Gun Show this weekend

Johnnycat · 07-09-2008, 12:49 AM

The Alabama Gun Collectors summer show is this weekend. If you're in the area it's one of the better one's around here. It's pretty much guns and related items (some knives and survival/military gear, but not much in the way of coins or antique trash).

Like most shows these days there aren't as many deals available anymore, but at the last one I passed up a painted Jungle Carbine for a really good price. I'm still kicking myself for that one!

GlockMeister · 07-09-2008, 01:00 AM

Maybe you'll run across something better at this one and then be able to tell yourself I knew I passed on that painted carbine for a reason. lol

Johnnycat · 07-09-2008, 01:07 AM

It was Bubba'd, but not beyond repair! The main reason I didn't get it was that I had already "rescued" a Mauser '96 that had been chopped and stripped to he11, then I bought a couple original Herter's stocks from the 60's. The budget was tight at that point!

thenickster813 · 07-11-2008, 05:20 PM

JohnnyCat,

I live in the Ham and am planning on going to the show this weekend; however, I am new to gun collecting and this will be my first show.

Thus, I have a couple of questions with which I need some help:

1) From what I can tell the 91/30 and M44 in general are the least expensive rifles out there. Is this correct? From what I've seen online, best price is usually around $70, can I expect to see similar prices at a gun show?

2) What should I look for in a MN rifle? I'm not concerned with matching numbers, but rather functionality.

3) As this is my first gun show, I don't know what the expectations are as far as bartering, trading, etc. I've got a ton of 5.56 ammo for which I have now use, as well as eight 30-rd clips for an AR-15; is there any way that I could use this stuff as part of a trade? Would I even be able to take it in with me?

4) What would you expect to pay for soft point ammo (box of 20)?

5) What would you expect to pay for surplus ammo?

Since I'm a novice, I'm a little concerned about the possibility of getting screwed. Any tips?

Thanks for the input guys. It is much appreciated.

Finally, it's great to be here on G&G. I've got to sned out thanks to Ellsworth who turned me on to this place.

Johnnycat · 07-13-2008, 09:14 AM

The Nagants are the cheapest - but prices were a little higher than $70. I'm not a real expert on the Nagant - I have a barrelled receiver awaiting my attention, but that's it.

Bartering/trading goes on at this show quite a bit and the best deals are from others at the show and not the dealers. If you want to sell something have a sign on your backpack/box or whatever.

Ammo was pretty expensive in my opinion, but it is everywhere. Everyone is hoarding in anticipation of the next administration. If you looked you could find some good deals and a lot of fair deals.

Of course like any gun show, let the buyer beware! You're not going to find a rare gun for a cheap price - if it's too good to be true then run!

07-09-2008, 12:49 AM	#1
Johnnycat Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Tupelo, MS Posts: 283	Gun Show this weekend - B'ham, AL The Alabama Gun Collectors summer show is this weekend. If you're in the area it's one of the better one's around here. It's pretty much guns and related items (some knives and survival/military gear, but not much in the way of coins or antique trash). Like most shows these days there aren't as many deals available anymore, but at the last one I passed up a painted Jungle Carbine for a really good price. I'm still kicking myself for that one! __________________ Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored. - Aldous Huxley

07-09-2008, 01:00 AM	#2
GlockMeister Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Northern Illinois Posts: 6,158	Maybe you'll run across something better at this one and then be able to tell yourself I knew I passed on that painted carbine for a reason. lol __________________ I'd rather be tried by 12 than carried by 6!

07-09-2008, 01:07 AM	#3
Johnnycat Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Tupelo, MS Posts: 283	It was Bubba'd, but not beyond repair! The main reason I didn't get it was that I had already "rescued" a Mauser '96 that had been chopped and stripped to he11, then I bought a couple original Herter's stocks from the 60's. The budget was tight at that point! __________________ Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored. - Aldous Huxley

07-13-2008, 09:14 AM	#5
Johnnycat Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Tupelo, MS Posts: 283	The Nagants are the cheapest - but prices were a little higher than $70. I'm not a real expert on the Nagant - I have a barrelled receiver awaiting my attention, but that's it. Bartering/trading goes on at this show quite a bit and the best deals are from others at the show and not the dealers. If you want to sell something have a sign on your backpack/box or whatever. Ammo was pretty expensive in my opinion, but it is everywhere. Everyone is hoarding in anticipation of the next administration. If you looked you could find some good deals and a lot of fair deals. Of course like any gun show, let the buyer beware! You're not going to find a rare gun for a cheap price - if it's too good to be true then run! __________________ Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored. - Aldous Huxley

07-11-2008, 05:20 PM	#4
thenickster813 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 11	JohnnyCat, I live in the Ham and am planning on going to the show this weekend; however, I am new to gun collecting and this will be my first show. Thus, I have a couple of questions with which I need some help: 1) From what I can tell the 91/30 and M44 in general are the least expensive rifles out there. Is this correct? From what I've seen online, best price is usually around $70, can I expect to see similar prices at a gun show? 2) What should I look for in a MN rifle? I'm not concerned with matching numbers, but rather functionality. 3) As this is my first gun show, I don't know what the expectations are as far as bartering, trading, etc. I've got a ton of 5.56 ammo for which I have now use, as well as eight 30-rd clips for an AR-15; is there any way that I could use this stuff as part of a trade? Would I even be able to take it in with me? 4) What would you expect to pay for soft point ammo (box of 20)? 5) What would you expect to pay for surplus ammo? Since I'm a novice, I'm a little concerned about the possibility of getting screwed. Any tips? Thanks for the input guys. It is much appreciated. Finally, it's great to be here on G&G. I've got to sned out thanks to Ellsworth who turned me on to this place.