Was you at least entertained. Get some chuckles at least.
Those green moss covered trailer types selling ammo. Fugga,s aint even got enough work credits to get anything above the charity SS min level when they " retire".
Was you at least entertained. Get some chuckles at least.
Those green moss covered trailer types selling ammo. Fugga,s aint even got enough work credits to get anything above the charity SS min level when they " retire".
Forgot the best, guy with a pile of used dies, Redding $150-$170 RCBS $110-$140. Mostly standard calibers.
Sounds like it's getting 'sporty' again............
Last GS, bout a month ago in West Central Florida picked up a brick of SR primers $70, and a brick of Norma Match-22/$70....
Wally World had 2 boxes of 6.5 Creed for $35/box, local flea market gun and ammo tables had 6.5 for $45/box............ I bought the WW ammo, I needed brass..... I'll make my own.
I quit going to the shows years ago because the prices were so ridiculous it wasn't worth the gas money or admittance fees. The old man still goes sometimes. The last one he went to a guy was asking $200/1000 for primers and $60-75# for powder.
It's starting to come back a bit. Short of a little brass, I've been able to scrounge up what I need between online stores and LGS over the past few months. Local Walmart is still short on shotgun ammo, but they've had mixed supplies of 22LR and centerfire rifle again of late.
Not even in these confusing times, the gun show hawkers setting up just to have something to do on the weekend has been a regular for years. The only way they are interested in selling is to a sucker, enough profit to pay for a table for the next 3 shows. It's gone on for years.
Sure, there are some serious sellers there, but ya gotta spend lot of time to get to connect with them. I've been to a hundred shows, maybe 200. Seen good & bad. The bad started out weighing anything worth my time & travel.
One local show here, held about every 3 months. After looking at tables for an isle or 2, it seem the vendors had just covered their tables from the last time, nothing had changed.
Different states may not be this way, but the shows in the 3 states I've been to seem the same.
Well, they are called "Gun Shows" not "Gun Sales". I read on THR the Wanemacher's Show at Tulsa is worth going to. I help you out. In beautiful, picturesque Missoula Montana there is place called Selway Armonry. You can buy gut stuff on sale there and have it delivered to your door. Recently they had .38+P JHP (lead core bonded to copper jacket) ammo at $1 per round. It is now $1.4 per round. All you need to do is watch for specials and order accordingly. I would do that instead of wasting time in crowds especially if you are nor immunized against Covid-19. Little spacing, no masks can easily turn into serious medical issue and even death.
Not long ago I took a pretty nice 700 BDL in 308 to a show. "How much?," I was asked. $650....damn they near rolled in the floor from cardiac arrest. My retort was you pay 500 for a plastic one and turn up your nose at this...made in the early 90's. Wound up putting GB and getting over a grand. I agree ammo is ridiculous but good clean walnut and steel has gone up.
Sounds like it's getting 'sporty' again............
Last GS, bout a month ago in West Central Florida picked up a brick of SR primers $70, and a brick of Norma Match-22/$70....
Wally World had 2 boxes of 6.5 Creed for $35/box, local flea market gun and ammo tables had 6.5 for $45/box............ I bought the WW ammo, I needed brass..... I'll make my own.
Interesting to hear. The rifle stuff I watch has definitely been coming back to earth.
Plenty of overpriced junk, but almost always a good deal or two at the Birmingham gun shows. Just need to get there early and pay attention to the people walking around with guns over their shoulder.
!!!!!!!! That one had better have had fancy engraving, gold inlay, and a famous person's provenance.
There is a 50/50 chance it has a bad barrel. It took me 43 years to get mine to shoot and it's only because I found a new barrel to put on it. I bought mine in 1978 and left it in the gun safe for 22 years unfired. About 20 years ago I went to shoot it before giving it to my son. It shot a 6" pattern at 25 yards. By this time Colt had gotten out of the revolver business and had no one to look at it. I sent it to one guy in Arizona and he charged me $150 to get some lead out of the barrel and chamfer the muzzle. It slightly improved the barrel but not by much. I was still getting 6" groups at 25 yards. I finally found a barrel and took it to Cylinder and Slide in Nebraska and they put the barrel on the gun. It still shoots poorly but now the groups are 2" at 25 yards.
I had a friend who bought one at the same time I did in 1978 and he shot it right away. His shot the 6" groups as well. He sent it back to Colt and they told him the throat was cut wrong. My guess is he got a new barrel but they never told him that. Lesson learned. Just because it says Colt on it doesn't mean it's going to shoot good. Especially if it's from the 1970's. I would never pay anywhere close to $5000 for a Colt .22 Diamondback knowing what I know now. kwg
!!!!!!!! That one had better have had fancy engraving, gold inlay, and a famous person's provenance.
I bought (3) Colt Diamond back 22LR 6" revolvers LNIB on 2018-02-03 [at Pinto's with an estate sale where I was let in first] for $1495 [1969], $1600 [1981], and $1800 [1981].
Almost always find a special gun at the shows I regularly attend. Allentown, Baltimore, Syracuse and a small, local Fire Company show that I never miss and has been nothing short of spectacular.
Used to be a helluva great thing 25 years ago. Sometimes I could buy a decent gun from someone waiting in line outside to get in the door. The yuppies and middle aged lookie loos have spoiled gun shows in this region. All they do now is muddy the water for a serious buyer with cash in hand. I couldn't even begin to think of all the bargains I've got on guns and knives and parts at gun shows years ago. It's pretty much a waste of time and money to go to one in this region in 2021
The ones around here have always been overpriced, well used, and much of the time junk. Haven't gone in years, but used to go hoping to stumble on a deal. Never did though.
the best thing you could do at a gun show is setup a gun swap in the parking lot across the street where all the people that brought a single gun for sale or trade can see what other reasonable people have for sale or trade
The last few guns shows I've gone to I've bought from individuals not tables.
The 70's and 80's were good times for Gun Shows. Today not so much. Prices are high and quality pretty low. Same goes for Pawn Shops. Once in a while a deal pops up.
There was one down here in Mobile this weekend, and it was the same stupid crap. I guess there are enough suckers in this world to make it worth their time effort and expense to set up.
The look on a table guys face when he ask how much you are selling a gun you bring in. And say to him I would never sell a gun to people who have tables at a gun show.
I quit going many years ago, takes too much time, overpriced junk at the ones I’ve been to.
You can go to that monthly San Antonio show, come back two years later and find the same people selling the same beads, blankets, jams and jellies they tried to sell you earlier. I quit going years back. Last time I went was right after Obozo got his second term. I was starting my truck to leave and a Catholic nun pulled up in front of me, got out and went into the show. Guess she didn't trust his administration, either.
In the past ten years or so I have seen pretty much everything described in this thread. At first, I was frustrated. Now, the $5 or so entrance fee is worth it again but for the entertainment value alone.
The hard to find nowadays line from table sellers when your are just looking at something like a marlin model 60 and your sense of morbid curiosity is triggered about its 295 price tag .
You just look at em in the eye. Smile and walk away.
Sometimes to just make em get out of the chair is worth it.
In the past ten years or so I have seen pretty much everything described in this thread. At first, I was frustrated. Now, the $5 or so entrance fee is worth it again but for the entertainment value alone.
Yep... The shows def have a entertainment value. Prices, junk, and don't forget the humanity of it too.
Not needed.... Most people dont clean guns or dont do it worth a fu ck anyways. That gun cleaning schitt be like Kryptonite to avg bubba,s at gunshows.
I'm sad to say my son is drawn to the sword living in their mom's basement table
He loves knives. When he was younger I would give him $20 to spend at a gun show and he'd always come back with some chinese made rambo looking thing he picked up.
I'm sad to say my son is drawn to the sword living in their mom's basement table
He loves knives. When he was younger I would give him $20 to spend at a gun show and he'd always come back with some chinese made rambo looking thing he picked up.
If the seller is wearing chain mail you know the cat is seriously the table to go to.
I'm sad to say my son is drawn to the sword living in their mom's basement table
He loves knives. When he was younger I would give him $20 to spend at a gun show and he'd always come back with some chinese made rambo looking thing he picked up.
If the seller is wearing chain mail you know the cat is seriously the table to go to.
LOL!!!
heh, yea, or the guy has a neck beard, is 350 pounds and is wearing some shirt with a special ops insignia
I'm sad to say my son is drawn to the sword living in their mom's basement table
He loves knives. When he was younger I would give him $20 to spend at a gun show and he'd always come back with some chinese made rambo looking thing he picked up.
If the seller is wearing chain mail you know the cat is seriously the table to go to.
LOL!!!
heh, yea, or the guy has a neck beard, is 350 pounds and is wearing some shirt with a special ops insignia
no offense Jim C
Halo 4 themed operator t shirt.
Them ya hear a buncha of em around the table talking user and team names online. 🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️
Cliff's in Boise is importing primers from Germany and selling them @ $210/thousand.
LGS fifty miles west has them for $75/1000. I have purchased, with the help of wife and kids per purchase restrictions, 6000 SPP in the last month. Primarily Federal Gold Medal Match Magnum small pistol, for 38 Super and 327.
It’s been years since I bought anything at a gun show, except some brass at a Denver show, pre pandemic. It was a good sale for myself and the seller. Not sure why I continue to go to them as I see all of the BS described above. But I still go to a couple a year, vs many more in years past.
The group of 4 guys who don't speak English, but do speak fluent Mauser, discussing minute details about a rifle for 20 minutes, taking up the whole table.
The guy who comes dressed like a Pilgrim off the Mayflower, whats up with that?
The old timer with the same rifles for sale for a legit ten years. There's a custom barreled 788 I've almost bought 5 or 6 times. I figure with inflation it's getting cheaper and cheaper.
There are certain shows around here I won't go to any more due to all the reasons stated above and the fact most of the sellers are real a-holes most of the time...
However, there are a couple shows around here that are much more low key, guys are easy to talk to, and prices are somewhat reasonable and occasionally you can find a gem among the wares. I've found really nice Winchester 69A's for decent prices at several shows the last few years along with a 75 Sporter. Also found a 40X rimfire stripped barreled action for $200 on a table where everything on the table was mostly Rem 700's, Win 70's - Pre 64 and Post 64, and modern shotguns of decent manufacture and all priced very fairly IMO... same show I still kick myself for passing up some great deals on some rifles because I didn't know what they were worth or didn't have the cash at the moment....
But, as said above, most of the shows around here are just for the entertainment value any more- which rules out the big shows where you have to pay $10 to park and $12 to get in and check out all the beanie babies, cheap chinese luggage, glassware, black rifles, and vitamin supplements...
Not needed.... Most people dont clean guns or dont do it worth a fu ck anyways. That gun cleaning schitt be like Kryptonite to avg bubba,s at gunshows.
😄😄😄
It’s really not necessary. Some people have a life.
You know what they say....”work is for people who don’t know how to fish”
The ever present 12 tables of Osprey scopes. Has anyone actually seen anyone buy one of those things????
I haven't yet.....
I have one. Yes, I paid too much for it. It does work and it holds zero and the little light in the middle comes on. I'll keep it until it dies but it will be the last one I buy. There are so many choices out there now I didn't know about back then. But, you are right. No one is standing in line to be the next buyer.
Not even in these confusing times, the gun show hawkers setting up just to have something to do on the weekend has been a regular for years. The only way they are interested in selling is to a sucker, enough profit to pay for a table for the next 3 shows. It's gone on for years.
Sure, there are some serious sellers there, but ya gotta spend lot of time to get to connect with them. I've been to a hundred shows, maybe 200. Seen good & bad. The bad started out weighing anything worth my time & travel.
One local show here, held about every 3 months. After looking at tables for an isle or 2, it seem the vendors had just covered their tables from the last time, nothing had changed.
Different states may not be this way, but the shows in the 3 states I've been to seem the same.
A really good one like Tulsa, I hope, is better.
I've been to 2, in Denver, late 70's. That was enough.
Don't forget the autistic geek dressed in his Desert Storm-period surplus outfit who periodically sprints down the aisles like he's on a spec-ops mission - never buys anything and doesn't have a table.
Don't forget the autistic geek dressed in his Desert Storm-period surplus outfit who periodically sprints down the aisles like he's on a spec-ops mission - never buys anything and doesn't have a table.
Dude with the 5 tables of Chinese knives, including the three headed dragon Rambo knife had a sign up that said “business for sale, inquire within”. I almost asked.
jackmountain: Sorry your gunshow appearance was a flop! My last gunshow I traveled to was so good/interesting that I traveled to it all three days of it (August 27th, 28th and 29th)! Only 70 miles roundtrip for this one. But... I bought a MINT condition Ruger 77/22 Magnum heavy barrel for $400.00 cash and a couple hundred in trade items - and it shoots VERY well indeed. One of my travel partners bought a heavy barrel High Standard Supermatic (IIRC on the model) for $495.00 - and I would have bought that in an instant had he not. I bought a pair of Nikon 8 power compact binoculars with case for $35.00 and would have paid $65.00! I bought a Buck Model 105 from the 1970's for $25.00 with sheath. I bought a Buck mini folder with two blades (Model 309) for $5.00 - I don't think the owner knew it was a Buck? I bought a Bushnell older gray (the GOOD ones!) window mount for a spotter for $15.00. I bought an older (preferable) "Black Sheep" simulated sheep skin lining Rifle case for $10.00 (I would have paid $25.00 for this maybe more - these are great cases and VERY protective of the finish on Rifles). I sold a Navy Camilus knife while there for $120.00 - that I bought at a garage sale for $10.00 (should have kept that one). I sold a Leupold 3x9 variable power gloss scope for $200.00. I bought an unused new in the box set of Redfield Jr. rings (3/4"!!!) for $8.00 - and I have an immediate use for these. I did "bid" on a few items (two guns, a Leupold scope, a Buck knife and a Colt 22 magazine) that I did not acquire - I am NOT disheartened. Indeed there were items there over-priced but I can NOT wait for the gunshow this coming weekend - I am sure I'll find something to trip my wire there! In fact I kind of enjoy the naysayers who swear off gunshows - less competition for me! Long live the Second Amendment. Hold into the wind VarmintGuy
The old guffer just showing his unobtanium priced rifles. With a 3x5 card detailed write up on each one. From show to show to show...
Yeah ,I see these guys at shows , just dying for you to stop and ask a price etc , then they make (or try to ) an ass out of you . I Spot them and just walk past
jackmountain: Sorry your gunshow appearance was a flop! My last gunshow I traveled to was so good/interesting that I traveled to it all three days of it (August 27th, 28th and 29th)! Only 70 miles roundtrip for this one. But... I bought a MINT condition Ruger 77/22 Magnum heavy barrel for $400.00 cash and a couple hundred in trade items - and it shoots VERY well indeed. One of my travel partners bought a heavy barrel High Standard Supermatic (IIRC on the model) for $495.00 - and I would have bought that in an instant had he not. I bought a pair of Nikon 8 power compact binoculars with case for $35.00 and would have paid $65.00! I bought a Buck Model 105 from the 1970's for $25.00 with sheath. I bought a Buck mini folder with two blades (Model 309) for $5.00 - I don't think the owner knew it was a Buck? I bought a Bushnell older gray (the GOOD ones!) window mount for a spotter for $15.00. I bought an older (preferable) "Black Sheep" simulated sheep skin lining Rifle case for $10.00 (I would have paid $25.00 for this maybe more - these are great cases and VERY protective of the finish on Rifles). I sold a Navy Camilus knife while there for $120.00 - that I bought at a garage sale for $10.00 (should have kept that one). I sold a Leupold 3x9 variable power gloss scope for $200.00. I bought an unused new in the box set of Redfield Jr. rings (3/4"!!!) for $8.00 - and I have an immediate use for these. I did "bid" on a few items (two guns, a Leupold scope, a Buck knife and a Colt 22 magazine) that I did not acquire - I am NOT disheartened. Indeed there were items there over-priced but I can NOT wait for the gunshow this coming weekend - I am sure I'll find something to trip my wire there! In fact I kind of enjoy the naysayers who swear off gunshows - less competition for me! Long live the Second Amendment. Hold into the wind VarmintGuy
Some good scores! That High Standard would’ve went home with me too.
Years ago gunshows were fun, lots of great stuff to look at. I bought quite a bit of ammunition, bought, sold and traded pocketknives, bought and sold a few guns and there was always plenty of decent priced magazines, cleaning stuff, books, etc. These days the prices are outrageous, there's very little that I would be interested in and the entry fees and parking charges have gotten to robbery levels. Boring stuff and high prices equals little interest in going anymore.
When I worked in a gun shop the buyer bought a few 710s. We never sold even one, mostly because the gun salesmen refused to show them to buyers. They ended up being door prizes at a club dinner.
First prize was a new 710. Second prize was two 710s.
A gun show I go to most every year is usually a really good one. Lots of great guns I don't see at most shows and some pretty good deals quite often.
I walked up to a table to look at a Winchester 69 and it was pretty rough, so I was about to put it down and I looked at the tag. The price listed on the tag said $2200! I thought the guy had made a mistake and had put too many zeroes on the price listing ( it still would have been way overpriced at $220) so I asked him about it. He said he had seen one at a show in Texas that was priced at that so he figured his was worth that also... and he wouldn't budge even though there were several at the show priced at approximatelu market price.. including a 69A Match Target for $250....
I never understand the vendor who pays for a table, puts his stuff out, sometimes not even priced, then sits there reading a book all day, not even looking up when someone is staring at him wanting to ask a question. Is he just looking for an excuse to get out of the house?
I never understand the vendor who pays for a table, puts his stuff out, sometimes not even priced, then sits there reading a book all day, not even looking up when someone is staring at him wanting to ask a question. Is he just looking for an excuse to get out of the house?
Yes. Escaping a wife and kids for a few hours. The man next to my table last April really enjoyed his Sunday by himself for that very reason.
Not needed.... Most people dont clean guns or dont do it worth a fu ck anyways. That gun cleaning schitt be like Kryptonite to avg bubba,s at gunshows.
Lotsa droopydrawers prowling the local gunshows, AR pistol in one hand and Glock in the other looking for hi-cap magazines. Sometimes with babymomma in tow with a Glock of her own.
Some of the best laughs I’ve had as a kid came indirectly from a gun show. Back in junior high I was at the Idaho Falls show with some friends and one of them bought a book titled something like the anarchist cookbook. For some kids living out in the middle of nowhere there were some pretty cool things in that book to make…
On a positive note, I was at the Hamilton Montana show last spring looking for either 8208 or benchmark powder at a fair price. Walked in and the very first table had an unopened 8 pound or a benchmark for 275. Oh yeah!
