Gunshow "deals"

[ray1970]

Didn't want to crap in any of the other gunshow threads so figured I'd start this one.

There was a time years ago when I purchased firearms almost exclusively from gun shows. Why? Because good deals on new or used items could always be found. If every local shop was ask?ng $525 to $550 for a certain firearm you could probably count on finding that same firearm at the gunshow for $449 or so. I also picked up a few genuine, military surplus, new in the wrapper FN barrels for $49 each. The guy literally had a wooden crate full of them.

Anyhow, fast forward to today.

A month ago I purchased a brand new shotgun from an online vendor for $222. After some shipping and transfer fees and whatever I was into it for just under $260. I saw two different vendors at the gun show today selling the exact same shotgun. One was priced at $509 and the other at $569. I literally could have bought two of them for what I paid for mine.

I almost get the feeling that most of the show vendors are just trolling for suckers and hoping to pay for their tables with a single sale.

I don't go to the shows much anymore because it seems the days of finding good deals on used items or dealers looking to rid themselves of inventory by offering discounted prices are pretty much gone.

I say this today but a year from now I might attend another show just to remind myself why I seldom attend the shows anymore.

[BPTactical]

But did you buy any beef jerky?

[Teufel]

I'm right there with you. I don't go for a long while, reaffirming there aren't deals to be had. I do like the candy store walk through, when you aren't playing human leapfrog. I can't remember the last time I walked out with anything other than beef jerky. But as time passes and I see the pink signs I talk myself into going again because hell, there just might be that one rare as can be deal that works perfectly. That little thingamajig that everyone else passed on that I can't at a killer deal. Then I see a Rock Island 1911 for 550 bucks on a few different tables and get reminded real quick why I need to stop going.

[cstone]

Never bought a gun at a gun show. I spent all my time looking for that infamous "loophole" I continue to hear about. That damn thing must be a pin sized hole because I've never been able to find it. But the leftists are still talking about it so it must be there....right?

Does anyone remember weekend computer shows? Once a month at some hotel event center or some such large open space with hundreds of tables and a lot of guys with powered screw drivers. You could buy a desktop off of their menu or have them build you one to your specs. Walk around to see who offered the best price and then have them put it all together for you while you wait.

The Internet is the biggest show that never closes.

[ray1970]

The Internet is the biggest show that never closes.

Yes it is.

I'm sure I'm not alone when I admit that I have purchased stuff for my hobbies at night, on weekends, on holidays, and always seem to find really great deals. All without ever leaving my home.

[feal]

i Think the only deals I got in the last 3 years were two nib display kimbers for 650 each (higher end ones, but missing their mags, don’t know why they were so cheap, but they closed down a couple months later- dark horse I think) and a sig mpx with brace ( no mags) for 950. This was about a year ago from a pawn shop I haven’t seen back

[MrAK]

They sell guns at gunshows now? Guess I’ll keep an eye out for them when I go back to restock my Yankee Hill Candle and essential oil supply.

[JethroBodine]

It's been a while since I went to one for those same reasons. I heard an add for it on the radio, when did they increase admission to $12? I guess I'm showing my age, I can remember when it was $4. I saw two different vendors at the last one trying to sell used mountain bikes, others selling used ski equipment. Biathlon Equipment? Seems it's turning into a Flea Market.

[Great-Kazoo]

Well for as infrequently they have them out here, like 1x quarterly. The only non-gun tables were for gun safes, politicians wanting your vote and the AzCDL (Az Citizens defense league).
A RMGO type org BUT.............. to date the only money they've asked for is when holding a raffle. Which has been 2x the last 6 months.

[BladesNBarrels]

I guess it depends on the show.
At the Tulsa Show, twice a year, there are usually a few older guys selling off their lifetime collections and the prices are pretty good.
But, it takes a lot of walking and talking.

[rondog]

I usually just get a crappy hot dog and a case of the runs. Got some semi-decent "jambalaya" once, and a case of the runs.....

Oh, I did buy a couple hundred .30-30 cases once too.

[BladesNBarrels]

I usually just get a crappy hot dog and a case of the runs. Got some semi-decent "jambalaya" once, and a case of the runs.....

Oh, I did buy a couple hundred .30-30 cases once too.

Did the 30-30 come with the runs?

[Coffee]

[wctriumph]

I have not been to a Tanner show since the one in Ft. Collins in 2017. I do check out the PE Shows every once in awhile if I have a spare $10. The Loveland one is small and not many deals there but some vendors are willing to negotiate a little on some items. The one that they do in Greeley every now and then is more than twice as big and I picked up a S&W 9mm Shield for $185 (used in the box) and 1000 round of MagTech 9mm for $140 cash.

In general there are not really any "deals" at gun shows anymore. Anyone been to a swap meet lately. The private sellers just trying to get ride of their junk are willing to sell for almost anything but any of the "business" sellers are quite high.