Gun show

I just went to my first gun show here in Houston a couple of weeks ago. I guess its the biggest show in Houston all year and it was GIGANTIC a totally surreal experience. My dad and I bought a total of 4 guns (me 1 :( ) and got good to great deals on all of them. We had done a great deal of research on what we wanted and had prices in mind for new and used for several models. We found what we wanted and our packs were full within an hour of the doors opening. We knew what our goals were and they happened to be on the first row we walked down. Walking the whole show over once is a good idea because you will see a good amount of difference from one table to the next, and we were definitely comparing our price to what we saw at other dealers and fortunately came out on top. However the downside to this is that if it is a good deal and you walk the rest of the show to make sure it is a good deal then it might be gone when you get back. I would suggest having a number in your head for both new and used (obviously condition comes in here) and if you find something at or below the number you wanted ask how many of that particular gun they have on them. If they have a lot then its probably safe to keep moving and come back, but if not and there is a lot of people there it might not be worth the risk. On a side not I would recommend wearing some comfortable shoes because you will be doing a lot of walking. We stayed at the show for 4 more hours after we had purchased and a gun that weighs just a few pounds can get awful heavy in your backpack. Anyhow Good Luck and have fun.
 
Don't buy at gun shows

I'm far from a pro at this, but I've been to half a dozen or so gun shows looking for good buys on specific guns. I have yet to find a better price at a gun show then I can get by way of shopping a couple of dealers. Example.
I bought a new Tarus Raging Bull 44 mag for $450 at a dealer. Best price on that gun I could find at a sho was $100 more. I bought a hi-point 9mm for $145 new at a dealer. Best price I've ever seen for one at a show is $195.

Shows are fun and you can get gear at reasonable prices, but I think good deals on guns at shows is rare.

Live well, be safe
Prof Young
 
Well, just got home from the show. WOW, this was the first and last show i go to. I found 1 gun that was a decent deal. A CZ85 with 2 15 round mags for $400 (used). I thought it was a good deal. Went back to buy it and the guy left. So, oh well. It was nice to see some of the guns i was looking at buying. I really like the Taurus PT99 all stainless. They were selling for $479. So i am going to go to the local dealer to see what they have to rent and take it to the range.

I also saw a Hi-Point 40 cal for $225!! I looked at it and just laughed. I think i ****** the guy off when i said that it was about $60 too much. And i saw the same SW9VE that i bought new for $305 selling for $385. I am glad to did research before i went.
 
I have a Taurus 24/7 OSS, 40 Caliber for home defense. Bought it from Gallery of Guns for about the price you are looking for after a rebate (no longer available). I believe the pistol itself is still available at www.galleryofguns.com. I also like their lifetime replacement warranty. I am not an agent for them.
 
Gun shows are all different. Some great, some not so great, some worthless.

I picked up a new Glock 22 at a show a few months ago for about $35 less than I could find it at any of the local Tucson stores or on-line stores for that matter. Other time's I've found nothing worth the asking price.

I like to go even though I know there's only a remote possibility of finding bargains. It's just fun to look.
 
Jmcdowel, thanks for the update. Lesson learned; you've got to take the cra_ with the cream. If you reconsider and visit another show in the future, maybe you'll find a deal or just enjoy the camaraderie.
 
Gun shows are like strip clubs, fun to go to, look and sometimes touch, but you wouldn't want to "buy" and bring one home with you.

I'm just saying. :p
 
Wow, most people have completely opposite experiences with gun shows than I do. I consistently find good deals. My biggest problem (some one else mentioned this too) is finding a good deal but walking away to see if I can do better then coming back and finding it has already been snatched up. It is also not a matter of if I can do better than the local gun store, the local shops set up booths and sell at the show, so I can see what their prices are compared to others. Plus the variety is awesome. Maybe I am spoiled, I go the Nations Gun Show, in VA, it is held in a convention center and takes hours to walk the whole thing. I have also had luck bartering one dealer against another. If you think you are going get a brand new Glock for $300 you have unrealistic expectations, but I think you can easily save $30, $40 or even more on just about any gun. My latest purchase was a NIB Glock 30 with factory night sights for $525. My local dealer wanted over $600. The gun show is back next weekend and I am in the market for a FAL or CETME and my local dealer doesn't even have one of those in stock.
 
if you have $450 to spend for a gun you better subtract about $20 for parking and admission just for yourself or that $450 gun just cost you $470. at least thats the cost of getting in a gun show in my area. after you get in you will probably find that the gun prices range from full retail to are you outa your freakin mind. of course the $20 for admission might be justified if you like looking at things you can't afford and you learn something in the process. kinda like going to a strip club. my advice is find a reputable local gun dealer and find something you like in your price range, at least you can find the guy again if you have a question or a problem. gun show bargins are a thing of the past.
 
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