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I went to my first gun show last fall and wasn't impressed at all. The prices were are out of line. No doubt, do your homework before going.

eldeguello

Most peddlers at gun shows have jacked up their prices. Once in a while, you might find a bargain, but I never have. The best deal might be if you find another person (non-dealer) who has brought a gun to sell or trade, and it turns out to be what you are looking for at a reasonable price.

Keep yore powder dry!!

diyj98

Look around and you can find some deals. You do have to remember that the seller has table expenses, travel expenses, etc. Plus they are there to make a profit. I don't want to be robbed on the price, but I'm amazed at people that expect the dealers to sell them a gun at wholesale or even BELOW it!

WThunter

I don't mind helping them pay for a meal or two, but I am not going to build them a house. Some look at you like you are crazy if you try to talk them down a little on their prices, and then they won't give you anything for what you have. Just like in car sales!!

I see some guys just give their guns away. I have a Franchi .22 that is listed at about $300 and I was offered $100 for it. I just wanted to see what they would offer.

1950KID

I don't even look very much at what is on the tables. I like to see what items individuals have brought to sell. You can get great deals on muzzleloaders, but be sure you know what you are buying. You have to be patient. Impulsive buys can empty a wallet quick.

recoiljunky

I've been to shows where there were great deals all over the place. I've been to just as many where it looked like the dealers were trying to rip off the consumers. I buy reloading components at the show. I'll also carry no longer needed parts (such as that 10/22 barrel that just got upgraded) for sale. Like it has been said before, look out for those impulse buys! And know yoy gun values.

sothrdnk

I go to most of the shows, usually you have to know what you are looking for and start from there. Sometimes you'll find a diamond, sometimes you don't. I usually go to the Bill Goodman show to look for accessories, and go to the Bob Pope show for deals on guns. I have found several there that I couldn't pass on.

SOTHRDNK

ARBowHntr

I have been going to gun shows for at least 20 years. My father used to take me along with him and my older brother. It seems like since Klinton stuck his nose where it doesnt belong, gun shows have gotten outrageous on most things. I have gotten some good deals at gun shows in the past. Like everyone else has said, know what you are going to buy. I get a firearms bluebook every year. I love the look on the guys faces when you pull out the blue book, some get pissed and others they just get this blank look, lol lol. One deal that sticks in my mind: I bought a Knight M85 with stainless camo composite stock for $200. It was used very little adn in excellent condition, at the time it was selling new for over $400, I got it at under 50% price according to my book. That is a pretty good deal. Also I traded an EAA witness gold team in 9X21 (ipsc race gun) for a Kimber Stainless compact carry and a Leupold VXIII. The guy just wanted to play with my Wit GT, so he traded, hehe sukka! Anyway know what you you are buying.

**NRA LIFE Member since 1991**

Why am I sittin here on this stupid PC when I could be huntin'

kyhuntsman

The key is to not succomb to an impulse buy. Shop around. I have been to some very good shows with a handful of what I would call great deals and then I have been to some shows where everything was overpriced and appeared to be junk.

Also, remember that each show location is different even if it is sponsired by teh same group. Some dealers won't go to specific locations due to the bulding, dirt floors etc.. Example, Bill Goodman has some good locations where they tend to get "better dealers" and then there are several locations where they skip due to the building and location. A lot of dealers are now skipping the locations that accumulate a lof of dust so they do not have to clean all of their guns after the show.

I have been to enough shows to know that there ar only two gun show locations that I will go to anymore.

Regardless, be patient and look around. If you see someone with a gun that you are looking for don't be afraid to ask them about it. If they are carrying a gun with them in a show then they are probably looking to sell it. You can usually barter a good deal for both parties in these instances.