Buying Handguns at gun shows...

[Shadowline]

So, I've never purchased a gun at a gun show...actually never have even gone to a show. Now I'm planning on attending the one at Oaks next week and can easily foresee a purchase of a pistol if I find one at the right price. Is the process for buying a gun at a show the same as in a shop? Do I need to bring anything specific with me?

[knight0334]

So, I've never purchased a gun at a gun show...actually never have even gone to a show. Now I'm planning on attending the one at Oaks next week and can easily foresee a purchase of a pistol if I find one at the right price. Is the process for buying a gun at a show the same as in a shop? Do I need to bring anything specific with me?

Since transfers of handgun must go through a FFL in PA(except between certain family members) you had better bring everything as if you were going to a gunshop.

[tacticalreload]

The process is EXACTLY like in a gun shop.

[streaker69]

The process is EXACTLY like in a gun shop.

Except there's beef jerky and farty guy in the aisles.

[ray h]

Except there's beef jerky and farty guy in the aisles.

Does that mean there is a likelyhood he will smell, I mean, see you there.

[762xIan]

Except there's beef jerky and farty guy in the aisles.

I will be going to the Oaks show on Sunday......I will lay off the beans Saturday.

[tacticalreload]

There are plenty of farty guys in gun shops.

At least Oaks allows jerky. I'm not sure how VF did it recently, but for a long while they never allowed food vendors since they had one or two exclusive vendors selling eats. I guess that's all moot now.

[str8shooter]

The process is EXACTLY like in a gun shop.

QFT. Easy peasy. Make sure you have your DL and you're good to go.

Since you're a virgin, here's some info you might find useful:

• Give yourself plenty of time. Hopefully there will lots to look at and fondle and you don't want to be rushed.
• Avoid the smooth talking salesmen with videos and demos. The good stuff will sell itself without the hype.
• Many dealers will either only take cash, or add a surcharge for plastic (3%-ish).
• If you go carrying, you may be asked to unload and have the action zip tied open. If you don't want that, don't carry inside.
• Most of the shows I've been to there are people walking around with long guns they want to sell or trade. This is a legal FTF sale (between PA residents) and you don't need a dealer with a FFL to do a transfer.
• If you see something you like but think the price is too high, don't be afraid to make an offer, but only if you're serious. If the dealer says yes and then you try to do better at another table you may not get the same deal if you come back.
• Take a bore light if you have one. Some dealers will have them, but you want to be sure you have a good look down the barrel before you buy a used gun.
• Don't be afraid to ask to fondle the wares, but don't dry fire any guns without permission. Some dealers don't care, others will freak out.
• If you're looking for a collectible or mil-surp do a lot of research before going. I've seen dealers selling M1 Garands that I wouldn't dare load, let alone shoot for $1K+, and AKs that are a mishmash of parts from different countries that may or may not be compatible.
• If you have a good idea of what you want look at gunbroker.com and gunsamerica.com to get an idea of what you can expect to pay.
• Don't forget to check out the ammo. I've often found prices comparable to bulk mail order deals for smaller quantities.

Those are a few things that came to mind. I'm sure others can add to the list.

[Emptymag]

Don't forget to come back and bitch that the gun prices were $5 more than someplace online and that the guy selling 9mm was no less expensive than what you can get at Wmart.

[Mootness]

So, I've never purchased a gun at a gun show...actually never have even gone to a show. Now I'm planning on attending the one at Oaks next week and can easily foresee a purchase of a pistol if I find one at the right price. Is the process for buying a gun at a show the same as in a shop? Do I need to bring anything specific with me?

Photo ID. PA Drivers License works nicely. Cash, unless it's really nice, then your first born.