Handguns at Gun Show

[jager]

Curious.....

 What is the proper procedure for buying a handgun a  gun show?

[hogsniper]

Its pretty much give them cash and walk away with your gun!!  I dont know if thats the proper way but that is what my buddy did last weekend.   On a side note I was not impressed with the prices there.  Seemed extremely high except for some .338 brass.    Hope I didnt get too far off topic!!!

[Scott]

It depends if your buying from a private party or a FFL dealer.  If its a private party then ya give him your money he gives you the gun.  A FFL dealer has to go through all the paperwork to be legal.

[JKEEN33]

If you are referring to the WAC gun shows that they have every month, you have to be a member to purchase a gun. Anyone can go and browse. To become a member you will either have to show your CCP or they will run a background check on you when you sign up to become a member. If they have to run the background you will more than likely not be able to purchase at that show. It's roughly 35 dollars per calendar year to join plus the fee for the background. Not sure what that is.

[BlackRidge]

If you are referring to the WAC gun shows that they have every month, you have to be a member to purchase a gun. Anyone can go and browse. To become a member you will either have to show your CCP or they will run a background check on you when you sign up to become a member. If they have to run the background you will more than likely not be able to purchase at that show. It's roughly 35 dollars per calendar year to join plus the fee for the background. Not sure what that is.

Bingo, dead on description

[CastleRocker]

I went to the last gun show in Puyallup, and couldn't purchase the handgun I wanted because I didn't belong to the WAC.  I had a "spirited discussion" with one of the folks there concerning this. 

I told him that I have no intention of joining because I'm absolutely against gun control.  I told him that this wac thing is just that.  It's their version of gun control and is a bunch of bs extortion.  I can legally purchase any firearm that is legal to own in this state, and NO I DON'T need to belong to the wac to legally purchase a firearm.  I have ccw in Washington, Oregon, and Utah.  I used to have small gun shop and an FFL, so yes I'm well aware of the law, and so (because he was getting irritated with me and starting to spout all kinds of bs drivel) I went about my way. 

I realize that they were being proactive to form this WAC in order to legitimize gun shows and close some of the "loopholes" that the national media was spouting off about.  I understand that.  HOWEVER, I do NOT believe we need more gun control.  Nothing will change my mind on that.  Telling me that I "cannot" purchase a firearm IS gun control plain and simple.

[KillBilly]

It has always been that way ansd will probably stay that way. I joined so I could purchase and sell at a show. That doesn't mean I believe in their cause and I don't believe it is about gun control.

Next time don't go

[FC]

I joined so I could purchase and sell at a show.

How is the quality of the goods at the WAC shows these days? I haven't been to a show in a few years, the last show I went to was the Puyallup one and it appeared to be primarily a junk show. The rifles on several of the tables were stacked a foot deep and appeared to be useful only for tomato stakes. Anything that I saw that was remotely decent had a price tag attached to it that was nearly as high or higher than NEW!

[KillBilly]

I joined so I could purchase and sell at a show.

How is the quality of the goods at the WAC shows these days? I haven't been to a show in a few years, the last show I went to was the Puyallup one and it appeared to be primarily a junk show. The rifles on several of the tables were stacked a foot deep and appeared to be useful only for tomato stakes. Anything that I saw that was remotely decent had a price tag attached to it that was nearly as high or higher than NEW!

It has improved greatly. I know what you mean about junk and for awhile it was more of a craft show than weapons.

[FC]

Which shows do you set up at? If they have gained some dignity I'll get a basic WAC membership and start going to them again.

[KillBilly]

I don't set up, sorry if I wasn't clear. You can carry guns you want to sell in with you. People will ask you about them and if you are selling.

[ICEMAN]

I went to the last gun show in Puyallup, and couldn't purchase the handgun I wanted because I didn't belong to the WAC.  I had a "spirited discussion" with one of the folks there concerning this. 

I told him that I have no intention of joining because I'm absolutely against gun control.  I told him that this wac thing is just that.  It's their version of gun control and is a bunch of bs extortion.  I can legally purchase any firearm that is legal to own in this state, and NO I DON'T need to belong to the wac to legally purchase a firearm.  I have ccw in Washington, Oregon, and Utah.  I used to have small gun shop and an FFL, so yes I'm well aware of the law, and so (because he was getting irritated with me and starting to spout all kinds of bs drivel) I went about my way. 

I realize that they were being proactive to form this WAC in order to legitimize gun shows and close some of the "loopholes" that the national media was spouting off about.  I understand that.  HOWEVER, I do NOT believe we need more gun control.  Nothing will change my mind on that.  Telling me that I "cannot" purchase a firearm IS gun control plain and simple.

Personally, I like the WAC shows just for this reason, to protect the image of gun owners. If it were run differently, if some jackwagon who could not legally buy a gun at Wallmart was to walk into a show and pick up a gun, then use that gun in a crime..... this would help to justify stricter gun laws for all of us...
 
I am a WAC member, and will continue to join yearly to help preserve our gun rights in this way. Protect our collective image, protect our rights.

[sticky]

I have to agree that the prices on guns at the WAC and Centralia shows were strangely high for a swap meet sort of operation.  That being said, those looking for bargains or not wanting to pay for membership fees can always ask for a seller's phone or email and buy privately. Get there early and you will usually get offers before the doors open.

I see gun shows as a civil liberties issue as well.  More than even a a 2nd Amendment issue it is a a right to assemble peaceably.

[JKEEN33]

I'm  a member and go frequently to the Puyalup. I agree the prices are high. Best deals to be had are from the guys walking around trying to sell stuff to the tables. I have found a few deals, but most of the "regular" Sellers have high priced junk. If you go to the far back corner those are usually the one time tables and you can find deals every once and a while.