Shane Tuttle
Staff
So, while visiting the in-laws here in Michigan, we decided to hit a local gun show. $5 parking and $6/person later, I wasn't exactly in an enthusiastic mood. Once I walked in, I understood the entry fee. The place was huge, building was fairly new, and very clean. The event staff was on top of every little drink spill. All the vendors' areas were organized and easy to peruse.
Now, the real important stuff that most probably want to know...
Prices were all over the place. A Swedish M38 Mauser for $675 that was in less than stellar condition. Seemed pretty high since Empire Arms sold some close to that price for one that made me drool. I almost bit on an H&R Garand. Beautiful condition with correct and mostly matched parts for $800. A Colt's 1911 in original condition, not even arsenal refurbished for $3,200. He had all the paperwork for it and was in fantastic condition for the age. He was a real nice old timer which we chewed the fat for a while. He could tell I was seriously considering turning to my wife to ask if we had $3,200 somehow stocked up in savings. He was willing to negotiate on the price, but no dice. One of the biggest "Um, no freakin' way" finds was a vendor selling Ruger products. Had a 10/22 with a Mannlicher stock for $600...sorry...$599. That's twice what I paid for mine.
All in all, I was glad I went. Met quite a few good people. Bought some ammo at a fair-to-me price (Independence 1,000rds 9mm for $240 and I LOVE reloading their brass). 2,000 CCI primers for $58. I spent $25 for 2 medium sized ammo cans. It was a bit high, but they were thoroughly cleaned by a Cub Scout member and the condition of the seals were in great shape.
It was the usual story of you really need to know what the going rate of what you're looking for to get a good deal. To me, I see a lot of sellers that are trying to make a living or supplementing income. If it's a few bucks more to keep them in business and future gun shows coming, it's worth it. A couple of years ago, it wasn't anything like the experience I had lately. Looks like some of the scares are behind us for now so our community can get back to some sort of normalcy.
Is this the trend you're seeing in your area?
Now, the real important stuff that most probably want to know...
Prices were all over the place. A Swedish M38 Mauser for $675 that was in less than stellar condition. Seemed pretty high since Empire Arms sold some close to that price for one that made me drool. I almost bit on an H&R Garand. Beautiful condition with correct and mostly matched parts for $800. A Colt's 1911 in original condition, not even arsenal refurbished for $3,200. He had all the paperwork for it and was in fantastic condition for the age. He was a real nice old timer which we chewed the fat for a while. He could tell I was seriously considering turning to my wife to ask if we had $3,200 somehow stocked up in savings. He was willing to negotiate on the price, but no dice. One of the biggest "Um, no freakin' way" finds was a vendor selling Ruger products. Had a 10/22 with a Mannlicher stock for $600...sorry...$599. That's twice what I paid for mine.
All in all, I was glad I went. Met quite a few good people. Bought some ammo at a fair-to-me price (Independence 1,000rds 9mm for $240 and I LOVE reloading their brass). 2,000 CCI primers for $58. I spent $25 for 2 medium sized ammo cans. It was a bit high, but they were thoroughly cleaned by a Cub Scout member and the condition of the seals were in great shape.
It was the usual story of you really need to know what the going rate of what you're looking for to get a good deal. To me, I see a lot of sellers that are trying to make a living or supplementing income. If it's a few bucks more to keep them in business and future gun shows coming, it's worth it. A couple of years ago, it wasn't anything like the experience I had lately. Looks like some of the scares are behind us for now so our community can get back to some sort of normalcy.
Is this the trend you're seeing in your area?
Last edited:
