handguns at gunshows
- Thread starter SPUSCG
- Start date
You can find some great deals at gunshows from individuals who bring their weapons to sell (not tables dealers is what I'm saying), BUT you have to know what you're after and what you can get it for elsewhere. If you don't know those two things, you'll probably get taken. Most weapons I've bought that way, the owner was happy to let me inspect it and even break it down once he knew I was serious about walking out with it if it checked out.
Good luck!
Sarge43
Good luck!
Sarge43
Freeman1952
New member
But...
If you live in a state other than the one presenting the show, can you walk out with your purchase? Or do you have to deal with a FFL? If so, many times the fees wipe out any savings you might have realized by purchasing at the show, yes?
If you live in a state other than the one presenting the show, can you walk out with your purchase? Or do you have to deal with a FFL? If so, many times the fees wipe out any savings you might have realized by purchasing at the show, yes?
Yea, did you notice the guy a few posts back that said he has great success buying and selling walking around, he just sold a FAULTY Keltec!? So that is your challenge-you gotta know your stuff to some extent to keep from getting burned buying as-is stuff that other people are dumping. One gun show I had been going to said they forbid knowingly selling faulty or dangerous firearms there, but they ain't checkin them for you so that is unenforceable in most cases. You will get burned sooner or later buying at the gunshows if you do alot. Just figure it is not the largest percentage of the deals you make, if-if you are careful and knowledgeable.
HisSoldier
New member
"Yea, did you notice the guy a few posts back that said he has great success buying and selling walking around, he just sold a FAULTY Keltec!?"
Is there any other kind?
I assume he told the buyer it had a problem, it would be dishonest not to. I bought a Colt officers model at a show last weekend and the guy said it functioned well, and it did. I'd have been back with a vengeance had it not functioned.
Is there any other kind?
I assume he told the buyer it had a problem, it would be dishonest not to. I bought a Colt officers model at a show last weekend and the guy said it functioned well, and it did. I'd have been back with a vengeance had it not functioned.
imthegrumpyone
New member
I'll bet ya he was honest and disclosed that it was a faulty gun too. 
allenomics
New member
Shows are fun to attend, but getting a great deal is few and far between at the shows I attend. I would love to attend a show with no dealers, just regular people hoping to sell a pistol here and a rifle there at fair prices.
hillbillyshooter
New member
Not in my name
I find deals that are okay at gun shows, usually nothing spectacular. But, how much are you willing to pay for a gun that is not registerred to you? I found a Glock 23 w/ night sights for $525 (barely used, 99%). I also found a Smith and Wesson SW22 for $200. Not a great price, but there are two guns that no one knows that I have. I like buying guns this was, esp. b/c WV doesn't require any background checking or paperwork for P2P sales.
I find deals that are okay at gun shows, usually nothing spectacular. But, how much are you willing to pay for a gun that is not registerred to you? I found a Glock 23 w/ night sights for $525 (barely used, 99%). I also found a Smith and Wesson SW22 for $200. Not a great price, but there are two guns that no one knows that I have. I like buying guns this was, esp. b/c WV doesn't require any background checking or paperwork for P2P sales.
It was a little hard at first for me to tell the difference between
a 'private' sale table and a dealer (ffl forms and of course denial because of your age)... but you should be able to figure it out pretty quick... (I'm slow sometimes)... since you have a military I.D. I'm assuming you have the look too, so don't dress down. And don't be afraid to trade information with the seller as in a bill of sale. Some folks do and some don't but you will feel better about the sale if you do.
Gun ownership and this forum is about not breaking the law. If you have the money I would stick with smith and wesson (older model with out a lock) or Ruger or even colt. Ruger Sp 101 is a nice compact revolver... 357 mag is a defensive round and you can shoot 38 specials all day in one for practice.
One last suggestion, get a permit when you can (not sure about Maine's age limit even though I have a permit from there)... concealed carry is not about carrying when you think you might need a gun...but carrying when ever you can ... if you think you might need to use it...go somewhere else.
Good luck, gun shows are fun. Stay away from the beef jerky though.
a 'private' sale table and a dealer (ffl forms and of course denial because of your age)... but you should be able to figure it out pretty quick... (I'm slow sometimes)... since you have a military I.D. I'm assuming you have the look too, so don't dress down. And don't be afraid to trade information with the seller as in a bill of sale. Some folks do and some don't but you will feel better about the sale if you do.
Gun ownership and this forum is about not breaking the law. If you have the money I would stick with smith and wesson (older model with out a lock) or Ruger or even colt. Ruger Sp 101 is a nice compact revolver... 357 mag is a defensive round and you can shoot 38 specials all day in one for practice.
One last suggestion, get a permit when you can (not sure about Maine's age limit even though I have a permit from there)... concealed carry is not about carrying when you think you might need a gun...but carrying when ever you can ... if you think you might need to use it...go somewhere else.
Good luck, gun shows are fun. Stay away from the beef jerky though.
I've purchased two handguns at gunshows -- and almost got a third today, but it was so crowded in Austin the line for paperwork was an hour long and I gave up. Got an excellent buy on a Kimber Ultra Carry II NIB which has been perfect. Also bought a Taurus .22 mag revolver which was a fun gun, but wasn't what I ultimately wanted, so it got traded. I wouldn't hesitate, especially if I was buying from a table set up by an actual dealer, who will stand behind the sale. Buying from a private seller is another story, tho the .22 was a no-record, no-paper sale. The gun was fine.
Coastie,
I have a significant number of firearms. In round numbers, I carry/shoot maybe 10% of the handguns I own, the rest are investments. Not my only investmentments, but a lot more fun than my real estate, Roth or 401k (especially lately!).
I attend gun shows, primarily to add to my collectibles. I do A LOT of research on any weapon for which I am, at that time, in heat. I use the resources already mentioned in this thread as tools for said research, so I'm hip to the market before I shop, and I shop with cash in hand.
That said, I am always ok with a bargain but the kind of guns I buy are pricey even if the cost is lower than anticipated. So, I don't go to find bargains, my goal is to find the piece I desire to fill the hole in my collection. The dealers with whom I custom know me and what I like,often holding back something "special" they know I will like.
So, I deal with folks who are known quantities. The only way to do that is to jump in, observe, learn, and, when the time comes make your buy in such a manner that it appears that it's not your first rodeo - because, by that time, it isn't.
So, know what you want, what it's worth/what you'll pay, know the seller, and, for face to face deals, know what your legal requirements are.
You aren't comfortable with the repartee of whachagot/how much? that is common at the show, but you need to get that way to achieve your goals. Get comfortable with negotiation, inspect offered items with honest, informed questions. Carry a bore light and silicon cloth with you. After you inspect the gun, no matter if it's buy or pass, wipe your hand grease off before you return the weapon to the seller's hand.
Joking comeraderie combined with demonstrated respect will plant good seeds with the current seller and those observing you manner-- you may be dealing with them next. Always find some aspect of that weapon you can complement the owner on. If the deal doesn't go, you've left a good taste for next time.
FWIW,
MWM
I have a significant number of firearms. In round numbers, I carry/shoot maybe 10% of the handguns I own, the rest are investments. Not my only investmentments, but a lot more fun than my real estate, Roth or 401k (especially lately!).
I attend gun shows, primarily to add to my collectibles. I do A LOT of research on any weapon for which I am, at that time, in heat. I use the resources already mentioned in this thread as tools for said research, so I'm hip to the market before I shop, and I shop with cash in hand.
That said, I am always ok with a bargain but the kind of guns I buy are pricey even if the cost is lower than anticipated. So, I don't go to find bargains, my goal is to find the piece I desire to fill the hole in my collection. The dealers with whom I custom know me and what I like,often holding back something "special" they know I will like.
So, I deal with folks who are known quantities. The only way to do that is to jump in, observe, learn, and, when the time comes make your buy in such a manner that it appears that it's not your first rodeo - because, by that time, it isn't.
So, know what you want, what it's worth/what you'll pay, know the seller, and, for face to face deals, know what your legal requirements are.
You aren't comfortable with the repartee of whachagot/how much? that is common at the show, but you need to get that way to achieve your goals. Get comfortable with negotiation, inspect offered items with honest, informed questions. Carry a bore light and silicon cloth with you. After you inspect the gun, no matter if it's buy or pass, wipe your hand grease off before you return the weapon to the seller's hand.
Joking comeraderie combined with demonstrated respect will plant good seeds with the current seller and those observing you manner-- you may be dealing with them next. Always find some aspect of that weapon you can complement the owner on. If the deal doesn't go, you've left a good taste for next time.
FWIW,
MWM
thebaldguy
New member
I've had good luck with purchasing handguns at gunshows.
Know what you want.
Check it out; ask questions.
Know what you are willing to pay.
Be polite. Don't be rude.
Bring cash.
Haggle nicely.
Know what you want.
Check it out; ask questions.
Know what you are willing to pay.
Be polite. Don't be rude.
Bring cash.
Haggle nicely.
Never know what you might find at a Gun Show. To me that's what makes them so interesting. I've bought two handguns at shows - one new, one used. Most shows I end up just looking and generally amazed at prices some vendors are asking, but every so often there's something I consider worth making an offer on. If nothing else they're a good way to spend a few hours over a weekend every few months.