Advice for 1st time gun show attendee?

[Swiss]

I'm finally going to attend a gun show for the first time, in this case the 9/15/12 show at the Cow Palace in San Francisco.

Can someone give me any pointers on best practices? I've heard the show is fairly anemic but people line up early to get the best deal on ammo buys. Anything else? Is it generally cash only or are check/CC accepted? Any scams to watch out for?

Will there be a CalGuns booth there?

Thanks!

[NytWolf]

[CSACANNONEER]

Have you ever been to a craft show, swap meet or flea market? Every vendor is different. They just rent table space from the show and conduct business how they want to. Just go and walk around a bit. Do not spend your money on the first thing you see.

[CK_32]

Good advice. I always have my iPhone out because as soon as I see something I want I check online to compare price or reviews..

90% of the time it's cheaper that way.. I usually go just to kill a day and be out of the house. The ones here in SoCal don't have too much could be different up there.

[InGrAM]

CA shows haven't been good since the 90's. They are just full of AR/AK parks and rebuild kits. You can get decent prices on ammo, though.

Online prices usually beat gunshow prices so heads up.

[unusedusername]

Bring cash. The ATM is always empty and charges $6 per transaction.

Half of everything for sale is a fake (even the brand name stuff!).

Always negotiate on price. It's easy to get the cash discount.

If you find a gun, negotiate how the transfer will happen and find out those costs before committing to buy.

[AE102]

Don't forget to visit the salami/beef jerky booth!

[gti_20ae]

The great deal at gun show is at the line, get there early and check what people selling on their signs. A lot of people walk around the gun show with signs tape on their backpack or sticking out of the barrel of their rifle, those are usually the best deal at the show. This past weekend at the Phoenix gun show, I pick up 500rds for .357sign for $60, Leupold Vari-X 3 2.5-8x36 for $150, and a Streamlight M6 with laser for $60.

[Swiss]

Very interesting info, thank you.

The great deal at gun show is at the line, get there early and check what people selling on their signs. A lot of people walk around the gun show with signs tape on their backpack or sticking out of the barrel of their rifle, those are usually the best deal at the show. This past weekend at the Phoenix gun show, I pick up 500rds for .357sign for $60, Leupold Vari-X 3 2.5-8x36 for $150, and a Streamlight M6 with laser for $60.

[ckyrulez]

Hit the beef jerky booths first... they tend to sell out FAST

[newbee1111]

Wait, the beef jerky isn't fake is it?

[Hopalong]

I've got two words of advice for you

Dental Picks

[fishnbeer]

Don't be afraid to haggle on prices. Most venders are willing to deal. Some of the older guys have good stories if you got the time to listen. Then there are always a few tables with junk for sale. There's always that one guy trying to unload a bunch of VHS tapes

[CS25]

Bring cash

Always haggle a price down

Dont pay for something and have it shipped to you later

[CS25]

Bring cash

Always haggle a price down

Dont pay for something and have it shipped to you later