Gun show etiquette

[thomashoward]

I'm going to my first one tomorrow in hopes of finding the parts to complete my rifle. I may also buy another gun or two depending on what's there. Not looking to get raked over the coals but if I find what I want I'll probably buy it. Maybe I'll even get some ammo but I just want a couple hundred rounds of a few different things if the price is right. Any tips on what time I should get there if I actually plan to buy stuff. I planned on being there before they opened but how early do I need to be? Will it really be full of rude *******s?

Get there a couple hours early and there will be people there already. Competitive shopping, like women at a Macy's sale. Bring a Natchez catalog or similar and compare prices. People have been paying up to $1.00 per round for XM193. Prices won't be "right" but snooze you lose.

However, if you are short, might as well buy it. The web sellers are out of everything. Major ammo sellers take plastic. Bring a hand-truck.
people are generally polite, but I'm in Northern ca.
It's an environment I like, next to bars and shooting ranges. I go just to have a good laugh

[The sarge]

I'm probably only going to pick up a can of 5.56 and some 12g bird shot. I have some of both but not enough to keep shooting for awhile. I don't think I'll be in hand truck land. I'm sure as hell not paying 1.00 a round for anything. If its over .75 cents a round I won't even think about it. I can still find it if I look hard enough for .50 a round. Should I try to hit ammo first or parts first. Parts is my priority right now. Ammo's an after thought. If I need to be there at 4 am to get stuff then I'll do it. I'm sick of waiting to finish my rifle.

[thomashoward]

I'm probably only going to pick up a can of 5.56 and some 12g bird shot. I have some of both but not enough to keep shooting for awhile. I don't think I'll be in hand truck land. I'm sure as hell not paying 1.00 a round for anything. If its over .75 cents a round I won't even think about it. I can still find it if I look hard enough for .50 a round. Should I try to hit ammo first or parts first. Parts is my priority right now. Ammo's an after thought. If I need to be there at 4 am to get stuff then I'll do it. I'm sick of waiting to finish my rifle.

Ammo first, by the time you get back the hand-truck people will have it all
Put a shout out for parts here for what you need. I have some parts I'm debating whether I should keep or sell from my build
What are you looking for?

[sigstroker]

I feel safe in predicting you won't find any 5.56 at a gun show for .50 a round, unless MAYBE it's reloads.

[The sarge]

Looking for all upper parts and a stock kit. Upper I want a flat top 16inch barrel. Preferably a fn hammer forged one. I don't need crazy rails or anything and would actually prefer some of the magpuls just so I can have it clean with some mounting flexibility for a light and forward grip. I also only want a barrel with a standard f marked front sight post. I don't really want anything fancy but I haven't been able to find this and I'm kinda sick of waiting. As far as the stock I'd take what I could get for a reasonable price.

[The sarge]

Oh and if I don't find 5.56 for a reasonable price that's fine I just ordered some anyways. What I really want as far as ammo is just some value pack #8 shot so I can kill clays, I'd be happy with a couple hundred rounds to keep me going.

[acorn]

Treat the vendors as they treat you....or worse if you like.
Make sure you dry fire all the airsoft pistols, that asian guy loves that.
Sample all the glazed nuts but don't buy any.
Ask the guy at LAX Ammo why he uses small pistol primers for his 45ACP reloads.
Be sure to get autographs from everyone in a Nazi uniform.

[jdberger]

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.

Beano?