We have a gun show in Joplin, Mo this weekend. I think Springfield has on the next weekend. The Joplin show will be about half the size of the Springfield show, but there are bargains to be found there. I have to work both days. I may try to get out there before it closes on Sunday. Maybe catch someone desperate to make a sale before it closes.
I got to the show today, after work. It wasn't very well attended. There were some nice items there, and some prices were pretty good. Of course, some weren't. One guy had all new guns and a sign saying "taxes included in price". But when you looked at the tags, everything was at least $100 more then retail.
I saw very few deals being made. It was like a parade, people walking around carrying their stuff, no one selling or buying. Kind of sad.
Update, the only thing worse than a dull gun show is no gun show at all.
The convention center this gun show has always been held at has been closed by the owners in a "cost cutting" move. I don't know of any other place in town that is interested in hosting the show. Last week a show was held in a town about 10 miles from here at some county fairgrounds. Most people I asked couldn't give me directions on how to get there.
Oh well, there's always Armslist.
Wanenmachers is coming to Tulsa in early April. If you were able to get to Joplin, Tulsa is also reachable. That show is generally pretty busy. It's at the Tulsa Fairgrounds. Try Google Maps for directions.
I've never been to the Tulsa show. I work weekends and it's kind of hard to get time off to make it. I'd love to go sometime. I will miss getting off in time to spend 2 or 3 hours at a local show that is just across town.
The Tulsa show is on my list of things to see when this insidious disease is beat down. Maybe next year.
I like gun shows. I find them very entertaining. Some things I do to watch prices.
1. Have a list of what I need, such as cleaning supplies. Impulse buys can drain you of cash.
2. Have a cell phone with data available. You can check prices. Many of the brand names on the tables are priced above cost elsewhere. You have to figure shipping in, but can use that as a bargaining position.
3. Stay away from gadgets and things like the knife sharpener for $20. It is probably worth $3-5, and is probably a steel for edge alignment, not a sharpener.
4. Stay away from the drawings where they want your e-mail addy and phone number. They are probably selling the list.
5. If you are going to buy a firearm, look first at someplace like Bud’s. Bud’s price is probably a good guide to as cheap as you will find it.
Make a list. First thing in the door, search and buy everything on it. Does 2 things. First, you spend your money on what you planned. Second, toting all that stuff makes you slow down so you have time to actually look at the tables. Might want to invest in a collapsible wagon though if your list weighs what mine does...
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