Gun shows or online buying - let's settle this

[Alan]

With how easy online buying is now, are gun shows even relevant anymore? Or is there still value in seeing stuff in person, talking to vendors or checking out gear before buying? Make the case for why gun shows still matter in or tell me they're outdated. Either way, let's debate it.

 

[BearBio]

Done both! On-Line is a little easier and cheaper because of FFL issues. I can have it shipped directly to my guy. Many gun-show sellers want you to travel to their store-front, it seems!

 

[Alan]

True, online beats some of the hassle, especially with FFL transfers. But there’s still something about walking the aisles and talking to people face-to-face you just can’t replicate online. Ever find a hidden gem at a show that you wouldn’t have searched for online?

 

[BearBio]

True, online beats some of the hassle, especially with FFL transfers. But there’s still something about walking the aisles and talking to people face-to-face you just can’t replicate online. Ever find a hidden gem at a show that you wouldn’t have searched for online?

Yes, but not in years. The last I considered buying was a USMC 1909 Colt @ the local show in WA. The big show in Monroe required that you join Washington Collector's Association in order to buy or sell. Needed two "sponsors to join and $50 membership dues. I had two members offer to "sponsor" me for $100 each! Otherwise, prices from most dealers at the show weren't much better, if any, than local stores. I did enjoy going to the Great Western at the L.A. Fairgrounds for many years. My latest buys were a couple of Sig P-365's for my wife and I (both bought from local stores) and my 3 Mossbergs (46M, 340, & a Palomino) all from sellers on Gunbroker. Only one deal was kinda "sour": I got the rifle but the dealer was small-time and pretty flaky!

 

[Alan]

Yes, but not in years. The last I considered buying was a USMC 1909 Colt @ the local show in WA. The big show in Monroe required that you join Washington Collector's Association in order to buy or sell. Needed two "sponsors to join and $50 membership dues. I had two members offer to "sponsor" me for $100 each! Otherwise, prices from most dealers at the show weren't much better, if any, than local stores. I did enjoy going to the Great Western at the L.A. Fairgrounds for many years. My latest buys were a couple of Sig P-365's for my wife and I (both bought from local stores) and my 3 Mossbergs (46M, 340, & a Palomino) all from sellers on Gunbroker. Only one deal was kinda "sour": I got the rifle but the dealer was small-time and pretty flaky!

Thanks for sharing! Out of all those, which purchase ended up being your favorite?

 

[BearBio]

Thanks for sharing! Out of all those, which purchase ended up being your favorite?

Actually, it was the guy I had trouble with! A Mossberg Palomino carbine. Added a second-hand Weaveer C-4 rimfire scope and it gave me this @ 20 yds: