First Time at the Gun Show

[trey.mac]

the fort worth gun show is this weekend, so i've decided to go perusing with my brother and see it, because neither of us has ever been. probably not buying anything this time around, do to financial...i'm broke =P, but i think it will be a good experience. may buy come feb or march next time it comes around.

few questions,
anyone on the forum regulars at gun shows? anything i should take a look at my first time going? does buying and selling and trading work the same as at a gun store? better deals at shows that at stores? sort of new kid on the block kind of questions, just want an idea what to expect. thanks =D

[OzarkMtnDaredevil]

Oh man, Shows are a hoot! As for what to expect, expect the unexpected. Laws vary by locale, but, in general you can expect something like...

1: Dealers / Shops simply there to promote thier business and not budging on price. Some will sell on-site; others may require you to go to the store.

2: Dealers / Shops that are there to reduce slow-turnover inventory. You can find a few bargains here.

3: Private individuals that dabble in trading just for the fun of it and rent a booth. Most often these folks don't have you do the yellow paper but might ask you to sign a Bill Of Sale. They're likely to have anything under the sun. Even partial boxes of ammo.

4: Gunsmiths, Knifemakers, Tanners, etc showing off thier handi-work.

5: Reloaders selling reloaded ammo (note: this requires them to be licensed for a good reason - make sure that they are!).

6: Everybody Else. It's a common sight at a show to see almost everyone walking around with one or more firearms. I've even seen folks tape a piece of paper on the back of thier shirt that might say "WANTED - Rem 870 in 12 ga". Trading between private parties is legal in most places and it's a great way to make friends.

7: Food Vendors. Stay away from the chili-dogs or you may get ran off from a booth. ;)

You'll enjoy the show, Trey. I'm sure of that.

[otterbob]

Etiquette requires you ask before you touch !

With a point or nod and “May I” You will be allowed by most vendors to handle and inspect the guns and knives .

Otter Bob

[OzarkMtnDaredevil]

Good advice, Bob!

[OzarkMtnDaredevil]

Trey! Did you go? What did you buy? Did you have a good time? Did you eat a chili-dog? We need a report! ;)

[flatwater]

One other rule is never NEVER pick up a revolver and spin the cylinder like they show on hollywood , you may loose a hand. Listen to otterbobs advise and always ask first. I personaly have never found a great deal at the gun shows with the one exception of the person who is carrying a sign on his back with a gun for sale. Their the ones that are to cheap to rent a booth but they also have some pretty good deals.
flatwater

[rockymtngirl]

We've never really found any good deals at the shows - we mostly go for extra mag's and the like. We did buy a .22 there once I think - nothin fancy.

[Mr.B]

I now mostly pick up parts, books, soft-point ammo for my surplus rifles for hunting, and stipper clips, now adays. I did get a super deal at one gun show.

I picked up a Garcia Bronco .410 single shot shotgun for $40. Thats about it.

-B