Info

[Kris0191]

So i just got my certification to purchase a firearm and my gf is taking me to a gunshow this weekend and my question is what type of gun would anyof you recommend and are firearms really cheaper at a gunshow?

[LeadFarmer74]

So i just got my certification to purchase a firearm and my gf is taking me to a gunshow this weekend and my question is what type of gun would anyof you recommend and are firearms really cheaper at a gunshow?

It all depends what your budget and eyes are telling you. I started with a shotgun then ar15 then handgun. I’d personally suggest an AR variant rifle but that’s not everyone’s cup of tea. I haven’t bought anything at a gun show and probably won’t at least not in CA. If you post up a general area members might recommend a good dealer.

[SteveHamn]

Certification to purchase a firearm???? What's that? Firearm Safety Certificate is usually done just before purchase

[Kris0191]

[NIKSD]

Don’t go to gun shows, nothing to see there. Tell us where are you located so we can give you the names of the good gun places around.
First gun-AR15. It is under attack now, we don’t know what the future holds for those scary rifles. Buy one. If pistol is your first gun, get 9mm, cheap ammo, good for home defense. When you buy the pistol, add at least one AR15 lower receiver to the purchase.

Tell us how you are planning to use the gun, so we can give you some ideas. Home defense is one thing, long range bolt gun- completely different.

[Donkeypunch0420]

California gun shows are a joke. Go and take a look around, but I say; do your research then go buy the correct gun for you at a brick and mortar shop.

[stevebla]

Rule One: All guns are always loaded.
Rule Two: Never let the muzzle cover anything which you are not willing to destroy.
Rule Three: Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target.
Rule Four: Know your target and what is behind it.

[randomthought]

You don't go to gun shows to buy guns. It's a lie. You go to gun shows for beef jerky and laugh at all the chinese copies of everything. It's good for ammo and components, but not much else. Prices are mediocre, unless you find h4350 (you better be first in line as well.)

Stick to local shops and check prices. Gun shows are usually more expensive anyways.

[someoneeasy]

Who told you that? What next, they told you Glocks are the best too? Haha

[Sparrow Dynamics]

Rule One: All guns are always loaded.
Rule Two: Never let the muzzle cover anything which you are not willing to destroy.
Rule Three: Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target.
Rule Four: Know your target and what is behind it.

YES

[jimster716]

Not today, ATF, not today. LOL

New member, no idea on anything about guns (handgun, rifle, shotgun, rimfire) but wants to buy from a gun show.

[SkyHawk]

Do not buy your first gun at a CA gun show. Just don't.

[elSquid]

[CoopsDad]

Gun show sales means you still need to go to the seller's location to pick up the gun after the 10 day wait. That sucks if you're 100 miles away. Or farther. Then you have to have it shipped to a local FFL and pay some more fees there.

Go to the gun show, buy some Molon Labe bumper stickers and beef jerky, fondle some guns then, if you haven't found a gun you like, go your LGS and buy from them.

[Dvrjon]

Don't go to gun shows for any reason.

Find a shooting range in your area which has a new shooter training class and rents guns. Take the clase, rent the guns, get information.

Identify gun dealers (not Big Five/Dick's) in your area. Real, dealer-owned Local Gun Shops (LGS). Go in and ask questions of the LGS staff. If the owner is around, introduce yourself. If they ignore you, go elsewhere. You will find helpful gun dealers eager and interested in bringing you into the sport. You don't often don't have to pay MSRP on the gun, and it makes sense to google prices (in California) before you commit to a purchase. Give the LGS guys a chance to provide a deal. Some will; some won't. Never enter a deal you love so much you can't walk away.

Once you pick a LGS you like, deal with them. Buy the gun, buy ammo, buy targets. Talk with staff about how best to clean/store the gun, etc. After shooting the gun, if you have questions, go back and talk to the staff to gain more information.

Enjoy the sport.

BTW: Any GF who is taking YOU to a gunshow deserves a picture here, so we can respect her.