Sign in or 
Location: Zombie Survival & Defense Wiki Discussion Forum
Discussion: The Gun and Knife Show!
Category:
Discussion Forum /
General Discussion
Share this
Showing 6 posts
AgEnT_GrEEn |
The Gun and Knife Show!
Mar 26 2010, 5:47 AM EDT
As I mentioned in an old necro thread [one of my own], I'd post a gun and knife show thread....and it'd be the best one ever.So, what better way to make that so by talking about the real deal? Some topics to mull over: *What are some good finds you've found there? *Price fluctuations and trends? *Advice for newbies? *Any form of etiquette one should follow? *Any personal stories involving the gun 'n knife show? I look forward to zee feedback :) Do you find this valuable? |
LJ126 |
1. RE: The Gun and Knife Show!
Mar 26 2010, 10:00 AM EDT
Finding good deals at gunshows is a an art form; one that can be pretty difficult to describe. Some of the best deals around are found from folks who are wandering around trying to sell their old guns. In fact, the best deals I've ever gotten weren't from the "peddlers" with booths (who typically overprice their wares) but from Joe Blow walking around with a sign taped to his back with SALE written in Sharpie. Joe's either hurting for money, or he's trying to get a little bit more money to buy an upgrade - and either way, his price is negotiable.Beware the flashy booths. They might have neat stuff but they know you're going to come look - but typically, I've found that they overprice their stuff. Beware the guys with the BIG belt buckles. He's not hurting for sales and he's not going to reduce his price for someone he doesn't like. Sure, he might be selling vintage Colt SAA's and high end 1911's, but he KNOWS the value of these guns and knows that people will pay it. Look for military surplus - but study prices locally before buying ANYTHING at a gunshow. I've seen Mosin-Nagants and Mausers marked $100 above what they sell for in shops. CASH TALKS. Don't be afraid to carry some in. BULLSH!T WALKS. If the sales person is giving you some jive about not being able to reduce the price on the used S&W Model 10 police trade-in that you know can be purchased at $120, WALK AWAY. He might reconsider once you turn your back. The LAST day of the show is the FIRST time you should consider buying - many dealers don't want to pack up extra junk, and will part with some stuff at deals that wouldn't have been had the first day of the show. Try to catch him/her when they look like they're about to start packing. Do you find this valuable? |
|
LJ126 |
2. RE: The Gun and Knife Show!
Mar 26 2010, 10:04 AM EDT
ETIQUETTE: ALWAYS ask for permission to handle and inspect a firearm - don't just grab. If you show the dealer respect, he will probably return it. Also, try to visit a vendor without all of your friends surrounding you - if 6 guys are staring at the same rifle, he's going to think that 6 guys are interested in buying, and won't cut "Guy 1" a deal. Most gunshop and gunshow guys are shooters too (though some aren't) and MANY are also hunters. If you're buying your first hunting rifle but you don't have a whole lot of hunting or shooting experience, don't be afraid to tell them that you're new. They can help you find what you need, and in your price range. Another last tip: Don't try to haggle ammo prices - they WON'T budge, unless you're buying a whole lot. Do you find this valuable? |
AlexHigginbotham |
3. RE: The Gun and Knife Show!
Mar 26 2010, 6:01 PM EDT
"As I mentioned in an old necro thread [one of my own], I'd post a gun and knife show thread....and it'd be the best one ever.Good finds - Gun a knife shows produce a lot of interesting items. I picked up my FN Five-seveN at a gun show, and they are hard as hell to find aside from internet gun stores. Prices - Best advice is to shop around. If 2 booths are selling the same weapon you want, make them compete for the lower price. If you have a phone with internet on it, poke around and see what price would be considered a deal. Ammunition is usually a little over priced at gun shows, but only because they are fully stocked with a lot of different calibers, unlike most walmarts and gun stores. Advice for new guys - Don't get excited and impulse buy, you will get ripped off. Always shop around and know what you are buying. Etiquette - Just be polite, other than that, it is business. They are a service provider and you are a customer. It is their job to give you what you want, within reason, so don't let them screw you. Personal stories - Usually it comes down to me going to pick up a couple boxes of ammo, then leaving $2,000 in the hole on my credit card. It really is like giving a 5 year old a gold card and sending him to Toys-R-Us. Do you find this valuable? |
|
AlexHigginbotham |
4. RE: The Gun and Knife Show!
Mar 26 2010, 6:05 PM EDT
"Another last tip:The gun show that comes around here every month, all the surplus ammo suppliers dont list prices on their ammo. When you ask how much, they always ask what you will give for it. My best advice with that is find the cheapest possible price you can find on that ammo, then subtract $2 a box. A lot of the time, they will take it. Do you find this valuable? |
duttyrock |
5. RE: The Gun and Knife Show!
Apr 2 2010, 4:14 PM EDT
Ammo: Unless your buying in bulk or specialty ammo, I wouldn't buy from a gunshow. I have found better pricing online, at sites like Cheaper than Dirt and Cabela's. Your local laws may prevent this, but you'll get ripped off on ammo prices. Gun Show Rambos: these are the guy offering unsolicited, usually wrong advice on a weapons capability, ammo selection, etc. Typically overweight, stuffed into some cammie or 5.11 tac pants , they may also regal you with bogus stories of their days as a Delta or Blackwater Sniper. Cash is King: Most vendors will take credit cards, but cash will always get you the best price. Do you find this valuable? |
