I haven't been to any of the local gunshows yet, I'm wondering which ones are worth the time (and/or drive)?

I'm looking at the AMCA show at the Jaycees this weekend (though I also want to hit skyline on Saturday, probably can't do both), or the CASC show at the VBC. Is it worth waiting for a B'ham or Atlanta show and driving there instead?

thanks,
GB

No on bham show

Most of them aren't any good anymore. You might find a deal if you get there early.

Louisville is decent. Helps to,know someone who sits a table, the deals are made when they set up on Fridays.

Anyway, 28Feb-1Mar at the convention center. Same place as the farm machinery show and national live stock convention

X2.

Stay away from the mobile gunshows, went to one Sunday at the shrine, most prices were retail or higher, especially on ammo

Yeah last time I went there I ended up buying a knife, and that was it..

From what I've found, I can go to my local gun retailers (BPW & Simmons most frequently) and find prices as good or better than that at the gun shows. And, I don't have to pay $9 or $10 to get in.

Big Al are you looking at new or used. New, I don't think you can beat you local shop (Larrys for me). But used, well walking the floor and looking at what people are carrying , you can get a deal. I hang out at the entrance or even the parking lot to see what individuals have to sell

X3. B'ham used to be a good show and some deals weren't hard to find. Nowadays it's a waste of time.

X 3

Personally, I'd say it depends on the B'ham show. There are two different groups that put them on. The Alabama Gun Collectors usually do about 3- shows a year. They are the bigger shows and have more dealers and more private folks selling. The Great Southern Gun an Knife Show LLC, shows SUCK! They are about 1/3 the size if an AGCA show, cost more to get in and have a bunch of junk tables mixed in with the
gun tables.

The show at the jaycees this week end is more of a collection display set up than a real buy/sell/trade. Its very focused on military gear and displays. I've been a couple of times and its alright for the history aspect but probably 75% of the stuff there isn't for sale and the prices are very high.

Thanks, guys. I think I'll pass this weeknd, but may try to get to the vbc at the end of the month. I'm looking for a left handed muzzleloader (preferably fullstock flintlock) but I wouldn't turn my nose up at a sxs percussion shotgun . Used fits my budget best (unless I stumble on a steal of a deal).

-GB

I look at both. And as far as used, I have also done better dealing with local shop owners than with individuals. Most individuals don't realize their used gun is a used gun. I love looking at the prices people put on FaceBook for their used guns. I admit, there are probably some good deals to be had, but they haven't come my way. Maybe I'm just not looking hard enough.