Question? Gun Show etiquette

[Madusa]

Have you ever been to a gun show and picked up a firearm and opened the action, then were called a jerk by the seller because you caused wear? Happened to me, twice. I automatically check a firearm when handed or picked up. Should I swear off gun shows because I doubt I will change?

P.S.- Hell no did I buy something from someone like that. They should have zip tied the action if they didn't want someone to open it.

[zteknik]

Propper saftey,pickup firearm check and clear.
If they dont want you to do it say so and disable action.
I allways ask first,if its no I move on..

[Great-Kazoo]

Ask first. You would not be surprised how many people think they can pick a SCAR rack the charging handle, slam it home and after leaving it hanging 1/2 way off the rack, walk away. These are teenagers with their useless seman spewing fathers, standing there holding the 3 yr old in one hand, while the kids other hand is pulling the security cable on to the floor.

[KevDen2005]

That's good to know. I always open the action if I look and have had no one say anything, but I will ask from now on. I thought it was good that I was checking and didn't realize there were people out there that didn't want you to do that.

[KevDen2005]

Ask first. You would not be surprised how many people think they can pick a SCAR rack the charging handle, slam it home and after leaving it hanging 1/2 way off the rack, walk away. These are teenagers with their useless seman spewing fathers, standing there holding the 3 yr old in one hand, while the kids other hand is pulling the security cable on to the floor.


LOL!!!

[Teufelhund]

That's good to know. I always open the action if I look and have had no one say anything, but I will ask from now on. I thought it was good that I was checking and didn't realize there were people out there that didn't want you to do that.

Ditto. Good info. I always ask before I pick one up, but I've never thought to ask if it's OK to open the action, I just do it out of habit. I do always ride the slide gently back into battery instead of slamming it though.

[Colorado Osprey]

Handling guns in general, you should know proper etiquette for collectible guns.

For example, if you were handling single action revolvers.
Spinning the cylinder leaves scratch marks as the cylinder rotates.

For people collecting these guns they want them as clean as possible without the scratch marks on the cylinder. The more clean and mark free these guns are the more they are worth.
Finding an old 1800--early 1900's Colt Single Action without many/any cylinder scratches make these guns worth possibly and extra $10,000!!

If you plan to shop for a certain gun, make sure you know gun etiquette for the type of firearm you are looking at.

That said, it is common to check to make sure a weapon is safe when handling it.
There are other ways to check said firearms without wear to possible de-value.
If you are unsure, ask the firearm's owner.

[Circuits]

At a gunshow, it's already SUPPOSED to force-safed with a ziptie through the barrel, or otherwise immobilizing the action and preventing it from being loaded.

I'll always check the load status of a firearm someone hands me. And if they don't want it handled in any way, they'd better make that real clear before handing it over.

[spqrzilla]

I always ask for any handling, in detail. Its not my gun.

[SideShow Bob]

At a gunshow, it's already SUPPOSED to force-safed with a ziptie through the barrel, or otherwise immobilizing the action and preventing it from being loaded.

I'll always check the load status of a firearm someone hands me. And if they don't want it handled in any way, they'd better make that real clear before handing it over.

Your first point exactly, where is the OP going to a Gun Show where they are not displayed with the action zip tied ?
And on your second point, I still check a firearm even if the one handing it to me has checked it.
There have been incidents of guns going BANG after it has been safe checked and handed to another person.

[ray1970]

I would say it really depends on the firearm as well. If I were looking at a WWII vintage 1911, an old Colt SAA, or an early Winchester lever action, I would definitely be sure to ask first before each move. "May I take a look at this?" "Is it OK for me to open the action?" Etc.

Now, if it was just a Glock or a police trade in revolver of some sort I would first ask for permission to look at it but after that I probably wouldn't think to ask about opening the slide or swinging the cylinder open for a look around.

Not to point things back at you (since I wasn't there and I really don't know you) but perhaps you were handling something you shouldn't have been handling or handling it in an inappropriate way.

[bigun1962]

If you are a ligit buyer ask the owner to look at it. Have them take off the cable tie and be available to answer your questions. At a good show the seller does not have time to screw around. Know what you are looking at.
If you are just there to going finger F%$# it leave it lay.

[BlasterBob]

Your first point exactly, where is the OP going to a Gun Show where they are not displayed with the action zip tied ?

SSBob is right.
It is extremely rare to be at a gun show and see ANY untied weapons. Even muzzle loaders are expected to be tied and at the Wannenmacher TULSA gun show and other gun shows, even the handguns in glass cases are expected to be tied.
There are occasions when someone will hand back the firearm after giving it a close look and the table holder has to quickly get it tied back up again. If the "interested" potential buyer just lays it back on the table, the table holder is a few yards away and someone picks it up before the table holder can get it re-tied, then there could be a problem. There are some real nuts out there who would not hesitate to insert a live cartridge in the firearm just with the intention of getting the gun shows closed down. I believe they caught someone doing that at a Tanner show eight or ten years ago. Don't know if the offender was ever prosecuted but certainly should have been made to pay the penalty.

[BlasterBob]

If you are a ligit buyer ask the owner to look at it.
If you are just there to going finger F%$# it leave it lay.

Right. It's very damn discouraging for the table holders to have people screw around with the firearms when they have absolutely no intention of buying or trading for it.[Rant1]

[JohnTRourke]

I always ask to touch or handle and I always check if it's loaded.

[SpikeMike]

The rule is: It is loaded until that person confirms in not to be AND you confirm it not to be so

[Aloha_Shooter]

The rule is: It is loaded until that person confirms in not to be AND you confirm it not to be so

But you don't need to confirm it to be so if you're not handling the weapon. IMO, it's not yours so ask before touching anything even when on display.

[RANGERRON72]

Always ask. I want the attention of the dealer before I handle his/her merchandise, and given the number of people at the dealers table, want to make sure they know I am not trying to shop lift.

Just common courtesy, ask.

[spencerhenry]

as said in previous posts, if you are just there to look at different guns and have no intention of buying, leave it alone. if you are a potential buyer, ALWAYS ask before picking up something that doesnt belong to you. common courtesy.

this reminds me of selling on forums. people ask for photos when they have NO interest in buying. i have better things to do than post pictures so people can satisfy their curiosity. sellers at shows have better things to do than let everyone pickup their stuff just to look at it and walk on.

[sabot_round]

It's a gun show!! If someone doesn't want their guns to be touched, they should post signs stating so. What's the point of selling/displaying your guns if you don't want them to be handled by people? I for one will not purchase a firearm that I can't check for proper function/wear.

[LiveFireArmory1]

When I am selling guns at the show most people ask if they can pick it up. I really appreciate those guys who have the sense to ask. Its those other guys who just run their fingers on them as they wsalk by that I am most concerned with. We will be at the Sertoma again this weekend. Come touch my ARs if you want too ;)

[BlasterBob]

It's a gun show!! If someone doesn't want their guns to be touched, they should post signs stating so. What's the point of selling/displaying your guns if you don't want them to be handled by people?

When I have an occasional table at one of the gun shows, I ALWAYS have signs on ALL my guns that they should not be handled without permission.
It is maddening to see someone pick up the sign, toss it to the side and pick up the guns anyhow and screw around with them like a wannabe gangsta. I guess this goes to show that frequently there are assholes on BOTH sides of the gun show tables.[Rant1]

[irishmtnmn]

It's a gun show!! If someone doesn't want their guns to be touched, they should post signs stating so. What's the point of selling/displaying your guns if you don't want them to be handled by people? I for one will not purchase a firearm that I can't check for proper function/wear.

As a person who sits behind the table at gun shows from time to time.....I can tell you this......simply putting out a sign that says "Please do not Handle" rarely works. 9 time out of ten....people pick up the gun....and then read the sign. It is very aggravating. You want be nice to people.....but when some kid with $3.00 in his pocket picks up a $1500 gun - by the barrel - its tough to be cheerful.

[clark]

When I am selling guns at the show most people ask if they can pick it up. I really appreciate those guys who have the sense to ask. Its those other guys who just run their fingers on them as they wsalk by that I am most concerned with. We will be at the Sertoma again this weekend. Come touch my ARs if you want too ;)

Looked like you did pretty well at the one on nevada the other weekend, Saw a kid and his dad eying a 6920 at a vendor that wanted 1350 for his with magnapul like you sold me and I told him to go talk to you and if they were serious they could save a couple of hundred bucks, They charged right to your stand and last i saw you were talking to them. Hope your doing well Kevin, like your new sign.

[Skullworks]

While it is polite to ask before touching... As some people get offended by a single finger print. ( I used to keep a oiled/wax rag handy to wipe down blued guns. ) If the dealer really does not want things handled the display should be setup such that it is difficult for a customer to pick up an item that isn't actually handed to him/her.

Glass topped display cases, rifle racks standing behind the table etc. A dealer who intends to do shows as a regular part of business should make the proper preparations and equipment investments and except the fact that a show is an up close encounter with hordes of the unwashed masses.

A casual seller can get away with showing up with only 4 guns and an old bed sheet as table cover, but that is not a "dealer".

[sabot_round]

When I have an occasional table at one of the gun shows, I ALWAYS have signs on ALL my guns that they should not be handled without permission.
It is maddening to see someone pick up the sign, toss it to the side and pick up the guns anyhow and screw around with them like a wannabe gangsta. I guess this goes to show that frequently there are assholes on BOTH sides of the gun show tables.[Rant1]


As a person who sits behind the table at gun shows from time to time.....I can tell you this......simply putting out a sign that says "Please do not Handle" rarely works. 9 time out of ten....people pick up the gun....and then read the sign. It is very aggravating. You want be nice to people.....but when some kid with $3.00 in his pocket picks up a $1500 gun - by the barrel - its tough to be cheerful.

I understand the issue with putting sings up and people not reading them. But right there, you can tell the difference between an educated customer and a dumbass just looking at stuff.

[Great-Kazoo]

While it is polite to ask before touching... As some people get offended by a single finger print. ( I used to keep a oiled/wax rag handy to wipe down blued guns. ) If the dealer really does not want things handled the display should be setup such that it is difficult for a customer to pick up an item that isn't actually handed to him/her.

Glass topped display cases, rifle racks standing behind the table etc. A dealer who intends to do shows as a regular part of business should make the proper preparations and equipment investments and except the fact that a show is an up close encounter with hordes of the unwashed masses.

A casual seller can get away with showing up with only 4 guns and an old bed sheet as table cover, but that is not a "dealer".

Display cases don't do shit to deter the extremely intelligent tire kicker. As their hand casually tries to open a case they look at you and say, "You know this case is locked!" No sorry i didn't realize it thanks, let me make sure the rest are locked too.

[Ridge]

^^I was helping Alxone at Tanner a while back. This guy walked up, reached behind the glass on Al's display case and picked up a 1943 Colt 1911 and started screwing around with it.

[alxone]

i now keep the pistol/coin case shut and locked at all times . i kinda lost it on a few people a few shows back . had over 10 people stick hands in the case in about a half hour .
as ridge pointed out to one guy . the case in not a sneeze guard

[funkymonkey1111]

Back before gun shows were a joke I wouldn't even stop at dealers who didn't have guns out for buyers to handle. But hey, I'm just the guy with cash in his pocket. Now at least I can touch the beanie babies and beef jerky.

[Whistler]

It's not Walmart and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to show a bit of common courtesy. If it doesn't belong to you ask before you touch it, how hard is that? Some think "cash is king" and having money in their pocket exempts them from being polite or showing the least courtesy - maybe it's just me but disrespect my stuff or my person and you can stick your cash where the sun doesn't shine, I don't need your money that badly.

[funkymonkey1111]

It's not Walmart and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to show a bit of common courtesy. If it doesn't belong to you ask before you touch it, how hard is that? Some think "cash is king" and having money in their pocket exempts them from being polite or showing the least courtesy - maybe it's just me but disrespect my stuff or my person and you can stick your cash where the sun doesn't shine, I don't need your money that badly.

You're right about that, buddy--it isn't wal-mart--because if it was, you'd be making a sale--just like wal-mart does. But don't worry, the guy down the row will take my cash--and you can spend your need for "respect" on your mortgage all day long.

[BlasterBob]

It's not Walmart and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to show a bit of common courtesy. If it doesn't belong to you ask before you touch it, how hard is that? Some think "cash is king" and having money in their pocket exempts them from being polite or showing the least courtesy - maybe it's just me but disrespect my stuff or my person and you can stick your cash where the sun doesn't shine, I don't need your money that badly.

+1 whistler...On the rare occasion when I DO have a gun show table, I'm not there to make bucks, merely trying to retrieve at least a little of what I paid for the items. I am paying big bucks for a table to sell off something that I don't really need any longer so that someone else may have the opportunity to enjoy it like I did. So, if I have to take the items back home with me, no big deal at all and at least I got to visit with some good acquaintances while at the show......
Here's to ya [Beer]

[Whistler]

You're right about that, buddy--it isn't wal-mart--because if it was, you'd be making a sale--just like wal-mart does. But don't worry, the guy down the row will take my cash--and you can spend your need for "respect" on your mortgage all day long.

Peace

Wasn't calling you out directly, you're entitled to your point of view. It's just my point of view money is not the beginning and the end, you have to live on this planet with other people and treating them and their belongings with respect/courtesy goes a long way in that regard. In fact some folks (like myself) demand it and choose not to do business with those who can't or won't. My principals are what they are and certainly not for sale. Yeah I know I'll die poor, I'm good with that.

[funkymonkey1111]

Peace

Wasn't calling you out directly, you're entitled to your point of view. It's just my point of view money is not the beginning and the end, you have to live on this planet with other people and treating them and their belongings with respect/courtesy goes a long way in that regard. In fact some folks (like myself) demand it and choose not to do business with those who can't or won't. My principals are what they are and certainly not for sale. Yeah I know I'll die poor, I'm good with that.

Peace accord--to be clear--I do respect the signs--if it says "don't touch," well, I don't touch, but I don't stop and look, either.

Good luck on the sales.

[Great-Kazoo]

You're right about that, buddy--it isn't wal-mart--because if it was, you'd be making a sale--just like wal-mart does. But don't worry, the guy down the row will take my cash--and you can spend your need for "respect" on your mortgage all day long.

If you're serious buyer step up, if not keep you hands off anything that has a sign mentioning to ASK BEFORE HANDLING. The serious buyers will ask prior to racking the slide.
Oddly enough walmart had locked display cases that say.
PLEASE ask a customer service rep for assistance.
CD's, Computers. Guess they lost your business too. Oh well target's down the road.

[alxone]

i guess funkmonkey only buys pistols from gun shows or private sales . i have never been to a gun store where they keep pistols out for anybody to touch . maybe he does not realize how frustrating it is to have teenagers grab your pistols and having to stop talking to paying costumers to tell someones brat kid to put that down .also considering that 80% of people that go to show pick up a gun and dry fire it , i don't know about you but that gets under my skin . i have had people break antique's and cost me more than i made that day . so if me protecting my items by keeping them under glass thwarts your sale then so be it . there are plenty of people willing to be social enough to ask to see a pistol they might want .

[TFOGGER]

i guess funkmonkey only buys pistols from gun shows or private sales . i have never been to a gun store where they keep pistols out for anybody to touch . maybe he does not realize how frustrating it is to have teenagers grab your pistols and having to stop talking to paying costumers to tell someones brat kid to put that down .also considering that 80% of people that go to show pick up a gun and dry fire it , i don't know about you but that gets under my skin . i have had people break antique's and cost me more than i made that day . so if me protecting my items by keeping them under glass thwarts your sale then so be it . there are plenty of people willing to be social enough to ask to see a pistol they might want .

Add to that the idiots that dry fire .22 rimfires(at best tearing up the firing pin, at worst ruining the chamber), muzzle sweep themselves and everyone around them, and you arrive at the reason I hardly ever go to gunshgows. I always ask before handling anything (including knives, bags of bullets, jars of beef jerky, whatever), as a common courtesy. Until I pay for it, it belongs to someone else, and I'm going to respect that.

[alxone]

muzzle sweep themselves and everyone around them.reminds of the fella who got but hurt that i gave him the finger . he was looking at an ar with scope and green lazer a few tables away . i then notice a green dot on my chest and look over at some fuck tard pointing a rifle at me . so i gave him the finger . he came over and started acting all offended . so i informed him it it had been outside of the show id have at best taken his gun and slapped the shit out of him and at worst he would be dead by lead . the pointing of firearms at gun shows really pisses me off .

[irishmtnmn]

Peace accord--to be clear--I do respect the signs--if it says "don't touch," well, I don't touch, but I don't stop and look, either.

Good luck on the sales.

I have a VERY simple solution to the gap in understanding here.

Funkymonkey......take 30 or 40 of your PRIME guns....the nice stuff.....rent a table....and put them out there.

I honestly think that within 30 minutes.....you will have a much different perspective.

EVEN VENDORS......ask each other if they can handle a gun before they do.

Its common courtesy....and after a 9 year old kid picks up your vintage Colt 1911....and drops the mag on the floor..or bounces it off another of your guns...you'll want to put it in a glass case too.

[funkymonkey1111]

I have a VERY simple solution to the gap in understanding here.

Funkymonkey......take 30 or 40 of your PRIME guns....the nice stuff.....rent a table....and put them out there.

I honestly think that within 30 minutes.....you will have a much different perspective.

EVEN VENDORS......ask each other if they can handle a gun before they do.

Its common courtesy....and after a 9 year old kid picks up your vintage Colt 1911....and drops the mag on the floor..or bounces it off another of your guns...you'll want to put it in a glass case too.

if i can't handle the guns with greasy french fry or cheesy nacho fingers, dry fire them repeatedly, and randomly point them at people yelling "bang!" without getting hassled then i think you guys are just being uptight with all your "rules."

[alxone]

if i can't handle the guns with greasy french fry or cheesy nacho fingers, dry fire them repeatedly, and randomly point them at people yelling "bang!" without getting hassled then i think you guys are just being uptight with all your "rules."
ok now thats just funny [ROFL1][ROFL2][ROFL3][LOL][ROFL3][ROFL2][ROFL1]
[Beer]

[Whistler]

[ROFL1]

[BlasterBob]

if i can't handle the guns with greasy french fry or cheesy nacho fingers, dry fire them repeatedly, and randomly point them at people yelling "bang!" without getting hassled then i think you guys are just being uptight with all your "rules."

[Luck]

Maybe the table holders should have a large dispenser loaded with hand cleanser right by their stuff.......[Tooth]

[irishmtnmn]

[Luck]

Maybe the table holders should have a large dispenser loaded with hand cleanser right by their stuff.......[Tooth]

I think I'll just put a bunch of watermelons on mine next time-Invite Gallagher and get it over with. There needs to be more room for stun-gun and Scentsy vendors anyway. [Bang] [Tooth]

[R&S]

At my tables I will offer folks to pick up gun to take a closer look, however, I also ask some folks "is there something I can help you with", yet others I will ask them to "let me show you some features" and get the gun back. It all depends on skill and attitude. However, the quickest way to piss me off is to pick up one of my guns and point it at me with your finger on the trigger. Those folks will get a lesson on firearms safety very quickly and at no charge.

[salto_jorge]

Each to their Own and know your surroundings.

Touching leaves germs plus unless one plans on purchasing a firearm at some shows it may not be wise to leave ones fingerprints for the next person who just may purchase the firearm.

[irishmtnmn]

At my tables I will offer folks to pick up gun to take a closer look, however, I also ask some folks "is there something I can help you with", yet others I will ask them to "let me show you some features" and get the gun back. It all depends on skill and attitude. However, the quickest way to piss me off is to pick up one of my guns and point it at me with your finger on the trigger. Those folks will get a lesson on firearms safety very quickly and at no charge.

Totally agree. I had a guy pickup a $1000 handgun last weekend...and start dry firing it. Never having asked me if he could touch it. He was an idiot....who obviously did not have the means to purchase the gun. Nor any intent to. He just wanted to play with. He got an earful.

Most people are fine. Some people hand guns to five year olds. It a function of being at a gun show.

I FIRMLY BELIEVE THE PROMOTERS SHOULD GIVE EVERY CUSTOMER A HANDOUT ON "How to Enjoy the Gunshow". Explaining the basic customs-do's and don'ts......some people just don't know.

[BlasterBob]

I FIRMLY BELIEVE THE PROMOTERS SHOULD GIVE EVERY CUSTOMER A HANDOUT ON "How to Enjoy the Gunshow". Explaining the basic customs-do's and don'ts......some people just don't know.

Great idea but getting anyone to actually read and comprehend what the hell they have just read would be require a major effort. A great number of attendees feel that for their $8 or $10 they paid to gain admission entitles them to man handle all the stuff that catches their eye.

[irishmtnmn]

Correct me it I'm out of line here...........but if we could find a way to "filter out"....the Morons....who either date.....or are the parents of people like this.......the problems would decrease significantly.

[BlasterBob]

Correct me it I'm out of line here...........but if we could find a way to "filter out"....the Morons....who either date.....or are the parents of people like this.......the problems would decrease significantly.

Sterilization?[Tooth]

[Great-Kazoo]

Correct me it I'm out of line here...........but if we could find a way to "filter out"....the Morons....who either date.....or are the parents of people like this.......the problems would decrease significantly.

Who defines the moron's of society.
WAY OT: With that being said anyone one welfare who has more than 1 child and been on welfare since they were a kid, should seek some form of permanent birth control.

[SideShow Bob]

I FIRMLY BELIEVE THE PROMOTERS SHOULD GIVE EVERY CUSTOMER A HANDOUT ON "How to Enjoy the Gunshow". Explaining the basic customs-do's and don'ts......some people just don't know.

But how many of the unwashed masses would not only be able read but also comprehend what was written ?

Ops, didn't read BB's post before I posted........

[sabot_round]

Sterilization?[Tooth]

No, the question is. More regulation?

[MrPrena]

Making it simple.
This is what I would do.


Sign... No handling
No sign.... Handle
Sign, didn't see it .... Apology
No sign and vendor b1tch.... Apology then, tell them to put a g-damn sign.

[irishmtnmn]

Making it simple.
This is what I would do.


Sign... No handling
No sign.... Handle
Sign, didn't see it .... Apology
No sign and vendor b1tch.... Apology then, tell them to put a g-damn sign.

Yup....tried that......several times. Does not help.

[Hfsdevil]

I fall into that "younger crowd" I believe (27) and whenever I have gone to any gun show I always ask before handling anything. After I am granted permission I will check the action if it is closed and once its open I will still hold on and release it very slowly. I've never had an issue with any owner doing that. They tend to watch me like a hawk since I still have that baby face. [LOL]

If you don't own it then you better have permission before you touch it is how I was raised.

[BlasterBob]

My son-in-law taught my twin grandsons the right way to conduct themselves at gun shows and various other stores (while they were still youngsters)....
"Look all you want to but KEEP YOUR HANDS IN YOUR POCKETS"
And they were watch closely to make certain they complied with those instructions.
Now one of those guys is in the U.S. Army and is thoroughly enjoying the firing range. That twin is currently stationed in Hawaii and probably enjoying some sandy beach while we have snow heading our way.[Tooth]

[irishmtnmn]

I fall into that "younger crowd" I believe (27) and whenever I have gone to any gun show I always ask before handling anything. After I am granted permission I will check the action if it is closed and once its open I will still hold on and release it very slowly. I've never had an issue with any owner doing that. They tend to watch me like a hawk since I still have that baby face. [LOL]

If you don't own it then you better have permission before you touch it is how I was raised.

Wish everyone would do that.

[irishmtnmn]

My son-in-law taught my twin grandsons the right way to conduct themselves at gun shows and various other stores (while they were still youngsters)....
"Look all you want to but KEEP YOUR HANDS IN YOUR POCKETS"
And they were watch closely to make certain they complied with those instructions.
Now one of those guys is in the U.S. Army and is thoroughly enjoying the firing range. That twin is currently stationed in Hawaii and probably enjoying some sandy beach while we have snow heading our way.[Tooth]

Took my kids to the shows at age five....same rule....hands in your pockets.