OAKS 2 Day Gunshow MAY 19-20, 2018

[joseywales]

You know. Another tip at shows, look for deals and ask for best price. I know that sounds simple, but so many people look at stuff, see the price and walk away.

I stopped a couple folks and sold them what they were looking at, for less. just ask.

Not ever dealer has the time, or approach to discount items on a sign, etc. There was a booth there, who makes/sells the ear plugs. they do a great job and I bought another pair today. However, one of the assistants works for a gun shop that was closing and there were at least a dozen brand new scopes, lasers, mounts, etc, all of which she would let go for 50% of the retail price. I don't they sold any, because they were just sitting on the table, with a small sign 40% off. They were $250 Nikons and Bushnells that I'm sure someone had a use for.

After some discussion and joking around, I bought one revolver for $100 less than the price tag, included tax, and no PICs fee. It might take more work to get a deal at a show, but there's no shipping and you see what you're getting. I bought a $700 pistol online once and it was mint, until it fell out of the box at the post office. By the time I got it, there was a taped hole in the box and the sight hood was damaged. Most times, i have no shipping issues, but it's still nice do buy and get the gun the same day.

[RenoV8]

Kudos to you!

Apparently I have to spend the rep around...

Thanks...I get hit with the same...apparently I don't spread it far enough either.

[NathanB]

Cool I was looking for more gen 3 and gen 4 stuff. But still cool

[PhillySoldier]

I went yesterday to look for some reloading components. Found some federal small pistol primers and grabbed all they had from a large both in the back one corner. Didnt catch the name but the lady said they were from Virgina Beach. Didnt find the brass, powder and projectiles I was looking for but ordered 2 out of the 3 online afterwards. I only made it through the one hall though and quit after that since my legs were hurting.

[ScotsGuards]

Went today around 3. Not too crowded - I strongly doubt it was 1000 tables but whatever.

I went looking for nice S&W revolvers - most were junk or police trades or both. 2 stands had nice ones. I won't name names - I'm not in the business of calling anyone out. One was unwilling to negotiate and overpriced. There was what appeared to be a decent 586 six inch with no dash (which were recalled - so no way to verify if it was fixed) for $650. His best offer was $650 "out the door" if I paid cash. I can get an unfired brand new 586-8 for about $75 more. Say what you will about the new ones, but that seemed a little nuts to me.

Ended up buying an old Model 37 three inch from someone else just because it was different.

Overall worth the $10 to get in, but a lot of junk and high prices, in my opinion. Your mileage may vary,

The way you can tell if a particular S&W revolver that was recalled was sent back and checked/fixed is there will be an "M" stamped on the frame under the crane in the vicinity of the SN. I know the Model 686 0 dash and the 686-1s were recalled but I don't believe the 586s were.

As for the vendor where you saw that 586; did you speak with the owner or the people helping him? Also did you bother to make a polite counter-offer? Many times guys/gals helping a dealer will be given a blanket authorization to negotiate so far. Those folks can only go so far in cutting the deal. When attempting to negotiate a deal it's always better to negotiate with the owner. He/she knows better what sort of discount can be given.

[Everlastingfate]

Thanks for the tip on the recall. You're wrong on the 586, but the M part helps. Per Wikipedia:

S&W put out a product warning and authorized a no-charge upgrade to make modifications to all 586, 586-1, 686, 686-1, and 686CS-1 revolvers.[4]

I'm also disappointed that you wouldn't assume positive intent on my part. Yes, I "bothered" to politely counter offered. I also stopped by twice to talk with them. They were firm, the owner was right there with the sales guy.

[ScotsGuards]

Ok I stand informed then. Thanks for the clarification.

Frankly I don't really remember the transaction but we were very busy and I really wasn't feeling my best. I hope no one was unpleasant when talking with you. We try our best to work with buyers as well as we can when at all possible.

[Everlastingfate]

No, no one was unpleasant. Very nice and informative. You may have been the guy that looked up the date for me. Again, listed at $650 and best offer was $650 out the door. Typical "thin margins" response, which I do understand. But you have to have a little wiggle room. Every car dealer and gun dealer defaults to "thin margins."

$719 new on Buds. $650 used, unknown round count and recall status (at the time.) I would have bought it for $600-$625. Instead I spent that same money elsewhere on a model 37 that caught my eye.

At the end of the day, I'm not going to beg you to take my money. I came with cash in hand. If you wanted said cash, you need to negotiate. You didn't, so someone else got my money. Consumers run the market, not sellers.

[ammo]

No, no one was unpleasant. Very nice and informative. You may have been the guy that looked up the date for me. Again, listed at $650 and best offer was $650 out the door. Typical "thin margins" response, which I do understand. But you have to have a little wiggle room. Every car dealer and gun dealer defaults to "thin margins."

$719 new on Buds. $650 used, unknown round count and recall status (at the time.) I would have bought it for $600-$625. Instead I spent that same money elsewhere on a model 37 that caught my eye.

At the end of the day, I'm not going to beg you to take my money. I came with cash in hand. If you wanted said cash, you need to negotiate. You didn't, so someone else got my money. Consumers run the market, not sellers.

Exactly!

[joseywales]

It might be a buyer's market, but buyer's need to pay attention, look, and ask, for some of the good deals out there.

As far as margin, it's a lot like cars. New cars don't have near the margin of used cars. If a dealer want's to make money selling new cars, they have to work on low prices, low margin, and high volume - tough business, just like firearms. Used is where the money is, but it's getting harder and harder for dealers to acquire quality used guns - prices will reflect that.