Is there a good place to buy real MREs in the RTP area? I was looking to buy some for emergencies, and hope to avoid having to pay to have them shipped--shipping charges for the ones I have seen on eBay are $20-$30 a case.

The surplus and gun stores or at a show would be my guess. I haven't lived in the area  very long but long enough to know that when I want something it's better for me just to order it from wherever it's the cheapest instead of wasting my time and gas searching it out locally.

Ebay.  I don't know of any place locally that has any that are worth buying.  I think I was getting them around $60 per case including shipping.  Sometimes a bit less.  Thats $5 a meal, which is pretty reasonable considering what fast food costs.  The thing that sucks about it is that I go through all the cases and pick out the things I want, and make new cases.  So out of 8 cases, I actually only have 6 left.  The rest I gave away, or sampled.  Some of the menu items I wouldn't eat if I was starving, and some I am allergic to.
I am good to go till about 2008, at which point I will try to rotate them.

The dixie gunshow is in raleigh nov 18th. They'll probably have some mre's, I dunno about pricing but your also sure to find some mighty tasty beef jerkey

Blackops_1.

Check John's surplus at the Fairgrounds flea market when it opens back up. He usually has fresh one's for $40-45 a case.

Captain Dave's is in Durham near 85 and 15-501. They have new Sopakco MRE's for $69.95, discounted if you buy four or more.

Sopakco makes military MREs and the ones available to civilians are pretty much the same. Minor differences. Check here for a comprehensive review.

Captain Dave's is definitely worth checking out.

Quoted: Check John's surplus at the Fairgrounds flea market when it opens back up. He usually has fresh one's for $40-45 a case.

Doh--placed a bid on some on eBay after I didn't see any suggestions for local sources. I guess you can't be too prepared

Not sure on the price or availability , but try Bob's Army Surplus on S Saunders street in Raleigh.

I know they used to carry them and likely still do.

I didn't see any in there about 2 weeks ago.

Going to the gunshow in Raleigh? They'll have some there I'm sure.