Problem is that most shows die down the during the summer months and won't be starting up again until September/October.
I agree, I went on one of them this Saturday for the first time and was kinda disappointed, initially, I thought I miss something as a guy was trying to sell me a used Glock for 800$ (???), but then I read this forum and see I am not the only one, what shows would you recommend to attend?Sorry, I was being a jerk. The days of the “good gun show” are gone I fear. Sometimes you can find deals but for the most part Gun shows are full of guys trying to sell used guns for more than you can buy a new one for and guys flipping ammo for double the price. Don’t forget all the flea market items and tons of Chinese AR parts. I still go to a few and try to find odd ball parts or ammo though. I must admit the last two 1500s I bought new pistols as cheap or cheaper than I could order them for. I also go for the entertainment purposes, always something to see.
There is a show at Stout Field this weekend. It used to be my favorite show but it’s changed a lot. It was the first show I went to almost 40 years ago.
Looks can be deceiving, I remember years ago when working at a shop the lazy owners son passed on a couple guys because they looked dirty, turns out they were pretty successful farmers and he lost the commission on two Weatherby rifles, high end optics, mounts and ammo lol.Remember, most people go to gun shows as tourists with $400, minus gas and beer money. They go with their Affliction shirst, backward caps and sunglasses, to look, which is cool. The apex predators of the shows are: 1) guy who looks like that he has just come off the night shift and has 3/4" of calluses on his hands (because he is likely high-end skilled trade knows what he wants and he has cash money on him) and will go directly to what he wants, 2) the doctor, CPA, or lawyer in the khakis, nice causal shirt and half glasses (as he understands at least the basics of economics, has the power of NO and has resources, there or he can summon them) who will circle, taking notes.
But to have a good show, you need to study to be educated and to be prepared. Have a basic understanding of economics and how markets work and why. E.g., now, buy mags, not ammo. The market is coming down on lowers, wait for the August, when prices hit the nadir, show then buy.
Today's lesson, marginal utility: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/marginalutility.asp
I am a big fan of the Crown Point show. Aisles are wider, whole show takes 3ish hours, food trucks, clean bathrooms, plenty to do after show in Lake County (we hit Griffith, sometimes Crown Point).I agree, I went on one of them this Saturday for the first time and was kinda disappointed, initially, I thought I miss something as a guy was trying to sell me a used Glock for 800$ (???), but then I read this forum and see I am not the only one, what shows would you recommend to attend?
Very true. No disagreement.Looks can be deceiving, I remember years ago when working at a shop the lazy owners son passed on a couple guys because they looked dirty, turns out they were pretty successful farmers and he lost the commission on two Weatherby rifles, high end optics, mounts and ammo lol.
I could see that, when females came into the shop I always went to help them because they were there for a reason not to just stop in and shoot the bull.Very true. No disagreement.
The gun writer, Tamara Keel, has a story about having super jack to spend on a gun, but guys at shop let her stand there while they discussed bass boats.
What about prices, usually shows have alot of "guys" who bought their S&W for 26 cents in 1976 and now selling for 600$I am a big fan of the Crown Point show. Aisles are wider, whole show takes 3ish hours, food trucks, clean bathrooms, plenty to do after show in Lake County (we hit Griffith, sometimes Crown Point).
Prices? Price is nothing but information. Part of your homework before you go. You should know the market. If it is too high, say NO. It is is too low, buy. If Jasper makes .09% over inflation, I don't care, none of my business. Not the Pricing Police and I am not the jealous type.What about prices, usually shows have alot of "guys" who bought their S&W for 26 cents in 1976 and now selling for 600$
I agree, but come on, when 99% of all guns on the show are too inflated, it makes going there pointless, every single person I see trying to gain like 30-40% of the initial price of that gunPrices? Price is nothing but information. Part of your homework before you go. You should know the market. If it is too high, say NO. It is is too low, buy. If Jasper makes .09% over inflation, I don't care, none of my business. Not the Pricing Police and I am not the jealous type.
Be informed, be with resources, be able to walk away.
I don't care. If you think the price is too high, then don't buy it.I agree, but come on, when 99% of all guns on the show are too inflated, it makes going there pointless, every single person I see trying to gain like 30-40% of the initial price of that gun
I used to work at the Mack Dealer just South of Stout Field. I bought a Chinese Paratrooper Side fold there way back before the first ban. Ugly as sin, red bake light stocks. But actually shot pretty well. I know it's heresy, but it shot better than my Ruger Mini 14. Paid the princely sum of 250.00, sold it to a Postal Worker, true story, for 1250.00 during the ban lolSorry, I was being a jerk. The days of the “good gun show” are gone I fear. Sometimes you can find deals but for the most part Gun shows are full of guys trying to sell used guns for more than you can buy a new one for and guys flipping ammo for double the price. Don’t forget all the flea market items and tons of Chinese AR parts. I still go to a few and try to find odd ball parts or ammo though. I must admit the last two 1500s I bought new pistols as cheap or cheaper than I could order them for. I also go for the entertainment purposes, always something to see.
There is a show at Stout Field this weekend. It used to be my favorite show but it’s changed a lot. It was the first show I went to almost 40 years ago.
Hi, long time reader first time poster but I’m wondering if you know when the next few will be in Indiana and are there typically many private sellers? I don’t trust the govt and would prefer to use that avenue if you picking up what I’m throwing Down…National Guard Armory off Holt Rd on Southside of Indy. Open Sunday 9-4 I think. Give it a go.
Here on INGO, we obey all the laws.Hi, long time reader first time poster but I’m wondering if you know when the next few will be in Indiana and are there typically many private sellers? I don’t trust the govt and would prefer to use that avenue if you picking up what I’m throwing Down…