I like to browse around with an ATF cap and jacket on, while carrying a clip board. I'll stop at various booths and start writing stuff down, making sure I never make eye contact with the booth attendant.
As a dealer at shows here are my tips for buyers: 1. Don’t ask “what’s your best price?” That pisses off dealers. Of course prices are negotiable. Instead, make an offer. He’ll either counter or say price is firm. Don’t haggle over items less than $20. 2. Don’t socialize with dealers you know. They are there to work and you’re taking up valuable customer time and attention and blocking their table. 3. Don’t pickup guns without asking the seller first. Same goes for opening actions and dry firing. 4. Don’t make an offer if you don’t have the money. 5. Don’t put your stuff on their table, especially food and drinks. Just some more info to think about.
@@sabresfan610567 if you wish them to be more open to other forms of payment, be willing to accept the mark up to the price to cover the cost of the convenience.
@@sabresfan610567 we’re probably in the same age range, sellers won’t accept PayPal and or similar alternative payments as they probably know that PayPal will shut down your account if it believes the funds are from a sale of a firearm.
i work gun shows with my dad and i believe number 2 is arguable. really is based on a person to person basis. some dealer like to shoot the breeze with their friends/best customers. my advice for number 2 is READ THE ROOM. Then do or dont
Yes that's how I found that Winchester ranger Ammo that was called the black talons back in the late 80s and 90s.now it's in the new box that is BLACK and BLUE
A lot of people who go to gun shows bring a wad of cash and already have it in their mind that “I’m going to leave with something”, so vendors can up charge their product and if they happen to have whatever catches that customers eye, chances are they will make the sale. Don’t forget that gun shows give you about 500 times more options then your local gun show, and I for one would be willing to pay a bit of a premium for something rare that I really want instead of scouring online boards and calling all my connections, then paying for shipping and dealing with swapping FFL info etc. just to complete one purchase. Time is worth something and gun shows may save you time, personally when gun shows come to town I never miss em.
Most gun show vendors deliberately overprice their goods knowing that most attendees will want to negotiate a lower price. It all depends on your bartering skills.
Re #5: I took my wife to a gun show, and wound up having to wait on HER. She's a writer; I finished my business and went looking for her, found her sitting on the floor going through a box of US Army field manuals. "This is GREAT source material!!" I wasn't even surprised, and patiently waited for her; it's called a relationship.
@@gregjenkins5258 I can see she could be a significant asset, it sound like she knew what she was looking at ... and what she was looking for. Good boy, sit.
The last gun show I was at a gentleman had a poster on a stick on his backpack saying what gun he had for sale...didn't take long for some random person asking to look at it and after it was sold he threw the sign away. Seemed like a good strategy to me :)
Yes I’ve sold guns this way many times I usually carry the gun and tape a sign on the front and back of my shirt with info and price. Rarely have I not sold what I brought.
In Florida if you see someone with a rifle slung over their shoulder that is pretty much an indication they are looking to sell it. No signs needed. Lol
Years ago I went to a show in Grand Rapids, MI, looking for a single shot .22 for my daughter. Found a couple that were more expensive than new ones and the last booth I went to a guy and his young boys had a rack of .22s. I asked the father if he would consider less than his asking price as I was looking for a starter rifle for my daughter. He smiled and said, sure, knocked it down to $130 and it went home with me. One of the most accurate rifles I own. Daughter got interested in boys instead of shooting and now it is mine. Great for squirrel hunting, light, short and accurate. So, sometimes there are good deals at these shows.
Sadly this is high-powered fully semi automatic weapon of mass destruction is why they want to "close the loophole". Too many squirrels have been killed by such a dangerous weapon.
Don't fart at gun shows! Especially in crowded aisles. Which brings me to another pet peeve of mine. The family reunion in the thin asles. If you meet a friend at a gun show find a wide out of the way spot to catch up on all the latest gossip. No need to clog up an aisle in conversation with someone. Some of those aisle are thin enough already.
You're right about the haggling, my buddy's dad when around the show and after many vendors found one and haggled 10 boxes of MREs for half the normal asking price. Last day of show can have deals too.
@@MilsurpWorld No, being a gun show dealer, a lot of the time we will cut a deal to get rid of garden grade weapons that are plentiful in inventory , so we don't have to haul them back an that way we move product an have positive cash flow for the next purchase order, only a small percent markup on guns anyway.
Back in the day when I 1st started collecting guns you could get a pretty good deal here and there at a gun show Now everybody is out to straight rob you
Wouldn't doubt it's going to be where if you have any anger issues you're not getting a gun. If you have a restraining order against you, probably won't be able to have one.
If I go to a gun show looking for "X" I won't find it, a month later I will be looking for "Y" and there will be zero of "Y" but half a dozen of "X"! It drives me crazy.
Every gun show I’ve been too in the last few years has been a horrible fudd convention of over priced garbage, political ranting, and cringie mall ninja, BS.
No not if u looking for Ammo.thats how I found the new version of the Winchester black talons.now its called RANGER and it's in the new box that is BLACK AND BLUE
I have come to hate gun shows. The ones in my area are over priced and the sellers won't budge on the price. Example: I saw a used glock 19 with two magazines and the guy wanted $550 for it. I looked at it and said would you take $525? He asked me if I go to academy and try to negotiate their prices? I just laughed and said no but I don't have to because they reasonable and told him that's where I would get the glock I want. That's just one example. I even had a vendor ask me to leave his table because I asked him if he was firm on the price of a used marlin rifle.
This must have been before the scamdemic... you'll play hell finding anyone who would sell a used Glock at any price now. $550 would have been a steal. Most gun shops are back ordered for several months on literally any "desirable" pistols or rifles.
@M18 Hellcat With Creepy Joe likely to be president, it's going to be a scary time for gun owners in 2021. I guarantee any modern high capacity pistols will be worth their weight in gold; Taurus, S&W, etc. not just Glock. Literally anything that goes bang is in high demand and will be for the foreseeable future. Regards
@M18 Hellcat If they can actually get the Dominion software that was used (and has been documented to be dirty) into hard evidence Kayleigh Makinaney (sic) said they have compiled some 300 pages of evidence to present in court. It will be nice if they can get this up to the Supreme Court... then it's over. And it will be SO nice to see the left, and MSM completely lose their shit if Trump is given a second term. Of course, PantyFa and BLM (Burn Loot Murder) will start burning everything to the ground... but we'll deal with them when the time comes.
@M18 Hellcat Check out PantyFa and BLM (Burn/Loot/Murder) attacking little kids and elderly people at the Million MAGA March in DC Saturday... it's all over the internet. If that doesn't infuriate you and make you want to light some of these punk-ass cowards up... I don't know what would. The left is possessed by Satan.
@@scottdunn2178 Trump lost, you guys seriously need to accept it and move on with your lives. You’re becoming as neurotic as the “liberal snowflakes” you were making fun of back in 2016.
My European ancestors are Bulgarians and they have a great bargaining culture. My old grandfather came to the states and went to a show with me and bargained the man on a 400 makarov to 260. He knows alot about makarovs
To keep from insulting the seller and put him on the offensive, I ask " Is this price firm or negotiable" That way if he says firm you know that there's no dickering. If he says negotiable, then it is game on 👍
I don't bother with the "negotiable" question. If he's asking, say, $50 for something I want, I just offer, say $35 and see where it goes. Vendors really do expect to haggle, it's fun, and so assume it's all negotiable.
@@DLJ1985 my experience has been that when I ask that question they always say firm, but the next person to walk up doesn't ask and they haggle with them. So I dont ask that anymore
I always attend a gun show "solo" so that I can get in and out as soon as possible without having to wait for a friend or co-worker to catch up. Another thing I do when selling a long gun is to avoid eye contact with the vendors. There's "no meat on the bones" for them and my target is the patrons so that I get what the rifle is actually worth to me. If hounded by a vendor, I throw such a ridiculous high price at them that they'll leave me alone.
The same rule applies to ANY hobby show. Decide as much as you can, what your goal is. Stay focused, carry cash, don't be afraid to deal, and DO no be afraid to walk away if you feel anything wrong. Carry cash, the ATM at a display show is there to make a profit as well. I do the same thing with online sales as well.
On a more firearm specific note, a bonus rule... Don't always write off guns that haven't been cleaned to be made presentable. Most dealers are in the buying and selling business just as you mentioned, and what the gun looks like doesn't usually matter to them. For you as the buyer, you might inspect the bore and it looks like absolute junk... but really it just needs a scrub and a couple patches to reveal that it's actually superb. Had some great deals that people over look because the bore appeared to be terrible.
I had that exact experience at a gun show. He had a beautiful Marlin 336 for a very good price, but the bore looked terrible. He said it was just dust and I knew it was possible. After some haggling,he assured me the bore was good. I bought the gun and cleaned it, and he was right. I got a great deal.
I've been going to gun shows since the early seventies. This video was a great surprise to me. I was expecting the usual "don't show off your loaded conceal carry gun to a vendor", etc etc. Everything this guy said is spot on! Especially the part about not making eye contact with the people selling "assault perfume." The best "don't do" at a gun show video yet.
Totally agree with not making contact with non gun vendors. I made this mistake last gun show I went to. The guy was selling those electronic hand massagers (I got back issues so I checked it out plus he had no business and I felt sorry for him.) Once I asked the guy if he had a business card he copped a total attitude cause he realized I was not gonna buy it right then and there. Than another guy walked up and he completely disregarded me in the middle of us talking and moved onto them. Which I was thankful for but the way he did it was very rude.
As a Brit a few years back I found a gun show while in Florida. While viewing all these items that we are not allowed to buy a guy walks past with so many weapons he looks likely to drop something. The stall owner I was chatting to calls out “hey sure you’ve got enough there” guy scurries past saying “no” I enjoyed the experience and learnt a lot everybody was very friendly and didn’t mind my stupid questions.
The worst thing when you bring a friend is if they ask a really dumb question that shows they have no idea about guns, that they should have asked you but instead said it to a vendor.
@@user-kh3il5li9f I was with a buddy that was getting into guns. He picked up a barreled action and asked the vendor, "what type of bolt does this take?" Its not the worst question, but one he should have asked me first.
@@user-kh3il5li9f Just be happy to have a dad that takes interest in your hobbies. I didn't and ended up joining the army infantry. Let me shoot all the guns i wanted lol.
@@user-kh3il5li9f The beretta 21 has a break open barrel that tilts upward upon release where one could manually place a round in the chamber and close it. Thus have a round in the chamber without racking the side. Maybe that confused him.
My first exposure to milsurp firearms was through gunshows, however, once I realized I wanted to build a collection I obtained a C&R firearms license and purchased direct from wholesalers. That worked out well.
@@MilsurpWorld worried the atf inspection will find your unregistered stg44s and the 14 year old girl you keep in the basement? JK. About half of it anyway.
@@MilsurpWorld I got one, and while the paperwork is pretty plain that tons of guns fit into the C&R category, few places will honor it, unless it’s a rimfire or cap and ball antique. Auction houses rarely will call an item a C&R so they or their FFL associate gets the Vig. BATFE is fine with it but you won’t find many places or sellers who will venture into those waters.
@@silverstar4289 Gun Jesus told me that gun shows very seldom will accept a C & R license for a purchase. That WOULD piss me off because it IS a legitimate license.
Got a 1918 DWM Luger all matching except for the grips and magazine for $800 recently, I got there as soon as the show opened and bought it as soon as I saw it like you said :)
Stir Ling Absolutely not, I’ve done much business with this particular dealer before, and I stripped it down all the way to the firing pin and ensured it matched internally
The guy at the table will only insult you by offering half price of what you got in mind. Remember, your gun is worthless until he buys it and puts it up to resell, then its gold.
In my experience I feel kinda weird asking for someone's bottom dollar, I prefer to ask if they have wiggle room and then make a reasonable offer maybe $25-$50 less than I want to pay, and they'll either counter offer under the asking price or accept my offer.
I ask about wiggle room too. If they offer a better price I either accept or ask if they'd consider x amount. Usually can find some common ground. If a vendor gets missy I wish 'am a good show and move on.
You can also go on the last day. Lots of prospective buyers only go the first day, or early if only a one day show. The later the better. Vendors would rather make less than pack unsold inventory home.
After the last 2 gun shows I went to (over 7 yrs. ago), I learned the main thing to not do. Do not go to a gun show. Years ago, gun shows were just that. Gun related items. And, occasionally, you could get a pretty good deal. I bought my wife's BLR in the 7mm-08 at a gun show back in the late 80's. NIB, and $50 less than I ever found at a store. But now? Now about half of the booths are firearm related and the other half is totally unrelated B.S. And the cost just to get in the door has gone up and up. Personally, I have found that if you visit a few gun dealers on a fairly regular basis, and get to know them, you can often get a better deal than you ever find at a gun show. Where I live, I frequent 2 dealers and have always been able to get better service, better information, and better prices than I could get anywhere else...including chain stores that advertise lower prices.
Good tips. I’ve been on both sides of the table. One thing I’ve noticed, as soon as I pick up something, and start asking the seller about it, buyers will listen in or stop behind me. As soon as I put whatever it is down, someone will buy it. Lots of people at gun shows that have no clue what they are looking at. But they pretend they know and copy what they think are more knowledgeable gun buyers. As a seller, I see lots of guys who are scared to tell their wives that they want to buy or have bought a gun. Lots of men are married and are afraid to tell their wives what they have done. Pretty pathetic the majority have married the wrong woman.
This is the advice I was gonna give, Stay away from the BEEF JERKY. LOL. one show they sell exotic candy at, we laugh at that one too. tons of different chocalate, and carmel goodness at a GUN SHOW. LOL.
Pretty well stated. I definitely move a lot faster solo. You can scan both sides of an aisle and bypass the bullshit by going down the center. I don't hit the opening bell anymore, but wait until about 10:30. The early birds have started leaving, and I get much better parking. Most of the good deals these days get snatched up Friday night during set up, so I don't sweat it. Now I just look for the stuff hidden in the corners that the pros have missed. That seems to be fairly rare these days, as the pros with storefronts have taken over from the regular folks.
I've also been to a lot of gun shows, I Have counterpoint to everything you just said. Learn to say no. Grow a set. You make the deal at the gun show, Always be willing to walk away. That's how you get a good deal.
I used to hit the ammo sellers late in the show. They don't want to lug those cases back to the trailer, then unpack it again. I had ones who knew me who loaned me carts or had their helpers haul it out to my car. I sold 9mm FBI practice HP ammo overrun ammo I bought back years ago for four times what I paid. I never got good deals on my guns late in a show. I know people who have though.
“What’s the least you’ll take for it?” has to be the LAZIEST way to negotiate. As a seller, I rarely take these people seriously. My answer often is, “I don’t know. What’s the MOST you’ll give me for it.
I just ask if the price is firm or not. If it isn’t I’ll usually offer $100 less than retail and go from there. If I can save even $50 on a gun that I won’t pay any less than retail for anywhere else it’s a win.
Before my father passed away, he would have a table at Fishing Flea Markets and he would sell lures that he made and miscellaneous rods & reels. I would help him work the table. Some of your suggestions would be applicable to these shows as well as all flea markets. Here is the thing that I noticed. The vendors get in to set up 2 hours before the doors open. The savvy vendors get there early and set up in a half hour. Then they walk around and buy up all the really great bargains from the less experienced vendors and bring the goods back to their table to mark up and sell. I got many great deals on my fishing equipment helping dad and he would add about many items to his tables doing the same. That is why there are not very many great deals when the public is let in. My dad always said the people who come in before noon are buyers and those that come in after noon are lookers. Very little is sold in the afternoon. The vendors will be there because the people who run the shows want your table to be open when paying customers come in. However, there are no good deals available at that time. Pretty much everything is the same as buying at a local store.
I would like to say that as a vendor, a pet peeve of my son's (it's his business that he runs and has been doing it since the age of 21) is to ask what the price of something is, knowing for damn sure they will just gawk at the price and not buy it, even if it is at a great deal. Trust me.
I just sold a long gun at a gun show by carrying it around with a MAKE OFFER sticker on it. Only 4 people asked about it and I went back to the first vendor because he made the best offer. Also, I've gotten great deals in the final hour of the last 3 gun shows I went to. The sellers were willing to take a lowball, rather than pay the fees and not make the sale.
I haven't been to a gun show in years. When I used to go, I mostly bought reloaded ammunition. Guys who had a progressive press would put out hundreds of rounds and package them for sale at the gun show. I'd get an occasional dud, and I'm sure that they weren't the most accurate. For practice with a .38 Special or .357 Magnum, they were good enough and cost much less than the commercially-manufactured ammunition. Sometimes, I would run into people who had a very small, local shop that I hadn't known existed. I usually wouldn't buy from them at the show, but I would get something from them later at their shop if we got along well and their prices were good. Around that time and a little later, I was involved in some reptile shows. At the reptile shows, sometimes the best deals could be found in the last two hours of the show but before the last thirty minutes. People who hadn't had a good show and were looking for any sale would be willing to let go of something for much less than they normally would. People who were thinking about how much work they'd have to do to pack up everything, take it home, and unpack it would make great deals just to avoid having one more animal to unpack. I doubt that a person would have much luck getting new guns this way at a gun show, but I wonder whether the same tactic could work with used guns. A vendor who's had a rough show and has barely made enough to pay table fees might be willing to dump something for just $20 more than he has in it so that he'll have a little more cash in his wallet when he stops at a restaurant on the drive home. If he has a bunch of surplus pistols that he got for $80 a piece and hoped to sell for $150 each, he might let one go for $100 in cash just to have money in his pocket on the way home. Alternately, if he's had a good show and sold all but one of those pistols for $150 each and wants to close the book on the purchase of those models, he might let the last one go just to avoid having to keep up with the last one in inventory.
1) Don't wear a "Vote for Biden" t-shirt. 2) Don't ask if guns are a substitute for manhood. 3) Don't try to burn an American flag. 4) Don't proclaim the Second Amendment applies only to "militias" 5) Don't ask if Antifa has a booth.
I learned my lesson a long time ago from buying at a gun show. I bought an Aero Precision upper from a dealer, thought I was getting a good deal. Found out later that they switched out the barrel for a cheaper one. Have never been to another gun show again.
I never had a problem going with anyone to a gun show. We will tag along together for a few minutes and then simply split up and meet back, at a certain location, at a certain time. Now with cell phones, you can make contact with each other at any time. As for my significant other, she will tag along for a little while and then go sit down and read a book. She'll call me when she is ready to find me again.
My home state doesn't have gun shows. The two neighboring states with draconian gun laws have them and they are a joke of overpriced pre-ban AR's for $2000 over msrp. The last one I went to a vendor asked if I was interested and I laughed in his face and told him I can go back to my home state and buy 3 of them for that price.
@@marybroderick8265 I'm sure it's illegal in some states. I would need to get a special license to buy a firearm or ammo in the states adjacent to my own but can purchase ammo or a rifle in my state with no license. My state would have no issue with the purchase but Massachusetts and Connecticut have terrible gun laws.
I haven't had much luck at gun shows. I bought some ammo and accessories, but never bought a gun. Taking my wife worked out good because she likes guns also. We met up with another couple we know at one gun show, but they went at a much faster pace and we ended up not spending much time with them anyway.
I don't even consider buying guns or ammo at a gun show any more . I look for accessories and reloading gear . I've picked up reloading dies and bullet moulds at good prices .
I stay overnight at the hotel where we have our gun show. If you ask around at the bar sometimes you get a guy who calls a guy who might have something you were looking for for cheap. The worst thing that happened at a hotel was when a guy jumped off a balcony and offed himself. I woke up to the thud.
I like to goof around with the non-gun show vendors. They have no business being there, so I see them as a target of opportunity. They kinda wish they'd never approached me by the time I walk away.
Never assume that: almost every firearm is not overpriced, that it is really "unfired", that the bluing is not just spray paint, that the vendor is not actually some dude trying to avoid wage garnishment by running a shady cash business. What you are really looking at is a large highly refined collection of rejected firearms that have been messed with and passed around by a series of Barney Fife's. Bring a small light to see detail on the firearm in poor lighting. Better yet, think of it as a museum of dressed up junk and go see it while leaving your money at home.
Just be as cautious as you would be when buying anything on the spot. I've bought several rifles at gun shows, but only when I checked them out carefully. Don't buy that SKS that looks like someone was plowing a field with. Don't buy the M-1 Garand that has a rusty receiver and three tone furniture. It's probably a Frankenstein gun and, unless it was carried by Audie Murphy, not worth the $1500.00 that Joe Bob thinks he can get for it. If it looks like it was used as a boat anchor, it probably was.
Sorry for another comment, but bring a good sized carry bag. Anecdote: my wife and I were at a show in Lexington, and I got 2 deals on Glocks. I bought them and were carrying them in their boxes...must have gotten asked 20 times if I was selling them. My wife had the backpack with the ammo cans.
About 25 years ago i went to a gun show early, in the morning. I picked up a couple of guns that I had planned to purchase. And after a couple of hours I left. Not wanting to make two trips on the bus. I went to do some shopping at Target several miles South of town. I left my bag at one of the checkout counters. After I made my purchases, I told the lady I was going to get my bag that I left. She picked it up, and feeling how heavy it was (with the rifles and other accessories). She asked me "What do you have in here, guns?" I just responded with a half-ass smile.
I began carrying a shoulder bag or brief case in order to have a place to put and carry any little items that I might buy while at a gun show. When I'd do this I'd get stopped far more than on the occasions that I had taken a rifle to a gun show to sell or trade. I thought, if carrying a case or bag about was going to send this many dealers into a frenzy, I would have begun doing this long ago.
last 2 gun shows i went to, there were more non gun related vendors than gun tables. NOTHING was negotiable, prices were insane, eg rossi single shot 410 for 350.00. a single box of winchester white box 9mm for 75.00. a box of low brass 12 ga #8's for 30.00. total waste of time
I like WAC show in Wa state. They have some vendors that do really good reloads and sell unique bulk ammo. I buy my range 9mm there in bulk. Its pricey now, but everything is. If you want used parts/holsters etc, gun show is where to go.
This is my experience as well at gun shows. The reason I would go primarily was to find a good deal. It used to be different years ago. But seems now all vendors are trying to get top dollar and where you used to be able to find deals, now they are very few and far between. But still can be fun. Guns are beautiful machines and fun to look at and see operations of some especially the milsurps.
#1 if you're a veteran wear your hat or ask for a veteran's discount. Last gunshow I wore my AF service hat and right off I got a 10% discount offer just looking at .243 ammo. And I didn't even ask, the gal just thanked me for my service and said she'd knock off the price. #2 having actually been "behind the table" years ago, nobody really likes packing up stuff at the end of the day or event. Sometimes you just get tired of lugging somethings around and just want to dump it. #3 bring cash as it's cheaper than paying "fees" such as taxes when you use a card...saw a few people layout a grand in cash buying that AR they had their eye on.
I like flying solo in most situations because I have more freedoms or choices started that back years ago in the days if going to bars or clubs was the best policy just is.
Caution on buying reloads: Serious Reloaders have a rule-Never buy/use someone else's reloads- Sure,a short/no powder charge gets you a squib-a minor annoyance.It gets more serious if one has been included in the magazine or belt of a full-auto... Now ,the old double-charge ,in, say...a .357 Magnum- may score you a hearing aid. With prices at the current high, it's a good time to get your own press...and don't give away or sell any, it's not worth the liability issues.
I have a tactic. I have my wife following behind me a few tables. If I see something, but I want to keep moving, I text or call her. Got some sweet FN 5.7 ammo because I was considering the price and saw what everyone else was marking their ammo at. Texted her to grab it.
Wish i could find some stupid good deals, last gunshow i went to some guy in his mid 30s was trying to sell me an Enfield No4 in horrible condition for 800$. Great Video Man
I have personally made my best gun show deals Sunday afternoon when the guys that didn't make sales all weekend needed to make a sale. But wholeheartingly agree with your video great video
This has been my flea market strategy for years. if they had a good weekend they're sometimes willing to throw you a deal cuz they're in a good mood and already made their money ... If they didn't have a good weekend they're wanting/needing your sale and a lot of times are willing to bargain just to make some money and have less to pack up and take back home.
In regards to non gun vendors - I’m still looking for the flux capacitor to install on my time machine to go back and negotiate a cash deal on the firearm that I passed up on. Thanks for the intel.
I went to a show in Jacksonville, Fl 2003 and me and my father in law bought SKS Yugo's packed is cosmoline for $119 each. We split a 500 rd box of russian fmj ammo and had fun with them. That is until, I was riding with my cousin on our hunting club and that thing chain fired into his floor ending up blowing his tire and one of his shocks. I sold it immediately.
I like to walk thru first and take pictures of things i want. Wife and i went yesterday and i had been looking at the ruger sfar 16 in 308 for the past few weeks online for a new bday gun. Went to a show yesterday and ended up seeing 6 ar10’s and kept saying ima come back to the better one i like the most. Low and behold 2-3hrs later at the last booth i get to and low and behold they have a brand new ruger sfar 16 in box for 100$ off what i saw it on line. I bought immediately but it took me holding out on the previous 6 ar10s to obtain it
I'm too picky on what I want is the problem with me. I'm only interested on a select group of guns at a given time and that's what I'll only be wanting to buy and I know several times I've passed up some good shit wishing I hadn't.
You gotta change your ways. I don't buy what I want. I buy deals. It's been pretty cool because I've stumbled onto some very neat guns. A buddy looks at it this way. He buys deals, and then uses them to get what he wants. He's real good at it too. lol My problem is I can't seem to part with them after I've bought them because I end up liking them to much.
Video killed the radio star, and Vendors killed gun shows and flea markets. If someone looks like they make a living with their booth, I rarely give them a second look. As time goes on, I find myself at fewer shows and markets. Just not worth arguing with a person who wants 600 bucks for a 300 dollar item.
Oddly enough, I have better interactions with folks at gunshows with a gun in my hands. The guns I buy work as a conversation starter, and we usually end up talking about stuff completely different by the end of the convo. Happens everytime and I've come to really enjoy that.
I hate it when a podunk couple bring their three accidents, all born one-after-the-other, to a show out in the sticks. With everything we have facing us as a civilization this century, it's basically a form of cruel and unusual punishment.
@@connornobbs3487 Plus, once every rare while you run into a child who actually researches this stuff (i.e., Wikipedia) and knows more about firearms than the adults at the shows. It's a real pleasure to add even more to their knowledge
@Jerry E some people have kids because it's there life not every parent leaves kids in cars , has family to watch some people are 100 independent on there own.never judge a book by its cover
Great video! I once attended a gun show in San Antonio Texas and came across a new in the box Colt 6920 that was selling for a great price. The minute I put it down it was already gone. I have brought my wife and 2.5 year old daughter to gun shows and have actually enjoyed it as a family. My wife would go along and not rush me at all. My daughter was getting a lot of smiles and compliments from the vendors as well as I guess you really don’t see well behaved toddlers at the shows? At first I thought bringing small children would be frowned upon but to our surprise and delight we felt welcomed with open arms
Rule #1 at a gun show, asking's free.. You figure your price and work from there because rarely ( I'm talking straight run production stuff), is there only one of an item at a show. Granted, there are times to pounce on a deal, but deal before ya pounce,,, because,,, asking is free!
You made some good valid points here. The first one about not walking away when you see a really good deal, I've done. I still grumble years after the fact about the one that got away. It took only 15min. or so & it was gone!
That is the way I look at it. Mostly entertainment. I do pick up primers and powder at some of them due to the high shipping charges. I have bought a couple of guns at them. Many other items can be ordered on line much less than at the shows. I have gone to a few shows not looking for anything, but just something to do. Sometimes something will just pop out. Like a few years back I could not resist a new S&W Sport 2 for less than $ 500.
The last two gun shows I was at there were NO deals. FIrm asking prices were at least $100 over suggested retail price. I hope some day things get back to normal. I've gotten a lot of deals in the past.
I'm confused...went to a gun show just yesterday, passed about 6 signs leading up to the door saying NO ccw or loaded magazines permitted. Somebody please explain!
Years ago I went to a lot of shows and got great deals on Guns I wanted. Now days there is nothing I want or can't get on-line , it's just junk. I'm also afraid one of the many EXPERTS who always shows up might shot me in a accidental discharge incident in the parking lot.
Anyone who knows Ak magazines can feel me in this bought 4 Bosnian mags from a guy . He offered me a fluer di lis for a steal I was with my wife and we were going on a trip the next day . Needless to say I didn’t leave with the fdl mag and I’m kicking myself still to this day. Even my wife called me an idiot
The spouse thing is making me think of say... them dragging you around the clothing store. ‘Oh look at this, isn’t this cute? Isn’t this nice?’ Same thing.
I do a lot of Gun Shows each year as a seller and transfer agent, so I know something about Gun Shows. A vendor can't afford to pay you more than 75% of the value of your gun. If they can't make money when they resell it, why should they bother buying it in the first place? Also, DON'T pick up a gun without asking. And NEVER work the action before asking permission.
I read through some of the comments and didn't see any from gunshow vendors. Mostly just experts on gun values. I've been a vendor for about 30 years. What I've learned is that the cut-off point is $400. People love to buy guns but only if they're $400 or less. But a lot of our guns are legitimately worth more than $400, sometimes significantly more. So some people automatically think those guns are overpriced. My guns are priced extremely competitively. I know this because before every show I check the price of my SAME exact gun at other sources (Cabelas, BassPro, Sportsmans etc.). Vendors must keep the lights on and groceries in the pantry like everyone else. We are not obligated to hand over our wares at cost. Most vendors are more knowledgeable about gun values than most attendees. And don't even get me started on the Walkers and Talkers. Lol Thanks for the vid. I'll have to check out the other one on what to do at gunshows.
I like to browse around with an ATF cap and jacket on, while carrying a clip board. I'll stop at various booths and start writing stuff down, making sure I never make eye contact with the booth attendant.
😂😂😂
Now there's an idea .but isn't that illegal ?
@@austinpruitt4165 Showing support for a government agency while carrying a clipboard? No sir...
"THIS RIFLE IS 21.5 INCHES LONG. THE LAW SAYS IT HAS TO BE 22 INCHES LONG"
@@austinpruitt4165 Could be if the jacket and hat suggest you are an agent of the government and you are NOT.
As a dealer at shows here are my tips for buyers:
1. Don’t ask “what’s your best price?” That pisses off dealers. Of course prices are negotiable. Instead, make an offer. He’ll either counter or say price is firm. Don’t haggle over items less than $20.
2. Don’t socialize with dealers you know. They are there to work and you’re taking up valuable customer time and attention and blocking their table.
3. Don’t pickup guns without asking the seller first. Same goes for opening actions and dry firing.
4. Don’t make an offer if you don’t have the money.
5. Don’t put your stuff on their table, especially food and drinks.
Just some more info to think about.
@@sabresfan610567 Amen
@@sabresfan610567 if you wish them to be more open to other forms of payment, be willing to accept the mark up to the price to cover the cost of the convenience.
@@sabresfan610567 we’re probably in the same age range, sellers won’t accept PayPal and or similar alternative payments as they probably know that PayPal will shut down your account if it believes the funds are from a sale of a firearm.
i work gun shows with my dad and i believe number 2 is arguable. really is based on a person to person basis. some dealer like to shoot the breeze with their friends/best customers.
my advice for number 2 is READ THE ROOM. Then do or dont
Thx going to my first gun show today
Most things I've seen at gun shows seems overpriced. But it's still fun to go and look.
I agree, but sometimes you can save a few dollars
Yes that's how I found that Winchester ranger Ammo that was called the black talons back in the late 80s and 90s.now it's in the new box that is BLACK and BLUE
A lot of people who go to gun shows bring a wad of cash and already have it in their mind that “I’m going to leave with something”, so vendors can up charge their product and if they happen to have whatever catches that customers eye, chances are they will make the sale. Don’t forget that gun shows give you about 500 times more options then your local gun show, and I for one would be willing to pay a bit of a premium for something rare that I really want instead of scouring online boards and calling all my connections, then paying for shipping and dealing with swapping FFL info etc. just to complete one purchase. Time is worth something and gun shows may save you time, personally when gun shows come to town I never miss em.
Ya number one....dont buy anything
Most gun show vendors deliberately overprice their goods knowing that most attendees will want to negotiate a lower price. It all depends on your bartering skills.
Re #5: I took my wife to a gun show, and wound up having to wait on HER. She's a writer; I finished my business and went looking for her, found her sitting on the floor going through a box of US Army field manuals. "This is GREAT source material!!" I wasn't even surprised, and patiently waited for her; it's called a relationship.
Under rated comment.
@@gregjenkins5258 I can see she could be a significant asset, it sound like she knew what she was looking at ... and what she was looking for. Good boy, sit.
That was sweet. Ironic from Davy Jones himself
That’s why we sell books on survival, homesteading, herbal medicinal info and solar info. The wives love it!
I 100% percent agree! I'm super excited to go and always spend more time than my husband and teenage boys. haha
The last gun show I was at a gentleman had a poster on a stick on his backpack saying what gun he had for sale...didn't take long for some random person asking to look at it and after it was sold he threw the sign away. Seemed like a good strategy to me :)
Yes I’ve sold guns this way many times I usually carry the gun and tape a sign on the front and back of my shirt with info and price. Rarely have I not sold what I brought.
@@craigthescott5074 is that legal to do at the show? You don't pay a vendor fee?
@@user-mq1up2fw4r it is in AZ not sure about other states.
In Florida if you see someone with a rifle slung over their shoulder that is pretty much an indication they are looking to sell it. No signs needed. Lol
@@user-mq1up2fw4r It is in INDIANA. But I have had some vendors bitch about it.
how about useful tips like: ask before touching, don't dry fire, keep oily ass hands off barrel's , keep finger off trigger, dont dress all tacticool
Yeah I can't stand those Call of duty/spec ops movie dress up guys.
That's been beaten to death already by other youtubers. This was more focused on the personal experience and not etiquette.
Dry firing for the most part on most guns doesn't harm any of the internals
@@Waymanator123 some owners take it personal - semi auto shot gun
@@Waymanator123 not on REVOLVERs
Years ago I went to a show in Grand Rapids, MI, looking for a single shot .22 for my daughter. Found a couple that were more expensive than new ones and the last booth I went to a guy and his young boys had a rack of .22s. I asked the father if he would consider less than his asking price as I was looking for a starter rifle for my daughter. He smiled and said, sure, knocked it down to $130 and it went home with me. One of the most accurate rifles I own. Daughter got interested in boys instead of shooting and now it is mine. Great for squirrel hunting, light, short and accurate. So, sometimes there are good deals at these shows.
"daughter got interested in boys instead of shooting" True pain💔 Haha I hope my daughter ends up interested in shooting when she grows up! Cheers!
NEW MUSIC on RUclips Teezy T Phoenix. songs the real deal man i cant lie.
Sadly this is high-powered fully semi automatic weapon of mass destruction is why they want to "close the loophole". Too many squirrels have been killed by such a dangerous weapon.
Don't fart at gun shows! Especially in crowded aisles. Which brings me to another pet peeve of mine. The family reunion in the thin asles. If you meet a friend at a gun show find a wide out of the way spot to catch up on all the latest gossip. No need to clog up an aisle in conversation with someone. Some of those aisle are thin enough already.
Someone farted at the gun show I went to!!! Wait was it you??
Tell them to move then move them out of the way If needed, or go around the aisle lol
Is this nigga serious
but i only go to gun shows to fart, the really stinky ones for the undercover B.A.T.F. agents that also attend the shows.
I just don’t eat beans before gun shows
Average person buys “the deal” at first table. 6 tables later you see same for cheaper.
You're right about the haggling, my buddy's dad when around the show and after many vendors found one and haggled 10 boxes of MREs for half the normal asking price. Last day of show can have deals too.
I always hear last day you can get deals but in my experience vendors seem perfectly willing to pack it up and carry it to the next show.
A lot of times sellers will sell stuff cheaper just to avoid the excess storage or storage fees.
@@MilsurpWorld No, being a gun show dealer, a lot of the time we will cut a deal to get rid of garden grade weapons that are plentiful in inventory , so we don't have to haul them back an that way we move product an have positive cash flow for the next purchase order, only a small percent markup on guns anyway.
I go to gun shows to update my Elvis art dish collection....
And Bullfighters.
Underrated comment
@@johnmagill9496 and confederate flag pocket knives that say "Heritage not Hate" on them
Probably the most reasonably priced items there.
Punisher skull and pot leaf knives, Bad quality Trump gear and bullet casing keychains
Back in the day when I 1st started collecting guns you could get a pretty good deal here and there at a gun show Now everybody is out to straight rob you
You would think for people who want to keep gun rights for all seem to limit it to only the people who will pay for it.
Lol Probably not Major background checks Are always done
Wouldn't doubt it's going to be where if you have any anger issues you're not getting a gun. If you have a restraining order against you, probably won't be able to have one.
If I go to a gun show looking for "X" I won't find it, a month later I will be looking for "Y" and there will be zero of "Y" but half a dozen of "X"! It drives me crazy.
everytime 😂🤣😂
Every gun show I’ve been too in the last few years has been a horrible fudd convention of over priced garbage, political ranting, and cringie mall ninja, BS.
Same. There is no point anymore.
Very well put. My sentiments exactly.
MK & Gentlemen who don't love some Chinese Knockoff AR accessories... Hail to the AIRSOFT Gods...
No not if u looking for Ammo.thats how I found the new version of the Winchester black talons.now its called RANGER and it's in the new box that is BLACK AND BLUE
Agreed, and all your used polymer guns are about $100 over new.
I have come to hate gun shows. The ones in my area are over priced and the sellers won't budge on the price.
Example: I saw a used glock 19 with two magazines and the guy wanted $550 for it. I looked at it and said would you take $525? He asked me if I go to academy and try to negotiate their prices? I just laughed and said no but I don't have to because they reasonable and told him that's where I would get the glock I want. That's just one example. I even had a vendor ask me to leave his table because I asked him if he was firm on the price of a used marlin rifle.
This must have been before the scamdemic... you'll play hell finding anyone who would sell a used Glock at any price now. $550 would have been a steal. Most gun shops are back ordered for several months on literally any "desirable" pistols or rifles.
@M18 Hellcat With Creepy Joe likely to be president, it's going to be a scary time for gun owners in 2021. I guarantee any modern high capacity pistols will be worth their weight in gold; Taurus, S&W, etc. not just Glock. Literally anything that goes bang is in high demand and will be for the foreseeable future.
Regards
@M18 Hellcat If they can actually get the Dominion software that was used (and has been documented to be dirty) into hard evidence Kayleigh Makinaney (sic) said they have compiled some 300 pages of evidence to present in court. It will be nice if they can get this up to the Supreme Court... then it's over. And it will be SO nice to see the left, and MSM completely lose their shit if Trump is given a second term. Of course, PantyFa and BLM (Burn Loot Murder) will start burning everything to the ground... but we'll deal with them when the time comes.
@M18 Hellcat Check out PantyFa and BLM (Burn/Loot/Murder) attacking little kids and elderly people at the Million MAGA March in DC Saturday... it's all over the internet. If that doesn't infuriate you and make you want to light some of these punk-ass cowards up... I don't know what would. The left is possessed by Satan.
@@scottdunn2178 Trump lost, you guys seriously need to accept it and move on with your lives. You’re becoming as neurotic as the “liberal snowflakes” you were making fun of back in 2016.
My European ancestors are Bulgarians and they have a great bargaining culture. My old grandfather came to the states and went to a show with me and bargained the man on a 400 makarov to 260. He knows alot about makarovs
To keep from insulting the seller and put him on the offensive, I ask
" Is this price firm or negotiable"
That way if he says firm you know that there's no dickering. If he says negotiable, then it is game on 👍
I don't bother with the "negotiable" question. If he's asking, say, $50 for something I want, I just offer, say $35 and see where it goes. Vendors really do expect to haggle, it's fun, and so assume it's all negotiable.
i low ball the hell out of them then we can go from there
@@DLJ1985 my experience has been that when I ask that question they always say firm, but the next person to walk up doesn't ask and they haggle with them. So I dont ask that anymore
Those old grouchy guys are offended anyway. It's a ploy to avoid bargaining
Just say "are you considering offers on that one?" to be extra polite, or reference having a certain amount of cash (an implied limit).
I always attend a gun show "solo" so that I can get in and out as soon as possible without having to wait for a friend or co-worker to catch up. Another thing I do when selling a long gun is to avoid eye contact with the vendors. There's "no meat on the bones" for them and my target is the patrons so that I get what the rifle is actually worth to me. If hounded by a vendor, I throw such a ridiculous high price at them that they'll leave me alone.
The same rule applies to ANY hobby show. Decide as much as you can, what your goal is. Stay focused, carry cash, don't be afraid to deal, and DO no be afraid to walk away if you feel anything wrong. Carry cash, the ATM at a display show is there to make a profit as well. I do the same thing with online sales as well.
On a more firearm specific note, a bonus rule... Don't always write off guns that haven't been cleaned to be made presentable. Most dealers are in the buying and selling business just as you mentioned, and what the gun looks like doesn't usually matter to them. For you as the buyer, you might inspect the bore and it looks like absolute junk... but really it just needs a scrub and a couple patches to reveal that it's actually superb. Had some great deals that people over look because the bore appeared to be terrible.
Like a lot of sellers on ebay. They don't know what the value is on what they are selling. They are just trying to get rid of it.
I had that exact experience at a gun show. He had a beautiful Marlin 336 for a very good price, but the bore looked terrible.
He said it was just dust and I knew it was possible. After some haggling,he assured me the bore was good. I bought the gun and cleaned it, and he was right.
I got a great deal.
I've been going to gun shows since the early seventies. This video was a great surprise to me. I was expecting the usual "don't show off your loaded conceal carry gun to a vendor", etc etc. Everything this guy said is spot on! Especially the part about not making eye contact with the people selling "assault perfume." The best "don't do" at a gun show video yet.
Totally agree with not making contact with non gun vendors. I made this mistake last gun show I went to. The guy was selling those electronic hand massagers (I got back issues so I checked it out plus he had no business and I felt sorry for him.) Once I asked the guy if he had a business card he copped a total attitude cause he realized I was not gonna buy it right then and there. Than another guy walked up and he completely disregarded me in the middle of us talking and moved onto them. Which I was thankful for but the way he did it was very rude.
As a Brit a few years back I found a gun show while in Florida.
While viewing all these items that we are not allowed to buy a guy walks past with so many weapons he looks likely to drop something.
The stall owner I was chatting to calls out “hey sure you’ve got enough there” guy scurries past saying “no”
I enjoyed the experience and learnt a lot everybody was very friendly and didn’t mind my stupid questions.
There are no stupid questions. If you need the answer ask someone who knows it. And most gun owners are more then willing to help.
The worst thing when you bring a friend is if they ask a really dumb question that shows they have no idea about guns, that they should have asked you but instead said it to a vendor.
@@user-kh3il5li9f I was with a buddy that was getting into guns. He picked up a barreled action and asked the vendor, "what type of bolt does this take?" Its not the worst question, but one he should have asked me first.
@@user-kh3il5li9f We might be brothers.
Yep, now vendors start looking at you like a lick and you have to go out of your way to reestablish yourself as someone who knows what your doing.
@@user-kh3il5li9f Just be happy to have a dad that takes interest in your hobbies. I didn't and ended up joining the army infantry. Let me shoot all the guns i wanted lol.
@@user-kh3il5li9f The beretta 21 has a break open barrel that tilts upward upon release where one could manually place a round in the chamber and close it. Thus have a round in the chamber without racking the side. Maybe that confused him.
Vendors can't stop you. You decide to stop, or you don't.
True
My first exposure to milsurp firearms was through gunshows, however, once I realized I wanted to build a collection I obtained a C&R firearms license and purchased direct from wholesalers. That worked out well.
I'm still on the fence with the C&R.
@@MilsurpWorld worried the atf inspection will find your unregistered stg44s and the 14 year old girl you keep in the basement? JK. About half of it anyway.
@@SkinnerBeeMan haha yea stg44s are hard to come by
@@MilsurpWorld I got one, and while the paperwork is pretty plain that tons of guns fit into the C&R category, few places will honor it, unless it’s a rimfire or cap and ball antique. Auction houses rarely will call an item a C&R so they or their FFL associate gets the Vig. BATFE is fine with it but you won’t find many places or sellers who will venture into those waters.
@@silverstar4289 Gun Jesus told me that gun shows very seldom will accept a C & R license for a purchase. That WOULD piss me off because it IS a legitimate license.
Got a 1918 DWM Luger all matching except for the grips and magazine for $800 recently, I got there as soon as the show opened and bought it as soon as I saw it like you said :)
Sounds like you made a good deal.
Good deal!
I hate to tell you, but you probably didn't get a "real" one. More than likely it was something that was pieced together by a shady dealer.
Stir Ling Absolutely not, I’ve done much business with this particular dealer before, and I stripped it down all the way to the firing pin and ensured it matched internally
Most people I know that take a gun to sell at a show are there to sell it to another show goer not a guy at a table.
Sold an AR two weeks ago before I even got in line.
The guy at the table will only insult you by offering half price of what you got in mind.
Remember, your gun is worthless until he buys it and puts it up to resell, then its gold.
@@Drivapete Roger that !!!
In my experience I feel kinda weird asking for someone's bottom dollar, I prefer to ask if they have wiggle room and then make a reasonable offer maybe $25-$50 less than I want to pay, and they'll either counter offer under the asking price or accept my offer.
OMG! You're a master negotiator. Thanks for telling us how to do that.
Any "wiggle room" is my exact verbage. It has worked for me.
I ask about wiggle room too. If they offer a better price I either accept or ask if they'd consider x amount. Usually can find some common ground. If a vendor gets missy I wish 'am a good show and move on.
You can also go on the last day. Lots of prospective buyers only go the first day, or early if only a one day show. The later the better. Vendors would rather make less than pack unsold inventory home.
asking for someone's bottom dollar is not negotiating, it's wishful thinking
I’m gonna pick up that boomer’s MP40 with the sign that says “DO NOT TOUCH” and start doing combat rolls
The t-shirts are great, I got one that said Body Piercing by Springfield Armory.
Now, that's a shirt I'd proudly wear !
L0L
My wife usually goes with me, she's my enabler.
You’re a very, very lucky man!
After the last 2 gun shows I went to (over 7 yrs. ago), I learned the main thing to not do. Do not go to a gun show. Years ago, gun shows were just that. Gun related items. And, occasionally, you could get a pretty good deal. I bought my wife's BLR in the 7mm-08 at a gun show back in the late 80's. NIB, and $50 less than I ever found at a store. But now? Now about half of the booths are firearm related and the other half is totally unrelated B.S. And the cost just to get in the door has gone up and up. Personally, I have found that if you visit a few gun dealers on a fairly regular basis, and get to know them, you can often get a better deal than you ever find at a gun show. Where I live, I frequent 2 dealers and have always been able to get better service, better information, and better prices than I could get anywhere else...including chain stores that advertise lower prices.
Good tips. I’ve been on both sides of the table. One thing I’ve noticed, as soon as I pick up something, and start asking the seller about it, buyers will listen in or stop behind me. As soon as I put whatever it is down, someone will buy it. Lots of people at gun shows that have no clue what they are looking at. But they pretend they know and copy what they think are more knowledgeable gun buyers. As a seller, I see lots of guys who are scared to tell their wives that they want to buy or have bought a gun. Lots of men are married and are afraid to tell their wives what they have done. Pretty pathetic the majority have married the wrong woman.
I'm always lured away by the beef jerky. Lol 🤗😋😁
Everytime....I would've been kidnapped so much
This is the advice I was gonna give, Stay away from the BEEF JERKY. LOL. one show they sell exotic candy at, we laugh at that one too. tons of different chocalate, and carmel goodness at a GUN SHOW. LOL.
Pretty well stated. I definitely move a lot faster solo. You can scan both sides of an aisle and bypass the bullshit by going down the center. I don't hit the opening bell anymore, but wait until about 10:30. The early birds have started leaving, and I get much better parking. Most of the good deals these days get snatched up Friday night during set up, so I don't sweat it. Now I just look for the stuff hidden in the corners that the pros have missed. That seems to be fairly rare these days, as the pros with storefronts have taken over from the regular folks.
I've also been to a lot of gun shows, I Have counterpoint to everything you just said. Learn to say no. Grow a set. You make the deal at the gun show, Always be willing to walk away. That's how you get a good deal.
I picked up a Star 9mm for $300 with 5 mags and a holster. It was like new and the asking price was $500.
Last day of the show and the last 2 hours.
I used to hit the ammo sellers late in the show.
They don't want to lug those cases back to the trailer, then unpack it again.
I had ones who knew me who loaned me carts or had their helpers haul it out to my car.
I sold 9mm FBI practice HP ammo overrun ammo I bought back years ago for four times what I paid.
I never got good deals on my guns late in a show. I know people who have though.
“What’s the least you’ll take for it?” has to be the LAZIEST way to negotiate. As a seller, I rarely take these people seriously. My answer often is, “I don’t know. What’s the MOST you’ll give me for it.
I always start at 25 percent less, so guys like you can make faces and whine about it!
@@cisco1dog guys like who?
I just ask if the price is firm or not. If it isn’t I’ll usually offer $100 less than retail and go from there. If I can save even $50 on a gun that I won’t pay any less than retail for anywhere else it’s a win.
@@cisco1dog So you enjoy wasting people's time and don't know how to negotiate?
@@echodelta2172 see, you’re whining and making faces!
Before my father passed away, he would have a table at Fishing Flea Markets and he would sell lures that he made and miscellaneous rods & reels. I would help him work the table. Some of your suggestions would be applicable to these shows as well as all flea markets. Here is the thing that I noticed. The vendors get in to set up 2 hours before the doors open. The savvy vendors get there early and set up in a half hour. Then they walk around and buy up all the really great bargains from the less experienced vendors and bring the goods back to their table to mark up and sell. I got many great deals on my fishing equipment helping dad and he would add about many items to his tables doing the same. That is why there are not very many great deals when the public is let in.
My dad always said the people who come in before noon are buyers and those that come in after noon are lookers. Very little is sold in the afternoon. The vendors will be there because the people who run the shows want your table to be open when paying customers come in. However, there are no good deals available at that time. Pretty much everything is the same as buying at a local store.
Whenever I get flagged down by an non firearm vendor, I ask if I buy their product, which firearm comes with it.
Why are they even allowed at gun shows?
@@cdavidlake2 I’m assuming because they pay the fee. Some gun shows are smaller and will rent a booth to anyone with money.
I would like to say that as a vendor, a pet peeve of my son's (it's his business that he runs and has been doing it since the age of 21) is to ask what the price of something is, knowing for damn sure they will just gawk at the price and not buy it, even if it is at a great deal. Trust me.
I just sold a long gun at a gun show by carrying it around with a MAKE OFFER sticker on it. Only 4 people asked about it and I went back to the first vendor because he made the best offer.
Also, I've gotten great deals in the final hour of the last 3 gun shows I went to. The sellers were willing to take a lowball, rather than pay the fees and not make the sale.
Gun shows are very fun, I've learned that usually the more niche they are the better the vendors will be.
The patient is ready.
Best thing I have learned is always bring a backpack to a show. Makes carrying purchases far easier especially if you buy something early at the show.
Bingo
I haven't been to a gun show in years. When I used to go, I mostly bought reloaded ammunition. Guys who had a progressive press would put out hundreds of rounds and package them for sale at the gun show. I'd get an occasional dud, and I'm sure that they weren't the most accurate. For practice with a .38 Special or .357 Magnum, they were good enough and cost much less than the commercially-manufactured ammunition. Sometimes, I would run into people who had a very small, local shop that I hadn't known existed. I usually wouldn't buy from them at the show, but I would get something from them later at their shop if we got along well and their prices were good.
Around that time and a little later, I was involved in some reptile shows. At the reptile shows, sometimes the best deals could be found in the last two hours of the show but before the last thirty minutes. People who hadn't had a good show and were looking for any sale would be willing to let go of something for much less than they normally would. People who were thinking about how much work they'd have to do to pack up everything, take it home, and unpack it would make great deals just to avoid having one more animal to unpack. I doubt that a person would have much luck getting new guns this way at a gun show, but I wonder whether the same tactic could work with used guns. A vendor who's had a rough show and has barely made enough to pay table fees might be willing to dump something for just $20 more than he has in it so that he'll have a little more cash in his wallet when he stops at a restaurant on the drive home. If he has a bunch of surplus pistols that he got for $80 a piece and hoped to sell for $150 each, he might let one go for $100 in cash just to have money in his pocket on the way home. Alternately, if he's had a good show and sold all but one of those pistols for $150 each and wants to close the book on the purchase of those models, he might let the last one go just to avoid having to keep up with the last one in inventory.
#1 Don't get into conversations with the "friendly" guys who can get you "special stuff". Unless you want to get on a list.
Elaborate please
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@@nodnoc Because they're feds looking for people to bust.
"Hey kid, wanna [REDACTED] a federal building?"
@@tubeguy4066 Exactly.
My wife, thankfully, LOVES going to the gunshow with me...she buys more than I do.
Inbox me bro
Does she have a sister?
Do have to bring cash or can you use credit cards?
YOU are VERY fortunate!!!
1) Don't wear a "Vote for Biden" t-shirt.
2) Don't ask if guns are a substitute for manhood.
3) Don't try to burn an American flag.
4) Don't proclaim the Second Amendment applies only to "militias"
5) Don't ask if Antifa has a booth.
I need to re think my gun show visits then.
So they are Fascist, 😷🤔
I learned my lesson a long time ago from buying at a gun show. I bought an Aero Precision upper from a dealer, thought I was getting a good deal.
Found out later that they switched out the barrel for a cheaper one. Have never been to another gun show again.
I never had a problem going with anyone to a gun show. We will tag along together for a few minutes and then simply split up and meet back, at a certain location, at a certain time. Now with cell phones, you can make contact with each other at any time. As for my significant other, she will tag along for a little while and then go sit down and read a book. She'll call me when she is ready to find me again.
My home state doesn't have gun shows. The two neighboring states with draconian gun laws have them and they are a joke of overpriced pre-ban AR's for $2000 over msrp. The last one I went to a vendor asked if I was interested and I laughed in his face and told him I can go back to my home state and buy 3 of them for that price.
In some states isn't it illegal to buy a gun out of state and bring it to a no gun state?
@@marybroderick8265 I'm sure it's illegal in some states. I would need to get a special license to buy a firearm or ammo in the states adjacent to my own but can purchase ammo or a rifle in my state with no license. My state would have no issue with the purchase but Massachusetts and Connecticut have terrible gun laws.
I haven't had much luck at gun shows. I bought some ammo and accessories, but never bought a gun. Taking my wife worked out good because she likes guns also. We met up with another couple we know at one gun show, but they went at a much faster pace and we ended up not spending much time with them anyway.
I don't even consider buying guns or ammo at a gun show any more . I look for accessories and reloading gear . I've picked up reloading dies and bullet moulds at good prices .
I stay overnight at the hotel where we have our gun show. If you ask around at the bar sometimes you get a guy who calls a guy who might have something you were looking for for cheap.
The worst thing that happened at a hotel was when a guy jumped off a balcony and offed himself. I woke up to the thud.
I like to goof around with the non-gun show vendors. They have no business being there, so I see them as a target of opportunity. They kinda wish they'd never approached me by the time I walk away.
Haha I understand it’s pretty stupid, it’s like selling winter coats in the desert. But at the same time it’s their living can’t knock em
Never assume that: almost every firearm is not overpriced, that it is really "unfired", that the bluing is not just spray paint, that the vendor is not actually some dude trying to avoid wage garnishment by running a shady cash business. What you are really looking at is a large highly refined collection of rejected firearms that have been messed with and passed around by a series of Barney Fife's. Bring a small light to see detail on the firearm in poor lighting. Better yet, think of it as a museum of dressed up junk and go see it while leaving your money at home.
WOW, sucks to be in your area!
Hells ya nailed it!
Just be as cautious as you would be when buying anything on the spot. I've bought several rifles at gun shows, but only when I checked them out carefully. Don't buy that SKS that looks like someone was plowing a field with. Don't buy the M-1 Garand that has a rusty receiver and three tone furniture. It's probably a Frankenstein gun and, unless it was carried by Audie Murphy, not worth the $1500.00 that Joe Bob thinks he can get for it. If it looks like it was used as a boat anchor, it probably was.
@@richardm3023 research before dropping cash on it. All to often it's not what it appears to be
Now this is useful advice
Sorry for another comment, but bring a good sized carry bag. Anecdote: my wife and I were at a show in Lexington, and I got 2 deals on Glocks. I bought them and were carrying them in their boxes...must have gotten asked 20 times if I was selling them. My wife had the backpack with the ammo cans.
About 25 years ago i went to a gun show early, in the morning. I picked up a couple of guns that I had planned to purchase. And after a couple of hours I left. Not wanting to make two trips on the bus. I went to do some shopping at Target several miles South of town. I left my bag at one of the checkout counters. After I made my purchases, I told the lady I was going to get my bag that I left. She picked it up, and feeling how heavy it was (with the rifles and other accessories). She asked me "What do you have in here, guns?" I just responded with a half-ass smile.
I began carrying a shoulder bag or brief case in order to have a place to put and carry any little items that I might buy while at a gun show. When I'd do this I'd get stopped far more than on the occasions that I had taken a rifle to a gun show to sell or trade. I thought, if carrying a case or bag about was going to send this many dealers into a frenzy, I would have begun doing this long ago.
I am a phenomenal Haggler I never pay full price at gun shows, swap meets, or flea markets. BRING CASH! MONEY TALKS!
@Steven Dorn I think you need to look up the definition of a "con artist" friend.
last 2 gun shows i went to, there were more non gun related vendors than gun tables. NOTHING was negotiable, prices were insane, eg rossi single shot 410 for 350.00. a single box of winchester white box 9mm for 75.00. a box of low brass 12 ga #8's for 30.00.
total waste of time
I like WAC show in Wa state. They have some vendors that do really good reloads and sell unique bulk ammo. I buy my range 9mm there in bulk. Its pricey now, but everything is. If you want used parts/holsters etc, gun show is where to go.
This is my experience as well at gun shows. The reason I would go primarily was to find a good deal. It used to be different years ago. But seems now all vendors are trying to get top dollar and where you used to be able to find deals, now they are very few and far between. But still can be fun. Guns are beautiful machines and fun to look at and see operations of some especially the milsurps.
#6, it is OK if U don't know something. I've been into guns for decades and I am still learning. If you don't know, ask!
#1 if you're a veteran wear your hat or ask for a veteran's discount.
Last gunshow I wore my AF service hat and right off I got a 10% discount offer just looking at .243 ammo. And I didn't even ask, the gal just thanked me for my service and said she'd knock off the price.
#2 having actually been "behind the table" years ago, nobody really likes packing up stuff at the end of the day or event. Sometimes you just get tired of lugging somethings around and just want to dump it.
#3 bring cash as it's cheaper than paying "fees" such as taxes when you use a card...saw a few people layout a grand in cash buying that AR they had their eye on.
Rember to look around the gunshow if you are looking for a specific gun. You may find the same gun for a better price two tables over.
I like flying solo in most situations because I have more freedoms or choices started that back years ago in the days if going to bars or clubs was the best policy just is.
Sounds like a lot of gun dealers are like used car salesmen. Great tips, thanks!
Caution on buying reloads: Serious Reloaders have a rule-Never buy/use someone else's reloads-
Sure,a short/no powder charge gets you a squib-a minor annoyance.It gets more serious if one has been included in the magazine or belt of a full-auto... Now ,the old double-charge ,in, say...a .357 Magnum- may score you a hearing aid. With prices at the current high, it's a good time to get your own press...and don't give away or sell any, it's not worth the liability issues.
I have a tactic. I have my wife following behind me a few tables. If I see something, but I want to keep moving, I text or call her. Got some sweet FN 5.7 ammo because I was considering the price and saw what everyone else was marking their ammo at. Texted her to grab it.
Great tips! Happy to watch this b4 I go for the gun show tomorrow. I'll bring cash, wish me luck....
Wish i could find some stupid good deals, last gunshow i went to some guy in his mid 30s was trying to sell me an Enfield No4 in horrible condition for 800$.
Great Video Man
Yup pretty turned off by the "cheap used prices" at gun shows after the first 2 I went to. Most of them were priced higher than new guns.
I use it as a show room to go look at things in person and see if I like it as as well in person as I do in paper
Most gun shows I've been to there are no good deals, high priced.
I have personally made my best gun show deals Sunday afternoon when the guys that didn't make sales all weekend needed to make a sale. But wholeheartingly agree with your video great video
This has been my flea market strategy for years. if they had a good weekend they're sometimes willing to throw you a deal cuz they're in a good mood and already made their money ... If they didn't have a good weekend they're wanting/needing your sale and a lot of times are willing to bargain just to make some money and have less to pack up and take back home.
In regards to non gun vendors - I’m still looking for the flux capacitor to install on my time machine to go back and negotiate a cash deal on the firearm that I passed up on. Thanks for the intel.
I went to a show in Jacksonville, Fl 2003 and me and my father in law bought SKS Yugo's packed is cosmoline for $119 each. We split a 500 rd box of russian fmj ammo and had fun with them. That is until, I was riding with my cousin on our hunting club and that thing chain fired into his floor ending up blowing his tire and one of his shocks. I sold it immediately.
#1 don’t go to gun show
I like to walk thru first and take pictures of things i want. Wife and i went yesterday and i had been looking at the ruger sfar 16 in 308 for the past few weeks online for a new bday gun. Went to a show yesterday and ended up seeing 6 ar10’s and kept saying ima come back to the better one i like the most. Low and behold 2-3hrs later at the last booth i get to and low and behold they have a brand new ruger sfar 16 in box for 100$ off what i saw it on line. I bought immediately but it took me holding out on the previous 6 ar10s to obtain it
I'm too picky on what I want is the problem with me. I'm only interested on a select group of guns at a given time and that's what I'll only be wanting to buy and I know several times I've passed up some good shit wishing I hadn't.
You gotta change your ways. I don't buy what I want. I buy deals. It's been pretty cool because I've stumbled onto some very neat guns. A buddy looks at it this way. He buys deals, and then uses them to get what he wants. He's real good at it too. lol My problem is I can't seem to part with them after I've bought them because I end up liking them to much.
Good advice. I've gone to many gun shows over the past 30 years. Your observations are very consistent with my own observations and experience.
Video killed the radio star, and Vendors killed gun shows and flea markets.
If someone looks like they make a living with their booth, I rarely give them a second look. As time goes on, I find myself at fewer shows and markets. Just not worth arguing with a person who wants 600 bucks for a 300 dollar item.
They gotta pay for those outrageous booth fees somehow.
@Bill B I'd just say "because I'm here. I can't be at 2 places at once."
$150 dollar busted ass gun that's" historically" significant for $600
This one guy was selling a brick of 22s for $120
Oddly enough, I have better interactions with folks at gunshows with a gun in my hands. The guns I buy work as a conversation starter, and we usually end up talking about stuff completely different by the end of the convo. Happens everytime and I've come to really enjoy that.
My rule #1. Just don't go. I'm tired of the spec ops cosplay crowd, faux tactical garbage and grifters of all types.
Number six: don't bring toddlers or dogs to a gun show. Especially if you're pulling them around in a wagon.
I’m guilty of that one, kinda. Took my son in a stroller, when he was an infant. Luckily he kept to himself.
I hate it when a podunk couple bring their three accidents, all born one-after-the-other, to a show out in the sticks. With everything we have facing us as a civilization this century, it's basically a form of cruel and unusual punishment.
Unless it’s a son who is old enough to like guns, some of my best moments spent with my dad where just looking at gun together
@@connornobbs3487 Plus, once every rare while you run into a child who actually researches this stuff (i.e., Wikipedia) and knows more about firearms than the adults at the shows. It's a real pleasure to add even more to their knowledge
@Jerry E some people have kids because it's there life not every parent leaves kids in cars , has family to watch some people are 100 independent on there own.never judge a book by its cover
Great video! I once attended a gun show in San Antonio Texas and came across a new in the box Colt 6920 that was selling for a great price. The minute I put it down it was already gone.
I have brought my wife and 2.5 year old daughter to gun shows and have actually enjoyed it as a family. My wife would go along and not rush me at all. My daughter was getting a lot of smiles and compliments from the vendors as well as I guess you really don’t see well behaved toddlers at the shows? At first I thought bringing small children would be frowned upon but to our surprise and delight we felt welcomed with open arms
You were very fortunate...
Cash is king. I always get paper money before hitting up the show.
Rule #1 at a gun show, asking's free.. You figure your price and work from there because rarely ( I'm talking straight run production stuff), is there only one of an item at a show. Granted, there are times to pounce on a deal, but deal before ya pounce,,, because,,, asking is free!
You made some good valid points here. The first one about not walking away when you see a really good deal, I've done. I still grumble years after the fact about the one that got away. It took only 15min. or so & it was gone!
The gun show is $8 worth of entertainment for me. And a chance I might find something unique for my mouse gun collection. :)
That is the way I look at it. Mostly entertainment. I do pick up primers and powder at some of them due to the high shipping charges. I have bought a couple of guns at them. Many other items can be ordered on line much less than at the shows. I have gone to a few shows not looking for anything, but just something to do. Sometimes something will just pop out. Like a few years back I could not resist a new S&W Sport 2 for less than $ 500.
What caliber do you hunt mice with ?
@@mrme8019 mouse gun is a term for tiny guns not actually for hunting mice
Great video! Haven’t been to a gun show since moving to Northern KY 16 years ago. There aren’t any!
Remember: go alone, bring cash, and most of all : don't bring babies to the gun show.
i agree.
Im going alone next Saturday
Great advice
The last two gun shows I was at there were NO deals. FIrm asking prices were at least $100 over suggested retail price. I hope some day things get back to normal. I've gotten a lot of deals in the past.
I got sick of the bottom dollar question , so now when i am asked i add a couple hundred dollars and they always get indignant ,,,lol
I'm confused...went to a gun show just yesterday, passed about 6 signs leading up to the door saying NO ccw or loaded magazines permitted. Somebody please explain!
Years ago I went to a lot of shows and got great deals on Guns I wanted. Now days there is nothing I want or can't get on-line , it's just junk. I'm also afraid one of the many EXPERTS who always shows up might shot me in a accidental discharge incident in the parking lot.
Anyone who knows Ak magazines can feel me in this bought 4 Bosnian mags from a guy . He offered me a fluer di lis for a steal I was with my wife and we were going on a trip the next day . Needless to say I didn’t leave with the fdl mag and I’m kicking myself still to this day. Even my wife called me an idiot
w o w , dude has 2' WW-2' strumgerwar 43's on the right side of his pig board , nice
The spouse thing is making me think of say... them dragging you around the clothing store. ‘Oh look at this, isn’t this cute? Isn’t this nice?’ Same thing.
I do a lot of Gun Shows each year as a seller and transfer agent, so I know something about Gun Shows. A vendor can't afford to pay you more than 75% of the value of your gun. If they can't make money when they resell it, why should they bother buying it in the first place? Also, DON'T pick up a gun without asking. And NEVER work the action before asking permission.
Or hitting levers or pushing buttons if you don't know what they are for.
I read through some of the comments and didn't see any from gunshow vendors. Mostly just experts on gun values. I've been a vendor for about 30 years. What I've learned is that the cut-off point is $400. People love to buy guns but only if they're $400 or less. But a lot of our guns are legitimately worth more than $400, sometimes significantly more. So some people automatically think those guns are overpriced. My guns are priced extremely competitively. I know this because before every show I check the price of my SAME exact gun at other sources (Cabelas, BassPro, Sportsmans etc.). Vendors must keep the lights on and groceries in the pantry like everyone else. We are not obligated to hand over our wares at cost. Most vendors are more knowledgeable about gun values than most attendees. And don't even get me started on the Walkers and Talkers. Lol Thanks for the vid. I'll have to check out the other one on what to do at gunshows.