Gun show prices

[Sam squanch]

Went to a gun show a ways away from me with a friend. The cheapest cap and ball revolver, a brass frame CVA 36 navy, loose and rattling-$375!! ONE tin of no. 10 caps- $35!! I saw three ruger old army’s- $800, $950,$1000!! Strangely enough, I snagged a unopened tin of rws musket caps for $10 a old fellow brought in to sell. Now the long guns , muzzleloaders that is, had fair enough prices. My friend got an new in box Thompson center Pennsylvania hunter for $400. Strange.

 

[BullRunBear]

From what I've seen, the days of steel frame cap and ball revolvers may be over. That brasser you mentioned was a rip-off as were the caps. Glad you found musket caps you can use. The prices for the Ruger Old Armies are not out of bounds but less expensive ones are out there. The last one I got a few months ago went for $500. Just takes some luck, so don't give up.

Jeff

 

[rafterob]

They will have to lower prices, last gun show I saw lots of people walking around and little to no sales.

 

[Rabbit2047]

I can't keep black powder revolvers on my table. Anything that works and is priced less than $350 absolutely flies off the tables. Black powder revolvers are very very in demand right now and I don't get why.

 

[user 48679]

I can't keep black powder revolvers on my table.

Black powder revolvers are very very in demand right now and I don't get why.

I would think there's a few drivers, like:

Overseas, COVID shut down entire manufacturing companies and countries for the past year, creating a huge void in the supply chain.

That shortage compelled many to want to get one, anywhere, anytime, anyplace & at whatever price they could afford.

The hoarders did the same thing with toilet paper...….

Also, handguns attract a lot of buyers - they are small enough to store a few in small spaces, and apparently easier to dis-assemble/clean than long guns.

And, last but not least, C&B revolver acquisition doesn't require a buyer to go through the process required to acquire a metallic cartridge gun (about like buying a pair of sneakers, in most jurisdictions).

 

[springfield art]

Went to a gun show a ways away from me with a friend. The cheapest cap and ball revolver, a brass frame CVA 36 navy, loose and rattling-$375!! ONE tin of no. 10 caps- $35!! I saw three ruger old army’s- $800, $950,$1000!! Strangely enough, I snagged a unopened tin of rws musket caps for $10 a old fellow brought in to sell. Now the long guns , muzzleloaders that is, had fair enough prices. My friend got an new in box Thompson center Pennsylvania hunter for $400. Strange.

Many guys sitting at tables at gun shows are blowhards. There, I said it!

 

[Whitworth]

Many guys sitting at tables at gun shows are blowhards. There, I said it!

Ever been on the other side? Blowhards can be found in the aisles too.

 

[Rabbit2047]

I shot all of these..

Ever been on the other side? Blowhards can be found in the aisles too.

Amen to that. Can't count how many "civil war firearms" that were handed down from grandpappy I have seen with Italian proofs on them.... Then they get mad when you don't wanna buy it because it's a defarbed spaghetti slinger.

 

[Eutycus]

I have to agree, how do they get that many "experts" under one roof? I have some in-laws that you'll never hear "I did not know that" coming out of their mouths.

 

[smoothshooter]

From what I've seen, the days of steel frame cap and ball revolvers may be over. That brasser you mentioned was a rip-off as were the caps. Glad you found musket caps you can use. The prices for the Ruger Old Armies are not out of bounds but less expensive ones are out there. The last one I got a few months ago went for $500. Just takes some luck, so don't give up.

Jeff

Why do you think the day of steel-framed cap and ball revolvers is over?
I would disagree.
What advantages do brassers have over steel guns?

 

[Rabbit2047]

Why do you think the day of steel-framed cap and ball revolvers is over?
I would disagree.
What advantages do brassers have over steel guns?

Cheaper production. Brass is much easier to machine than steel.

 

[user 33697]

Pietro,
Your right on target with your observations about the rush for BP handguns. I suppose that the next thing left to buy will be a crossbow or bow. In fact, being also an archer, I have noticed that crossbows, bows and arrows have been jumping in price since the beginning of the year. These are crazy times we live in.

 

[mjpchief]

Gun show prices around here are way higher than they were a year ago. If you will notice they are called “gun shows” not gun sales.

 

[Sam squanch]

Every “ dealer” I talked with swore they were NOT a gun dealer or had a gun store. That they were getting out of collecting, and selling off their private collection. Hmmmm.....

 

[BullRunBear]

Why do you think the day of steel-framed cap and ball revolvers is over?
I would disagree.
What advantages do brassers have over steel guns?

My mistake. I meant to say the day of steel-framed cap and ball revolvers UNDER $200 is over. Sorry about the omission.

Jeff

 

[RB POWELL]

I can't keep black powder revolvers on my table. Anything that works and is priced less than $350 absolutely flies off the tables. Black powder revolvers are very very in demand right now and I don't get why.

Weapon of last resort, and fewer regulations...

 

[mooman76]

Gun show prices are generally high any more especially during tough times. It's rare to find a seller that just wants to sell at a reasonable price.

 

[springfield art]

Ever been on the other side? Blowhards can be found in the aisles too.

Yes, indeed, Whitworth! Going back to the '60's, pre-68, when you could buy cash and carry a handgun with no paperwork! Surplus 9mms from Europe, $20.! I have been on both sides, and agree with you! The guys who see a small tiny defect or such on an otherwise desirable item and declare it worthless,,, etc. We've seen it all.

 

[mushka]

I would suggest any gun would be a weapon of last resort. On another tac, I bought a crossbow to see if I'd like it. I didn't so it hangs of the ceiling of my shop.

 

[springfield art]

Every “ dealer” I talked with swore they were NOT a gun dealer or had a gun store. That they were getting out of collecting, and selling off their private collection. Hmmmm.....

You know, guys who have been around for a few decades accumulating stuff, sometimes thin things out this way. You have to be judicious. I'm lucky to be near a great gun auctioneer, and prices have been taking off; that's how to sell 'em, and avoid the blowhards who denigrate your items in order to get you down on the price.