Question about gun shows

[teg33]

The only good about gun show is jerky. You won't find any deals on guns and ammo.

[krwada]

Gun show deals

Yes ... I have gotten ripped off at gun shows .... and on the Internets too. This is my fault because I did not do my homework!

However ... every now and again ... some vendor shows up with a bunch of estate sale stuff. Oh man!!! This ... this is like finding gold in a stream bed!

I have managed to snag ... (estate sale stuff)

Unopened 8lb jugs of Varget for $100
Unopened 8lb jugs of IMR4065 for $100
1000's Sierra Matchking .308 168 grain for $0.18/projectile
1000's of various cast lead for pistol for around $0.05/projectile, (usually 230 grain .45 ACP, 158 grain WC .357 etc)
Various tools for reloading in unopened boxes for 1/2 price
Fully tricked out Ruger 1022 with match grade bull barrel, all after market tricked out parts for less than $350

Usually, the vendors that have the estate sale stuff will only take cash. This is one of the reasons why I bring lots of cash to these things.

Oh yeah ... at one of the most recent visits ... I found:
32 oz Hoppe #9 for $10 each
12 oz aerosol cans of Breakfree CLP for about $5.00 each

As to these two items ... I have no idea how the vendors are making any money at this ... These are pretty decent prices for this stuff.

[SB1964]

If you've never been to a gunshow & like that sorta thing, try one. I would keep your expectations to a minimum however. I stopped going in the 80's, doubt I'd visit one again.

[cudakidd]

I have found great deals at gun shows, go with a open mind, enjoy playing with the toys there. Feel free to haggle on all the prices.

Think of it as Gun Related Entertainment. You pay parking and admission for almost all the regular fun events, a Gun Show is no different.

For off roster PPT firearms you will find Gems at the show, and yes I have found SSE Dealers. Ventura has a large Vender that specializes in them.

[pigpen66m]

Just remember, if you start the paper work at the show you'll have to drive to the store to pick up. Island View Enterprises usually goes to the Costa Mesa show and they have good prices, but they're in Ventura that's a long drive for a pick up. Same with JD Machine they go to Ventura, but they're in San Diego.

[bulletblood]

Yeah its cool to experience just to scratch that itch. I find its a good place to go if I need an accessory or part right now instead of ordering online and waiting a week to get here. You can find stuff that your local gun store doesnt carry. Heck it's the only place I know of where you can get some cans of ballistol, since they can't be shipped to ca.

[Bigedski]

Its a good place to do your home work, A friend and myself always go to the Costa mesa show, like a lot of people say prices may not always be the best but you get to see alot of different guns so you can figure out just what it is you want, and some times you stumble across a real good deal.
I just like gun shows, the people, the atmosphere and the some time deals.

[Bigedski]

Oh and I almost forgot, gotta have my beef jerky

[71MUSTY]

I love seeing, touching , feeling etc the C&R guns at Gun Shows. You will see more cool C&R stuff in one place then anywhere else I know. Talking to the old coots, I mean old pros etc. can be fun too.

But bear in mind every vender at a Gun Show is there to make Money. On the other hand the value of anything depends on how bad you want it and where else you can find it.

[robodeer]

Is it the same story (normal prices) for AR parts, accessories, etc? Or Hornady reloading equipment.

[ChrisC]

Aside from the FUD that the media spews about gun shows you will find that sales at a gun show are not any different then walking into a FFL business. In turn the prices as well as usually not any different since the follow the guidelines as any dealer would.

In California you are correct. But in some states you can buy a firearm in a private sell with no FFL needed. Cash and carry. Not C&R only, but any firearm that is legal in that state.

[ChrisC]

Not a troll, btw. I'm new here.

You'll get called a troll on this board if you say anything that is not what everyone else thinks is correct. If you even sound a tiny bit like a troll, someone will be a "tough guy" and call you a troll. It is a sad thing, but some just have to jump to conclusions without thinking.

[Tarasdad]

When I still lived in Texas my brother and I would go to gun shows at least once a month. There were certain dealers we always looked for, particularly the ones who specialized in surplus parts and tools. Surplus rifles were something else we looked for, and hard to find reloading gear. Sometimes we'd walk out empty handed, sometimes we'd score big.

God, I haven't been to a gun show in way too many years.

[stix213]

Gun shows in CA can be useful for finding some hard to find magazines, inexpensive accessories, questionable reloaded ammo, military memorabilia, and seeing at least a variety of guns. Great gun deals or hard to find guns? Ehhh, not so much. Though sometimes you can get lucky.

Truth is if you're specifically looking for an off roster handgun, you'll have better luck watching the private sales forum here than at a CA show, since there aren't that many private sellers at the shows (due to having to go to an FFL anyway). You might have good luck with your shotgun purchase, but you'll need to drive to the FFL at least once more before you've got it in hand.