Gun Show Question

[wmg1299]

My son's wrestling tournament today was held at the same location as the Ft. Worth gun show (which made parking an absolute nightmare). I have been shooting for years, but had never actually been to a gun show, so I decided to check it out between rounds. Absolutely every new gun on the sales floor appeared to be priced at MSRP or above, and sellers were asking more for used S&W J-Frames than new ones cost at any of the big box stores or LGS locations. Even magazines and components seemed to be priced 20-50% more than I usually see online or at my LGS.

Are gun shows always like this, or was this out of the ordinary due to the current shortage? I've never gone to shows before because I have always lived within 1/2 hour drive of most big chain stores, and have a few local stores to choose from as well. I had been hoping to see some rare or hard to find items, but it really just looked like the exact same stuff I could find at Academy or the local pawn shops, but at a considerable markup.

 

[Talyn]

Sign of the times

 

[Grifter]

Supply vs demand.

Making the most they can while the market is hot.

 

[BET7]

My son's wrestling tournament today was held at the same location as the Ft. Worth gun show (which made parking an absolute nightmare). I have been shooting for years, but had never actually been to a gun show, so I decided to check it out between rounds. Absolutely every new gun on the sales floor appeared to be priced at MSRP or above, and sellers were asking more for used S&W J-Frames than new ones cost at any of the big box stores or LGS locations. Even magazines and components seemed to be priced 20-50% more than I usually see online or at my LGS.

Are gun shows always like this, or was this out of the ordinary due to the current shortage? I've never gone to shows before because I have always lived within 1/2 hour drive of most big chain stores, and have a few local stores to choose from as well. I had been hoping to see some rare or hard to find items, but it really just looked like the exact same stuff I could find at Academy or the local pawn shops, but at a considerable markup.

I can't speak to that particular Gun Show @wmg1299, but the ones I've been to last year and years prior, sold firearm and accessories below MSRP. I've picked up older military type firearms for decent prices that I see now are going for several hundred dollars more. My assumption is that they're marking up their prices due to the shortages knowing they'll be able to sell them to people willing to pay their price. I was thinking of going to one last weekend but the Covid resurgence and significant bills already outstanding due to recent LGS firearm purchases, caused me to take a pass this go round. Maybe next year, I'll venture out and check the prices around here.

 

[10mmLife]

What you described is what I've always seen at gun shows in my area. Not many good deals to be had especially when you factor the cost of admission which in my area has been between $15 - $20 a person.

 

[Talyn]

We haven't had an gunshows in my area all year due to the bug, but I haven't seen any price gouging in the LGs's aside from their price increases due to suppliers.

 

[HansGruber]

I haven’t been to any gun shows this year, but the couple I went to last fall had deals, if you knew where to look for them. For example, I picked up a nice S&W 5906 with 4 mags for $400 at one of the larger local shows last fall.

I think what you’re seeing right now is the spike in demand, and people trying to make hay while the sun is shining,

 

[wmg1299]

We haven't had an gunshows in my area all year due to the bug, but I haven't seen any price gouging in the LGs's aside from their price increases due to suppliers.

That's pretty much what I have seen. I always try to give the brick-and-mortar guys my business if they can come anywhere close to internet prices, and my local shops seem to have only marked things up slightly to cover their costs. The only real obstacle I see my local shops facing from COVID is getting new stock to replace what they have sold. After what I saw at the gun show today, I don't think my local shops will face much competition from the gun shows, at least for the time being.

 

[Annihilator]

Most gun shows I have been to was usually below MSRP, like it was said here, sign of the times and supply and demand, I hardly ever buy a used gun unless I knew the previous owner, times like now, you just never know what you are ending up with, could be a gem.....more then likely somebody else's problems or just junk.