Gun show experts
So here is the question I run a one man gun/gunsmith shop and primarily sell at gun shows. I travel to the east coast three to four times a year scouring gun shops for vintage guns. I deal almost exclusively in blued walnut long guns and quality revolvers. I was up to about 30 shows a year and now I am down to about 15. I really need to be down to 10 so I?m trying to find the best shows in the country for what I sell. I have five definates including the two big Tulsa shows. Looking for solid info on what else is out there. Denver, Reno, Florida, Pennsylvania ect, looking for good input. Thanks
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This is the one, I can recommend. From your description, of the guns you specialize in. It would be your best bet, in the West.
There is a big 3 day show in PHX every Dec. At least half, to me. Seems to be devoted to black rifles, ammo and accessories etc. Not exactly, your cup of tea.
http://www.antiquearmsshow.com/0 -
I am no expert and my answer does not really address your question. I have worked and attended quite a few shows over the past twenty five years and one thing I can say for sure is I have absolutely no doubt that I receive more money for the guns I sell here on GunBroker than I would ever get at a show. And I don?t have any gas or hotel bills no table fees no slobs handling my guns trying to take them apart or offering silly prices. If you want to socialize at gunshows that?s cool but if you want to sell guns and get top dollar this is the place. Good luck. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by SP45
So here is the question I run a one man gun/gunsmith shop and primarily sell at gun shows. I travel to the east coast three to four times a year scouring gun shops for vintage guns. I deal almost exclusively in blued walnut long guns and quality revolvers. I was up to about 30 shows a year and now I am down to about 15. I really need to be down to 10 so I?m trying to find the best shows in the country for what I sell. I have five definates including the two big Tulsa shows. Looking for solid info on what else is out there. Denver, Reno, Florida, Pennsylvania ect, looking for good input. Thanks
The only show I've attended long term (about 15 years) is the Big Reno Gun Show. They moved from the Hilton/GSR casino last year and is in the Reno Convention center next to the Atlantis. The show is divided between the "tacticool" stuff and "blued steel and walnut". I pay a lot more attention to the latter, and there seems to be more of it, and almost always snag an old Colt, S&W or Savage, Winchester, etc. The show runs Thurs to Sun, Thurs is for the dealers & sellers, Fri to Sun for the rest of us.
Usually a fair amount of foot traffic Friday, heaviest on Sat and pretty sparse Sun toward closing time.0 -
Denver (Colorado Arms Collectors Show) is a good one and fairly large, though not by Tulsa standards. It is all vintage, no black rifles, no Tacticool hand guns, but plenty of old Winnies, and Colts as well as old military arms. Load in Friday, show runs Sat and Sun. I have only stayed for Saturday but it has been a good show both of the last two years.
Kansas City has a quality show as well, but much smaller, maybe 400-500 tables.
This in no way implies I am expert, but have hit Tulsa both shows most of the last 15 years, work gun check at the local shows for even longer, and have hit several others at least twice.0 -
I still try to visit the Philadelphia gun show (north of the city or closer to Bristol or less regular events in Hershey)
I grew up doing the circuit mostly from Philly down through southern coastal cities
Sadly like many shows it can have a lot of vendor tables and space taken by jerky sellers or reproduced sign copies or other non gun stuff (anybody remember Wally and his Wally wipes on the circuit back in the day)
Since Jersey really lacks traditional shows and seems to only retain collectors association display events or sportsmans shop related gatherings many of us are forced to rely on the so called Philly show which as I stated can vary in quality and content...
But it's a good way to reach many folks in the region or neighboring states - and the Hershey located industry events seem to attract a lot of the car guys to their tables as shoppers (the Hershey and Carlisle held events being so well known and established and attended and serviced)
Often overlooked by steel and walnut gun guys it can be advantageous or a win for buyer and seller alike with patience and a good eye
Mike0 -
The Baltimore Show is all older guns. I have done all rigth there in the past. 0 -
How do you sell firearms, if that is what you do, at gun shows in multiple states? 0 -
The "Nations Gunshow" at Chantilly, Va. Has good attendance and a lot of the money from affluent areas. 0 -
the lakeland fl show has always been good for quality ! 0 -
quote:Originally posted by nunn
How do you sell firearms, if that is what you do, at gun shows in multiple states?
I can think of two ways for certain - sell old guns to C&R holders. And most gun shows have a few dealer FFLs on site. I've spotted a good gun deal, even from a private party walking around a gun show with a "for sale" tag on it, and brought him to a CA FFL working a table. When the show's over the CA dealer goes home, I swing by their shop and do the paperwork. I'd assume there are similar ways to do it easier were CA not involved.0 -
Long guns also not a problem in most states. 0 -
As a FFL dealer, I am restricted to selling firearms at my licensed premises or at a gun show in the same state as my licensed premises.
That is, unless the rules have changed.0 -
You might think I'm crazy but there's a Flea market / Gun show in Hillsville,VA on Labor Day Weekend. There are many Gun Shops there and hundreds of private sellers. Lots of nuggets and over priced long guns. I am not in the business , but I am a consumer. 0 -
Tried it once and the prices were way high. ATF has been know to work this event so buy with caution. quote:Originally posted by diver1
You might think I'm crazy but there's a Flea market / Gun show in Hillsville,VA on Labor Day Weekend. There are many Gun Shops there and hundreds of private sellers. Lots of nuggets and over priced long guns. I am not in the business , but I am a consumer.0 -
I have not seen a good deal at a gunshow in years.
Since the internet I go to gunshows just to look at guns, I think the last gun I bought at a gun show was in 2006 or 7 and it was a Cadet Carbine 1873 Springfield and the guy was unloading all his stuff.0 -
quit going to gun shows years ago...buying thru GB has been a winner with only one loser and i got that "seller" banned....no expenses or travel weary means i can pay a little more if i want one here 0 -
just my 2 cents
use the internet countless people watch for a item they want . a gun show may get a thousand pass your table ( just a number +/- of course ) the internet is open to countless prospect buyers that cant or wont go to a show and may be looking for th eone special gun your selling
a lot of flemarket , gun traders , car swap meets and all down the line you name it its moved to the internet
the internet s the best to get the most buyers no matter what your selling0 -
Gunshows are dead for buying guns. Ok for optics and gun parts.
$400 used Remington 870 shotguns and $300 used Marlin Model 60s. I just laugh.0 -
the deals at gun shows aren't usually on the tables, they are in the crowd walking the aisles. still a few deals from guys selling dad/grampas guns... I go for the entertainment and see a lot of friends in the crowd, get a table once or twice a year just to sell of junk I collect over the year, scopes, reloading supplies, throw an occasional gun on table, never expect a great deal but sometimes they do show up.... 0 -
You are delusional if you think that those gun show tables are free. A dealer has to recoup meals, miles, and motel costs as well as table fees and sometimes even local temporary business licenses before the first nickel of profit. When you start off a couple grand in the hole at the door opening, you can't sell for cheap.
I can second the recommendation for the Big Reno Show. I haven't been a dealer at one for years now, but I never missed one for 15 years straight before I retired. It hosts the Winchester Collectors Annual showing in November, and always attracts people with money to spend.0 -
quote:Originally posted by nunn
As a FFL dealer, I am restricted to selling firearms at my licensed premises or at a gun show in the same state as my licensed premises.
That is, unless the rules have changed.
I buy at out of state gun shows and always have a copy of my LGS FFL and have them ship it there. Kind of like buying on GunBroker.I pay for the gun, get a receipt,supply an FFL and do the paperwork at my LGS. Long guns are no problem.
Edit: Sorry NUNN. I reread your original question and now I see your point.0 -
The one you want to go to in PA, is the Oaks gun show extravaganza. There are over 2,000 tables. It is located at the Oaks convention center, in Oaks PA. Look up their website. They hold this event 4 times a year. 0 -
You don't unless they are antiques and there are no local prohibitions. If a modern firearm it would have to be transferred to an in state FFL holder the the buyer would pick it up at their business location.
.quote:Originally posted by nunn
How do you sell firearms, if that is what you do, at gun shows in multiple states?0 -
Which is why I love GunBroker. I can sit here at my desk and sell guns naked if I feel like it.quote:Originally posted by Rocky Raab
You are delusional if you think that those gun show tables are free. A dealer has to recoup meals, miles, and motel costs as well as table fees and sometimes even local temporary business licenses before the first nickel of profit. When you start off a couple grand in the hole at the door opening, you can't sell for cheap.
I can second the recommendation for the Big Reno Show. I haven't been a dealer at one for years now, but I never missed one for 15 years straight before I retired. It hosts the Winchester Collectors Annual showing in November, and always attracts people with money to spend.0
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