Gun shops versus gun shows

[Joe Boleo]

When looking for surplus arms two sources might be gun shops or gun shops. Over the years I have never done well at gun shows and have never found a surplus arm in decent condition at a reasonable price. Gun shops have been a completely different story. I deal at several gun shops and can usually get discounts, payment terms and a "no hassle" return policy. Just curious what you good folks have found in searching for surplus arms. Take care...
Joe

[gumpokc]

I agree, most gun "shows" tend to be overpriced, or badly used items, but there are times that you may find soem good deals, and or weapons that you don't usually see in your local shops.

Most shops seems to have better pricing, but limited movement of inventory, and may or may not have much in the way of selection.

[wrenchman]

I buy lots of guns at gun shows older model guns you just dont find in guns stores and i get better deals on hand guns at gun shows.
In my area if you want surplus you almost have to look at the shows

[Adam Helmer]

Joe,

We have 2 or 3 gun shows a year locally and it is always the same vendors; they appear to be professional gun show vendors who go from town to town. Prices are high and very high and quality varies.

The local gun shops are much better. They know me and see me weekly as I buy components, etc. They will call me when a surplus arm comes in that I may want. There is a no hassle return policy and "slack" in the hang tag price due to frequent business from this satisfied customer.

Adam

[Gil Martin]

My experiences at gun shows have not been very good. I may find some surplus parts, but the guns are usually overpriced. All the best...
Gil

[wrenchman]

There are shows almost every weeknd here we do have some dealers that think every thing they have is worth top money and dont want to give you a fare price.
we have a name for them dealers here and they are the guys that complain they are makeing no money.

[Old Scout]

around these parts we have gun auctions about every 3 months. Just went to one yesterday in fact. This one had 300 guns, encluding a dozen or so Mausers of all types, 5 or 6 Arisakas ( with Mum ), a bunch of Moisins ( several Finish ), SKS's, one of those Swedish auto loaders, a garand, couple of Carbines, and such as that. I bid on a Swedish '94 Carbine, but when it got up to $250 I lost interest. I did win the bid on a MAS-36 new in wrapping, at $75. Have no idea what I want it for, but never had one so figure I'll shoot a while and see what the French were up to!
We also have 2 gunshows a month ( more or less ) and I do find an occaisional deal. Generally on the last day, when the vendors are getting ready to pack up, they'll consider offers!

Old Scout

[Gil Martin]

We have frequent gun auctions around here and they are a mixed bag. Sometimes the prices get bid up to unbelievable numbers. At that point, I return to my favorite gun shops. All the best...
Gil

[wrenchman]

The last gun i bought frome a show was a savage 311 frome a dealer for 175 it had a cracked but plate.
I do buy guns frome reguler stores and gun stores but i am into older hunting guns and they just dont have them at most gun stores in the area and if they do they have over head and are limited on the deals they can give.
I have a couple dealers that i deal with as far as ordering guns and other things

[buckhunter]

I prefer to buy at a local shop. Keeps them in business however if whatever I'm considering is overpriced I will go elsewhere. I do price shop. Spending a extra $20 for the local guy is fine with me.

[Old Scout]

Yes indeed, auctions provide a lot of intertainment. The bidders will often push the price beyond what they could walk into a shop and buy the item for!
Late in the auctions when people are getting tired, I find "Sporterized" militaries given away for junk, $25-50. I can generally get more than that for the parts. If the barrels are not cut, and in good cond., then I rebuild to military. A good action will make a profit too.
It's fun and games, all the way!

Old Scout

[moneychanger]

thru a friend i stumbled onto a pretty decent gun show in midland , mi. it is run by a local sportsmen club and they do it once a year, and they do a fine job of putting on the show.

i picked up up a S&W model 29-3 for a real bargain, and i could have spent good amount more on some of the other items available.also,there were some interesting guns for sale by patrons who brought their guns along to sell.

with gun shows, i view them as entertainment,and if i find a good buy,it just adds to the fun i had at the show.

most of the time i find better deals online.

[Catfish]

I buy guns where ever I can find them cheap. I support acouple of local gun shops pretty well and buy several guns a year at gun show. I`ve also even picked up afew at garage sales. I can no longer find a gun I need to buy for any reason other than I think it`s to cheap to pass on, or I just want it.