts, reloading and casting tools, used holsters, surplus stuff etc.<br /><br />Not the tables full of cheap Chinese made tools, Chinese made t-shirts and Chinese made bags however.Cincinnatushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10424218376882403880noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-55608679711534967822012-01-16T09:52:59.156-05:002012-01-16T09:52:59.156-05:00The reason I like to buy new guns from the gun sho...The reason I like to buy new guns from the gun shows is that around here there are no big dealers so if you want to see new stuff or different stuff that is the only way to do it. Besides driving a ton.Billy Sparksnoreply@blogger.com