Frankdozer

The Shriners Auditorium in Wilmington, Massachusetts is having a Firearms and Knife show this weekend, March 6 & 7. My question is are there good deals on guns and ammo there? Are there new guns and just in general should I bring cash or/ credit cards.

38-55

I was in attendance at a small gun show this past weekend and awarded myself a very nice blue Security Six 4" with a nice Bianchi #10 black holster, it was wearing a near new Pachmayr Decelerator wrap around grip. I figured it was worth liberating for $300.00 from a private party(no paper, legal to do in Montana). I put a new set of Herrett Shooting Stars on it that I have been saving just for this occasion.
As Lt. Colonel Henry Blake so eloquently stated more than once in MASH; I have been bestowed upon by a great honor!!!!!!!!!!!!

Charlie Two Tracks

I may have to take a trip to Montana this summer on the bike. No paper. Just like it used to be here, many moons ago. Black Helicopters have a hard time with no papers.

boblenaere

Frankdozer: I have been to 5 gun shows this winter in Florida. Some had some great deals, others I left wondering why i wasted my time. Bring CASH. Many people selling are not set up for credit cards and can be reluctant to accept a check. Cash is always accepted. This is a big plus if you find a private seller with a nice gun.

38-55

I always, always carry cash, everyday I carry cash. I found a nice Stainless Security Six and bought it while I was repairing a Hyster in a BMC West lumber yard for a fantastic price simply because I had the cash in my pocket. Always carry at least 300 in cash, more is better. I have never asked a gun seller if he takes plastic.

JAS

Another advantage with cash is that it provides somewhat of a bargaining chip. I believe that credit cards charge a dealer/ vendor something like 5-10%when they make a sale to a buyer with one.

Start the negotiation with plastic (if the seller accepts it), then offer cash as an incentive for him/her to accept your offer if you feel that the deal is close.

BlkHawk73

No way to really know unless you go. Some stuff at shows is a good deal, others is high. Most is usually fair. Can't expect steals and get upset if you don't find any. Of course in MA, I can't imagine ANY deals.

daytona_knight

The shows I have attended have had a 24 Hr teller machine in the building so if you do see something and are a little short on cash, you could always hit the ATM.

As for deals, most things can be found in local gun stores at a better price but good deals can be found. Look for private sellers. Also, there are people with just one or a few guns who do not buy a table and they will walk around the show carrying gun cases. Just ask them what they are selling. They are more likely to negotiate than a gun store selling its merchandise at inflated prices. Get a receipt with name and contact info in case the individual is just trying to dump a defective/stolen gun.

I got an '84 Bulgarian Makarov from a private owner sale at a gun show once. Absolutely perfect condition. It didn't even have the little scratch that happens the first time you move the safety. $300 out the door with 100 Rounds of ammo. I didn't think to get a receipt but I have been lucky - no problems at all.

BuckJM53

Frank ... there are almost always a few good deals (mostly from private sellers) at the gun shows in my neck of the woods if you know what to look for, bring cash and are a good negotiator. For the most part though (at least in the last couple of years), it seems that the good deals are getting fewer and fewer. Good luck, good hunting and be careful (especially with any "bargain" ammo)!

thomashoward

I just got back from the Sacremanto gun show. Traded pocketfull of money for a trunk of ammo and a pocket of reciepts.
The last show I went to someone ran off with my credit card numbers. I had a call from Capitol One when I got home. They asked where I just used my card...Gun Show