crazy gunshow stories.

[rozziboy18]

hey guys,
just as the name intells, lets hear you gun show stories, about people, guns and things.

i dont want to go on a rant but the past gunshow we had, i was aproched by a guy whom was a bit missinformed. so i though i would share it with you guys. i will say that i believe this to be on topic because it is equipment related.

this past show i was in the market for a RIA 1911 in the ccw persuation and had tracked down 4 or 5. i was chating with a very nice man about coming off of the 500.00 price tag . about the time the horse trading got going good an man aproched me to my left with questions about my 8400 tactical, not for sale just showing, and wanted to know why i put a leuopld on my remington 700!!!
i let it go and said "its accualy a kimber 8400 and i wanted the best for the best". we then got into a healthy debate no the quality of leupold mark 4 scopes.
the following is what i was told.

"leupolds are over priced piece's of junk. i had 4 of them and sold them all after i got this counter sniper. this counter sniper retails for over 3999.00 goverment issue price. i got this one on the net for 700.00."

i replyed with "great. i love myover priced leupold and i think ill keep her for now"

i kept my mouth shut, and tryed not to offend him.

 

[hometheaterman]

Leupold Mark 4's are far from the best, but cmon a Counter Sniper. I didn't know people actually bought those.

 

[dc.fireman]

So here it is:

I go to the very first ever "Gun Show at the BRAND NEW FREDRICKSBURG CONVENTION CENTER", in Fredricksburg, Va.

I also decide to take my daughter with me, as she's all of four years old at the time, and happens to love big soft over priced gun show pretzels, and watery-sour over priced gun show lemonade. My wife's kinda giving me the fisheye about the whole affair, but I put my foot down, and make a stand: I'll introduce my kids to a safe enjoyable firearms hobby from a young age. I'm also meeting my wifes sisters husband down there, with my nephew, who's all of five years old...

Everything was going well, until about an hour into the show, some knucklehead discharges an AK-47 - into the brand new convention center roof, not 40 ft. from where they sell the big soft over-priced pretzels.

From this day forward, every gun show I've attended, requires people to unload, and tie off the actions on all firearms, even their carry firearms.

I still catch hell from my wife about how much I pay for the pretzels and lemonade at gun shows...

-tc

 

[il_10]

Too many to tell, really.
The best I've got is the guy who wouldn't sell me a handgun FTF because I'm under 21 (which is totally legal in VA; I even quoted him the law and showed it to him in black and white having predicted this issue and printed off a copy) but was completely fine with me giving my dad the money and letting him pay for it to give to me.:banghead: Had to walk away, great little revolver, too.

There's also the absurd bragging that goes on. I picked up a nice '43 IBM m1 carbine, and was walking around with it in hand. A guy asked me about it and asserted that he had done all the m1 carbines for the "movie band of brothers." ... Just nod and smile and keep on moving.

Gun shows are always full of a ton and a half of ridiculousness, and in all honesty that's a big part of why I enjoy them. There's usually only one or two deals at a gun show, and if you can find 'em, good for you, but the stories abound and the entertainment value is usually through the roof.

 

[herkyguy]

Guy trying to pawn off his .38 special snubby and tells the dealer at a booth that it's what Navy Seals carry. That was my favorite at the most recent gunshow.

 

[ForumSurfer]

some knucklehead discharges an AK-47 - into the brand new convention center roof,

Happened here. The handgun round actually penetrated some conduit (really lucky shot) and severed electrical power cables to part of the building lighting.

From this day forward, every gun show I've attended, requires people to unload, and tie off the actions on all firearms, even their carry firearms.

The ND I mentioned happened in spite of the above policy being in place. Where there's a determined fool, there's a way.

 

[millertyme]

While at a Crossroads show in Phoenix a Mexican man (he barely spoke any English) produced a Raven .25 from his pocket and tried to ask the guy at the counter for a scope mount that would attach to the rib on top of the barrel.

 

[bindingposts]

At least 2 people telling me that a stock-slotted buffer tube on my pistol AR-15 is illegal. I looked at them, walked right over to the ATF booth, and smiled.

 

[XxWINxX94]

Just some of the junk people try to sell really entertains me.

A Few of the latest:
-(5) Deer racks mounted on a 2x4. (Guy actually ended up selling them)
-A beartrap that was too rusty for any practical use.
-A 50+ year old "Old Style" beer tap.
-(2) ATV's from a local dealer. (Yes, they actually got these 600cc bikes in there)
-People trying to sell antique muskets that are literally 100% rust for over $1000.
-People staying firm at $5000 for they're "modified" FALs with "Extras."

 

[ihctractor]

Guess I'll turn myself in now!?

I was trying to sell a Mauser K98 that had Nazi proof marks when a self proclaimed expert informed me that it was highly illegal to posses a weapon with Nazi markings since the government banned it after the war. Told me I could be looking at hard time if I got caught with it

 

[Rembrandt]

Picked up a GSG-1911 with the fake suppressor....passerby informs me that if you fill the suppressor with "Jello" and let it set up in the fridge, it will make the fake suppressor functional and there's nothing the law can do about it. Claims secret gov law enforcement agencies use this method.....hummmm...maybe it will be even quieter if add marshmallows and bananas.....(heehee)

 

[potmetal]

We had a table full of young guys literally covered in tattoos. They had a big sign over the table saying, "We buy guns" A guy comes up and asks if they also buy parts. A simple "no" would have done it, but the youngest looking guy stands up and says, "I don't see any" with a real cocky attitude.
I also came across a lady that had an old Walther, I think it was a model 4. She was sure it was a civil war gun and worth alot of money.

 

[Ledgehammer]

I witnessed two guys get in to screaming match about the price if a rolex. It was so loud literally everyone in the convention center stopped what they were doing to look at these guys. One guy realizes everyone is watching and screams that the guy selling is a crook sob and no one should buy from him. He was escorted back to his booth. That's right - he was a vendor also. Sheesh

 

[Mauserguy]

Actually, the hello in the suppressor quote may have some basis in fact. I know that one manufacturer, Silencerco, makes suppressors and recommends oiling them to make them more efficient.
Mauserguy

 

[CZguy]

Gun show sounds and smells

I went to a gun show last winter that sold chili, and chili dogs for refreshments.....and the place was filled to capacity.

I took a couple of nephews and a grandson who were teenagers, and they couldn't stop laughing on the way home about the sounds and smells.

 

[rozziboy18]

Rembrandt
how you likin that gsg? im in the market.

have you guys noticed that litterly evey kid with a ar15 or a 700 sps with a tacky huge scope is either a operator or a sniper?

by far the worst episode i had at a gun show, other than the vaquero, had to be the random holster guy. i had just finished a transaction on a p12-45 para limited and needed a iwb holster. so i wander for a little while and found one of the many holster retailers and ask the question. "do you have a iwb holster for a para p12-45" and produced the firearm. no answer but he starts rumaging around for 5 min's in old box's and finaly flops a used uncle mikes on the table and says, "35.00".
i replyed with a almost involitary "aint got that much" and started to walk away. i hear behind me him cusing under is breath and saying "then you aint got no holster". is honestly the only time i have droped the big "fu" on someone in public. mean while at a different booth i scored and no name soft cow hide iwb holster of 10.00 big uns!

 

[Messenger Guard]

Rozzi, I was at the same show you were at. The best one I heard coming out of the I-75 expo was a fellow carrying a nice Springfield M-1A, stainless barrel, tried to tell me the serial number was the build date. The last four digits were 1942 preceded by four other digits which he claimed were the month and day of production. I looked at a friend of mine trying to keep a straight face. Part of me wanted to tell him, "Sir this is a civilian copy of a military M-14 which was in service from 1957-1965, your weapon is at the earliest is a 1994 version since it has no bayonet lug", but i figured it wasn't worth fixing stupid. Just think how much quicker it would have went downhill for the Nazis if our troops had M-14/M1as as early as 1942. Patton would have to retract his comment on the Garand being the best fighting implement and all.

 

[-eaux-]

you can't fix stupid.
i don't even go to gun shows anymore, as they are no longer boothed by gun dealers but by carnies.

 

[Kurt_D]

There is the rare deal out there: $300 Beretta 92, $5 AK mag, what amounts to a $200 SAR-2 (private sale), clean/like new pre-89 $750 B-west import AK w/ folding spike (why did I not buy that!), brand new Surefire X300s for $130 (why did I pass on that too!), etc; and the ocassional honest dealer who is selling close to or at internet pricing.

The stupid just gets too deep to type out. Too many people who honestly think they know what they are talking about but don't have a clue AND won't listen. Too many dealers that will say anything to sell what they have. Too many rip-off artist too, one guy who is always trying to sell his "personal collection" (he's a dealer, buys private and sells at shows and through a local shop) way over priced to people who know no better. He tried to sell me his used Vepr 7.62x39 back right after the ban for $750 when I was in the market for an AR. Bad mouthed ARs and tried the hard sell/it's the only Russian AK/ect. Sure enough, a little reasearch found the same rifle instock for $500 at the time. Bought my AR and wouldn't change a thing there except, knowing what I know now, I'd had ordered that Vepr for $500 online.

Had dealer at a Lafayette show try to sell me a Maddi that looked like it was run over by a truck after it was thrown down a driveway. $800 and ruff as hell. I understand some later imports aren't the prettiest but still, even told him this thing "looks ruff" and he actually looked at me and ask "what makes you think that?" "The bent freaking receiver!" "but this is brand new..." Sad thing is every once in a while he had some decent pricing.

Had a dealer walk up (yeah, like I couldn't tell) and ask me about a Springfield loaded LW 1911 I was selling. I knew what he was so after his bashing when he asked for my asking price I said $600 which was only a little under what I paid. He was pissed, why I don't know, and started with the "you'll be luck to get $300 for that thing" etc. I did a good job of keeping a straight face and once he was done "said only $300...well..." his face lit up b/c he thought he was going to get it cheap "... I'll think about it after some other offers" he then storms off. Yeah I know the game, you'll buy it for $300 mark it for $700 and "give someone a deal" at $600. Saw a dealer do that to a buddy who was too impatient, sold his little Kel-tec carbine to a dealer for like $90. Dealer didn't even give him a chance to leave the area; had it back on the table for like $300 I think.

 

[mustang_steve]

The man who wastes Jello ain't no friend of mine.....

I was looking at the mouseguns, and some dude comes up to me and says "Don't buy those, it will just piss them off if you shoto them with it...you can shoot me with one right here if you like"....I just looked at him for a few seconds (had to make a moral decision) and upon the end of that pause responded with "Sir, I think I saw your wits running off towards the food court, you may wish to retrieve them."

Yes, it wasn't high road, but darnit...he deserved it for that "you can shoot me with one" comment. Some people simply need to slow down and let the cogs turn.

 

[nofishbob]

I was at one of the Ft. Worth gun shows earlier this year looking for a right handed holster.

All of the right handed ones were sold out at a vendor's table, but he had some left handed ones in stock.

When I reminded the vendor that I needed a right handed holster, he told me that I "could use a lefty as a cross draw holster".

For a second I thought that this was clever, until I realized that it wouldn't work.

The vendor's reply when i pointed this out was "some people do it that way".

I found the correct holster in the next aisle.

Bob

 

[jcwit]

Just think how much quicker it would have went downhill for the Nazis if our troops had M-14/M1as as early as 1942. Patton would have to retract his comment on the Garand being the best fighting implement and all.

Say what? The main difference between an M14 and a Garand is the M14 has a detachable Magazine holding 20 rounds and chambered for 7.62 x 51 instead of 7.62 x 63 aka 30/06.

 

[jcwit]

There is the rare deal out there: $300 Beretta 92, $5 AK mag, what amounts to a $200 SAR-2 (private sale), clean/like new pre-89 $750 B-west import AK w/ folding spike (why did I not buy that!), brand new Surefire X300s for $130 (why did I pass on that too!), etc; and the ocassional honest dealer who is selling close to or at internet pricing.

The stupid just gets too deep to type out. Too many people who honestly think they know what they are talking about but don't have a clue AND won't listen. Too many dealers that will say anything to sell what they have. Too many rip-off artist too, one guy who is always trying to sell his "personal collection" (he's a dealer, buys private and sells at shows and through a local shop) way over priced to people who know no better. He tried to sell me his used Vepr 7.62x39 back right after the ban for $750 when I was in the market for an AR. Bad mouthed ARs and tried the hard sell/it's the only Russian AK/ect. Sure enough, a little reasearch found the same rifle instock for $500 at the time. Bought my AR and wouldn't change a thing there except, knowing what I know now, I'd had ordered that Vepr for $500 online.

Had dealer at a Lafayette show try to sell me a Maddi that looked like it was run over by a truck after it was thrown down a driveway. $800 and ruff as hell. I understand some later imports aren't the prettiest but still, even told him this thing "looks ruff" and he actually looked at me and ask "what makes you think that?" "The bent freaking receiver!" "but this is brand new..." Sad thing is every once in a while he had some decent pricing.

Had a dealer walk up (yeah, like I couldn't tell) and ask me about a Springfield loaded LW 1911 I was selling. I knew what he was so after his bashing when he asked for my asking price I said $600 which was only a little under what I paid. He was pissed, why I don't know, and started with the "you'll be luck to get $300 for that thing" etc. I did a good job of keeping a straight face and once he was done "said only $300...well..." his face lit up b/c he thought he was going to get it cheap "... I'll think about it after some other offers" he then storms off. Yeah I know the game, you'll buy it for $300 mark it for $700 and "give someone a deal" at $600. Saw a dealer do that to a buddy who was too impatient, sold his little Kel-tec carbine to a dealer for like $90. Dealer didn't even give him a chance to leave the area; had it back on the table for like $300 I think.

Do you expect the dealer to purchase items from someone and then sell them for no profit? Have you ever worked in a retail enviroment and know what the pricing structure is, in other words the markup? Many work on a minimum of 30 to 35 % and anything over that is gravy.

My wife and I ran our own retail business for years and usually ran a 200 to 500% markup and we were still half what normal stores charged for the same items.

 

[KosmicKrunch]

The weirdest thing I had seen was at the Sandusky Gun Show, there was a guy selling dewatted M72A1's and A2's LAW's and the Stinger Missle tubes with a dewatted IR heat seeking sight. These were acclaimed to be range throw aways that he bought via a surplus sale (I have no idea if that was true or not). He dewatted them all per BATFE rules the sign on his table stated. About 15 minutes after the show opened, in come a group or team of BATFE SWAT folks and arrested the guy and took all the stuff after they bagged it and labled. That whole scene put a damper on the whole show and even had dealers pack up and leave on their own account.

 

[Ledgehammer]

For a second I thought that this was clever, until I realized that it wouldn't work.

The vendor's reply when i pointed this out was "some people do it that way".

+

Actually you can do it that way - if you carry small of the back. Picture the top of your hand going aginst the small of your back as you draw.