Gun Show Advice Please

[snagglepants]

Hey everyone,
I am planning on hitting a gun show this weekend and I could use a little help.  I have been to several but never did anything other than look and buy ammo.  This weekend, I am thinking about trying to do some trading.  (I will be getting my CCW soon, and I don't have anything small enough to conceal)  I am afraid that some guy is gonna take me to the cleaners.  Any advice?  Also, is there any legal stuff that I need to be aware of if I end up trading guns?  Thanks guys!

[Bofire]

Decide what you want, what condition, and what you are willing to pay before you go. dont go just random shopping. You must know values, prices in this area, and you must be very knowledgable about what ever you are looking for.
I go to lots of shows and lately I have seen no great deals, many times I can buy new for less than used at a show!! Remember you are making a business deal, the guy selling isn't your ole buddy. I think most vendors are honest straight forward dealers.
Carl

[rainshadow1]

 

Know what you want and what it's worth before you go!

For the local sales, when it's convenient, sometimes I'll take some notes, get my hand stamped, then go home and do some research to see if I wanna go back and make the buy.

[Bean Counter]

 

The going-home method takes some time but I sure am a fan of making sure you're not paying too much. gunbroker.com is always a good, comporable way to check out the prices offered.

Any chance you're interested in a Smith and Wesson .38 snubby (hammerless J-frame revolver)? PM me for details.

[robodad]

Take a copy of the "Gun Traders Guide" with you, if nothing else have it in the car, it may not be accurate but at least you'll know more about a given model of gun then you knew before, it may give you some bargaining ammunition !!! 

[Ray]

Sometimes the prices at the gun show are not deals. Definitely repeating others here. Know the cost of what you want before you go.

[runningboard]

I go to lots of shows and lately I have seen no great deals, many times I can buy new for less than used at a show!!

Totally agree with this statement, most tableguys at shows think they have gold. Saw a good sign on one guys table it said, " why is my stuff crap, and & your crap is priceless?" those same folks get upset when you tell them you could buy it new for less too, don't bother just walk on.

Decide what you want, what condition, and what you are willing to pay before you go.

more great advice here. know what you want & don't "settle" for less, you'll not be happy and end up trading or selling it later anyway.
Go early if you're not sure what you want and hit the guys who don't look as prepared, they sometimes have good deals because they don't what they have. the guys who have good looking displays and preprinted description cards have probably had those same guns for years and won't haggle, they KNOW it's worth what they're asking and won't deal (even if it is too much!).

[tlbradford]

Look for guys walking around trying to sell stuff to the dealers.  They want to unload those guns and expect a low price from dealers who are going ot mark them up for resale.

[Bscman]

Look for guys walking around trying to sell stuff to the dealers.  They want to unload those guns and expect a low price from dealers who are going ot mark them up for resale.

+1
These are (more often than not) the guys that are in need of $$$ and looking for a quick sale. You'll find great deals this way.
If you want something specific, put a sign on your back. It may sound funny, or make you feel goofy as you walk around, but you can get some great deals from guys who have that same thing just collecting dust in their safe.

Also, as mentioned, keep a copy of the gun bible in your car...if you find something, go check it out and you can get ball-park prices.

Many gun show venders are there to capiltolize on the younger generation, and guys that are fairly new to the sport. They are selling based on appeal, and looking for the uneducated "more money than brains" kind of guys....this is why deals are few and far between. Pawn shops are better for wheeling and dealing, because you can bet 99% of the time they have much less than half of what they're asking invested, which means they're easy to haggle with.

As for legalities...
As long as you aren't selling it to someone under age, not a legal citizen, or that you know is a felon or convicted of something that prohibits gun ownership (ask!), there isn't much else you need to know.

I always ask to SEE their ID, and have 'em sign a "gun show waiver" type form that has our names, model and serial number, and a clause that says the buyer can legally purchase/possess and that I am releasing all interest and responsibilies...just a CYA type thing!
Lots of guys insists on a copy of your drivers license (I refuse, I don't give that info to random guys). If you have a CCW, it means you already went through a BG check and passed...so flashing that makes guys feel much better!

[snagglepants]

Thanks for all the advice guys, tons of great information.  Unfortunatly, I can't go to the show now which is a drag.  Anyway, I am going to put another posting in the classifieds about possible trades for a carry piece.  So if any of you have a small revolver or auto and feel like doing some trading, send me a PM.  Thanks again guys.

[Bofire]

 :)I agree with hitting up the guys carrying a gun. I bought a BEAUTIFUL 1187 Remington gloss wood stock 3 inch mag. for 450.00 in the parking lot at Centralia. I love the gun!!!
Carl