I only go to the wannemecher gun shows that come to Tulsa twice a year.Its advertised as 11 acres of guns which I would say is accurate.I buy glock parts from an armourer and a calendar from the Tac girls.Look them up,very nice.If i want to buy new i can drive 5 miles and get the gun for the same price or less most of the time.I have found some deals with regular people walking the isles.I bought 2 really nice over and unders after watching the guys get lowballed by the dealers and hearing what was offered to them.Right place at the right time.
Gun show, decline in quality?
- Thread starter exbrit49
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AlabamaDan
Member
- Joined
- Jan 4, 2012
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I went to my first gun show this weekend and was really disappointed. People didn't want to negotiate prices, prices were too high, it was all professional dealers and the crown was thin and rough. I wont go back.
I'll echo what JohnBT said about the Richmond VA show. My son (6 yr. old) and I went for a few hours and had a good time - I think the show has actually improved over the last couple of years. There was a good variety of guns, ammo, components, knives, etc. I don't necessarily go for a deal on the guns, I'm mostly looking for things I want that local stores don't carry, and I save the shipping cost and usually more. Many times I easily save the entrance fee/gas buying ammo and reloading stuff, and my son buys a few collector coins or something.
With all the dealers there, I'd be surprised if there is much to be made (per gun) on the sales of guns. The place was packed, and I'd bet there were at least a dozen dealers selling many of the same pistols. Want a Glock? Check all the tables and go with the cheapest. I was next to one guy who wanted a discount on (4) pistols - dealer told him the price was already rock bottom, so no volume discounts. Seeing the prices, I totally believe it.
With all the dealers there, I'd be surprised if there is much to be made (per gun) on the sales of guns. The place was packed, and I'd bet there were at least a dozen dealers selling many of the same pistols. Want a Glock? Check all the tables and go with the cheapest. I was next to one guy who wanted a discount on (4) pistols - dealer told him the price was already rock bottom, so no volume discounts. Seeing the prices, I totally believe it.
Sheepdog1968
Member
I've been going to gun shows for 20+ years. I preceive there being much more stuff back then. What has really made things change is the Internet and online sales. It used to be 20+ years ago you were much more limited in what you knew (magzines) and what you could buy (typically just what your local gun store carried or by magazine ads). The gun show back then exposed you to many more options of what was available for sale. Now, you can do a search and find a near endless array of options. By the time a shown rolls around, you have seen it all before online and also now have a better idea of prices.
Bozwell
Member
That's probably part of it Elkin. I don't have a long history of going to gun shows but it's tough to be "blown away" by the selection at gun shows when you compare it to the selection we have from large online retailers (e.g., Bud's) and auction sites (e.g., Gunbroker). It'd still be fine in my mind if the prices were competitive, since then you get to handle the guns in person and take them home that day but often times the prices are grossly inflated. As such, it's tough to really be blown away when heading to a gun show these days.
JohnBT
Member
"I preceive there being much more stuff back then."
People used to own one or two guns and trade one to get one. What's the internet philosophy we've all heard constantly for more than ten years now?
"NEVER SELL A GUN"
No wonder there aren't many guns for sale. We have met the enemy and it's us.
People used to own one or two guns and trade one to get one. What's the internet philosophy we've all heard constantly for more than ten years now?
"NEVER SELL A GUN"
No wonder there aren't many guns for sale. We have met the enemy and it's us.
JustinL
Member
I always enjoy going. They are a great way to spend an hour or so and just browse. Besides, you never know what you are going to find.
Steve Raacke
Member
Gun shows can be hit or miss. I've been going to show for a couple of decades and, like others here have pointed out, have seen the good and bad.
Let me throw out an idea based off the ole live with it or change it concept. What I'm saying is, we have lots of us scattered over various internet discussions forums who find ourselves seeing threads like this on a pretty regular basis. Every few months we see someone start a thread saying how boring or bad gun shows have become. But few if any ideas are give to change things. I want to offer some ideas and draw from other hobbies I've been involved in.
First, some have mentioned the same vendors over and over, working the gun show circuit. The beef jerky and candle vendors. The people selling arts and crafts. Some here even mention shows which have several empty, unsold tables.
Let's keep in mind that the larger shows are being run as a business and if the people who are paying 70, 80 or more dollars PER TABLE are the jerky and candle vendors, well that's who is going to be there. The show managers can't make money on an empty table. Now, think about it, they could make some sort of vender rule saying "At least 75% of table space must be devoted to firearms or firearms related products or services".
I am a ham radio operator. We have "Hamfests", which are similar to gunshows, where we sell ham radio and related items. One local Hamfest has such a vendor rule which stated that 75% of each table must be devoted to Ham radio or computer gear.
Will the owners/managers of the big gun shows do something similar? Not if they are making money on tables being bought by the candle and jerky guys.
So the answer is to get other people to purchase those tables. We need to get people and organizations who are not selling guns but are associated with the firearms hobby to buy those tables. Think local and national gun rights groups. The NRA should have at least one table and be activly recruiting. Same for other groups like GOA, SAF, etc. State level groups like VCDL, LOCAL, La Shooting Association, etc. These groups need to have table with banners up promoting themselves to the masses who go to the gun shows.
Let's face it, many of us gun veterans have given up on gun shows but many people still flock to them. These are great venues for recruiting and spreading the word about progun organizations and messages.
How about some of the sport shooting groups? Have tables manned by reps from groups which host IDPA, USPSA, CASS and other sport shooting.
We have to get those groups interested in attending these gun shows and convince them that they can market themselves to a large demographic that they may be missing now.
We have to make gun shows not only where people think about looking at guns or even buying guns. You have to think, "If I go to a gun show, what else can I see or learn while I'm there? What do I get for my $8 I spend on admission?"
So diversify the tables. If you can have a guy there who is representing the local 3 gun matches instead of a guy selling candles then you are winning the battle.
Second, Diversify the event. Look at hosting not only vendors but confrences or seminars. Make the gun show a draw or destination. It's a perfect venue for the area NRA rep to hold an hour long Q&A session with members. I see this all the time at Hamfest where the ham radio equivilant to the NRA, the ARRL, has blocks of time set aside for board members or reps to talk about the latest issues they are lobbying or working on. If you are going to drive to a hamfest, spend nearly 10 bucks to get in, then just walk around, why not plan on sitting in on some Q&As or seminars like this? How about a block of time for a Reloading for Beginners session? Have a vendor spend an hour explaining how to use his products. Have a CHP instructor give a brief class and Q&A to those wondering about how to get a CHP. Have NRA or other gun groups hold elections or district type meetings at the gun shows.
There are plenty of things you can do at a gunshow besides just line up a bunch of tables and have crap thrown out to look at.
You have to change the idea of what a gun show is. Maybe start with smaller gun shows. Get the owners/managers on board. Get the area gun rights groups on board with the idea.
Or we can just be content with showing up at an arena seeing the same old, same old.
Let me throw out an idea based off the ole live with it or change it concept. What I'm saying is, we have lots of us scattered over various internet discussions forums who find ourselves seeing threads like this on a pretty regular basis. Every few months we see someone start a thread saying how boring or bad gun shows have become. But few if any ideas are give to change things. I want to offer some ideas and draw from other hobbies I've been involved in.
First, some have mentioned the same vendors over and over, working the gun show circuit. The beef jerky and candle vendors. The people selling arts and crafts. Some here even mention shows which have several empty, unsold tables.
Let's keep in mind that the larger shows are being run as a business and if the people who are paying 70, 80 or more dollars PER TABLE are the jerky and candle vendors, well that's who is going to be there. The show managers can't make money on an empty table. Now, think about it, they could make some sort of vender rule saying "At least 75% of table space must be devoted to firearms or firearms related products or services".
I am a ham radio operator. We have "Hamfests", which are similar to gunshows, where we sell ham radio and related items. One local Hamfest has such a vendor rule which stated that 75% of each table must be devoted to Ham radio or computer gear.
Will the owners/managers of the big gun shows do something similar? Not if they are making money on tables being bought by the candle and jerky guys.
So the answer is to get other people to purchase those tables. We need to get people and organizations who are not selling guns but are associated with the firearms hobby to buy those tables. Think local and national gun rights groups. The NRA should have at least one table and be activly recruiting. Same for other groups like GOA, SAF, etc. State level groups like VCDL, LOCAL, La Shooting Association, etc. These groups need to have table with banners up promoting themselves to the masses who go to the gun shows.
Let's face it, many of us gun veterans have given up on gun shows but many people still flock to them. These are great venues for recruiting and spreading the word about progun organizations and messages.
How about some of the sport shooting groups? Have tables manned by reps from groups which host IDPA, USPSA, CASS and other sport shooting.
We have to get those groups interested in attending these gun shows and convince them that they can market themselves to a large demographic that they may be missing now.
We have to make gun shows not only where people think about looking at guns or even buying guns. You have to think, "If I go to a gun show, what else can I see or learn while I'm there? What do I get for my $8 I spend on admission?"
So diversify the tables. If you can have a guy there who is representing the local 3 gun matches instead of a guy selling candles then you are winning the battle.
Second, Diversify the event. Look at hosting not only vendors but confrences or seminars. Make the gun show a draw or destination. It's a perfect venue for the area NRA rep to hold an hour long Q&A session with members. I see this all the time at Hamfest where the ham radio equivilant to the NRA, the ARRL, has blocks of time set aside for board members or reps to talk about the latest issues they are lobbying or working on. If you are going to drive to a hamfest, spend nearly 10 bucks to get in, then just walk around, why not plan on sitting in on some Q&As or seminars like this? How about a block of time for a Reloading for Beginners session? Have a vendor spend an hour explaining how to use his products. Have a CHP instructor give a brief class and Q&A to those wondering about how to get a CHP. Have NRA or other gun groups hold elections or district type meetings at the gun shows.
There are plenty of things you can do at a gunshow besides just line up a bunch of tables and have crap thrown out to look at.
You have to change the idea of what a gun show is. Maybe start with smaller gun shows. Get the owners/managers on board. Get the area gun rights groups on board with the idea.
Or we can just be content with showing up at an arena seeing the same old, same old.
The local gun show here is dominated by two vendors who combined take up probably 75% of the floor space. Their table area is so large the sales guy drive around on Segway scooters (no joke).
It's basically like visiting their stores, except their prices are usually higher at the show. I priced a Glock 20 with a vendor at the show once for $650. The very same day I went to that vendor's B&M store and the same gun was in the glass for $550.
It's been a while since I've been to a gun show. The best part is being able to face to face sales with other gun owners.
It's basically like visiting their stores, except their prices are usually higher at the show. I priced a Glock 20 with a vendor at the show once for $650. The very same day I went to that vendor's B&M store and the same gun was in the glass for $550.
It's been a while since I've been to a gun show. The best part is being able to face to face sales with other gun owners.
mortablunt
Member
I'm probably quite too young to know how things used to be, but I haven't noticed a drop in quality in Virginia gun shows. The things for sale and prices fluctuate all the time, but I wouldn't call that an inherently bad thing. At some, such as the Nation's Gun Show, parking is free, and being an NRA member, admittance is not too expensive.
P5 Guy
Member
The big collector's show next weekend. I'm going to wander around, see some friends and have a good day's entertainment. For $11.00 and the price of gas for a 70 mile round trip.
Maybe I'll see something I can't live a fulfilling life without and have some jerky.
I find it all depends on ones outlook.
Maybe I'll see something I can't live a fulfilling life without and have some jerky.
I find it all depends on ones outlook.
LiquidTension
Member
I worked every weekend but three last year so I haven't been to a gun show since 2010. I'm taking tomorrow off specifically to go to one and hopefully sell an Ithaca 37 I have no use for. Even if I don't buy or sell anything I can easily spend more than an hour perusing tables and talking to people. Looking at the cost per hour there really aren't many things you can do for less money. If I want to go to the movies the girlfriend will also want to go, there's at least $22 gone just in tickets for a movie that won't even last two hours, not to mention drinks and snacks.
One of the local shows charges for parking, the other doesn't. Guess which one I go to?
Honestly the biggest thing keeping me from shows other than my schedule is the fact that Palmetto State Armory is only 20 minutes from me and two other law enforcement dealers are within 5 minutes. I can get 99% of stuff I need without leaving town. There's also a Sportsmans Warehouse a mile from my house if I ever just feel like staring at a bunch of guns I'm not going to buy. Selling guns or passing the time are the only reasons for me to go to gun shows anymore.
One of the local shows charges for parking, the other doesn't. Guess which one I go to?
Honestly the biggest thing keeping me from shows other than my schedule is the fact that Palmetto State Armory is only 20 minutes from me and two other law enforcement dealers are within 5 minutes. I can get 99% of stuff I need without leaving town. There's also a Sportsmans Warehouse a mile from my house if I ever just feel like staring at a bunch of guns I'm not going to buy. Selling guns or passing the time are the only reasons for me to go to gun shows anymore.
Isaac-1
Member
I too am depressed about the quality of guns shows lately, I have been going to gun shows for nearly 30 years (with one exception, being a first ever show put on last year by a state gun owners message board, it had lots of good stuff, most sellers were individuals clearing out collections, etc, it was packed shoulder to shoulder with people buying and selling). A more typical show is operated by a promoter which often also operates a local gun store, the sellers are 90% the same selection FFL dealers within about a 100 mile radius, the last one I attended at an entry cost of $10 (3 times the price this same show was 5-10 years ago) and I went in with a budget of $500 for some type of interesting gun and could find NOTHING to buy, instead I found dealers who had marked up their regular stock by 25-30% , why buy that hmm interesting used pistol at the show for $325 when I had seen that exact same gun on sale at their store 3 days earllier for $269, thinking that was insane for a gun that the big box stores often put on sale for $299 new.
I don't mind the "other stuff" tables; I've always kind of admired anyone who will hustle some to make an extra buck, so the folks with candles, leatherwork, etc. don't bother me one bit at all.
Plus, they do seem to draw in a more diverse crowd. Good Family Fun For Everyone!
Having said that, they do seem to be not more than 10% (by space/volume) of the local gun shows here in St. Louis, so they're not overwhelming, or seeming to displace gun dealers. If that percentage is higher (even egregiously so) in other locations, I can see where it might be a bit annoying to go to a "Gun Show," as opposed to a Gun Show.
Plus, they do seem to draw in a more diverse crowd. Good Family Fun For Everyone!
Having said that, they do seem to be not more than 10% (by space/volume) of the local gun shows here in St. Louis, so they're not overwhelming, or seeming to displace gun dealers. If that percentage is higher (even egregiously so) in other locations, I can see where it might be a bit annoying to go to a "Gun Show," as opposed to a Gun Show.
perrytrails
Member
Same here in Ohio. High prices, and nobody wants to deal, unless your giving your gun away.
I always enjoyed going, but I haven't purchased anything at the last four or five I have attended.
I'm sure I'll have nothing better to do and go again, but those days are numbered for me.
I always enjoyed going, but I haven't purchased anything at the last four or five I have attended.
I'm sure I'll have nothing better to do and go again, but those days are numbered for me.
Delford
Member
There's one in town today that charges $8 plus parking. Another show comes to town with free parking for a $7 ticket. I can wait. The second show has more vendors and will actually deal for a cash sale. If I'm going to take my tired feet onto concrete for another 3 hours, it will be a place that has genuine bargains and interesting people.
The Lone Haranguer
Member
I usually don't get into "gun shows suck" threads (except to poke fun), but the one I went to today at Meadowview in Kingsport did, in fact, suck. Only about half of the tables even had guns, and there were more than a few that the sellers were excessively "proud of." I could have shrugged off the $10 admittance and the packed crowd (anything worth going to is going to have a crowd) if there had at least been something to look at.
I could have shrugged off the $10 admittance and the packed crowd (anything worth going to is going to have a crowd) if there had at least been something to look at.Ignition Override
Member
Most sellers near Memphis don't shows in order to sell, but to socialize and advertise their names.
The few sellers with ammo always have lots of attention, but the prices equal what gun shops charge. A guy today had a small crate
with 1,000 rds. of Norinco 7.62x51, listed at $279, before sales tax. He thinks that it is non-corrosive.
Those with very overpriced WASRs or CETMEs hope that nobody has heard of Century Arms, or knows how to spot an imitation (#4) "Jungle Carbine", which was also there today ($475).
They often seem to sell little at these shows. We have had three shows in four weeks, starting December 23rd, and have a fourth next weekend, in Jackson, TN.
The Lone H.: True-about half or a third of the tables in this area have no guns or ammo, though some decent mags, bayonets etc are always seen.
The few sellers with ammo always have lots of attention, but the prices equal what gun shops charge. A guy today had a small crate
with 1,000 rds. of Norinco 7.62x51, listed at $279, before sales tax. He thinks that it is non-corrosive.
Those with very overpriced WASRs or CETMEs hope that nobody has heard of Century Arms, or knows how to spot an imitation (#4) "Jungle Carbine", which was also there today ($475
).They often seem to sell little at these shows. We have had three shows in four weeks, starting December 23rd, and have a fourth next weekend, in Jackson, TN.
The Lone H.: True-about half or a third of the tables in this area have no guns or ammo, though some decent mags, bayonets etc are always seen.
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They are hit and miss.
I've been to the last 3 locally; I found 2 rifles I was looking for, and sold one I wanted to sell. At a slight profit. The ones I bought were from people walking the aisles, the one I sold was to a vendor.
And, since I was there yesterday... is there really any reason to go back today? Probably not.
Though this is a good time of year to find hunting rifles. No dealer wants to hold a rifle until nearly the next season, too much cash being tied up.
I've been to the last 3 locally; I found 2 rifles I was looking for, and sold one I wanted to sell. At a slight profit. The ones I bought were from people walking the aisles, the one I sold was to a vendor.
And, since I was there yesterday... is there really any reason to go back today? Probably not.
Though this is a good time of year to find hunting rifles. No dealer wants to hold a rifle until nearly the next season, too much cash being tied up.
Isaac-1
Member
Hey don't badmouth WASR's , not all of them are junk, mainly because Century will stamp the WASR name on any Romanian AK they get there hands on, the common junk ones are made from mil reject parts, but they also sell WASR's made out of recycled (sometimes unissued) Guarda guns, the key to spotting them is the stamped not electro penciled serial number starting with a 4 digit year, and matching serial numbers on the parts.
Ike
Ike
thefamcnaj
Member
I was quite shocked at the last gun show I attended. It was in late December.
I walked around for hours and only saw one good deal(that was on a cpo sig p229).
Other than that the prices were way over retail. Used Glocks were being sold for 515$
Ammo was also extremely high. About 3 dollars a box higher than walmart. SD ammo was out of this world. Speer gold dot were 34 dollars for a 20 round box. Even worse than that was one vendor was selling black talons for 80$ a box.
WSAR ak's were going in the mid to high 6 hundreds.
I may not be going back. Even the holster vendor I like (wild bills consealmeant) was up 10$ per holster over just two months ago.
I walked around for hours and only saw one good deal(that was on a cpo sig p229).
Other than that the prices were way over retail. Used Glocks were being sold for 515$
Ammo was also extremely high. About 3 dollars a box higher than walmart. SD ammo was out of this world. Speer gold dot were 34 dollars for a 20 round box. Even worse than that was one vendor was selling black talons for 80$ a box.
WSAR ak's were going in the mid to high 6 hundreds.
I may not be going back. Even the holster vendor I like (wild bills consealmeant) was up 10$ per holster over just two months ago.
JustinJ
Member
I think most of the savy gun people have moved to the internet while people who are newer to the hobby tend to frequent the shows more and get had on silly prices. Occasionally i still find a good deal but its generally more effort than its worth.
The only strategy that I have ever found that halfway works is not go until about 2pm on Sunday afternoon. By then, most dealers are getting ready to start loading up and seem a little more energized to make a deal, guess better to sell it, than have to haul it back.
Powerglide
Member
I just won't pay to park then pay to get in.Nope.Also, I am too old to hear some heavy man telling me why a 17 hmr is way better than 22 mag. Lots of bad info in these gunshows lately.For a newby, they can really get burned, and worse, never see gun owners in the same light again.
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