Going to my first gun show?

Question

Im going to my first gun show and was wandering if the prices would be cheaper then at the gun shop?What are some average prices for .22lr,9mm,40cal,45cal,and .357 all in semi-auto?

Answer 1

Good advice so far.

My experience has been that if you go wanting one particular model gun you will likely be disappointed....either none there, $75 over gun store price or like bferg says, the guy wants 90% of retail for a gun that's been around the back of a pickup a few times and shows it.

I've walked away from shows with plenty of cash and only ammo or targets or a holster or case. Be prepared to walk away and keep looking.

Now, you can usually always find something in a class of gun....so you should be able to find a semi auto in one of these calibers for a good deal, particularly 9mm as a lot of used 9s are on the market, .22 of course....... My opinion is all .45s tend to be on the high side but I'm usually looking at military ones, then .40s and .357sig. Know prices well before you go.....or call a buddy with internet access and have him look up prices online.

The great deals are gone early or made late. Sellers looking to move something price low and these get snatched up first by savvy buyers.....or, it's late on Sunday and the seller would rather have cash in his pocket for the drive home...... or he really, really wants that matching Carl Gustav 1903 Swede Mauser w/ Tiger Stripe you have over your shoulder ....... Good luck and happy shooting!

Answer 2

You'll need to start planning ahead if you want those types of pistols, bud. Brady and all and those damned waiting periods screwed us all over. Get your permit paperwork worked out at least a week before the date so it's clear by sale day. If you can't, find the local dealer tables and have them transfer the pistol for you....that way you can pick it up locally when your permit clears.

My golden rule is to never buy ANYTHING on the first time around the room. If you do, you'll find something ten times better at half the price on the very next table. Funny how I've never been able to stick to that rule, but it's still a good rule ;)

Take a knapsack. Alice medium works fine. It makes those thousand round ammo buys a LOT easier to tote.

On a side note, you'll often find the place crowded like you've never before seen crowded. DON'T push and DON'T touch anyone or anything! Don't pick up weapons, don't grab for parts in the bins, don't thumb the books etc unless and until the seller sees you and says so.

One of those stupid things that we all learn along the way is to NOT insist on buying something if there's nothing you really want/need. Chances are it'll end up in the closet rusting and dusting. One of the best things you'll get at a gunshow is knowledge....and that makes the next trip that much the better.

There'll always be a table with future show announcements and pamphlets etc. Make use of it! Go down the line and take one of each. That's what they're there for and it makes you look like you know the circuit.

Get to know your local dealers! A good local dealer staying in business is better than a dozen out of towners that you see only at shows!

Have fun!

Answer 3

Here in NE Ohio about the only things cheaper than at the gun shops or sporting goods stores at a gun show is ammunition and scopes.
Used gun prices are insane, some being priced at what you can buy a new gun for. I've seen beat up Ruger 10/22's with $180 prices and when you ask what they can come down to the reply is usually $170, maybe $160. Well used 870 Express models normally have $180-$200 tags. I bought a new one and with a $30 rebate and $25 gift card I only have $190 in it!
If you have an idea on something in particular, check prices at your local gun shop and sporting goods stores before you go to the show. Then you'll know what a "deal" will be at the show.
Good luck and have fun!

Answer 4

The largest gun shows have some decent prices from time to time but the small one are the ones that run the prices up to the crazy range.
But if you know gun values, you can still get a good deal from individuals and not the big dealers.
But I would say go and see what is going on.
I go to the largest that hit my area some times I buy, some times I sell and other times I just look and save my money.
But you will never know until you go.
D58

Answer 5

What I would do is get the regular price for those guns before you go to the show and then when you find the lowest prices you can find at Bass Pro Shops etc. then go to the show. It's like hunting if you will, you got to know a lot about what you are hunting or you will be dissapointed to say the least.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

Yes, they are lower than most dealers, but may not be lower than all dealers. You can still negotiate at a gun show and be sure to check all the prices before buying something. Gun shows are fun to browse, even if you don't buy.

Answer 8

if you dont no what your doing dont buy anything, you well get taken .bring someone along with you .you should look for folks walking around trying to sell there guns to the dealer you well get a better price from them as they are going to have to sell there guns cheeper so that the dealers can make a buck .

Answer 9

Prices will be lower, as for prices it will depend on the dealers at the show, as prices vary widly from dealer to dealer.