Even more frustrated with gun shows now

troylaplante · 05-05-2007, 07:56 PM

I went to the Dixie Gun and Knife Classic today. I go to most gun shows in the Raleigh and surrounding areas. Today, I didn't have a heap big amount of money budgeted for the show, but I went anyway.

Ever since the November election, gun show attendance has picked up dramatically. The shows have always been well attended, but since Democrats have been elected to control Congress, the shows are jammed now. The lines have been snaking around the building just to get a ticket to get through the door. It was never like this before in all the years I have gone.

This is both a good and a bad thing, depending upon how you look at it. It is good in that it will keep shows running and vendors in business. It is a bad thing in that more people who would never go to a show will now come to them. This leads to uninformed buyers who will pay top dollar for stuff I will not pay for. If you study enough, know what you are looking for, and know some values, you can still find a deal. More often than not, though, prices have been jacked up.

One vendor wanted $35 for a sling to an M1 Carbine. $35. Speaking of M1 Carbines, I saw some prices over $1000 for them now.

There were fewer ammo vendors at this show than usual. There were more reloading supply vendors, though. I saw more AK variants than usual, but far fewer Mosins, Swiss, and other C&R type rifles. I saw a few C&R handguns. Some were about $20 more than one would pay by buying directly from a dealer with your C&R after you factor in the $30 gouging for next day air shipping charge.

I heard plenty of others grumbling about some of the same things as I just wrote. We have said so here on the forum. Gun shows are no longer necessarily the place to shop for bargains. I saw a few dealers have real bad attitudes with some customers, knowing that they will find some other sucker to come along later.

I did manage to pick up $100 worth of ammo to throw in the safe, though. I filled my bag with .223, 7.62x39, 7.5 French, and 7.5 Swiss as well as a 40 round mag for the M1 Carbine. While there, I was able to get a discounted membership to GRNC, the state's biggest 2nd Amendment organization. Some good did come of the show, but also some frustration.

Chris, did I see your dad there? I thought I recognized him at the show but didn't get to talk to him. If so, did he have some Garands and Mini 14s at his booth?

JoeLee · 05-05-2007, 08:56 PM

Milk,Gas,and Guns all going skyward ,but we pay.

bigandrich44 · 05-08-2007, 07:29 AM

Ouch. I never go to gun shows, as I know the owner of the local gunshop personally, so I get great deals!

ArkansasHunter · 05-08-2007, 09:14 AM

bidandrich has things gotton better for you at school ? A.H

bigandrich44 · 05-08-2007, 04:29 PM

Somewhat. There is still a lot of wierd looks, my gf dumped me, and etc. over this stuff. And the counselor=crazy and brainwashing at the same time.

Midas · 05-08-2007, 05:43 PM

Gun shows just arn't what they used to be

45ball · 05-09-2007, 08:11 PM

Yes, one must factor in the rising cost of materials.

mosineer · 05-09-2007, 09:38 PM

Bad JuJu on my recent trip to the local gun show. Was looking mainly for C & R stuff and ammo. Only a few bulk or Mil surps ammo available. Most of that cheaper from Ammoman for goodness sakes. Seen maybe a dozen Mosins, OK but no deals. Saw ONE CZ 50 w/extra clip, no holster for $215. Told him I was interested in a CZ 52, he could bring me one in the next day, holster, clip, and cleaning rod for $255. I don't think so... I got a very nice hand picked CZ 52 W/ holster, clip, and cleaning rod through my gun shop (ordered thru SOG). With shipping, 72 rounds of ammo, and the transfer fee it came to a grand total of $167.50. I can understand a guy wanting to make a profit, but .... . Put in for my C & R 2 weeks ago. Hope to hear something in another couple!! Yes, I will most likely go to more gun shows, but my expectations will be reserved!! No like bad JUJU!! No like Zombies!! Like mo' guns!!

Better to be despised for too anxious apprehensions, than ruined by too confident security

billy · 05-09-2007, 11:37 PM

if there is one nearby i will probably go but i don't buy. I'm sick of seeing guys that think there going to retire after selling me a piece of **** for too much money! am i soured on gun shows? YOU BET I AM!!! thank goodness i had sense enough to get my c&r!!! i cant think of the last time i saw even a fair deal. well i feel better now that i got that off my chest....

Mooseman684 · 05-09-2007, 11:54 PM

Sometimes its better dealing out front, watching what people may be totin in,
ya never know what may walk by.
Rich

Shenlung · 05-10-2007, 06:48 AM

I think Mooseman has the rights of it. With two babies in the house, it's rare that I buy anything these days, but I do fly wingman for a buddy (and run a little interference if he exceeds his "allowance").

The last two shows we've gone to have been piss-poor. Guys wanting $179 for what are obviously $89 Mosin M44's, 20 round hi-cap AK mags for $25/ea, the list goes on.

However, at one show he got a Ljungman in superb condition off another guy for $425 and at the second show, he got a VZ-52 in proper 7.62 x 45 for under $350 iirc. That's where the deals are!

skipme56 · 05-10-2007, 05:04 PM

I agree with you that gun shows have went south. The last one I went to I bought a cetme from a guy walking out of the show he tried to sell to the vendors for 350.00 and they told him he wanted way to much for it! But yet they had marlin mod 60's for a 125.00. That was all I spent at the show when use to I would spend a bunch more than that, and the attitudes of the dealers anymore I think that puts me off more than the high prices.

05-05-2007, 07:56 PM	#1
troylaplante Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Selma, NC Posts: 2,223 Trader Rating: (0)	Even more frustrated with gun shows now I went to the Dixie Gun and Knife Classic today. I go to most gun shows in the Raleigh and surrounding areas. Today, I didn't have a heap big amount of money budgeted for the show, but I went anyway. Ever since the November election, gun show attendance has picked up dramatically. The shows have always been well attended, but since Democrats have been elected to control Congress, the shows are jammed now. The lines have been snaking around the building just to get a ticket to get through the door. It was never like this before in all the years I have gone. This is both a good and a bad thing, depending upon how you look at it. It is good in that it will keep shows running and vendors in business. It is a bad thing in that more people who would never go to a show will now come to them. This leads to uninformed buyers who will pay top dollar for stuff I will not pay for. If you study enough, know what you are looking for, and know some values, you can still find a deal. More often than not, though, prices have been jacked up. One vendor wanted $35 for a sling to an M1 Carbine. $35. Speaking of M1 Carbines, I saw some prices over $1000 for them now. There were fewer ammo vendors at this show than usual. There were more reloading supply vendors, though. I saw more AK variants than usual, but far fewer Mosins, Swiss, and other C&R type rifles. I saw a few C&R handguns. Some were about $20 more than one would pay by buying directly from a dealer with your C&R after you factor in the $30 gouging for next day air shipping charge. I heard plenty of others grumbling about some of the same things as I just wrote. We have said so here on the forum. Gun shows are no longer necessarily the place to shop for bargains. I saw a few dealers have real bad attitudes with some customers, knowing that they will find some other sucker to come along later. I did manage to pick up $100 worth of ammo to throw in the safe, though. I filled my bag with .223, 7.62x39, 7.5 French, and 7.5 Swiss as well as a 40 round mag for the M1 Carbine. While there, I was able to get a discounted membership to GRNC, the state's biggest 2nd Amendment organization. Some good did come of the show, but also some frustration. Chris, did I see your dad there? I thought I recognized him at the show but didn't get to talk to him. If so, did he have some Garands and Mini 14s at his booth?

05-08-2007, 07:29 AM	#3
bigandrich44 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 1,013 Trader Rating: (0)	Ouch. I never go to gun shows, as I know the owner of the local gunshop personally, so I get great deals! __________________ http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/1...eehobosig9.png

05-08-2007, 04:29 PM	#5
bigandrich44 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 1,013 Trader Rating: (0)	Somewhat. There is still a lot of wierd looks, my gf dumped me, and etc. over this stuff. And the counselor=crazy and brainwashing at the same time. __________________ http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/1...eehobosig9.png

05-08-2007, 05:43 PM	#6
Midas Troll B' Gone Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Springdale, Arkansas Posts: 3,703 Trader Rating: (0)	Gun shows just arn't what they used to be __________________ "Recoil lasts for a second, gravity lasts forever"

05-09-2007, 11:37 PM	#9
billy spiritual counselor Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: a secret lab on the shores of lake titicaca Posts: 10,865 Trader Rating: (0)	if there is one nearby i will probably go but i don't buy. I'm sick of seeing guys that think there going to retire after selling me a piece of **** for too much money! am i soured on gun shows? YOU BET I AM!!! thank goodness i had sense enough to get my c&r!!! i cant think of the last time i saw even a fair deal. well i feel better now that i got that off my chest.... __________________ i'll keep an eye out for ya!

05-05-2007, 08:56 PM	#2
JoeLee Banned Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: North New York State. Posts: 1,241 Trader Rating: (0)	Milk,Gas,and Guns all going skyward ,but we pay.

05-08-2007, 09:14 AM	#4
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 10,507 Trader Rating: (0)	bidandrich has things gotton better for you at school ? A.H

05-09-2007, 08:11 PM	#7
45ball Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: California Posts: 22 Trader Rating: (0)	Yes, one must factor in the rising cost of materials.

05-09-2007, 09:38 PM	#8
mosineer Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Southern Indiana Posts: 1,267 Trader Rating: (0)	Bad JuJu on my recent trip to the local gun show. Was looking mainly for C & R stuff and ammo. Only a few bulk or Mil surps ammo available. Most of that cheaper from Ammoman for goodness sakes. Seen maybe a dozen Mosins, OK but no deals. Saw ONE CZ 50 w/extra clip, no holster for $215. Told him I was interested in a CZ 52, he could bring me one in the next day, holster, clip, and cleaning rod for $255. I don't think so... I got a very nice hand picked CZ 52 W/ holster, clip, and cleaning rod through my gun shop (ordered thru SOG). With shipping, 72 rounds of ammo, and the transfer fee it came to a grand total of $167.50. I can understand a guy wanting to make a profit, but .... . Put in for my C & R 2 weeks ago. Hope to hear something in another couple!! Yes, I will most likely go to more gun shows, but my expectations will be reserved!! No like bad JUJU!! No like Zombies!! Like mo' guns!! Better to be despised for too anxious apprehensions, than ruined by too confident security

05-09-2007, 11:54 PM	#10
Mooseman684 Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Alaska Wilderness Posts: 9,266 Trader Rating: (0)	Sometimes its better dealing out front, watching what people may be totin in, ya never know what may walk by. Rich __________________ You know you might be facing your doom,when all you get is a click when you're expecting a BOOM!

05-10-2007, 06:48 AM	#11
Shenlung Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Fargo, ND Posts: 51 Trader Rating: (0)	I think Mooseman has the rights of it. With two babies in the house, it's rare that I buy anything these days, but I do fly wingman for a buddy (and run a little interference if he exceeds his "allowance"). The last two shows we've gone to have been piss-poor. Guys wanting $179 for what are obviously $89 Mosin M44's, 20 round hi-cap AK mags for $25/ea, the list goes on. However, at one show he got a Ljungman in superb condition off another guy for $425 and at the second show, he got a VZ-52 in proper 7.62 x 45 for under $350 iirc. That's where the deals are!

05-10-2007, 05:04 PM	#12
skipme56 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Joplin Mo Posts: 9 Trader Rating: (0)	I agree with you that gun shows have went south. The last one I went to I bought a cetme from a guy walking out of the show he tried to sell to the vendors for 350.00 and they told him he wanted way to much for it! But yet they had marlin mod 60's for a 125.00. That was all I spent at the show when use to I would spend a bunch more than that, and the attitudes of the dealers anymore I think that puts me off more than the high prices.