Topic: How did everyone like the Gun Show this last weekend?

[liberty2009]

So I had a table at the gun show - have not run the numbers yet, but pretty sure I lost money on the deal.

They did not have as many tables as the Lewis-Clark Trader show, and there was much confusion about who got what tables and some did not get their promised tables, but IWACA had a good display and it looked like somebody was selling ammo pretty good.

The problem with having a table is you don't get to see the show!

The only things people asked me for was AR-15 5 round magazine, grips for a Colt Python, 30 round magazines for a 10-22 - all of which I'm pretty sure could be found at the show. What do you want to find at a gun show that you were unable to find?

[luvmy45]

I'm always looking for screaming deals on things... alas, 10 years running and I haven't found what I'm looking for yet. 

PS - didn't make this show, just assuming it's like the rest

[avking]

It was almost a waste of time and the $6 entry fee. Everything I saw that was of interest was priced at or above retail. Back in the day, no more than 10 years ago, the gun show is where you would go for good deals. I don't need to pay a $6 cover charge to go into Sportsmans and buy the same gun for less than show prices. I did get some plated 45acp bullets for about $20 less than retail, so it was not a total bust. To bad they only had two boxes.

My suggestion to all dealers with a table is to sell it for less than you do in the store. I would have bought at least two and possibly three guns if the prices were not stupid. Just MHO.

[J Mack]

It's a waste of time and the $6 entry fee. Everything I saw that was of interest was priced at or above retail. Back in the day, no more than 10 years ago, the gun show is where you would go for good deals. I don't need to pay a $6 cover charge to go into Sportsmans and buy the same gun for less than show prices.

I can echo this sentiment exactly; it seems that retailers have taken over the gun shows and swap meets to sell the same crap from their stores for the same price with the exception that the organizer charges me a cover charge, and don’t even get me started on Z-Idaho with the F’in pawn shops.

I prefer the yards sales that Sawtooth Tactical and Hawktech have put on where they offer honest good deals on inventory they are trying to move or buy from individuals at places like Boise Shooters.   

[DCR]

I had a heckuva good show.  I can't relate to the claims folks were selling things at or above retail - I guess because all I buy/sell/trade is old iron - walnut and blued steel, most all made before 1964, and it's all well above the retail price at the time it was manufactured because unlike modern stuff, it continues to appreciate in value.

The gun world is a big tent, though, and I'm just glad there's room for all of us - the old and the new, tactical to cowboy.

My only beef was the food was really high priced, and being sold in a very cold room!

[Jaggy13]

I got a great deal on a 1911 trigger!
Thanks pops!
$6 is what gas to his shop could have cost...

[mace2364]

I found some good stuff....

[Leanwolf]

DCR - "My only beef was the food was really high priced, and being sold in a very cold room!"

Yep.  That's why when I have a table, I always take a small ice cooler with a couple of cans of Coke, couple of sandwiches made at home, and a couple of candy bars.  That food sold at the gun shows could really use some work!   

L.W.

[popsgunner]

+1 LW and thanks jaggy, If all would just plan ahead justa little.....follow the scout motto and yes you can still be space shuttle door gunners too...LOL.

I try to tell all whom come close enough and engage us in conversation that we are here to sell stuff and offers and deals can be made if they want

The other thing is that we go for the social aspect as well, I don't gert to see my good friends from BS all that often so the gunshows are good places to catch up.
Gunshows are also a place to ply your horse trading and bargaining skills... so don't just piss and whine get in there and speak up  but don't be too cheap of a jew when you bargain.....some of us have overhead, some of us pay our bills and feed our children with the small pittance of a profit we eek out at gunshows after putting in 50 plus hours a week already.....and some of us give great customer service and have great customers that help our businesses grow....you all know whom you are !
Pops

[ekuo]

So Pops, does that mean you only cleared a cool half-mil instead of your customary $1mm that you normally rake in at these shows? 

[popsgunner]

LOL, did okay. Our big thing is to pass out cards. To get folks to the shop is the goal, the cake, selling guns and stuff is the icing. 
Pops