??s about gun shows

[XD in SC]

So there is a Gun Show this weekend, and I am planning to go.

Are there good deals to be had, or is it a "captive audience" type of thing. Trade show if you will? I really don't want to drive 2 hours each way to find out that everything there is going to be at near retail prices, and no one will want to 'deal'.

I'd like to find a .45 ACP Service, and the boss wants to find 2 Keltec P3AT. Probably would like to grab up some range ammo too.

Input please???????

I've been looking at buying through the Trading Post, but my local FFL wants $50 to transfer from out of state. Of course by the time I do that, I could've just bought new in the first place.

[sa1126]

Take cash if you plan to haggle...most people are traveling sellers that don't make a ton of money- cash talks. There are lots of good deals, but sometimes it feels like you need a cattle prod to get through the crowds. Get there early to scope it out, and if they aren't willing to haggle, wait until the show is almost over and make your offer.

I have had a lot of success at gun shows in the past. Good luck.

[XD in SC]

I know 'how the game is played', but I cannot stay all day at this thing. VERY busy weekend. I plan to be prepared to 'go to war' on price, but just wanted to make sure that there actually are good deals to be had.

I assume, we all know what that'll do, but anyway, it's a good place to find accessories at a steal?

Range bags, cleaning supplies, targets, etc.

[The Knight Of Light]

You better be sure of your "good deal"! You can get screwed real easy if you don't know what you are looking for. If the deal seems to good to be true-IT IS! I have seen some crazy prices and I have found the best way is to look close at all the prices and try to remember what is on certain tables. I go into a show with about $300 in cash and a check book. Checks can go a long way! Never use your credit card. That number is worth more than the gun or bit of just the person just sold you. Most people at shows are there to sell guns and gun parts, but look out for the odd guy selling trinkets. He might have a couple of guns at really god prices. The best part about gunshows is meeting garage dealers! These guys run their FFL out of their houses(unless it is not allowed in your state. They have little to no overhead(no store to run) and they canget you fantastic deals on other firearms. Get on the move and get to that show!! Good luck and I hope you find some good deals.

[The Knight Of Light]

Originally Posted by XD in SC

it's a good place to find accessories at a steal?

Range bags, cleaning supplies, targets, etc.

Yes you will find a bunch of tables that are selling this kind of stuff depending on the size of the show.

[jdavionic]

I recommend shopping for the stuff before you go, to get an idea of prices. Depending upon your list, you may want to write it down. Take into account shipping costs & dealer transfer costs (if you're buying a firearm). Then, like others have suggested, cash works well for negotiations.

Personally I have been very disappointed in guns shows over the past couple of years. I went to the last Eastman's show and when I got home, I swore that I wouldn't go to another one. Prices were high. In almost every case, I found better deals on the internet. Place was crowded and there were too many a-holes. For example, Wolf 7.62x39 ammo was $5 for a box of 20. What a rip off!

[XD in SC]

That's what I am expecting to find.......

Maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised

I have a short list.........

[Boma]

I can still find good prices on firearms at the gunshows.

$420 for a new Beretta M9
$420 for a Bi-Tone XD9
$230 for Kel-Tec P3AT


The ammo prices aren't that good.

[XD in SC]

If I can find deals like those, I will be starting a new post.......


Look what I got today!!!!

We'll have to see.

[speedracer211]

My experiences with gun shows have not been to good. It is nice to get out of the house away from the woman and kids and spend a day with the guys. However I have not found any shows that had "good deals". Almost every dealer and vendor at the show have pistols that i have looked at in the past at a few dollars under store price or in some cases even more expensive. Most of the dealers were not willing to budge on prices of pistols but rifles were a different story. The best deal i found which isnt that great was a g26 with night sights for 425 that was in decent condition. Used rifles and shotguns were basically the only thing that most dealers had at prices that were worth picking up. Everything else was over priced and it got to the point of being annoying looking at the inflated prices. Before i bought my xd i was looking at a ruger p95 they had a couple of them there new and used. The new ones in stainless with decocker dealers wanted just over 400 for it. I asked them if they were flexible on the price that i can get them everyday at a local shop for only 360. Dealer after dealer said that the price posted is the lowest they can go. I had cash in hand and had to put it back in my wallet and walk away. FYI the worst one i have been to has been the P.G.C.A. at the Monroeville expo mart which they conveniently have a show this weekend. I say i wont go but i know i will end up there.