Going to my first gun show, hoping to buy my first gun

[Meesh]

Okay, I've been renting a variety of guns at the range, and have decided that the Ruger LCR is what I want. This weekend I am going to my first gun show. What would be considered a "good" price for this gun? Is it acceptable to haggle?

On a side note, a few weeks ago I applied for my CCW permit and this afternoon I got a phone call asking to verify a bit of info, so apparently that's in the works and with any luck won't take the full 45 days.

Meesh

 

[CoRoMo]

You can find them around $260-$270 without too much difficulty. No real reason to pay more than $300.

Haggling is acceptable, but not always beneficial. I always toss out an offer.

Good luck!

EDIT:
Sorry, I thought you asked about the LCP. The LCR will likely be well above $300, and probably close to $400.

 

[Schofield3]

On a side note, a few weeks ago I applied for my CCW permit and this afternoon I got a phone call asking to verify a bit of info, so apparently that's in the works and with any luck won't take the full 45 days.

Did you have to take any classes?

On topic have fun at your first show; lookin forward to one this weekend, hopefully both shows have a good turnout...

 

[Meesh]

Schofield3, I had to take a class in firearms safety and handling, which I wanted o do anyway as I had never fired a gun prior to that. The class included range time and a one-month range membership as well as a bunch of discounts. Then all I needed to do was fill out a form I downloaded online, include proof of residency, a SASE and $50. Very simple.

 

[Schofield3]

Good deal, Just wondering. I know there are some states which do not require actual firearms handling prior to be licensed so it's good to hear that you've been getting experience and know what you like. hard to beat a good 'ol revolver!

 

[bri]

$400 would be a good deal, $380 would be a great deal.

 

[THE DARK KNIGHT]

Have fun and look around, take the opportunity to handle all kinds of guns too, just for the heck of it. Even guns you go no intention of buying. I like to handle the "evil" firearms in PA that I can't have here in NJ. Just don't waste the seller's time too much, also beware sellers that might try to talk things up or sell you gimmicky ammo or something.

 

[cchris]

And please, please don't ask people about "Deagles". They'll assume you know nothing and try to rip you off.

 

[DRYHUMOR]

If they won't come down in price, ask if they will throw in a box of ammo, or holster, or beef jerky.

 

[AKElroy]

I would check your local academy & other retailers first for a baseline for your area. I was looking for an LCP for my wife (anniversary present; I'm sooo romantic), and Academy actually beat the gunshow prices I was seeing. Keep in mind the cost of parking and entry fees; Academy does not charge to let you in.

The good thing about a gunshow is the ability to shop multiple tables. I picked up a NIB CZ 85 two months ago, and found a $60.00 disparity between two tables not 30 feet apart. Look at every table before buying. As for haggling, I would shop mid afternoon on Sunday. The discounts start when they are facing the prospect of packing everything up.

 

[dairycreek]

It has become more andmore difficult to get a "deal" at a gun show. But, if you are willing to put in the time and work it can be done. First, do your homework before you go. Do the research on what the gun(s) you are interested in cost in your area of the world. Checking the prices on the internet will provide some good information but regional gun prices can vary considerable. For instance the Ruger LCR here in northwest Oregon costs about $429.00 in a reputable gun store. What does it cost in a good store where you live?

Avoid impulse buying. Do not buy a new gun that catches your fancy unless you know something about it and its current cost in your market. Do not buy a used gun unless you know its condition and price point.

I always try to bargain/haggle. The worst that can happen is that the salesperson tells you to take a hike.

Do your homework, keep your discipline, and you can do okay. Good luck!

 

[Mossberg88]

are you going to the show in Chantilly? A friend and I went to it in August and had a blast. They had a serious cache of ammo. I bought 500 7.62x39 for my ak (wolf) for $130. My buddy bought 500 5.56 (wolf) for his Bushmaster bought it was before the first time he bought it and made the mistake of buying steel cased before he was sure if it would cycle properly; which it didnt.

 

[hso]

One important tip not mentioned yet, if after you've done your research, checked your local brick and mortar shops and paid to get into the show, if you spot a really good deal on what you're looking for buy it. I can't tell you the number of people that kick themselves for walking away from a good deal only to find it was actually their best deal and missed it by looking for greener grass.

 

[akodo]

gun shows are often NOT a place to bargin hunt...unless you are buying guns from other walk-ins.

Think about it for a second. Most people who have tables to sell guns are dealers. Only gun dealers can afford to pay for space in most gunshows...or very serious specialized collectors.

So you have Steve the Gundealer. He runs Steves Shotguns N Things. Steve has in his store a Ruger LCR for $400. He thinks it is a fair price and it will allow him a decent profit.

What happens when Steve takes his LRC to the gunshow? Well, for starters he is paying $200 for the table, so if he sells 20 guns, he must sell all 20 for $10 higher than at his shop to break even on the investment of the table.

He also has to employ an additional person at his gunstore to cover the loss of the employee at the gunshow (or he needs to close his gunstore for that weekend meaning he needs to consider how many sales he will loose because of that ) Lets say he pays an employee $100 per day to be at the gunstore while he goes to the gunshow, again he now has an additional $200 in overhead for everythign he sells, which must be spread across his inventory.

Finally, he has the task of loading everything up, hauling it to the gunshow, and then returning it all to the store. Maybe he lives 3 hours away from the gunshow. Maybe he has to rent a hotel as well.

The guns he has at the gunshow have a higher overhead. Steve will almost assuredly be able to sell you the gun at equal price if not lower at his actual store.

The only reason I'd say go to a gunshow for buying guns is if...
-you are attempting to snag a deal off of other ticket buyers who bring in a single gun to sell
-the gun you are desiring to buy is relatively new and the local stores are not yet stocking it, and you like to hold a gun before you buy so no internet sales for you
-you are looking for some specific no longer in production gun(s) so you will be browsing the used racks

 

[ijosef]

I'm actually going to my third gun show come Sunday to pick up my new Glock 17 (Minneapolis has a lame law that prevents transferring guns, even from dealer to buyer, within city limits), so I'll get to browse around for awhile. I haven't seen anything of note at the two I've been to, unless you consider a $650 WASR a diamond in the rough.

 

[MADDOG]

Is this right----You can't buy and take possession of a firearm in the city limits of Minneapolis? Are there no gun shops in the city limits? If there are, where do you take possession?

 

[DammitBoy]

akodo - I don't know what gun shows you are going to, but where are they charging $200.00 per table?

The shows I go to charge $55-$65 per table.

Additionally, a large percentage of the people I know who sell guns at shows don't have a brick and mortar store. I'd say it's about 50/50.

If you aren't finding deals at gun shows, you're not doing it right.

 

[Hokkmike]

Is it acceptable to haggle?

Not only acceptable but kind of expected. Have a bottom line that you will not go above before you go to the show and stick with it. Nothing says (to a dealer) i'll haggle like the fact that you are ready to make a cash deal. Good luck!

 

[NMGonzo]

He Scho!

Where is at?

 

[Deanimator]

I'm not sure that the LCR is the best "first gun".

It's certainly light and easy to carry. I've seen people complain that it's far less easy to shoot. Lightness and comfort in shooting work at cross purposes to each other.

You need to practice at least occasionally. A gun that's downright painful to shoot discourages that.

If it were me, I'd look into a Ruger SP101 or a good used, pre-lock J or K frame S&W, either steel or "airweight".

 

[Schofield3]

@NMGonzo - Saturday & Sunday at the fairgrounds; usually starts around nine in the am

 

[Madcap_Magician]

You can find them around $260-$270 without too much difficulty. No real reason to pay more than $300.

Where the heck are you buying them!?!?

 

[BlayGlock]

I did not find the LCR to be more uncomfortable to shoot than an airweight J frame. However, I also do not notice that much of a difference carrying an airweight Smith and my steel Tuarus 85 in my pocket. The steel gun is more comfortable to shoot over longer periods of time.

I have seen the LCR going for between $320-350 here in central east Texas. Cash in hand is the magic pill to get you a deal. You also have to maintain composure and not be afraid to walk away if they do not want to deal with you. Its your hard earned money.

 

[Schofield3]

NMgonzo -

Links' not working just type "www.newmexicoguns.com/gunshows2009.PDF" at google or yahoo...

Here's a link for the state, rest of 2009

 

[Pyzon]

In addition to the other fine advice offered, if in your locale transfer to and from private individuals without paperwork is allowed, be careful. If you buy without paperwork and your purchase happens to be stolen, a lot of bad stuff might happen to you down the road.
I love still being able to horse trade without the hassle of paperwork, but if a seller refuses when asked to give me proper indentification, these days I will choose to keep looking.

Also, don't be afraid to consider a used gun, so long as you can evualuate the condition of it. Not everybody finds a gun to be a good fit, especially the tiny concealable ones, it seems.