22-rimfire
Member
Gun Shows.... eat before you go. There is usually food sold there if you want to eat something or get something to drink.
Ask permission to handle a firearm
Don't remove zip ties. If you are really interested in a specific gun, the dealer may remove it for you. Tiny wire cutter pliers works well for this vs knife.
If a potential customer is looking at a gun, that customer has first dibbs until he walks away. Don't butt in on someone else's negotiation. It's business and not welcomed.
As mentioned, if you have a specific firearm in mind that you want to purchase, try to research prices prior to attending show. Be aware that many firearms are more expensive than what is listed on the current Blue Book. (I keep a Blue Book in the car, for reference.)
If you see something you want, and it is at a fair price to you, buy it immediately. So often you will look at something, walk away and realize that the price is very good. Gun is gone when you get back. Sometimes you forget which table it was at too, especially if it is a big show.
Take cash in $20's and $50's. $50's sometimes makes dealers nervous though. $100's do especially although it depends on the price of the gun. If it is a $2000 gun, pretty stupid to whip out 100 20's.
Anwyay, there are often good prices. There are also dealers that think whatever they have is gold. So you have to have some reference points on price to sift thorugh things and evaluate.
Price negotiation is okay. But don't unless you are serious about buying. Sometimes if they know you, they'll simply volunteer their best price.
People say that Sundays give best prices. But the pickins are frequently slim. Just depends on what you are looking for. The key is to be able to make a decision and don't look back. I prefer to be there when the doors open on Saturday morning.
Ask permission to handle a firearm
Don't remove zip ties. If you are really interested in a specific gun, the dealer may remove it for you. Tiny wire cutter pliers works well for this vs knife.
If a potential customer is looking at a gun, that customer has first dibbs until he walks away. Don't butt in on someone else's negotiation. It's business and not welcomed.
As mentioned, if you have a specific firearm in mind that you want to purchase, try to research prices prior to attending show. Be aware that many firearms are more expensive than what is listed on the current Blue Book. (I keep a Blue Book in the car, for reference.)
If you see something you want, and it is at a fair price to you, buy it immediately. So often you will look at something, walk away and realize that the price is very good. Gun is gone when you get back. Sometimes you forget which table it was at too, especially if it is a big show.
Take cash in $20's and $50's. $50's sometimes makes dealers nervous though. $100's do especially although it depends on the price of the gun. If it is a $2000 gun, pretty stupid to whip out 100 20's.
Anwyay, there are often good prices. There are also dealers that think whatever they have is gold. So you have to have some reference points on price to sift thorugh things and evaluate.
Price negotiation is okay. But don't unless you are serious about buying. Sometimes if they know you, they'll simply volunteer their best price.
People say that Sundays give best prices. But the pickins are frequently slim. Just depends on what you are looking for. The key is to be able to make a decision and don't look back. I prefer to be there when the doors open on Saturday morning.