Sooo, looks like I'll be going to this next weekend.

I thought I'd see who was going and ask what to look out for. I'm going there to get a pistol (shopping around this weekend for one I can stand to use the most) and maybe some ammo on the cheap. I was wondering if it was worth it to go to the show for the pistol or to buy it from a local store? Just as far as better price for a new handgun goes.

Outside of that, any retailers there that are sketch as a mofo?

8/2/2007 8:35:14 PM

you can find a good deal as long as you know what you are looking for. dont go there to just browse around with the intention of buying a handgun. have a specific one in mind and go to some local shops to find out what they're selling them for. this way you could use that as buying power when you go to the sale.

8/2/2007 9:12:33 PM

http://www.dixiegunandknifeshow.com/

8/2/2007 10:02:16 PM

Yeah my current plan is to go to a few shops this Saturday and price out the models I've seen on TWW and on other online sources that have gotten recommendations/fit my budget/fit my preferences. After that I'm going to shoot a few rentals and see which one I like best.

8/2/2007 10:15:13 PM

^^^That's good advice.
If you don't know exactly what you want then you'll never find anything.

You can get good deals. I know a guy who got a Springfield two tone Loaded 1911 for $450 (a $800 gun). He said you get better deals on Sundays.
It seems like most of the time the regular stuff is $10-20 cheaper than in the store. Other items are ridiculously high, like the Ruger 10/22 Carbines selling for $220 ($160 at Walmart).

The retailers are good people, never heard of a bad one.

The real money saving is in most gun parts, reloading supplies, and most ammo.
If I go to a show then I'll at least buy a can of powder to break even on the admission fee.

[Edited on August 2, 2007 at 10:24 PM. Reason : Test fire a S&W M&P...thats what I'm getting for my bday ]

8/2/2007 10:20:35 PM

Quote :

"Test fire a S&W M&P"

You just destroyed my budget.

8/2/2007 10:35:58 PM

What's your budget?
The M&P is priced with the Glocks and XDs, pretty damn good gun for $500.

You might want to look at a Ruger, Bersa Thunder, Kel-tec, Taurus, used semiauto, or revolver if your budget is a lot less than $500.

8/2/2007 10:44:53 PM

Tony and I used to set 'em up and knock 'em down at the Dixie show, good times. Ran into some TWWers there, they were the first ones to run home to their computers and talk shit about us.

8/2/2007 11:17:59 PM

Might go pick up a new knife if nothing else is going on, probably not though. I have too many as it is...

8/2/2007 11:21:06 PM

Quote :

"You might want to look at a Ruger, Bersa Thunder, Kel-tec, Taurus, used semiauto, or revolver if your budget is a lot less than $500."

My budget is $400 max for the gun, though I could afford an $800 gun (I REALLY would like to put a little money into savings once I sort my budget out in september). I'm being as conservative as possible and the M&P was just over the $400 limit. I did look at the Bersa Thunder, a Taurus 9mm and 0.45, the guns Kel-Tec has (though they look a bit cheap), and some of Ruger's offerings. I'm looking for a semi-automatic that I could use as a conceal & carry one day. That basically means nothing enormous, and probably not full-size either. Not looking at a sub-compact little fireram, I'm looking for something kind of inbetween that I think could fit into a holster in my pocket or one of those concealed waistband holders.

I will be looking at used semi-autos in this range but haven't done much research on what used guns would be on the upper limit of my budget as of yet.

8/2/2007 11:52:56 PM

Steyr M40A1s and M9A1s should still be going for $349 @ CDNN. $349 + 10 ship and 30 FFL = < $400 for a NIB polymer pistol to you.

8/3/2007 12:04:04 AM

Go in knowing what you want (a specific gun is best but a short list is acceptable) and knowing what it should cost. Don't buy unless the dealer can beat your best non-show price. Remember: you paid $5-10 to get in the door at most shows, so don't throw away more of your hard earned money. Be polite but don't get suckered into paying too much. Buy rationally, not emotionally.

If you're thinking of a used handgun, check out some of the online classifieds and do a search for that gun. Read the thread to see if the price dropped and how much. It'll give you a good idea of true market value. Start with http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=14

8/3/2007 12:37:45 AM

I've never seen a listed price at the gunshow for less than I found at local shops, haggling is a must

8/3/2007 9:15:43 AM

Kind of a bump/update to my thoughts on the thread.

Looks like I'll be shopping for the guns on saturday in the regular stores, and maybe I'll buy one at the gunshow saturday or sunday. The steyr m9 for $349 + $10 ship + $30 fees looks pretty good, to be honest, assuming they still have some.

I tried my hands on my brother's pistol. It's basically this before they had the millenium versions:
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=24&category=Pistol

It felt OK in my hands, but the grip didn't extend very far. My right pinky was not able to get enough of the grip underneath it to provide any stability, so I wanted to see if anybody has had experience with that pistol that can recommend another pistol that'd be small enough to holster in your pocket or inside your waistband and could still be large enough to fit my hands. He did have the little grip extender on the magazine in his gun as well. Also, just for the sake of ideas, I guess I'll bump the limit up to $500, just in case a better brand has a better pistol that would properly fit my needs.

Thx awesome TWW gun nuts.

8/5/2007 7:48:33 PM

bttt

8/8/2007 2:06:01 PM

8/8/2007 5:36:12 PM

That guy looks cool.
Look at the dog too. lol.

8/8/2007 6:12:51 PM

Shop Lawmen's BEFORE Sat (they're closed on the weekends). You can't buy Glocks & S&W there without LE credentials but they carry a few others that you can check. They've got one of the best prices I've ever seen on the Springfield XD ($418-ish). Also check Eagle One. Their prices are higher than Lawmen's but they'll deal on some stuff.

I've NEVER seen a good deal on a *new* handgun at the show. Occasionally you'll find something used that isn't bad but even then it's not great. You'll typically find XDs, Glocks, M&Ps for $600+ which is ridiculous in this area when you can walk into at least 2 shops and buy them for around $500.

8/8/2007 8:56:20 PM

Quote :

"I'm looking for a semi-automatic that I could use as a conceal & carry one day. That basically means nothing enormous, and probably not full-size either. Not looking at a sub-compact little fireram, I'm looking for something kind of inbetween that I think could fit into a holster in my pocket or one of those concealed waistband holders."

look for a used Kahr K9.

8/8/2007 9:51:30 PM

CDNN is the only one that is going to have those Steyr M9A1s, and you can expect them to be comparably priced to Glocks, M&Ps, XDs, Walthers, etc at the gun show. I saw some schlep buy an older generation M9 for 500+.

I'd go to the show anyway, just to handle all the major polymer players in the game. If you decide that steel or aluminum is your deal, SIG and 1911s would be something to look at. All handling is going to do is let you know how it fits your hand, you're still going to have to decide which you shoot best. I think the only thing I'm going to pick up is sights and mags for the AR, maybe some ammo.

8/9/2007 12:32:50 AM

bttt, cause it's tomorrow.

8/10/2007 8:34:49 PM

Quote :

"I've NEVER seen a good deal on a *new* handgun at the show. Occasionally you'll find something used that isn't bad but even then it's not great. You'll typically find XDs, Glocks, M&Ps for $600+ which is ridiculous in this area when you can walk into at least 2 shops and buy them for around $500."

Alright, I'll keep that in mind. So far I've got a list of pricing for some guns I'm looking at from http://www.galleryofguns.com and I might go to PDHSC to get hands on a few guns.

^^ I realize it's important to fire the gun as well, the plan is to go to a gun shop or two first, see how a few handguns feel, then try the ones that fit my hand on the range to see which fires best. Then I'd go to the gun show, poke around and look for my favorites, see if I can get a deal based off of pricing from the gun shops, then I'll go back to whoever has the best pricing and buy the gun.

8/10/2007 9:29:45 PM

A few Prices from the Show

Springfield XD45 4inch service $485 - 510, PDHSC sells them for $495 +tax, but they don't have any in stock.

Other XD's (9mm, .40S&W, etc) were roughly same prices.

Various Glocks from 400-550

I didn't see any good deals on ammo, but I was only looking at .45 ACP.

Same boxes (FMJ) I get at Wal-mart for for 12 or 14 bucks were 15 and 18. There might have been a deal or two on HP, but I didn't really compare the prices on them.

8/11/2007 6:36:35 PM

/message_topic.aspx?topic=297214&page=1703

So I gave a 9mm ruger p89 a try. I liked the feel of it a lot. It felt very solid, and the reason my shots got bad is mostly because I suck and my arms got tired quick (I was holding it too far out to begin with).

Now my only concern is finding a good quality firearm at a good price at the show. I'm probably going to get a 9mm for economical reasons, and now I'm just going to feel which sets best with my hands at the show (assuming the dealers aren't dicks) and then pick one up.

I saw PDHSC had a sig p223 for $499 in the display. Nifty, but I think I'll still be sticking to ruger/bersa in my price range. If I can, European American Armory sells a 0.45 that looks rather nice and got good reviews from one of PDHSC's dealers (http://www.galleryofguns.com). http://tinyurl.com/259mxw

I'm iffy about ordering a gun without ever holding one of the same branded ones in my hands though, so maybe I'll get lucky and find something at the show tomorrow.

8/11/2007 9:51:11 PM

Bought a Remington 710 in 30-06 there today.

8/12/2007 7:08:03 PM

^that is on sale at walmart, most likely cheaper.

8/12/2007 7:29:21 PM

Damn, I had a good time out there today.

Got a Ruger P95 9mm, the one that includes the "high-capacity" (full capacity ) magazines (15 rounds). Got it for over $30 cheaper than PDHSC would carry it. Guy had the wrong price on it and was like "Well, guess you're getting a deal today aren't you." That reluctance aside, it seems like an awesome purchase.

I also picked up some rounds from Georgia Arms. Somebody was right, they do have good prices on remanufactured ammo.

Anybody else get anything?

8/12/2007 10:27:21 PM

I got a pretty sweet deal actually.

8/12/2007 10:29:30 PM

i got some pretty slick deals too, but just on accessories and ammo

8/12/2007 10:36:20 PM

Got 240rds of 30-06 ammo for $40. I dont think that's too bad. Granted, it's shitty taiwanese ammo, but it'll work for just dickin around.

8/12/2007 10:43:17 PM

Wow, that's some cheap 06. It's probably berdan primed, but for that cheap and for plinking it doesn't matter. Bullets and powder for reloading would cost more than that.

Walmart has the 710 with scope for $275.
How much did you get it for?
Many people don't like the 710 because it has a press fit barrel vs screwed in and has a lot of plastic. If you're never going to swap barrels then it doesn't matter. Plastic works fine in my Tikka and many other guns.

8/12/2007 11:41:40 PM

Got some DPX in 115gr 9mm and 85gr 380, some Hornady TAP 230gr +P in .45, and a random ass Steyr M40 mag.

8/13/2007 1:28:36 AM

I paid just under that.

I'm definitely not worried about swapping barrels. I just wanted something else for deer hunting. My 300 mag is overkill in my book.

8/13/2007 2:44:06 AM

Yeah...just a little overkill.
I've known quite a few people who've switched from 7mm Mag and the 300 mags to 243s.

8/13/2007 9:52:42 AM

I think this was my last Raleigh gun show. $8 admission. They banned free market sales. (To stifle competition?) A few bargains on new guns at the FFL tables but nothing great. Except for the Glock guy, hicap magazines were priced higher than online (even after shipping.) Increasing number of flea market jewelry and tchotchkes. Books were more expensive than Amazon in many cases. Did I mention they increased admission to 8 bucks?

I went in with $500 in my pocket and spent less than $100. Then I came home and spent $200-300 online.

8/13/2007 1:56:58 PM

Banned free market sales? You mean that nobody could just walk in with a gun on their ass and say "Hay, want this long-arm? It's yours, $200"?

I do remember seeing that happening last year when I went, and mostly this year I noticed a lot more fratty types walking around holding guns like idiots and making fools of themselves (and breaking the law in some cases). Again, this could've just been due to the time I showed up at the show...

Edit: By "holding guns like idiots" I mean they were picking up the guns that were security-locked to the table and violating all sorts of common sense rules like keeping your finger off the trigger and not pointing the barrel of a gun at anybody, ever, unless you are interested in their death.

[Edited on August 13, 2007 at 2:26 PM. Reason : ]

8/13/2007 2:21:28 PM

I go just to see the guy in the grey BDUs with a german accent who sells anything and everything nazi related.

8/13/2007 2:23:24 PM

I just purchased a new Glock 17 from PDHSC last week for $484.95. This is $5 less than Lawmens next door sold them for to the public, and yes Lawmens can order any Glock for a civilian but at a different price point. The only reason Lawmens restricts the sell of Glocks and Beretta weapons is because of the price, the same Glock 17 was $455.95 at Lawmens, so only $30 cheaper, nothing to go crasy over.

The gun shows have tipically let me down in the amount of quality stuff there. It seems as if its turning into a bunch of shit no one wants to buy. If anyone used to goto computer shows, it feels like one of them now-a-days, you can go elsewhere and get exactly what you want for cheaper, as long as you know what you want. If you dont know what you want, why would you buy from a gun show anyways right?

Well thats my rant, ohh yeah the $8 - $1 (coupon) sure blows if you cant find what your looking for inside.

I went looking a Remington 870P or 11-87 police model shotgun, couldnt find one. ;-( So theres my $7 shot to shit.

8/13/2007 2:41:18 PM

^yup, i wasted my $7 also. it gets worse and worse every time i go. and it seems like there is less and less guns and knives every time also.

8/13/2007 8:33:46 PM

didnt even bother to go this time because it was a waste last time around. I have a friend with a FFL who seems to find what ever I want.

*NOTE
Dicks has .45 ACP for $11.87 a box if you buy 10.

8/13/2007 11:58:14 PM