Sheesh I hate gun shows.

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jsalcedo

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I decide to take my AK hunter to the gun show and carry it around with a sign and see if anyone wants to buy it.

Its a preban norinco with a 20 inch barrel and a sporting stock nice blueing
and checkering. 98% condition

One guy tells me even though its a preban I can't put any accessories on it because of the 1989 asault weapons import regulations and its only worth
$165. I'm like,"yeah whatever"

I'm walking around and some guy at a table asks me what I want for it. I tell him I figure its worth about $500. He says " well I had one and they are crap" Real helpful....

Next guy. I ask if he wants to trade a CETME he has for $319 for my AK hunter. (he has a big sign..buy sell trade) I figure its a loss but I like the CETME's better.

I get a loud "NO TRADES" and the guy turns around.

It goes on and on folks at the tables asking me what I want for it then telling me its junk.

Just as I was getting discouraged and to the last of the tables I see a nice Walther P38in really good shape, pristine bore and 99% finish for $400.

I ask the guy if he will do an even trade so he takes the AK to his partner who looks it over and agrees.

Private sale no paperwork.

I probably got screwed but at least I was able to pick up something I wanted instead of having a useless safe ornament.

Those gunshow sellers can be real -------... rude, smarmy. coniving and downright predatory.

I've got more guns I want to sell or trade but I'm not sure if I want to go through that experience again.
 
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I probably got screwed but at least I was able to pick up something I wanted instead of having a useless safe ornament.
Click to expand...

Then you didn't get screwed.

I hate gunshows because if I've got money to spend, I can't find what I'm looking for or within my price range.

If I go broke to the gunshow, I see all kinds of good deals. Depressing.:(
 
jsalcedo
You... hate gunshows?!?

You walked around a room full of guns (which I know you like, because I've seen you post numerous times about guns), talked to several prospective buyers, discussed trading for a $319 CETME, but found someone instead who would trade his $400 P38 for the AK Hunter you weren't using, anyway.

You could never meet so many prospective buyers or sellers at your local gunshops. You could never get to lay hands on so many different types of guns and deals through a publication. You got rid of a "useless safe ornament," and picked up something you wanted, for no money spent. While you didn't get what you thought it was worth, you didn't get "screwed", either. You went into the deal with eyes open, and were not forced into the deal.

Sounds like a day well spent, to me.

While there're plenty of people who will quote silly prices for their guns and yours at gunshows, and plenty of people who will be unpleasant or just a little less than the politeness you wish they'd give you, there's lots and lots of really nice people at gunshows. Such is life. [shrug] At least there's guns to distract you, at the gun show.


Tell me again why you "hate" gunshows? :confused: I'm confused.


"From there to here, From here to there-- funny things are everywhere." --Dr. Seuss, One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
 
jsalcedo,

One guy tells me even though its a preban I can't put any accessories on it because of the 1989 asault weapons import regulations and its only worth
Click to expand...

He was partially right.

Your rifle was only "preban" in the sense that it's "pre-'94". "Preban" with imported guns means "pre-'89".

A pre-'89 Norinco/Polytech is worth $800 to $1,000 or more, based on configuration, caliber and acessories. A post-'89 MAK-90 is a $350-$400 gun, no matter how it's configured. ;)

Me? I love gunshows. It's a chance to see old friends, stop by and chat with the Georgia Arms folks and pick up some good ammo for cheap, see The Holster Guy and The Grip Guy. I get to see my buddy Ralph Simpson and see what wonderful ol' rarities he has found and is selling (y'all keep him in your thoughts; he fell down and busted his thigh while he was helpin' a friend move. Bones don't knit up too easy at his age. :( ). Get a big bag of Ragin' Cajun beef jerky and browse for old Smiths and obscure old milsurps.

Some folks have church for their fellowship; I have gun shows. :cool:



A young man came to the gate of a city. He asked the old man on guard there what kind of people were inside the walls. The old man asked "What kind of people were in the village you came from?"
"Why, they were selfish and greedy and unfriendly!" said the young man.
"Well, the people in this city are much the same." replied the old guard.
"I knew it!" huffed the younger man, and stomped off back into the desert.
Another young man came up and asked "Old sir! What kind of people are in this city?"
Again the old guard asked "What kind of people were in the village you came from?"
"Why," said the young man "they were all kind and generous to me, and quick to return a smile when I smiled at them."
"You will find that the people here are much the same." said the old man.
The youth went in and found it was true.

;)
 
I should have said I like gun shows but I hate some of the nefarious characters who lie and try to cheat anyone they can.

It seems that 80% of the folks I speak to have a nasty attitude.

It gets old.

I'm liking the P38 more and more and I'm feeling less screwed. Thanks Tamara for the 1989 clarification.

I'm going back the the SAXET show again tomorrow and try to trade a couple of Semi auto .22 rifles I restored. Nine .22's in my collection
is a bit too many. At least now I know which folks to avoid.
 
I can sympathize with some of this ... yeah, it's some of the people. Arrogant -------!! Many do not deserve to sell a damn thing.

Funny tho .... as Edward says ... go to a show with empty pockets .. and you WILL see a bargain you want. Go with a roll of bills and ......... all prices seem too high and what you want ain't there either!

Overall ... it has to be worth it tho ...... just to be able to wallow in a great deal of ''I wish'' ........... and actually, usually ...... come across a good few nice folk too.
 
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Most of the nasty people I've encountered at gun shows consider what their selling only as a product.

Its a means to make money. More so than selling widgets.

Luckily they are the exception and most sellers are part of the "community" of gun owners who will take time and jaw with you a while about old guns and days gone by.

The same thing happens in my other realm of iron horses.
Attitudes and opinions abound.
But the majority don't care what pony you ride and are just happy to talk about scooters.
 
Well i'm damn glad we still have gunshows, it wasn't that long ago, that i thought they would be outlawed by now.

I go to shows every chance i get, even if i'm not looking for something.

It gives me a chance, to preserve them, and i would do that even just to piss off the HCI people.
 
I only hate California gun shows.....I can only take so much beef jerky, airsoft, overpriced trinkets, etc....now Arizona gunshows get a :D
 
I've been meddlin' around gunshows for some 35 or more years, on both sides of a table. Seems like about 80% of the folks--on both sides of the tables--are plenty good people. Some shows, better % than that...

Hey, that's better odds than the average beer joint!

But, like anything, caveat emptor and TANSTAAFL.

:), Art
 
I hate gunshos since they arent gunshows. Sure, there are guns there, normally a few decent sized tables, but nothing there i cant have ordered at the same, in some cases, lower price. The gunshow here in asheville mainly consisted of Tshirts, bumper stickers, books, knives, swords, flashlights, and one or two tables full of overpriced ROF crap. Seriously, does anyone pay $80 for a jennings .22? The only reason i ever really went was shopping for pre-ban mags. The last one i went to did have a 1911 builder there, selling and installing parts, unfortunatly he didnt have an ambi saftey to fit my Kimber (BUL M5), really the only part i was shopping for. Then theres the constant tap on the shoulder followed with "You selling yer pistol?" "No, i just didnt want to leave it in the car" And of course, "Can i see your gun?" which is noramlly followed with "Can i see your badge?"

I've been told the ones in Johnson City are better, but never make it out there.
 
I've been to small shows in Las Cruces and Deming in New Mexico, and at Wickenburg, Aridzony. Really neat old stuff!

I've been to the big shows like the Houston Astrodome, and wanted roller skates to see all 2,000 tables.

And now there's Tulsa! What, 3,000 tables? Now, that's what I call a Pilgramage to my Mecca! One of these daze...

Gunshowws are like everything else: There just ain't no "one size fits all".

:D, Art
 
I miss the SAXET shows. For whatever reason they have stopped comming to Houston. Now we are stuck with Houston Gun Collectors and High Caliber. The SAXET shows AMMO and reloading equipment. None of that at the others Sure, you may fine the stray box of more obscure ammo or some (usually) well used dies but nothing worth bragging about. I liked being able to buy ammo or components in bulk without shipping. The main reason I go to the shows is like was previously stated. To fondle, drool, and BS with people.

I've been to the big shows like the Houston Astrodome, and wanted roller skates to see all 2,000 tables.
Click to expand...

WOW when did they have these show? I would love to see one of those. Now it is a big show if they take up half of one section in a convention hall. Hey thats what they could use the dome for now that is it not in use.
 
I have officially sworn off gun shows.

I hate them.

They are, at least in my neck of the woods, full of corrupt rip-off artists. And that's just the Billly Bobs walking in the door wanting $700 for their beat up old commercial Browning Hi-Powers.

In fact, the only thing good that's happened to me in at a gun show in the last five years was that I found my customized Rem 700 long range rifle, which had been stolen from me 18 months earlier, for sale on the table of one of those corrupt dealers.

Said dealer allegedly bought it from some Billy Bob minutes before I got to the table. Yeah, right. Dealer told the cop he haggled with the guy for 30 minutes, talking him down from $750 to $700. The rifle has $800 worth of scope on it.

The dealer was actually angry at me.....It was my fault that he lost $700 on a hot rifle.....a rifle he bought from some guy with no ID for $100 less than the scope is worth..........That dealer can rot in Hell as far as I'm concerned.

But I've sworn off gun shows, at least Arkansas guns shows.

For what it costs to get in the freakin' door, I can pay shipping on most things I find on the Internet for much cheaper prices anyway.

If I want to hang out with fellow gun folks, I just invite them to my own private range.

hillbilly
 
Personally I enjoy gunshows. I may not see what I'm looking for, or see it at a price I deem appropiate, but I do get to see old friends. I have one dealer who knows what I like so if I ask him about something he tries to find one for the next show. I have made new friends while looking at tables by quietly informing the potential buyer next to me that they are about to get hosed with what they are considering purchasing. One fellow who was looking at a table full of used Taurus and Rossi, was impressed by the line of bull the dealer was handing him on used $400 Rossi. I told him there were much better bargains at the show. Since he really wanted to know I led him over the book counter and showed him "The Blue Book". Later in the show he found me and showed me a nice like new 4" M19 he got for $250. Since then I keep running into him at the shows and he's full of questions so we sometimes shop together.
So what if the dealers are unrealistic, it's still a well spent day of talking with old friends and meeting new ones.
 
On the side it says Carl Walther Waffenfabrik Ulm/Do P38 Cal 9mm

Its an interarms import and I figure its post war manufacture.

How do you tell if its a P1?
 
5/63 is stamped onthe other side.

Is there a lot of difference in quality?

It is well finished tight fitting and the trigger is excellent are there any issues about P1's I should be aware of?
 
I love gunshows. I barely ever buy anything at them but I enjoy checking out all the sweet firepower. I see massive ripoffs, and see plenty of morally questionable dealers, but ***, it pays to be an informed shopper and you can still look at the cool stuff.

If the P38 turns out to really be worth $400 I think you actually did pretty damn well. Not trying to be rude so don't take it the wrong way but being the guy with the $500 "Pre-ban" Norinco Hunter arguing with everyone about it ranks right up there with the others in gunshow lore, lol :) Sub $200 Saigas pretty much killed the small curiousity niche Hunters held that gave them any value...
 
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That P38 sounds like what they call the "French" import. 1960's model Made at the Ulm factory with the french antlers proof mark and date . Ive seen them in CT for around $300 .
I also have seen a lot of P1's with P38 slides but this one doesn't sound like one.
 
being the guy with the $500 "Pre-ban" Norinco Hunter arguing with everyone about it ranks right up there with the others in gunshow lore, lol Sub $200 Saigas pretty much killed the small curiousity niche Hunters held that gave them any value...
Click to expand...

I wasn't arguing with anyone..I was just getting a bunch of crap from folks that wanted to get it for nothing and make me feel bad for even owning it.

Yeah I got an education. Before I bought the norinco I did research and asked all over message boards, Emailed collectors looked on the auction sites and the consensus was $700 to $800.

So I bought it from a friend that was going to pawn it. I went ahead and gave him $700 for it.

Later on I came to realize it wasn't as desirable of a gun as I had previously been led to believe. No way did I figure it was less than half of what I paid.

To add insult to injury the gunshow folks were trying to offer me less than $200. The worst part was I had not seen a similar gun at a gunshow to compare it to in the last several visits.

Guess I can chalk one up to experience and go buy a blue-book next time.
 
I have lived a lot of places...and gone to gun shows in most of them.

Since I don't backtrack much, it could be that it is a geographical thing, but it may just be the passing of time.

Used guns/collectibles are a mixed bag...some good deals...many are not.
I don't have as good a handle on the "going rate" for used weapons.

Good ammo deals seem less prevalent...there are exceptions.

But the new gun dealers at most shows seem to be "out there" with full list(msrp) or more on their weapons.

I won't say "in the old days" because I am not that old.... but I remember new weapons usually for less than I could find them in the shops...not the opposite.

I was often blindsided and had no choice but to purchase something because I would never see it that reasonable again.

Now...I usually go home with my wallet intact...perhaps I should be happy.
 
jsalcedo,

What you have is a post war P1. It is the same thing as a P38, just a new name for the post WW2 German army. They are pretty good guns, and there are no particular problems you need to be aware of.

$400 is steep.

They are more like $250 - $300.
 
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