Buying a pistol from a gun show vs from web.

[efeng9622]

I like to compare with these two ways,
1) Gun show, you can have more chances to choice , You can find more than one with same model to compare with price , and quality. You can shoot it right away after purchasing, you can contact seller for returning or exchanging if you find problem as long as the show is still open. but you may not find the model you want and have no enough time to search the model you bought.

2) Online, you can find the model you want and compare with the price and quality, You may get a good deal but have to pay the FFL dealer fee for transfer and deliver fee even you can save tax and other fee, if you find any problem after receiving, the returning and exchanging is not too easy.You may do not save money and time eventually.

Thanks for you opinion if I am wrong.

 

[hammerklavier]

Most states require that you send them any sales tax you saved by buying on line. Also, some models are easier to find at a gunshow, like my M&P with no mag safety and a thumb safety was easy to find at a show, and for just a couple dollars more than the best online price.

For used guns you can check them out in person, which is a big plus.

Some shows people talk about sound really bad, I'm lucky to have a decent one that bans most non-firearms related vendors. A lot of area gun shops show up to sell there.

 

[Steve C]

I go to gun shows for the variety of product and to find firearms that are usually used and harder to find. Many of the sellers are retailers that have stores in town or other states. This gives the opportunity to see much more product than going to the few stores I frequent. The advantage to the gun show is the look, feel and touch.

For a new gun you generally don't get much if any savings buying on the web by the time you pay for shipping and your FFL for the transfer. You can find guns on the web that your local shops don't stock but often if you ask them to order it for you they will better the price you get on the web with all the additional expenses. Its that they will normally give you a better break for a guaranteed sale that you pay for in advance than stock they have on display.

 

[rellascout]

The only reason to buy at a gun show is to put your hands on the actual gun you are buying IMHO. For some guns like a 1911 this is important to me. I want to look at a gun and field strip it. I want to take the grips off if the seller will let me so I can take a look at the frame etc.... This cannot be done online.

I never see better prices at the shows than I can get from my go to online outlets or even my local shop, whom I normally bring a price to to see if he can match.

Transfers cost me $10 and shipping should never be more than $25 from FFL to FFL using USPS with insurance. Yes most states require that you pay the sales tax on all online purchases but honestly when was the last time you filled in that section on your state return?

For used guns the show can be helpful for inspection but I personally have had good luck with the used guns I have bought sight unseen.

 

[wbwanzer]

There are pluses and minuses to both, as you point out. Buying over the internet is risky in that you can't inspect and hold the firearm. On the other hand, the whole world of firearms is available to you on the web. You can find things that you would never see locally. I bought a Witness Elite Match online that I've never seen in gun shops or shows. I've bought probably a half dozen pistols online and not been burned yet. I also buy locally when it suits me.

 

[Jed Carter]

I have yet to buy any firearm from a vendor at a gunshow, but I have bought from individual show goers, this is where the real deals are. As far as online is concerned I have only ordered 2 firearms a Wilson combat upper for an AR15 build, and an STI Custom Shop pistol. I live 2 miles from Budsgunshop.com / The Gun Warehouse, so ordering from them is not an option. I did a phone transaction with CDNN for a SIG P226, it was a great deal. I go to shows to buy from individuals, but I haven't given up on the dealers at the shows yet, never say never.

 

[IMTHDUKE]

I never see better prices at the shows than I can get from my go to online outlets or even my local shop,

+1
I think sometimes the gun show is for folks who don't have a clue of what that gun sells for other places. Then also, I think some just put a price on it hoping a sucker will come along.

 

[Minnesota Wild]

I agree with the above 2 posts...everything I've seen at the local gun shows has been at least as expensive as the local stores. I have no idea why I'd buy a gun from a guy that I couldn't go back to after the sale for more money than at my local gun shop where they know me by name and will make it right if I have to take it back.

 

[Hanzo581]

Most states require that you send them any sales tax you saved by buying on line

Say what? Does this only apply to firearms?

 

[ttraylor]

I have never done that in my life (paid sales tax on internet purchases), and I really don't plan on doing it.

 

[Hanzo581]

I sure hope it isn't applicable in my state because I've bought countless things online rarely ever with any tax....I thought that was one of the draws of online shopping?

 

[rellascout]

Hanzo581 it applies to all consumer goods bought and used in VA.

 

[Hanzo581]

Awesome, I hope they have room in jail for about 7,750,000 people....

 

[W.E.G.]

I suppose gun shows across different regions vary a lot.

In my area (northern Virginia) the "Nations Gun Show" is held four times per year. Huge show. Good deals on ultra-common items like Russian ammo, WASR rifles, Glock handguns, and AR-15 clones. Very few unusual items except for some very high-end guns. Don't expect to walk in there and "happen across" a 70's Blackhawk, or a Distinguished Magnum unless the seller has it priced in the stratosphere.

Buying guns "over the internet" has risks, but if you are savvy, and you know what you want, your odds are WAY BETTER on the internet if you are looking for something that is out of production.

 

[efeng9622]

I just feel the price of show is same or even cheaper than local store. I even feel selling a gun on show is better than on local store because
the show's boss has no enough time to bargain with you , he had a lot of customers need to take care at same time. You may get a good deal than local store. but buying a gun , you have to concern about you can have time to return it if the gun has problem.

 

[Guillermo]

I prefer to buy locally but local prices are high in Austin, therefore I can SOMETIMES save money buying online.

Example, I picked up a Colt Diamondback snub for 690, paid 20 to ship it, 10 to my FFL. The best price locally was about 900.