stonebuster
Blackhawk
- Joined
- Mar 29, 2017
- Messages
- 644
No gun shows in the "constitution state" (Ct) either.
Gun show finds,,
- Thread starter contender
- Start date
What you mean is, you can't find rare and expensive items for cheap. 
Let me give you a heads up. Nothing is cheap anymore.
But what do I know, I'm just a dealer trying to sell my stuff at inflated prices.
Let me give you a heads up. Nothing is cheap anymore.
But what do I know, I'm just a dealer trying to sell my stuff at inflated prices.
Went to a local show a couple of weeks ago. As others have stated, I don’t go looking for anything in particular rather what can I find.
Observed an elderly gentleman carrying a holster. I have been watching some of the videos from Legacy Collectables and the holster looked interesting. I asked him what he was carrying, and he tells me a Beretta in 1934 in .380 caliber. I do not need another .380. But the gun is in good condition, the holster as well, spare magazine, made in 1939 (stamped), and the correct markings indicating it’s a military issue. Ask him how much he wants and he says $350.00. Sooooooo, I nearly damage my shoulder getting my wallet.
It shoots well, feeds hollow points, and I am waiting for the next show.
Observed an elderly gentleman carrying a holster. I have been watching some of the videos from Legacy Collectables and the holster looked interesting. I asked him what he was carrying, and he tells me a Beretta in 1934 in .380 caliber. I do not need another .380. But the gun is in good condition, the holster as well, spare magazine, made in 1939 (stamped), and the correct markings indicating it’s a military issue. Ask him how much he wants and he says $350.00. Sooooooo, I nearly damage my shoulder getting my wallet.
It shoots well, feeds hollow points, and I am waiting for the next show.
I'm setting up at the Marlboro Massachusetts gun show on the 23rd & 24th with some friends. Every show I do I swear it will be my last. It's sad to see people walk by a nice display of antique Winchester, Marlin and Savage lever actions to go drool over some plastic keltec 9mm something or other. There seems to be very little interest in single action revolvers as well. Which I can understand with the current price of Colts. At least it will be time well spent with other gun nuts and there's always the entertainment value. Hopefully it will be a buying opportunity for me because you never know what's going to walk through the door.
I have nothing against someome wanting to make a profit. I do the same thing. But when a new .357 Blackhawk can be had at Bud’s for $622, I can’t see paying $650 for a used one. (This ad came today)
protoolman
Service-Sixer
I go and overlook the guns. I focus on the small bits. Went to the rapid city gun show a couple years back. Guy had a box o takeoff grips. $12ea so I see a gp-100 grip with the dark panels actually a super Redhawk grip. Sure I'll take that so he says I've got more under table also-gets second box out. I get more interested grab a security six target grip, then a smooth large letts special gp-100 grip! Then another just like it! Then another-But it fits a security six! Then a rare smooth security six small grip. All as new Letts! I wonder how he got all these rare grips exactly but I can't ask- don't want to spook the sale. All he says is something about selling off Grandpa's stuff. So I have 6 grips at $12 each. Ask him how much? He thinks I'm trying to jew him down. He says wow if you want so many how about $35? I think I almost ran home for fear of being arrested for theft! Same sale I'm looking at cheap aluminum scope rings $10 guy says you buying? I say no looking for good steel ones. He reaches in a box pulls out some Leupold steel rings says same price. Don't overlook the "stuff" other than guns.
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OP
contender
Ruger Guru
"Don't overlook the "stuff" other than guns."
EXACTLY!!!!!!!
I do that all the time. In fact,, most of the time,, it's the small stuff I seek. And often, I get good stuff at very reasonable prices. But occasionally, I do get a good gun as well. That's why I like going to gun shows.
"I have nothing against someome wanting to make a profit. I do the same thing. But when a new .357 Blackhawk can be had at Bud's for $622, I can't see paying $650 for a used one."
A lot of people do not shop online, or will buy off the internet. Many prefer to put "hands on" a gun. Or,, they are faced with high transfer fees by the local gun shop if they do buy online. Many people have a valid reason to pay a little more in a local gun show, than the bargain shoppers.
But I can easily agree that many gun show vendors do have excessive prices on many things. When I encounter those types,,, I just smile, thank them for their time, and continue on my way.
EXACTLY!!!!!!!
I do that all the time. In fact,, most of the time,, it's the small stuff I seek. And often, I get good stuff at very reasonable prices. But occasionally, I do get a good gun as well. That's why I like going to gun shows.
"I have nothing against someome wanting to make a profit. I do the same thing. But when a new .357 Blackhawk can be had at Bud's for $622, I can't see paying $650 for a used one."
A lot of people do not shop online, or will buy off the internet. Many prefer to put "hands on" a gun. Or,, they are faced with high transfer fees by the local gun shop if they do buy online. Many people have a valid reason to pay a little more in a local gun show, than the bargain shoppers.
But I can easily agree that many gun show vendors do have excessive prices on many things. When I encounter those types,,, I just smile, thank them for their time, and continue on my way.
Acorn
Hunter
My buddy and I went to a show yesterday. Only thing I bought was a NIB set of K frame Pachmayr’s for $10.
My buddy bought nothing.
We were hoping the there’d be some reasonably priced powder and primers being they are becoming more available, but prices were still up there. Like $13/100 primers and 1lb H110 for $51.89 plus tax.
On the way back we his a small shop that used to sell firearms. Now just sporting goods.
His son won a GSG AK22 that came with only 1 mag and has been looking for some spares. Like trying to find a unicorn.
There on the hook were 2 mags in the packages.
Marked $35 ea. but the guy sold the for $30 ea.
Ya never know.
My buddy bought nothing.
We were hoping the there’d be some reasonably priced powder and primers being they are becoming more available, but prices were still up there. Like $13/100 primers and 1lb H110 for $51.89 plus tax.
On the way back we his a small shop that used to sell firearms. Now just sporting goods.
His son won a GSG AK22 that came with only 1 mag and has been looking for some spares. Like trying to find a unicorn.
There on the hook were 2 mags in the packages.
Marked $35 ea. but the guy sold the for $30 ea.
Ya never know.
akbluz
Blackhawk
I go to every gun show that I can here in Southcentral Alaska.
I told my friend on our way to the AGCA show in Anchorage this past Saturday that I LOVE living in this our great country and our great state where you can buy a gun/ammo from an individual without having to ask for "guvmint permission".
I do think since GunBroker and other online sellers are out there, folks can easily look up prices and mark up guns they are selling to try to get top dollar.... I'm OK with that. But tables (and tables) of plastic guns don't really interest me all that much. I have managed to find a few "deals" over the years from regular folks who were downsizing their collections. I always find some reloading something or other that I didn't realize I needed until I saw it. Plus I just enjoy visiting with some of the same folks I've met at gun shows over years. I do love it when I see moms and dads bringing their kids - and I congratulate them for the fine example they are setting for their little guys.
Our gun shows may not be really big but they do support great organizations that sponsor them. I'd go for that reason alone.
I told my friend on our way to the AGCA show in Anchorage this past Saturday that I LOVE living in this our great country and our great state where you can buy a gun/ammo from an individual without having to ask for "guvmint permission".
I do think since GunBroker and other online sellers are out there, folks can easily look up prices and mark up guns they are selling to try to get top dollar.... I'm OK with that. But tables (and tables) of plastic guns don't really interest me all that much. I have managed to find a few "deals" over the years from regular folks who were downsizing their collections. I always find some reloading something or other that I didn't realize I needed until I saw it. Plus I just enjoy visiting with some of the same folks I've met at gun shows over years. I do love it when I see moms and dads bringing their kids - and I congratulate them for the fine example they are setting for their little guys.
Our gun shows may not be really big but they do support great organizations that sponsor them. I'd go for that reason alone.
Pathfinder36
Bearcat
I began visiting gun shows back in the mid-1950s when they were loaded with war trophies that had been gathering dust for at least 10 years. Often the former GI was the seller who could tell you where he "captured" the treasure and from whom he secured. How many of those stories were factual we never knew and probably didn't care. We bought '03 Springfields, P17 Enfields, DEWATS of all kinds, Jungle Carbines, then the Bolo Mausers, Lugers, P38s, and an occasional PPK. You could buy an outstanding Luger Pistol for $75 or less.
The competion for the gun shows, at least in Buffalo & Syracuse, NY were the neighborhood "2nd Hand Stores" where war trophies were dirt cheap.,, especially if you were a collector you could find uniforms, medals & patches, flags & banners, even photos & books. In the early '50s a great deal of Civil War memorabilia could also be found in these shops at very reasonable prices with an occasional rare find of a real treasure. Those truly where the days!
The competion for the gun shows, at least in Buffalo & Syracuse, NY were the neighborhood "2nd Hand Stores" where war trophies were dirt cheap.,, especially if you were a collector you could find uniforms, medals & patches, flags & banners, even photos & books. In the early '50s a great deal of Civil War memorabilia could also be found in these shops at very reasonable prices with an occasional rare find of a real treasure. Those truly where the days!
oldgunsrule
Bearcat
we, my dad and I, go to all of the gun shows in the area that we can. Same here, a lot of vendors selling jewelry, dealers selling new overstock firearms, or guys selling different flavored peanuts or hot sauces. But, there are plenty of “local guys” that set up their tables and plenty of good old firearms to be found. If we find something or not, it’s still a great day getting to spend with my dad doing something we both enjoy.
wapiti22
Blackhawk
I remember going to a Gun Show at the Cow Palace in downtown San Francisco in the 80's. Won't be doing that today!
GasGuzzler
Hawkeye
Won't catch me buying a gun off the internet OR at a dealer. Most anything I would buy hasn't been made in a while OR can be built from parts so online or dealer isn't needed anyway. That being said, I have likely paid more for used guns than new.
Examples:
1951 Marlin 39A Peanut
1965 boxed Single Six Magnum with extra cylinder
1951 336RC Waffle Top
1983 Marlin 783 (real walnut)
1995 Marlin Model 60 (long barrel with LSHO)
Yugo O-PAP
So I paid more for these than when they were new but NONE are still made and all are well-thought of and desirable.
I attend about 6 a year. Agree prices can be stupid, but I can usually find something to buy. Few weeks ago bought a ruger bearcat shopkeeper SS, no box for $525.00
GasGuzzler
Hawkeye
That's really high to me.
RSIno1
Hunter
It's business - the promoter has x amount of square feet to fill up. If there aren't enough gun tables he sells to anyone that's looking for customers. Yes dealers raise their prices. Every gun they sell there has to make an additional profit to cover the cost of the space and pay for the employees working the show.
- Joined
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- Messages
- 3,929
- City & State/Province
- Alabama, in the bend of the Tennessee River
Ty, I like the rubber baby buggy bumpers handle for the rubber grips. A lot of the S&W guys I know call them Goodyears. 
This weekend I went to the extremely crowded monthly West Palm Beach show and I'm noticing that the trickle of great revolvers and older single stack autos to be had is turning into a veritable flood.
There were dozens of Ruger security six, GP's and Blackhawk models, as well as many S&W's and single stack 1911's. One seller even had two Wichita bolt pistols. I mentioned this trend to a small private seller and he too wondered why so many. I opined it's likely for a few reasons, owners "trading up" to hi cap plastic, liquidation of estates, or seniors trimming collections in order to not burden their children "if" they should pass on.
All of these possibilities are just a bit sad to me.
There were dozens of Ruger security six, GP's and Blackhawk models, as well as many S&W's and single stack 1911's. One seller even had two Wichita bolt pistols. I mentioned this trend to a small private seller and he too wondered why so many. I opined it's likely for a few reasons, owners "trading up" to hi cap plastic, liquidation of estates, or seniors trimming collections in order to not burden their children "if" they should pass on.
All of these possibilities are just a bit sad to me.
TINCANBANDIT is back
Single-Sixer
I think part of the problem is the cost of putting on gun shows has gone interstellar price wise. Some gun shows are charging upwards of $100 for a single table. I could not make any profit selling my gun parts, gun stickers and gun t-shirts at that price. So they get less sellers, and the ones they do get mark up their stuff to help cover the table costs.
