Gun Shows--Good for AR parts?

[GlockBrandGlock]

Hey all,

I've taken the first steps in building my first AR-15. Already have a PSA stripped lower and parts in the mail.

Next step is, of course, the upper. I'm going to Premier Gun Show in Lewisville on May 22nd and was wondering if perusing through the tables there would be a good route to getting these pieces.

Has anyone shopped for AR parts at a small-ish gun show like Premier? Is it cheaper than the gun shop? I would order everything online, but there's nothing like holding the parts in your hand before buying, and everyone likes a little instant gratification every now and then.

What are y'alls thoughts?

[The Annoyed Man]

Hey all,

I've taken the first steps in building my first AR-15. Already have a PSA stripped lower and parts in the mail.

Next step is, of course, the upper. I'm going to Premier Gun Show in Lewisville on May 22nd and was wondering if perusing through the tables there would be a good route to getting these pieces.

Has anyone shopped for AR parts at a small-ish gun show like Premier? Is it cheaper than the gun shop? I would order everything online, but there's nothing like holding the parts in your hand before buying, and everyone likes a little instant gratification every now and then.

What are y'alls thoughts?

Mail order is your friend.

[Pariah3j]

I have found some great deals at Gun Shows, and I've seen terrible high mark ups as well. I would do your homework, have some parts in mind and have an idea of price range + shipping. I find it hard to beat my local FFL shop because they try when possible to give a good 10-20% off the sticker/MSRP price.

I went to one a couple years ago right after Christmas (Very early January I believe), just window shopping. I wish I'd had some money saved up that time around, because I found some great prices on AR parts and packages. Did some saving and went back to the same gun show when the came back in March/April thinking I'd get some of those great deals again. They were alot more picked over and overpriced the 2nd trip around, I was very disappointed. But it lead me to building my own through my FFL and it ended up being alot better price then if I'd gone the Gun Show.

[Jusme]

I went to the Premier gun show in Ft Worth, on April 30th, I found a few things for my AR (my first) I had been shopping on line and reading reviews just because I am no expert on the platform, but it seemed to me that the items I was looking for were the same price or cheaper than on line, but again, I'm far from an expert on them. I would say check on line pricing, decide what you want, and then try the gun show, I took into account the entry fees, including parking, and then compared that to the price plus shipping on-line. If nothing else at least you get to handle them at the gun show which you can;t do on-line.JMHO

[STEELTRIP1N]

Take a look at PRIMARY ARMS they have lots of sales.

[Greybeard]

Much depends on the size of the show (Lewisville is comparatively small) and what vendors decide to work it. We generally have a table at that Lewisville show, but decided to skip this one. as the "summer" shows in all locations are typically the slowest. Not good for vendors, but good for folks not wanting to have to elbow through crowds while looking for treasures.

[CleverNickname]

You'll pay a premium for buying parts in person, and have much less of a selection. What selection you do have will generally be lower-end.

[TexasJohnBoy]

I've found gun shows to be hit or miss. Be ready to be disappointed, but look out for the good deals if they are out there.

[GlockBrandGlock]

Thanks all,

Well, I think I'll be looking at this Primary Arms site in the mean time. I figure I'll still head up to the show, if anything to sell off my Shield and maybe get some jerky.

Thanks

[Pariah3j]

If nothing else, some times seeing the items in person can help you decide what you want and what you definitely don't want. I had found some grips online that I thought looked comfortable/nice looking, got to see them at the one of the gun shows, and after holding em in my hands realized it wasn't what I wanted.

[joe817]

I agree with Greybeard. "Much depends on the size of the show." Vendors who do the 'circuit'(do gun shows full time as their primary source of income...and there a LOT of them) will typically set up at the largest gun shows(have the most tables) they can find.

Historically, the Original Fort Worth Gun Show held at the Will Rogers Exhibition Hall, and the Dallas Arms Collectors Association Gun Show held at Market Hall, were by far the largest shows in DFW, with each having 1,500-1,800 tables. Those are the 2 that I always set up at, and had the best crowds. And it's those sizes of shows that will give you the best chance of finding what you're looking for.

The last Original F.W. gun show I went to had 2 or 3 AR parts vendors and the were the largest vendors at the show. One of them had an end cap that took up at least 8 tables, and had every imaginable part. I can't comment on the quality of their inventory, or their prices, but there were tons of parts to choose from.