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First Gun Show: Advice?

Skydive
I'm going to my first Gun Show Sunday. Any tips or advice?

Every so often, I like to stick my head out the window, look up, and smile for a satellite picture.
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Comments

10 comments

Date Votes
  • BigTex
    Buy low, sell high...
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  • Skydive
    Wait BigTex, let me write that down.......

    Every so often, I like to stick my head out the window, look up, and smile for a satellite picture.
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  • William81
    Have a general list of what you are really looking for. There will usually be so many goodies there that it is easy to lose focus. Know the approx. value of the items you are seaching for. It is too easy to buy an item just because it is there and pay way too much for it.

    Finally, take a lot of money with you... Hope you find what you are looking for.

    Guns only have two enemies: Rust and Liberals....
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  • Skydive
    William81, I sent you an E-Mail this morning.

    Every so often, I like to stick my head out the window, look up, and smile for a satellite picture.
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  • ka11
    I agree with William81 but go through the entire show before you buy what's on your list. Take notes on who's selling what (cost, condition, etc.) and where they were - some shows are so big you can't remember where you saw something.





    Edited by - ka11 on 10/03/2002 12:15:50
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  • He Dog
    Take a bore light, if you are planning to look for guns and learn how to check what you are looking for for condition, proper operation etc. Know what the original configuration of the gun was: for example. Very few model 99 Savage rifles were manufactured with receivers bored and tapped for scopes. If some one is trying to sell you a 99 for price that is a little high because it has a scope and mounts, it was likely bored and tapped later, and often, poorly. That will decrease its value, not increase it. I usually target something particular, like say a 20 guage sxs. Then I research the models in my price range, and note attributes and prices from guides (which are admittedly off, but help you spot decent prices and outrageous ones) on a cheat sheet I carry. I often keep the books in the truck so I can run back and do a little research. There are some great deals to be found, there are some fair deals to be found, but prices are often higher than shop prices, so have a care and have fun!

    I would rather be exposed to the inconveniences attending too much liberty than to those attending too small a degree of it.
    -- Thomas Jefferson
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  • kimberkid
    Cash talks ... take lots of it and don't be afraid to haggle!

    =================================================================
    Just because your paranoid doesn't mean they aren't out to get you!kimberkid@gunbroker.zzn.com
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  • fergusonmorse392
    Get there early, 15 to 20 mins before it opens, if you intend to spend a lot of time there, maybe a lunch, bottled water or soda. Sometimes the food is good, other times?? Money it talks, BS walks!! a couple of plastic bags like you get at the local store, folded in your pocket. A gun sock or sack up. If its a big show 500+ tables & you find smoething you have been looking for/ price is within your idea of a buy, buy it. By the time you get through the show & back it most likely won't be there if one of a kind on that table. Try buying more than one at a better price if you can use them. Most show traffic seems to go in the front door to the right! try going left. If you plan to take a gun with you, make sure you can bring it in the show, some won't let you. Did I say bring money. Do not expect someone to take a check ( some might) Few take plastic. Dress for the weather, small shows can be stuffy hot/cold. Bore lite. Did I say bring money. Or a buddy with money. Comfortable shoes. Pen & paper. Your drivers license. Your NRA card, some may give discount. Did I say bring cash. Have a good one!!
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  • David Nunn
    Take a pad and pen. When you see an item of interest, but are not ready to buy, write down what it is and where it is.

    Take money. Keep hands in pockets.

    If it is too cheap, there is probably a reason.

    Get a signed receipt with the seller's name, address, and phone number on it for any gun purchase.

    SIG pistol armorer/FFL Dealer/Full time Peace Officer, Moderator of General Discussion Board on Gunbroker. Visit www.gunbroker.com, the best gun auction site on the Net! Email davidnunn@texoma.net
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  • Iconoclast
    Get there early enough to be close to the front of the line. Run (well, hurry), don't walk, through the whole thing, staying ahead of the pack. If you see a real bargain, stop, check it out & buy it if it is what you want & the quality is there. Get a receipt, note the table & keep going. Try to stay ahead of the tidal wave behind you. Then go back & do it at leisure to see what you may have missed. I almost always find some super deal because the seller either wants to move it *now* or has no idea of the value. 99 to 1 it won't be there three minutes after the first wave reaches that table. But you must **KNOW** what you are looking for and what you are looking at. Better to miss a deal than make an expensive mistake.
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