Posted: 4/1/2011 7:23:08 AM EDT
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Alright guys, bit of a lurker here, but need some advice. I'm heading to my first ever gun show next week and I would like your opinions on what to look for at your run of the mill show. Here are some specific questions:
1) What should I bring? (Small flashlight to look at rifling already on list) 2) I'm in the market for a Garand. Can I do just as well as CMP Service/Correct Grade at a show? 3) Any particular deals that are common at shows? 4) Common scams? 5) Do these guys take plastic or is it usually cash/checks? 6) Also in the market for an M1A. Is this a good place to buy/look? 7) Any brands/dealers/etc I should avoid? TIA, be gentle, I'm new 
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Quoted:
Alright guys, bit of a lurker here, but need some advice. I'm heading to my first ever gun show next week and I would like your opinions on what to look for at your run of the mill show. Here are some specific questions: 1) What should I bring? (Small flashlight to look at rifling already on list) 2) I'm in the market for a Garand. Can I do just as well as CMP Service/Correct Grade at a show? 3) Any particular deals that are common at shows? 4) Common scams? 5) Do these guys take plastic or is it usually cash/checks? 6) Also in the market for an M1A. Is this a good place to buy/look? 7) Any brands/dealers/etc I should avoid? TIA, be gentle, I'm new Not around here where I live in Michigan. NO WAY!! |
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Quoted:
Alright guys, bit of a lurker here, but need some advice. I'm heading to my first ever gun show next week and I would like your opinions on what to look for at your run of the mill show. Here are some specific questions: 1) What should I bring? (Small flashlight to look at rifling already on list) 2) I'm in the market for a Garand. Can I do just as well as CMP Service/Correct Grade at a show? 3) Any particular deals that are common at shows? 4) Common scams? 5) Do these guys take plastic or is it usually cash/checks? 6) Also in the market for an M1A. Is this a good place to buy/look? 7) Any brands/dealers/etc I should avoid? TIA, be gentle, I'm new Depends on where you're going. Gun show experience can vary widely with region. In Iowa they're still pretty good. In other states less so. 1 Small flashlight is good. A small notebook can be useful. Some kind of pack or shoulder bag is also helpful (many dealers don't use sacks) 2 You should be able to find a Garand. Price will likely be higher than CMP, but you get to inspect it. 3 Not really 4 Inspect carefully. Be especially wary of anything labeled all original. 5 Some will take plastic. Almost all will charge you a premium for it. Checks not usually. Cash is king at gunshows 6 You should be able to find M1A's. Around here the basic models start around 1500 or so. Don't expect any bargains. 7 Depends on location Expect a fair number of hucksters. Expect some dealers to completely ignore you. Expect a handful to be complete a-holes. Ask to pick stuff up. Ask to cycle the action (some dealers get real goofy about this). Leave your CCW in the car. Shows around here do not allow loaded weapons on premise (and never have, its nothing new). Try to avoid going on Saturday. Sunday morning is my favorite time. If you're looking for something specific, know ahead of time what the market is and how much you're willing to spend. |
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I'm far more of a lurker than a poster here too. As to gun shows, I go to every one close by. But some shows are good, some not so good. A great way to handle a lot of differant weapons to get a feel for them if nothing else. I look at it as I would going to a movie; I pay to be entertained for a couple of hours even if I don't buy anything. As to your specific questions-
1) What should I bring? (Small flashlight to look at rifling already on list) Good idea. Also a backpack if you think you're going to buy much and walk around with it. 2) I'm in the market for a Garand. Can I do just as well as CMP Service/Correct Grade at a show? Probably not. Every Garand I've seen at a show has been considerably more than CMP's rates, BUT you get to see and hold it before you buy it. But a trip to one of the CMP stores will get you the same options and save you possibly hundreds depending on grade. 3) Any particular deals that are common at shows? Look for people walking around with stuff for sale. (If private sales are allowed at the show.) 4) Common scams? If private sales are not allowed don't try to! Remember: every dealer who sees you standing at their table holding a firearm wants to know-"Are you looking to sell that badly made piece of crap, or are you looking to buy that highly sought after collectable?" 5) Do these guys take plastic or is it usually cash/checks? Cash always talks loudest. Always. 6) Also in the market for an M1A. Is this a good place to buy/look? Just do your research on prices first. 7) Any brands/dealers/etc I should avoid? Just remember, always ask for a better price, and always be polite. Look to enjoy it. If nothing else it's a great way to see who's in your area and interested in perhaps the same things you are.. |
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Shows vary from state to state and even venue to venue. I would post this in your Hometown Forum to get some input from people who frequent the specific show you are planning to attend.
but to give you some generic advice; 1) What should I bring? (Small flashlight to look at rifling already on list) Also bring whatever documents you need to buy a gun in your locale and a bottle of water 2) I'm in the market for a Garand. Can I do just as well as CMP Service/Correct Grade at a show? Maybe, but be prepared to pay a bit more than CMP and only buy if you know what you are looking at. Don't trust the dealer's claims. 3) Any particular deals that are common at shows? Some shows and some vendors are known for bulk ammunition deals. When comparing with internet sales remember to factor add-ons like shipping (from an internet order) and sales tax (from a show dealer). If you don't really need it wait until late in the day on the last day of the show and see how bad the vendor wants to truck it back home. 4) Common scams? The same ones you find anywhere else but be careful about anybody who wants to sell you a unregistered NFA weapon or a "full auto conversion kit". 5) Do these guys take plastic or is it usually cash/checks? Some of the dealers will take CC some will accept a personal check some will ONLY deal in cash. If you can do cash don't be afraid to ask for a cash discount. Vendors pay a premium for CC use and are usually willing to give a small discount for cash. They are often prohibited from advertising this. 6) Also in the market for an M1A. Is this a good place to buy/look? Sure, why not? You might find a dealer who made a volume purchase and has priced them to move. You might find a private seller trying to sell from his personal collection. You might find a dealer who took one on trade and is trying to flip it as fast as possible to make his $$$. The trick is to research exactly what you are looking for and know how much it is worth. Then decide how much you are willing to pay (max) and stick to that number. If considering a used gun know what to look for to tell the gems form the duds. 7) Any brands/dealers/etc I should avoid? Same as anybody that sells anything-There is always the good, the bad and the ugly. Again, check with your Hometown Forum. A final note. Go to have fun and view it as entertainment. Don't be afraid to bargain and don't be afraid to walk out without buying anything 
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Consider buying used guns at 'shows like buying used cars from some some dealers.
A lot of the guys out there are pretty good about being up front with the stuff they're trying to sell but there's ALSO the one's that'll sell a "Franken-Garand" with parts from 10 different guns and SWEAR to an uninformed buyer that it hit the beach at Iwo' and has been locked in grand dad's closet ever since. Also, don't be afraid to make an offer if you see something you're interested in. Just because someone's ASKING $500/$1000 for something doesn't mean it's set in stone for them. When I was working 'shows for a living I had a sign up on my tables that said "feel free to make me an insulting offer" (  ). Too many folks think that the
listed price is IT and I was always happy to make a sale as long as the buyer and I both left happy no matter WHAT I started out asking (Dealers are WAY more optimistic at the beginning of a 'show than at the end). I'd also get online and research prices a little (And check the EE here) so you have an "idea" where to start. |
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Since you already have a plan to find a Garand or M1A, study up on them so you don't get burned. Know what parts are correct, stock cartouches, barrel dates, and look out / pay attention to the receiver so you don't buy a welded Garand receiver. Honestly, the CMP will be a much better and less expensive alternative to the gun show. You know you are getting a true Garand from them and they will be be lower in price than what gun show vendors have them for.
Cash is king, the deals you will find will be the randon people walking around the show and they don't take CC |
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Back before the internet a gun show was a great resource for all things gun and militaria related. Not so much anymore. If you are going to go to a gun show, go to a big one. IMHO the little shows are not worth the parking and entrance fee unless you are selling. Some random tips:
Know what you want, and know what they are worth. Be willing to talk to the dealers. Know how to haggle. Don't insult them, but don't be talked to like a fool either by them. Look at the asking price, and if you think it's high, tell them what you are willing to pay. Offer cash, out the door price. Some dealers will charge you tax and transfers on top of their asking price. Go to the big Tulsa show. IMHO shows are good for parts, small items hard to find, or the oddball walk-in. No deals, unless you shop the entrance line. Vendors are there to make money, don't forget that. Don't buy any story told. Buy the gun not the history. If you have a concealed carry permit be sure to bring it, as some states use that to forego the NICS check. Speeds things along... sometimes. Watch for 'personal guns' for sale. These may be from a vendor that is not an FFL, and no background checks on them. Bring a cooler with something to drink and a snack, and leave it in the car. Bring a bottle of water in your backpack. Gun show concession stands are stupid high. Have a good sense of humor. Have a good time. No deals unless you are really good at haggling or the item is common. All POS guns are worth more than your mint version, at least to the dealers offering to buy it. If you are selling, laugh out loud and tell them they are wrong, if they try to tell you differently. Know what you have to sell, and know what it is worth. |