Do you ever go to gun shows and leave

Hole Puncher · September 11, 2004, 17:53

kicking yourself for either buying something or not buying something?

The Phoenix Crossroad show is happening this weekend, which is one of the biggest ones that comes through Phoenix.

I ended up buying a limited edition Sig 229-40-SN (paid 729). I got a fair deal, but I just have to keep asking myself, why do I go to these gun shows and leave with a plated gun? I left the last show with a Beretta 92 Steel-i (paid 1100)

I want to buy a nice stainless gun that I can shoot to my hearts content.

How many of you have done the same thing? The guns I've bought are great, but they aren't exactly what I am looking for. They just go to the safe.

newfalguy101 · September 11, 2004, 18:24

I have on occasion asked myself "Just what are you thinking?" as I am filling out 4473's

I have also kicked myself for passing on something that I should have bought

**W.E.G.** · September 11, 2004, 18:50

If you want a "nice stainless gun you can shoot to your heart's content" get a used Ruger P95. Ugly as sin. Not particularly accurate but accurate enough for protecting the castle. Will outlive you. You will never "need" another handgun.

Sometimes I wonder, "What am I gonna do with all this stuff!???" Then I think, "Cool! Look at all this stuff I got."

True. Some of it may never be fired again (by me anyway). That's OK. I still enjoy having it.

If you are blowing the mortgage money on guns, you are probably screwing up. If its just "running-around" money, a fella could waste his money on a lot worse stuff than guns. At least you can't snort or drink or screw a gun. Although, if you drank enough, and tried to screw the M1 you bought at the gun show, you might be looking for some white powder to pour on a bad case of M-1 dong.

But, I digress.

If your collection is becoming "unmanagable" its time to move some of it. You got your enjoyment out of those pieces. It would be nice to turn a profit. But, sometimes a piece just has to go. So you move it, and don't look back.
Its just a hobby.

**BUFF** · September 11, 2004, 20:53

I miss not buying all of those beanie babies,cheap knives, jerky, model airplanes and tanks, gas masks, cammo fatigues, old MREs, Nazi paraphernalia, bubba-ized Italian Carcanos, "Indian art" made by white guys, eyeglass cleaners....

Lockbar · September 11, 2004, 21:04

"I miss not buying all of those beanie babies,cheap knives, jerky, model airplanes and tanks, gas masks, cammo fatigues, old MREs, Nazi paraphernalia,"

Don't forget the "collectable" Playboy and Penthouse magazines. I've seen some boxes of those at gun shows in the past. Kung-Fu junk is illegal where I live, so no more throwing stars.

trucksurfer · September 11, 2004, 21:22

Quote:

Originally posted by BUFF
I miss not buying all of those beanie babies,cheap knives, jerky, model airplanes and tanks, gas masks, cammo fatigues, old MREs, Nazi paraphernalia, bubba-ized Italian Carcanos, "Indian art" made by white guys, eyeglass cleaners....

Don't forget the books! Gotta have your books on home-made weapons and explosives. Then there's the things like "Catcher in the Rye" and that book that McVeigh took as gospel.

Harland · September 11, 2004, 21:29

Yes I have gone to gun shows and bought that great deal on a gun, but then I had to go and explain to my wife what a great deal it was.

762minigun · September 11, 2004, 22:17

Dont get me started

.

denver · September 11, 2004, 22:36

I left the last Crossroads show with a bag of beef jerky.....and a bunch of cash. The shows are getting worse and worse...

zack taylor · September 11, 2004, 22:47

My wife spent more money than I did at the past two gun shows. Eyeglass cleaner, ginsu-type knife, t-shirt, bag of roasted almonds, and all that stuff. The only thing I could find that was a 'deal', was a box of freakin' ammo.

It seems like there are more and more non gun vendors at these things than there are actual gun, and gun paraphanelia vendors. WTF?

My wife drags me to the arts and craft shows and nobody is selling any guns. Maybe the next time we go to an a and c show, I'll strap a couple of rifles with 'fur sail' signs on them. Bet it turns a few heads............

Zack

Gremper · September 11, 2004, 22:47

Not a problem. My Grandbuddy always picks out a new Airsoft gun and we both enjoy looking (he turned 5 last Thursday).

**Stoney** · September 11, 2004, 22:54

Went to the PDX show yesterday with about 650 in my pocket and spend 30 bucks and I should have only spend 15 or non. nothing there I didn't already have or want. Will I could have bought some fal stuff, but I already had those parts.

g5 · September 11, 2004, 23:26

Yeah, I'm usually happier a couple of days later when I DIDN'T buy anything at the show. Most of the stuff I buy is an impulse buy and I don't need any of the arms. But, I am always looking for a_______________ .

**kev** · September 12, 2004, 01:12

I used to be addicted to gunshows. As many here know, I fly for a living and it's nothing for me to travel all across the country. Hell, that's what they pay me to do. I'd schedule my trips while looking at the show calender in the back of the Gunlist. It was nothing to hit 3-4 shows every weekend. Some were good; some were bad, but on average they were all getting just a little bit worse every year. Once I got my first computer about 6 years ago, I pretty much quit going to the shows,......all but the best collector shows. Unless it's a really good national show, I do better surfing the net for bargains. And it's a lot easier than renting cars and driving for hours just to find that the podunk show on the other side of the state is cancelled. And I don't miss the Beanie Babies.

quicksand · September 12, 2004, 03:13

Is it just me or do they always lie about how many tables there are?

the thing that drives me nuts are the know it alls and the guys who think their junk is gold.

"Hey how much for these rusty AK mags"

"Oh those are very rare because they dont import them any longer, $35 or two for $60"

A lot of these clowns simply cant be trusted. I lump many of them in the same group as herbal healers, strippers, bouncers, and worst of all carnies

derek huffman, azexarms · September 12, 2004, 03:17

I miss getting in fights and collecting Orders of Protection from Pussymen....

sorry, just couldnt resist!

D.
AZEX
"As seen on TV!"

ultramagbrion · September 12, 2004, 08:07

Weve got three within an hour from here,and its a riot to see the same dozen or so that have the same overpriced crap over and over again.

One chucklehead has bullets(Nosler,Sierra,etc) 3-6 dollars a box higher than the local gunshops charge.........another has CETMES for 500 bucks!!

And WAY WAY too much non gun junk now-a-days!!One jackass has three tables of those 15 dollar oak toilet seats with various things varnished on the lid
and hes asking 60-70 bucks for them!

Hes the same one who has the Indian dreamcatchers made in china!!
And if I see one more paki knive with a fantasy mottif in a cheap box Im gonna hurl!!

WHO BUYS THIS JUNK ANYWAYS!?!??!!

I have better luck at garage sales anymore

**Jon Frum** · September 12, 2004, 08:24

I forgot to pick up the $3 pad of Barney targets on the way out of the Atlanta show yesterday.

7idl · September 12, 2004, 10:08

more than once I've seens something I want then decide I'll come back later if I don't find something else with a higher priority on my list.. it always happens, I don't find that other thing(s) and come back and it's already sold

CRShooter32 · September 12, 2004, 10:54

Every time I go to a show, I find something at a good price, and end up walking away empty handed, lack of funds because of partial week layoffs is the usual culprit. Yesterday, I saw a very nice condition G-43, $1400, I know what collection it came out of, and know it's worth the money. I was so tempted to tell the dealer I would trade everything but my FAL for it.

Gun shows are something to do on a slow weekend. Get some excersize, and see some cool stuff all at once.

fastfreddy · September 12, 2004, 19:21

Quote:

Originally posted by zack taylor
My wife spent more money than I did at the past two gun shows. Eyeglass cleaner, ginsu-type knife, t-shirt, bag of roasted almonds, and all that stuff. The only thing I could find that was a 'deal', was a box of freakin' ammo.

It seems like there are more and more non gun vendors at these things than there are actual gun, and gun paraphanelia vendors. WTF?

My wife drags me to the arts and craft shows and nobody is selling any guns. Maybe the next time we go to an a and c show, I'll strap a couple of rifles with 'fur sail' signs on them. Bet it turns a few heads............

Zack

Not long ago, a buddy and I went to the Richmond show. We each toted in a long gun for sale. Problem is, we entered the wrong parking area and didn't realize we entered the group who was there for the "chili cook-off". We got a pretty good reaction from the crowd of farting, beer soaked folks as we walked through shouldering a Winchester shotgun and an Arisaka.

Carp Killer · September 12, 2004, 20:17

Since alot of us cry about how bad shows are, when and where are the good shows? The SAR in Phoenix in December is a good show. Any other suggestions?

Fire Fighter · September 13, 2004, 12:36

The Tulsa Gun show is in late October. They fill (and I mean stuff) the 3 acre building with tables. They also limit the non-gun tables. I learned my lesson there to never walk away and see what else there is. If it sounds like a good deal, it will be gone before you get back.

FF

Muggzy · September 13, 2004, 13:36

hey....the last one I went to .....

One Vendor finally got smart and brought a "babe" with him. All the boxes
were on the floor....so evertime someone asked to see or buy something (heck don't ask me what he was sellin') she bent over with this short skirt on and was
showing everyone what she had. I hung around so long some of the folks thought I worked there

You guys are gettin harder and harder to please......and I'm with ya! But I
still go

Pistolwiz · September 14, 2004, 00:19

I really enjoyed this last PDX show. Got in free with a vendors pass because I was going there to buy a lot of parts from a certain dealer. He knew I was coming and had one for me. I got to litterally swim through a sea of FAL parts! In the next few weeks you guys are gonna see a bunch of new goodies at my site! Already have a few listed at the market place. The bulk of stuff is gonna trickle in over time. It was really fun to spend all that dough and know I will get a return on it!!! I love this biz!!!!!!

If it wasn't for my biz...... I would avoid gun shows on the most part!

**TFA303** · September 14, 2004, 16:32

The one good thing about gun shows is that you (usually) get to pick up the stuff and diddle with it.

I've had good luck with Internet purchases (so far), but one man's idea of "LNIB" may not match mine. "Some pitting" covers a multitude of sins. I'm much happier if I can personaly shine a light down the bore and work the bolt.

Even if I haven't bought anything, having the tactile experience is much better than looking at photos on the screen.

Tom

September 11, 2004, 17:53	#1
Hole Puncher Registered FALaholic #: 14021 Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 29	Do you ever go to gun shows and leave kicking yourself for either buying something or not buying something? The Phoenix Crossroad show is happening this weekend, which is one of the biggest ones that comes through Phoenix. I ended up buying a limited edition Sig 229-40-SN (paid 729). I got a fair deal, but I just have to keep asking myself, why do I go to these gun shows and leave with a plated gun? I left the last show with a Beretta 92 Steel-i (paid 1100) I want to buy a nice stainless gun that I can shoot to my hearts content. How many of you have done the same thing? The guns I've bought are great, but they aren't exactly what I am looking for. They just go to the safe.

September 11, 2004, 18:24	#2
newfalguy101 Registered FALaholic #: 6260 Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Clay Center, NE Posts: 4,241	I have on occasion asked myself "Just what are you thinking?" as I am filling out 4473's I have also kicked myself for passing on something that I should have bought __________________ Trust in the LORD with all your heart, mind and soul......... front sight, press. repeat as needed! 01 FFL :biggrin: Transfers $20 orders actual dealer + $50 Clay Center, NE

September 11, 2004, 18:50	#3
W.E.G. Administrator Silver Contributor FALaholic #: 1211 Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Virginia Posts: 31,056	If you want a "nice stainless gun you can shoot to your heart's content" get a used Ruger P95. Ugly as sin. Not particularly accurate but accurate enough for protecting the castle. Will outlive you. You will never "need" another handgun. Sometimes I wonder, "What am I gonna do with all this stuff!???" Then I think, "Cool! Look at all this stuff I got." True. Some of it may never be fired again (by me anyway). That's OK. I still enjoy having it. If you are blowing the mortgage money on guns, you are probably screwing up. If its just "running-around" money, a fella could waste his money on a lot worse stuff than guns. At least you can't snort or drink or screw a gun. Although, if you drank enough, and tried to screw the M1 you bought at the gun show, you might be looking for some white powder to pour on a bad case of M-1 dong. But, I digress. If your collection is becoming "unmanagable" its time to move some of it. You got your enjoyment out of those pieces. It would be nice to turn a profit. But, sometimes a piece just has to go. So you move it, and don't look back. Its just a hobby. __________________ . . . Ask me about the Mason-Dixon FAL Collectors Association.

September 11, 2004, 20:53	#4
BUFF Old Fart Silver Contributor FALaholic #: 789 Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Posts: 7,141	I miss not buying all of those beanie babies,cheap knives, jerky, model airplanes and tanks, gas masks, cammo fatigues, old MREs, Nazi paraphernalia, bubba-ized Italian Carcanos, "Indian art" made by white guys, eyeglass cleaners.... __________________ BUFF

September 11, 2004, 22:17	#8
762minigun Registered FALaholic #: 6464 Join Date: May 2002 Location: crossroads of america Posts: 1,497	Dont get me started . __________________ " A well-regulated militia,being necessary to the security of a free state, THE RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE TO KEEP AND BEAR ARMS SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED" Any Questions?

September 11, 2004, 21:04	#5
Lockbar Registered FALaholic #: 2234 Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Illinois Posts: 716	"I miss not buying all of those beanie babies,cheap knives, jerky, model airplanes and tanks, gas masks, cammo fatigues, old MREs, Nazi paraphernalia," Don't forget the "collectable" Playboy and Penthouse magazines. I've seen some boxes of those at gun shows in the past. Kung-Fu junk is illegal where I live, so no more throwing stars.

September 11, 2004, 21:29	#7
Harland Registered FALaholic #: 12157 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Wichita,Ks Posts: 42	Yes I have gone to gun shows and bought that great deal on a gun, but then I had to go and explain to my wife what a great deal it was.

September 11, 2004, 22:36	#9
denver Registered FALaholic #: 7675 Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Co Posts: 268	I left the last Crossroads show with a bag of beef jerky.....and a bunch of cash. The shows are getting worse and worse...

September 11, 2004, 22:47	#10
zack taylor Registered FALaholic #: 12554 Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: land of entrapment Posts: 775	My wife spent more money than I did at the past two gun shows. Eyeglass cleaner, ginsu-type knife, t-shirt, bag of roasted almonds, and all that stuff. The only thing I could find that was a 'deal', was a box of freakin' ammo. It seems like there are more and more non gun vendors at these things than there are actual gun, and gun paraphanelia vendors. WTF? My wife drags me to the arts and craft shows and nobody is selling any guns. Maybe the next time we go to an a and c show, I'll strap a couple of rifles with 'fur sail' signs on them. Bet it turns a few heads............ Zack __________________ So many guns, and so little time. "If you think I am a communist, socialist, facist, left wing lunatic for disliking George Bush, then you are probably correct." -DABTL

September 11, 2004, 22:47	#11
Gremper Registered FALaholic #: 8848 Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Las Vegas NV Posts: 1,024	Not a problem. My Grandbuddy always picks out a new Airsoft gun and we both enjoy looking (he turned 5 last Thursday). __________________ Four boxes guarantee our freedom: They are the Soap Box; the Ballot Box; the Jury Box; and the Cartridge Box. To be Born Free is Luck. To Live Free is a Privilege. To Die Free is a Responsibility British by birth, American by choice! ROMAD, USAF Msgt (ret), Life Member NRA . Member AGA, GOA, LEAA, JPFO. CCRKBA

September 11, 2004, 22:54	#12
Stoney Former 0311 Contributor FALaholic #: 1205 Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Brush Prairie, WA USA Posts: 3,339	Went to the PDX show yesterday with about 650 in my pocket and spend 30 bucks and I should have only spend 15 or non. nothing there I didn't already have or want. Will I could have bought some fal stuff, but I already had those parts. __________________ Stoney Bureaucracy,, taking the fun out of life one stupid rule at a time,,,, Old Viking saying: Never be more then two steps from your weapon Don't pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he'll just kill you. Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading. - Thomas Jefferson

September 11, 2004, 23:26	#13
g5 Registered FALaholic #: 13024 Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 1,292	Yeah, I'm usually happier a couple of days later when I DIDN'T buy anything at the show. Most of the stuff I buy is an impulse buy and I don't need any of the arms. But, I am always looking for a_______________ . __________________ eschew obfuscation Championing the Environment - everyone should have one

September 12, 2004, 01:12	#14
kev Curio & Relic Contributor FALaholic #: 71 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Indiana and various others Posts: 3,777	I used to be addicted to gunshows. As many here know, I fly for a living and it's nothing for me to travel all across the country. Hell, that's what they pay me to do. I'd schedule my trips while looking at the show calender in the back of the Gunlist. It was nothing to hit 3-4 shows every weekend. Some were good; some were bad, but on average they were all getting just a little bit worse every year. Once I got my first computer about 6 years ago, I pretty much quit going to the shows,......all but the best collector shows. Unless it's a really good national show, I do better surfing the net for bargains. And it's a lot easier than renting cars and driving for hours just to find that the podunk show on the other side of the state is cancelled. And I don't miss the Beanie Babies. __________________ Gun control is not about guns; it's about control. RUE?

September 12, 2004, 03:13	#15
quicksand Registered Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 13329 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: SE Michigan Posts: 649	Is it just me or do they always lie about how many tables there are? the thing that drives me nuts are the know it alls and the guys who think their junk is gold. "Hey how much for these rusty AK mags" "Oh those are very rare because they dont import them any longer, $35 or two for $60" A lot of these clowns simply cant be trusted. I lump many of them in the same group as herbal healers, strippers, bouncers, and worst of all carnies

September 12, 2004, 03:17	#16
derek huffman, azexarms Perm Banned FALaholic #: 206 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Mesa, AZ USA Posts: 1,392	I miss getting in fights and collecting Orders of Protection from Pussymen.... sorry, just couldnt resist! D. AZEX "As seen on TV!"

September 12, 2004, 08:07	#17
ultramagbrion Registered FALaholic #: 13050 Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Dover-Foxcroft MAINE Posts: 1,277	Weve got three within an hour from here,and its a riot to see the same dozen or so that have the same overpriced crap over and over again. One chucklehead has bullets(Nosler,Sierra,etc) 3-6 dollars a box higher than the local gunshops charge.........another has CETMES for 500 bucks!! And WAY WAY too much non gun junk now-a-days!!One jackass has three tables of those 15 dollar oak toilet seats with various things varnished on the lid and hes asking 60-70 bucks for them! Hes the same one who has the Indian dreamcatchers made in china!! And if I see one more paki knive with a fantasy mottif in a cheap box Im gonna hurl!! WHO BUYS THIS JUNK ANYWAYS!?!??!! I have better luck at garage sales anymore __________________ Μολὼν λαβέ Those Who Sacrifice Liberty For Security Deserve Neither

September 12, 2004, 08:24	#18
Jon Frum Curio & Relic Silver Contributor FALaholic #: 8473 Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Georgia Posts: 2,265	I forgot to pick up the $3 pad of Barney targets on the way out of the Atlanta show yesterday. __________________ "We must, indeed, all hang togather or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately.": Ben Franklin Detain and Deport!

September 12, 2004, 10:08	#19
7idl Registered FALaholic #: 5129 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: in a house Posts: 439	more than once I've seens something I want then decide I'll come back later if I don't find something else with a higher priority on my list.. it always happens, I don't find that other thing(s) and come back and it's already sold __________________ The enemy invariably attacks on two occasions ----- when your ready and when your not.

September 12, 2004, 10:54	#20
CRShooter32 Registered FALaholic #: 11071 Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Pa. Posts: 2,563	Every time I go to a show, I find something at a good price, and end up walking away empty handed, lack of funds because of partial week layoffs is the usual culprit. Yesterday, I saw a very nice condition G-43, $1400, I know what collection it came out of, and know it's worth the money. I was so tempted to tell the dealer I would trade everything but my FAL for it. Gun shows are something to do on a slow weekend. Get some excersize, and see some cool stuff all at once. __________________ Joe

September 12, 2004, 20:17	#22
Carp Killer Registered FALaholic #: 6931 Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 541	Since alot of us cry about how bad shows are, when and where are the good shows? The SAR in Phoenix in December is a good show. Any other suggestions?

September 13, 2004, 12:36	#23
Fire Fighter Registered FALaholic #: 3657 Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: USA Posts: 91	The Tulsa Gun show is in late October. They fill (and I mean stuff) the 3 acre building with tables. They also limit the non-gun tables. I learned my lesson there to never walk away and see what else there is. If it sounds like a good deal, it will be gone before you get back. FF __________________ "The military don't start wars. The politicians start wars." - General Westmoreland

September 13, 2004, 13:36	#24
Muggzy Registered FALaholic #: 4396 Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Illinois Posts: 4,723	hey....the last one I went to ..... One Vendor finally got smart and brought a "babe" with him. All the boxes were on the floor....so evertime someone asked to see or buy something (heck don't ask me what he was sellin') she bent over with this short skirt on and was showing everyone what she had. I hung around so long some of the folks thought I worked there You guys are gettin harder and harder to please......and I'm with ya! But I still go __________________ Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ablility to learn from the experience of other, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so. Douglas Graham Life is drawing without an eraser Judge me all you want, just keep the verdict to yourself a positve attitude may not solve all your problems, but will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort ~ Herm

September 14, 2004, 00:19	#25
Pistolwiz Registered FALaholic #: 4378 Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: WA Posts: 5,342	I really enjoyed this last PDX show. Got in free with a vendors pass because I was going there to buy a lot of parts from a certain dealer. He knew I was coming and had one for me. I got to litterally swim through a sea of FAL parts! In the next few weeks you guys are gonna see a bunch of new goodies at my site! Already have a few listed at the market place. The bulk of stuff is gonna trickle in over time. It was really fun to spend all that dough and know I will get a return on it!!! I love this biz!!!!!! If it wasn't for my biz...... I would avoid gun shows on the most part! __________________ "The constitution is not a bunch of suggestions. It's the law." "People will chew and swallow an entire sweet and delicious brick of lies. And enjoy it. Rather than taste one bitter grain of truth. No wonder they are hoodwinked so easily." "I don't run with lemmings...even well armed ones." "If we had as many misconceptions about the FN FAL as we do about the constitution. The body count from accidents would be much, much higher around here."

September 14, 2004, 16:32	#26
TFA303 Veteran Member Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 1300 Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Northern AL Posts: 1,344	The one good thing about gun shows is that you (usually) get to pick up the stuff and diddle with it. I've had good luck with Internet purchases (so far), but one man's idea of "LNIB" may not match mine. "Some pitting" covers a multitude of sins. I'm much happier if I can personaly shine a light down the bore and work the bolt. Even if I haven't bought anything, having the tactile experience is much better than looking at photos on the screen. Tom __________________ There is a fine line between a "hobby" and a "mental disorder".

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