What tips do you have for buying at a gun show?

[Hokkmike]

What tips do you have for buying at a gun show?

I will be attending a BIG gun show in April. I want to buy a VERY NICE lever action rifle. What tips do you have to locate and get the most for your money?

Thanks!

[IV_Warrior]

Know ahead of time what you want, and what it costs at local dealers. Gun shows don't necessarily have good prices.

[625]

Yep, what he said. Check GunBroker, GunsAmerica, AuctionArms, etc. to see what the going rates are. I've actually found most gun show prices to be higher than "normal".

[BenningBoy]

Take a bore light with you. Resist the urge to be overwhelmed. Remember the first time you went to a toys-r-us as a child? Yeah, that's the feeling.

[natewal4430]

What BIG show are you going to?

[st.marys]

I agree with knowing how much something costs at a local dealer or Dick's or Gander Mtn. I have only found one good deal over the years on a charles daly shotgun. I almost find it funny that these guys price their used guns close to buying new. I know that everything there is open to offers, but I tend not to do that. They are fun to go to though, you can find small things that you are looking for too (like mags etc).

[Hokkmike]

Originally Posted by natewal4430

What BIG show are you going to?

http://thenationsgunshow.com/

[Brown-Bear]

Since gun shows don't usually have the best prices I suggest calling first to see which vendors will be at the show. Then call the vendor directly an ask them for a price quote. If its too much, then don't waist your time, just stay home.

BB

[DCChris]

Do your homework in advance, and when the guy selling the rifle starts with the BS story about this being John Wayne's favorite rifle growing up, just nod and smile.

[Garpman]

1) Know what you want beforehand, this involves what everyone else said, check prices, research on the firearm, etc.
2) Bring cash, not everyone there takes plastic and if they do, they most certainly will charge a percentage more to use it
3) Don't be afraid to bargain, prices aren't always set, and even if they say it is, walk away somewhere and come back again
4) Keep your wallet in your front pockets: gun owners are generally nice folks, but that doesn't mean there aren't scumbags walking around there, with so many people in one place, especially if it's tight like Valley Forge, picking pockets is easier

Other than, it's no different than buying a gun from a store.