THAT'S IT I QUIT! (RANT)

[contender]

jgt has a few good points. Many of the "dealers" at gun shows do it as a business, & the days of a bunch of local good old boys getting together for a small show are about gone.
And yes,,, the occasional good old boy who does as I did, (taking odds & ends of gun stuff I no longer needed to sell to fund my Ruger habit) are few & far between. Yes, many of the shows do get the non-gun related tables of junk,,, but amazingly, I see a lot of folks chewing on the beef jerky too. I wasn't around at the gun shows prior to the 68 GCA,,, but I used to go to many good gun shows that were exactly that, gun shows in the late 1970's. As noted,,,, it has changed.
But, so have normal flea markets. Lots of dealers there too nowadays. Lots of new imported junk, & not normal folks who want to clean out their house of unwanted items.
Maybe the last real place to do any serious fun dealing is yard sales.

But Rick made a similar point as I was trying to do. Now, it's a business. Period.

But, no matter what it all is,,, gun prices have risen, as well as the demand for a lot of gun related stuff. You still have to hunt hard for the truly good deals.

 

[Jim Puke]

You still have to hunt hard for the truly good deals.

Obviously, I am in the minority as I can find more truly good deals online than I have money to buy...just a matter of a little looking and not having the requirement to hold the gun in your hand before you will buy it.

 

[737tdi]

Yeah, guns are too expensive... usually ranted by the kinda guy who has a full cable package, drives a new 4wd pickup that never goes off pavement, goes to multiple spectator-sporting events, and owns golf clubs (more than one?). He aAlso usually rants about the price/availability of ammo but still doesn't own a loading machine.




I just bought a 10/22 NRA takedown version. I paid more then what was necessary. Why? I wanted a low serial no.. It will never be more but it will never be less. I just hate guys that dispose of prices like they are modern. "I gave $32 for my single six. Well go and buy the same now! Get over it. I buy guns fairly regular, guys who want to change or just want no gun (idiot). It is an expensive sport, deal with it.


Semper Fi:

Karl

 

[Colonialgirl]

Our local gun club (Dade City Rod and Gun Club) periodically holds "Swap" meets in the club house at the range. There is NO charge to sell or to attend. It's fairly small potatoes and generally all members with stuff they want to unload. Ashley bought a W94 30-30 there for a good price and the seller threw in a couple boxes of ammo. I bought my OM SS 22 there, it was priced at $219, but I went to pay, the seller said, "Give me $200 and it's yours"; It's a nice straight shooting revolver with a bit of holster wear and is a nice plum color too. The price included a nice holster to go with it. Next time, I may take a couple of my Enfields 303's and the French Mas 1936 and see if I can unload them to put a few bucks in my Gun buying account.

 

[contender]

"Obviously, I am in the minority as I can find more truly good deals online than I have money to buy...just a matter of a little looking and not having the requirement to hold the gun in your hand before you will buy it."

Jim,,, I guess I wasn't clear in my typing. I was mainly talking about those truly "steal of a deal" types of good deals that so many lament are no longer easily found.
Yes,,, there are many, many FAIR & HONEST good deals out there for those who understand current values.



CG,,,,,,, can I be invited to your swap meet?
Those kinds of things are where the true spirit of a gun show still exist.

 

[Jim Puke]

"Obviously, I am in the minority as I can find more truly good deals online than I have money to buy...just a matter of a little looking and not having the requirement to hold the gun in your hand before you will buy it."

Jim,,, I guess I wasn't clear in my typing. I was mainly talking about those truly "steal of a deal" types of good deals that so many lament are no longer easily found.
Yes,,, there are many, many FAIR & HONEST good deals out there for those who understand current values.

I gotcha...

 

[chuck]

Yeah, guns are too expensive... usually ranted by the kinda guy who has a full cable package, drives a new 4wd pickup that never goes off pavement, goes to multiple spectator-sporting events, and owns golf clubs (more than one?). He aAlso usually rants about the price/availability of ammo but still doesn't own a loading machine.




I just bought a 10/22 NRA takedown version. I paid more then what was necessary. Why? I wanted a low serial no.. It will never be more but it will never be less. I just hate guys that dispose of prices like they are modern. "I gave $32 for my single six. Well go and buy the same now! Get over it. I buy guns fairly regular, guys who want to change or just want no gun (idiot). It is an expensive sport, deal with it.


Semper Fi:

Karl

I own a 1995 4x4 dodge I live in the mt of N.E. Oregon I do not own any golf clubs, I reload for everything that has a primmer in it, So your opinion of me is WRONG

 

[The Blackhawk Kid]

I quit going to gun shows for that very same reason. I had a table and was trying to sell down a few items for some cash. This Dealer sitting next to me had a few guns like mine. He looked over my whole table and told me How can you ask those prices for your guns? I'm a dealer, blah, blah blah. His son came over and threatened to beat me til I'd go home! Security came and the two ranted and got they're selves kicked out of the show. I've never been back. I did sell all my items and was gone by 1 P.M. Saturday. I too remember when you could buy gun parts at shows and the guy's selling them knew what they had. Now they are out to screw you and make a quick buck at others expense. I too won't buy any new guns as there are quality issues, and used guns aren't what they seem! JMHO

 

[volshooter]

I have not had a bad encounter with anybody at a gun show in 20+ years. It was only when I needed to sell that they beat me to death, not all but some. Yes it was my choice to take the offer or walk, but sometimes a feller needs money for something.
I keep up with local prices and I find that the dealers I have done business in the past are reasonable. I do look at every table, keeping prices in mind, before buying. Very common to see two of the same items priced $100 different from different dealers.

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

"Obviously, I am in the minority as I can find more truly good deals online than I have money to buy...just a matter of a little looking and not having the requirement to hold the gun in your hand before you will buy it."

CG,,,,,,, can I be invited to your swap meet?
Those kinds of things are where the true spirit of a gun show still exist.

Contender, that is a fact. The truth is the gun market is soft right now and most dealers are over stocked. They NEED to reduce inventory. Most continued to order even as the market was slowing down. Very difficult to control if you aren't on it every minute. There are plenty of good deals out there. I wish I had more money for them.

 

[mohavesam]

Yeah, guns are too expensive... usually ranted by the kinda guy who has a full cable package, drives a new 4wd pickup that never goes off pavement, goes to multiple spectator-sporting events, and owns golf clubs (more than one?). He aAlso usually rants about the price/availability of ammo but still doesn't own a loading machine.
Semper Fi:

Karl

I own a 1995 4x4 dodge I live in the mt of N.E. Oregon I do not own any golf clubs, I reload for everything that has a primmer in it, So your opinion of me is WRONG

Chuck, why in the world would you think I have an opinion about YOU? Might you think every response centers around you? No Sir. They are not.

 

[george preston]

Deals are out there. You just have to strike when you see them. this year I've picked up several guns paying bellow what I thought they where worth:

Ithaca shotgun $120
Ruger 10/22 (1990s vintage) $150 like new
Ruger MKII SS standard with a 4.75 or 4.5" barrel $160 with 4 magazines
S&W 5906 $300 with 3 magazines
S&W model 15 (I think) like new $225

No one tell my wife

 

[Paul B]

Last gunshow I went to as a buyer was a long while back now, may two years ago. Guy had two S&W snubbies on his table. Am M60 stainless and an Airweight. Price was $300 on each.
I asssked if he's do a package dal on the pair and he asked what I was willing to pay? I said $400. He said show me the money. They came home with me. I went to two more after that as a seller and lost my butt. Couldn't even get table money back.
Paul B.

 

[volshooter]

15 years ago I finally found a 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser in like new condition, all matching numbers after a two year search. I asked the dealer what caliber and price. He was clueless on caliber but I knew. He said $75. It is in my safe. And always will be.

 

[m657]

.....besides.....where ELSE am I gonna get caught up on the Beanie Baby collection????

 

[Colonialgirl]

"Obviously, I am in the minority as I can find more truly good deals online than I have money to buy...just a matter of a little looking and not having the requirement to hold the gun in your hand before you will buy it."

Jim,,, I guess I wasn't clear in my typing. I was mainly talking about those truly "steal of a deal" types of good deals that so many lament are no longer easily found.
Yes,,, there are many, many FAIR & HONEST good deals out there for those who understand current values.



CG,,,,,,, can I be invited to your swap meet?
Those kinds of things are where the true spirit of a gun show still exist.

Ty As far as I know its NOT limited to members; Next time I get a notice, I'll forward it to you; They always send out an email notice.
650 miles would be quite a ways to drive for a small time swap meet that lasts less than a full Saturday; Of course after the swap meet, for $20 you could go over to the range and shoot until they close at 4:00 PM. But then you could wait until Sunday to shoot from 9:00AM until 4:00PM for that same $20.
All that said, I've found the bunch at that gun club to be a really nice friendly crew.

 

[gramps]

Deals are out there. You just have to strike when you see them. this year I've picked up several guns paying bellow what I thought they where worth:

Ithaca shotgun $120
Ruger 10/22 (1990s vintage) $150 like new
Ruger MKII SS standard with a 4.75 or 4.5" barrel $160 with 4 magazines
S&W 5906 $300 with 3 magazines
S&W model 15 (I think) like new $225

No one tell my wife

If you don't give me the 5906, I am telling your wife! (Just kidding) :shock: :roll: :lol:
gramps

 

[george preston]

Gramps, my wife was with me when I got the 5906. It was part of a police trade in that my BIL was part of. We also got some smoking deals on holsters and extra magazines. When it was all said and done we loaded back up in the van to head home my wife looked at me and with a cute little smile on her face said, " no Match Champion for Christmas "

 

[DA_TriggR4Ruger]

Love my Match Champion. Payed way less than full retail on it...

 

[Rick Courtright]

Gramps, my wife was with me when I got the 5906. It was part of a police trade in that my BIL was part of. We also got some smoking deals on holsters and extra magazines. When it was all said and done we loaded back up in the van to head home my wife looked at me and with a cute little smile on her face said, " no Match Champion for Christmas "

Hi,

George, if you send the 5906 to gramps, can the Match Champion go back on the table? They tell me Christmas is coming once again!

Rick C

 

[welldoya]

I'm just glad that I was able to fill my safe in the 80s and 90s when there were still plenty of bargains to be had. There is a lot more competition now. I think a lot of it is not even from gun enthusiasts, just entrepreneurs.

 

[contender]

Well, the deals STILL exist. I was told friday night I stole a gun & holster & didn't use a mask!
At an auction; A Ruger Old Army, stainless, no box, papers or wrench. A nice set of aftermarket grips on it, and a Bianchi Flap holster for the OA. The gun has a bit of blems & small pits at the end of the barrel & a few on the cylinder from shooting & not properly cleaning. Still the bore, the chambers the nipples all look great. Whole package,,, out the door,,,,, totaled; $258.94!
And if you think gun shows have folks around only wanting to buy stuff & sell for inflated prices, visit auctions where the dealers buy as cheaply as they can & re-sell stuff as high as they can.

 

[george preston]

Yep, contender, you stole that old army! Good for you. I've been looking for one for years. Im sure I'll come across a deal ....eventually. Like I said earlier, deals are still out there. You just have to be ready to strike when you find them

 

[george preston]

Rick, I think my gun buying is over for the year..... Unless i find one of those <$300 old armys. Then I'll just have to figure out how to get it into the safe without my dear wife finding out

 

[george preston]

And the 5906 ain't going nowhere

 

[contender]

Heck, you've got to re-train your wife. Miss Penny found this one listed on an auction site & told me about it. When I got home, first question was; "Did you get the Ruger?"
I figured my smile said it all!

 

[george preston]

Contender, LOL..... She is slowly learning about guns and value. Every time I buy one I bring it home, show her, then have her look up the cost on line. Every time (so far) the price she comes up with is higher then my buying price. She is a wonderful lady but did not grow up around guns (or hunting, fishing, camping) so it's learing process for her. She makes jokes about marrying a real redneck and how those city boys she dated before were real pansies. Didn't know how to dress out a deer, or change a water pump on a car or work with a chainsaw.

 

[volshooter]

Nice buy Contender! Congrats!