How do you feel about buying from Gun Shows?

[Mustang-PaPa]

I'll buy at the local DFW area gun shows. I enjoy attending them with a local shooting buddy. Most of the decent store front vendors also attend the local shows. The crows do get busy at times but hitting them when the door opens seems to work out pretty good.
Having a good local FFL is nice as well for buying online. Just like having all the options available. I don't trade off that much but the few times that I have I've had good luck with dealers on trades.

[Mark Lessor]

The gun shows tend to have lower prices than the store. I have tried to avoid the shows with paid parking (Fort Worth) but I've had really good luck with the shows at Dallas Market Hall, the Irving Convention Center, and what I think is the best new show - Lewisville. Lewisville has ample free parking, reasonable admission, and each time it seems like there are more vendors.

As others have pointed out - there isn't much margin on new guns so haggling doesn't get a person very far. But it is almost always cheaper than a retail store or an online purchase. I knew a few of the vendors at the show also have store fronts and it seems to me they offer the same items for a lower price at the show than on their store shelves during the week.

[Rex B]

I don't know if I have to turn in my Texas residency for admitting this but I've never been to a gun show....

[/quote]

Dang.... Next yer gonna tell us you don't own any camo clothing

[Ameer]

They won't get a cent of my business as long as they post 30.06 signs.

You know the Calvin stickers you see on Chevy pickup trucks?
Replace the FORD logo with the gun show promoter's logo.

[rm9792]

I very rarely buy new from shows but have bought a bunch used. I did get a couple hard to find ones last year new (short barrel SW .500 and Sig Scorpion carry) but I feel the pleasure of walking around (in a/c) and checking stuff out is worth the $8. You spend 3 times that at a movie and its only 1.5 hours, I spend 4-5 at GRB and at least 2 at Pasadena. The prices are usually comaprable to online but savings on shipping and FFL fees, plus instant gratification instead of 1-8 weeks.

[SATX-Scrub]

I very rarely buy new from shows but have bought a bunch used. I did get a couple hard to find ones last year new (short barrel SW .500 and Sig Scorpion carry) but I feel the pleasure of walking around (in a/c) and checking stuff out is worth the $8. You spend 3 times that at a movie and its only 1.5 hours, I spend 4-5 at GRB and at least 2 at Pasadena. The prices are usually comaprable to online but savings on shipping and FFL fees, plus instant gratification instead of 1-8 weeks.

I feel the same way! I'm going to the Saxet show in SA tomorrow, I really enjoy browsing for hours. I'm not in a hurry and I find it more fun that sitting in a movie theater paying 8 bucks for poopcorn and sodas. If I happen upon something I want, so be it. Bought a nice belt last time, didn't need a new belt, but the craftsman was nice and the quality was superb.

Where was I going with this?

[tbrown]

Their 30.06 signs prohibit me from buying a handgun and taking possession so there's no point in going.