Oct. '12 1500 - Reconnaissance Complete

[Ryno300]

I really want all of you to rest at ease...the roads are open, GPS instructions work great, the parking is appropriate, and the facility is ready. Many of you are waiting until next weekend, but I proudly droves my neighbor down to the fairgrounds for the " gun show" this morning. Cash in my pocket, .380 auto on the hip, new Ruger SR9 in the box to be sure the rail accessories fit...it was a a beautiful plan...anyway, see you all next weekend!

 

[PeaShooter]

Doh! I hate it when I do that....

 

[Topher Durden]

good dry run!!! See you next weekend!

 

[EDCHDS]

Well... It's better than showing up a week late.

Don't ask me how I know that.

 

[jmb1031]

Any advice for a noob would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Ryno300]

@jmb1031 Be sure to research what you are looking for. There are deals to be had, but only if you know the details and pricing of the item you want. What I've gotten the most out of shows in the past is to be able to put my hands on a number of handguns I "think" I might be interested in. Cash and carry always seems the best way to go. I haven't gone enough to notice any difference in deals the first day versus the last day.

 

[DanVoils]

Also always ask before you pick up a gun. While 99.9% will not have a problem it's just common courtesy.

 

[jmb1031]

Thanks for the advice. I would never just pick-up anyone else's property without asking first.

 

[DanVoils]

You would be amazes at how many people just pick something up and then when they get done pointing it everywhere they put it on top of another gun. Having a booth there is not something I miss.

 

[N8RV]

You would be amazes at how many people just pick something up and then when they get done pointing it everywhere they put it on top of another gun. Having a booth there is not something I miss.

I went to the Ft. Wayne show on Sunday. I'd been to ONE show before, many years ago, so I was basically a gun show virgin. I can't tell you how many booths would announce loudly, "Feel free to touch and pick up anything ... if you have any questions, just ask."

Therefore, as a newbie to gun shows, I can see how other noobs could just assume that that's the proper etiquette at gun shows -- free to handle at will.

Of course, I didn't touch anything without permission ... but it's good to know that asking first is the appropriate protocol.

 

[Citizen711]

If you've got 20 guns laid out on the table, it's just like any other product. People are going to reasonably expect to be able to pick them up and look them over. I know I do, but I treat the merchandise with respect, placing them back on the table the way I found them. I will always ask if I feel the need to try the trigger, though, or most any time when looking through a private collection.

I have seen dealers put out signs that insist people ask to pick up a gun, and that's ok, too, if that's their preferred way of doing things.

 

[DanVoils]

To me it's just courtesy. (Not saying you're discourteous or anything.) I know they expect people to just grab and drop so I like to be the exception. It shows I care enough about the item to treat it with respect. Sometimes I think it's even gotten me a better price.