Gun Show Question

[ktfiend]

Accountant here.... I default on attributing/allocating costs.

[G26ster]

Every new firearm I've purchased at a gun show has been at a price lower than I could find on-line. I've gotten some super deals. That said, I do pay admission, and sales tax, but I don't consider that an issue. Why? Because I can touch the gun I'm buying, be sure it fits my hand, etc. While I agree it's good to be frugal, I do find it mildly amusing when someone spends endless hours, days, weeks, months searching for a super deal to save a few bucks, but will then go out and spend $50-$100 on a mediocre dinner to celebrate their great victory. If I've got the hots for a particular firearm, I want it now!

[LucasMcCain]

As has been pointed out, make sure you know the going rate for what you're looking for before you go. However, if you see the gun you want for the same price it sells for elsewhere, you can actually talk to the guy selling it at the gun show and try to get a better deal. Some dealers will work with you; others will not, but it doesn't hurt to ask. That's something you can't do at Academy. Don't be afraid to say "well, this is the same price I would pay at Academy, can you give me a discount for cash or throw in a holster/spare mag/flashlight/pocketknife/whatever?" You may not come out way ahead, but it's more fun, and you don't have anything to lose if you can just turn around and buy it somewhere else if they say no and get annoyed. I've gotten some interesting stuff this way, from rolls of wheat pennies to a little bag of rattlesnake rattles. Regardless, I don't ever count the admission/parking in my purchase price, because that's what I pay just to have a fun time looking around the gun show. Hope this helps.

[ninjabread]

Accountant here.... I default on attributing/allocating costs.

The admission and parking are sunk costs.

[rm9792]

I go for the used stuff and the private sellers walking around. I have gotten a few good deals over the years. GRB is nice since it isnt as crowded because of the larger space utilized. Pasadena is so crowded and hot inside.