Huck Riley said

I’ve never been to the Tulsa, Cody, Vegas or Denver shows, but I did go to Reno one year several (10?) years ago.  From what I recall it was not as full of eye candy as the recent Colorado Springs Show.  I only recall two two rooms that were not that large, but it is entirely possible that I missed something.

I do like the town of Cody, I have friends there, and the museum is great.  I’d like to make a show but I’ve always been working.  Not any more!  Maybe next summer.

I’ve been told to gain membership and then go on the non-public days for the deals.  How does that work?  Why deal with dealers instead of charging full freight to the public?  Unfortunately, I’ve never been much of a negotiator.  It’s a personality flaw of mine.  

I’ve been to dozens of the Big Reno shows and have always seen plenty of eye candy.

Dealers get in on the set up days.  If you know a dealer they may be able to get you a badge.  Some shows, like Colorado Springs and Vegas, will sell a 3 day pass that gets you in on a set up day.  Set up day and the first day of the show are always the best days.

I always ask what is their best deal. Almost always this gets some discount. Sometimes if you check back in during the show you may get them to lower the price some more.  The key is know the value of what you are looking at and be polite.  Buyers that badger the seller never win.

I’ve realized that the learning opportunities at a collectors’ show are unrivaled. You’ll meet people you’ve read about or have written books about the guns you love. You’ll see guns that rival museum specimens. You’ll talk to people who like the guns you like. You’ll spend your offsprings’ inheritance on some really exceptional specimens. And you’ll have a great time doing it, I promise!

Mike

 “Of course it has to still be there when you come back.  I might have gotten there before you made it back!” 

I have negotiated for rifles for over a year.  You’d be surprised.  Yes some get away.  Then I have the fun of looking for the next one.  If the gun sold before I got back it obviously was a good deal and I messed up.  I never buy anything until I get a chance to walk the entire show.

I recently bought a gun on the 3rd day of the Colorado show that I first saw on the 1st day of the Cody show.

steve004 said
There’s just some pieces I’m not willing to risk they will still be there.  The solution of course is to bring a whole lot of money.  

I understand.  I don’t bring an excess of cash.  Usually enough to secure the deal. My purchases in Colorado Springs were a combination of cash and checks.  One advantage of going to these types of shows for over 30 years is that many dealers know me and sometimes all that is necessary is a handshake to hold the gun. 

There are so many advantages that collectors need to attend as many of these shows as possible and build as many relationships as possible.

Hope to see some of you in Vegas.