The Arms Guide
  • Home
  • Concealed Carry
  • Firearms Training
  • Handguns
  • Rifles
  • Gun News
  • AR-15
  • Reloading Gear
  • Gun Safes

The New-Guy Guide to Gun Shows

The New-Guy Guide to Gun Shows

July 28, 2016 by Nate Granzow 30 Comments

Gun shows can be intimidating places for a person new to the shooting sports. They are usually busy, loud, and attended by folks from all walks of life. But they can also be some of the best opportunities to meet other firearm enthusiasts and experts, ogle some cool guns, or buy a new or used firearm at a reasonable price.

General rules to follow:

  • Bring cash. You’ll need it to get in the door, and many sellers aren’t set up to take credit cards. Besides, ask a seller what concessions they’ll make on the price of their products if you’re paying cash, and you’ll likely see their eyes light up and the price drop substantially.
  • If you suspect you may end up purchasing a gun at the show, bring an inexpensive gun sock (below, right) that can fit in a pocket or a lightweight case along. You may otherwise be forced to buy one there to legally transport the gun home.

    url
    Photo courtesy of americanrifleman.org.
  • Respect the posted signs. If they tell you to check in a gun you’ve brought to sell or trade at the front gate, do it. If a gun seller’s sign says “for display only” or “please ask before handling,” pay attention. Nothing will anger a vendor faster than ignoring their signs.

Gun show buying advice:

  • Don’t be afraid to ask for details. If you find a piece you’re interested in, ask the seller about how they came to acquire it (they may be able to shed light on the gun’s life with its previous owner, if it’s a used piece), if they’ve had any experience with this type of firearm and if they personally like it, if they know of any issues with it or others of the same make and model, etc. These folks sell guns for a living, and though they may be most interested in making money, they’re typically well-informed and knowledgeable.
  • Barter. Don’t be insulting in your offer, but don’t be afraid to go 15 to 20 percent under the the sticker price on your initial offer. If the vendor must have a certain amount for the gun, they’ll let you know. Some gun sellers are interested in trades, too; should you have a firearm you’d like to sell or upgrade from, bring it with.
  • Bring your own bore light if you’re considering buying a used gun. Use it to check for corrosion in the weapon’s barrel (often referred to as frosting and pitting) and the weapon’s chamber. Check the gun’s action or timing for function. Look for cracks, bulges, missing parts, and rust.

For those who have attended gun shows, what other advice do you have for a first-time attendee?

Filed Under: Firearms Training Tagged With: auction, barter, buying, gun show, Guns

Related Posts

  • iMarksman dry fire training
    iMarksman Dry Fire Training System
  • 3rd Ranger Battalion & The Big Four
    3rd Ranger Battalion & The Big Four
  • Math and Guns – How Math Can Improve Your Shooting - TheArmsGuide.com
    Math and Guns – How Math Can Improve Your Shooting

About the Author

Avatar for Nate Granzow

Nate Granzow A magazine editor and novelist by trade, Nate has spent years collecting and shooting antique, relic, and modern sporting arms, competing in cowboy-action and long-range blackpowder shoots, shooting trap/sporting clays, reloading, and hunting. He's a staunch believer that the second amendment of the U.S. Constitution is the foundation upon which all other rights are predicated, and is a strong proponent of concealed carry. Check out his novels at www.nategranzow.com.

See All Nate Granzow Articles

Comments

  1. Avatar for Nate GranzowJoseph Goins says

    July 30, 2016 at 11:54 pm

    If the price is too good to be true, the product generally is too good to be real. Don’t get fooled into buying a $1400 ACOG for $500. It’s stolen.

    Reply
« Older Comments

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

In Case You Missed It

Best Ar 10 Upper Receiver
Rifles

6 Best AR-10 Upper Receivers – A Buyers Guide

January 11, 2021

Best Bipod For Remington 700
Rifles

Best Bipod for Remington 700 – The Arms Guide Review

January 11, 2021

Best Handguns For Women
Handguns

The 6 Best Handguns for Women – Complete Buyers Guide

January 11, 2021

Best Glock Trigger
Handguns

5 Best Aftermarket Glock Triggers

January 11, 2021

© Copyright 2021 Thearmsguide · All Rights Reserved.

  • Comms Check
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Contact Us

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com.