Gun show etiquette

[Chucko]

I plan on going to my first gun show here real soon and was wondering if there are certain etiquettes or unwritten rules I should know about? It may also be my first rifle purchase. Should I bring locks, socks, or anything like that? If there are any tips you guys can give me it would all help, thanks.

[GeeDog]

Unless you're getting a C&R rifle you won't be carrying it out the door, so need need for locks and socks. If sellers want you to ask permission before touching, they'll usually have a sign. Obey the sign. When you handle the guns, handle with care and don't sweep the room or do anything like that. Don't dry fire any gun without asking first. Don't buy the first thing you see that you like. Check the competetion and come back if you don't see a better deal. It doesn't hurt to try to haggle. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Ask questions and don't expect the answers to be fact. That's my advice in a nutshell.

[Jeff L]

#1- Don't touch, fondle, pick up the guns unless you're given permission by the seller.
#2- Don't do a muzzle sweep, point it away from people
#3- Don't cock it or try to dry fire
#4- It will be insanely busy, so not all dealers will have time for 20 questions
#5- Be patient and look around for the best deal, but it's a seller's market

[dieselpower]

you can edit titles by going to the advanced screen...

[TKM]

Be polite, say please and thank you, treat others well, forgive others who just don't know, be prepared (a notebook of what you are looking for and what you are willing to pay will save you from being burned), be willing to walk away from a bad deal. A folding luggage cart comes in handy if you are buying heavy items. Water, sunscreen, beano, cash, more cash.

If anybody asks you to do something iffy then they work for the ATF or DOJ. Treat them accordingly.

[ham]

make sure to stop by the calguns.net booth & show some love

[Chucko]

Great info guy's as always. I'll put my common sense to good use.
(NO MUZZLE SWEEPS)
TKM: Great idea with the notebook.
ham: I'll definitely stop by.

I'll only have about $200 so hopefully I can get something.

[jdouglas]

Last year $200 would easily get you a Mosin-Nagant at a gun show, even here in CA.

Now if you want to get one they are going for $300 + S&H on Gun broker (plus DROS and transfer fee and excise tax at your local gun shop). $400 might get you a standard Mosin-Nagant OTD these days.

And people used to say you were paying too much if it was over $100...HAH.

[asm_]

If there is a map for the vendor layout at the door, take a few. You can use those to to take notes on what's available at each booth and the price. If it's a small show, this may not be necessary.

If you are after ammo, get there early, the line is going to be long.

[apbrian112]

#1- Don't touch, fondle, pick up the guns unless you're given permission by the seller.
#2- Don't do a muzzle sweep, point it away from people
#3- Don't cock it or try to dry fire
#4- It will be insanely busy, so not all dealers will have time for 20 questions
#5- Be patient and look around for the best deal, but it's a seller's market

this about covers it... i haven't even tried to go to the recent gunshows (post SH) but i'm sure it'll be crazy busy. even during "normal" times pay special attention to #1 and #4.

[dammitmanny]

Thanks for the info guys. I have a buddy who works a booth at some of the gun shows, and he has told me about some horrible people that touch everything and mess up what he has on display. He has even told me about people that pick up his display rifles and they have dropped them on his table. I definitely do now what to be those guys.

[sfbay]

Don't use your cell phone to take pics...

[jarhead714]

Don't shower or use deoderant for at least 3 days prior to attending

[Oceanbob]

Don't shower or use deoderant for at least 3 days prior to attending

This^^^

And remember to dress like the characters on SWAMP PEOPLE. Always have some spiddle from chewing tobacco running down your unshaved chin.


Be prepared to pay for parking, stand in line a long time and pay to get in. (20 bucks already down the drain). Want a beer? Bring $12 for the beer.

Want to eat terrible food? Bring $12 for a stale sammmich....

Or do what I do when I bring my grandson (fun Saturday stuff) pack some food and drink in a small backpack to save yourself $20.

I seriously think no good deals exist at gun shows (at this time). Everything is overpriced and you're competing with NOOBS who don't know any better and will pay those inflated prices.

JMO

[MrExel17]

What they said^^^