Went to a gun show today

Gil Martin · #1 11-19-2005, 02:46 PM

It was billed as one of the biggest in the area. I paid $8 and went inside and joined the crowd. What a disappointment! Yugoslav 24/47 bolt action rifles in NRA very good condition had a hang tag price of $410.00. The seller offered the rifle to me for $375.00. I did not tell him that I bought 2 unissued 24/47 rifles recently for $170.00 each with bayonet, sling, ammo pouch and cleaning kit. I just moved on.

Another chap had a pair of 1903-A3 rifles in military stocks that were drilled and tapped and had blued Redfield bases installed. They were counterfeit 1903-A4 sniper rifles being offered for $1,495.00 each. Another good reason to move on.

The classic was a reblued P-38 with a tag that read $2,500.00. I asked what made it so expensive. the answer given was that the pistol was made between 1942 and 1944 and was a Walther. I asked what date was stamped on the frame and there was none. I then asked if it had the Walther "ac" code"and it did not. Pass on that bargain.

There were a lot of lookers, but very few buyers. The last time I went to a gun shop was over 5 years ago. I do not have to attend another one until after I retire in 2010. All the best...
Gil

Adam Helmer · #2 11-19-2005, 04:08 PM

Gil,

Out here in the "Provinces" we pay $1 or $2 to get into a gun show. Why would anyone pay $8 to get into a gun show with so many rip-offs? Did you address these concerns with the promoter of the gun show? You may have gotten a refund.

Just why did you pay big money to get into an arena to spend money? I am still wondering. I think the $8 up-front fee would have been reason to go elsewhere. We do not pay $8 in Tioga County, never did and never will. I reckon it is just another reason to get into the country. Yup.

Adam

Dan Morris · #3 11-19-2005, 08:00 PM

Over priced rustbuckets is the main reason I quit going to shows. Besides entrance fees, all they have is stuff that I have no interest in!
Dan

Gil Martin · #4 11-20-2005, 07:07 AM

I agree and have always done better at local gun shops. It appears that gun shows around here are going to be pricing themselves right out of existence. The show I attended was supposed to be a significant regional event and was only a fraction of its size in prior years. All the best...
Gil