Nation's Gun Show

[paulmarcone]

A couple of months ago I got my first cap and ball revolver -- a nice Pietta 1851 Colt Navy.

I am itching now to get a Walker. The Nation's Gun Show is coming to the Dulles Expo Center this weekend -- which is 2 miles from my house.

Would this show be a good place to get a good deal on a Walker??

I have never been to a gun show and am not sure how many vendors will be selling BP weapons. I called the number for the show and the lady did not know for sure but said that usually there were folks selling new and used BP weapons.

Any thoughts?

 

[Poor Private]

I often go to gun shows and pick up bargains. (going to one on Sunday). Last pickup was a brass .44 colt including a complete accessory box and some powder for $100.00, Time before that picked up a NIB (new in box) Roger & Spencer for $130.00. So yes you can pick up bargains. Don't be afraid to haggle. Carry a shoulder bag or haversack or sevearl strong boys to carry all your goodies.

 

[Bob Riegl]

:hmm: Just watch yourself as some of the vendors are what we call "slicker than Klinton." I know that I usually paint with a broad brush but that's the way I feel. These shows are great if (1) you know what you are looking for; (2) have a good evaluation on the condition of the gun you like; (3) are not an impulse buyer; (4) have an idea of what the current price for the item should bring. Though not #5 bring a friend. Caveat Emptor---IMHO :v

 

[paulmarcone]

:hmm: Just watch yourself as some of the vendors are what we call "slicker than Klinton." I know that I usually paint with a broad brush but that's the way I feel. These shows are great if (1) you know what you are looking for; (2) have a good evaluation on the condition of the gun you like; (3) are not an impulse buyer; (4) have an idea of what the current price for the item should bring. Though not #5 bring a friend. Caveat Emptor---IMHO :v

All good advice. I know exactly what I am looking for -- a Walker Colt revolver. I know that I can get one NIB for between $330 and $380.

My thinking is that if I can find either a new Walker or a used one in very good condition for under $250 I will jump at it.

Thanks again guys.

 

[renovato]

I sell at gun shows fulltime for a living. Over here in the southwest, there is not a lot of muzzleloading activity at the shows. I hope things are different for you there. Occasionally I run into a good deal, but it's rare. I bought my Seneca and Patriot at our local show a few years ago, but I haven't seen a single muzzleloader since. It's worth going, even just to see the show. Good luck and I hope you find what you're looking for!

 

How do you like your 1851? I have the same and love it. Shoots better than me.
:wink:

 

[mykeal]

:hmm: Just watch yourself as some of the vendors are what we call "slicker than Klinton." I know that I usually paint with a broad brush but that's the way I feel. These shows are great if (1) you know what you are looking for; (2) have a good evaluation on the condition of the gun you like; (3) are not an impulse buyer; (4) have an idea of what the current price for the item should bring. Though not #5 bring a friend. Caveat Emptor---IMHO :v

All good advice. I know exactly what I am looking for -- a Walker Colt revolver. I know that I can get one NIB for between $330 and $380.

My thinking is that if I can find either a new Walker or a used one in very good condition for under $250 I will jump at it.

Thanks again guys.

You know what you're looking for: a Colt Walker. Fine, but that wasn't the point. Can you tell a good condition used Walker that's a bargain at $250 from a fairly well used up Walker that's had the exterior cleaned and polished and is a ripoff at $250? Do you know what a poorly timed, worn action feels like? Do you have a bore light and/or tools to check the cylinder walls, remove the nipples, check cylinder end/side play? This takes some experience, and getting that experience by buying poor guns at a gun show is very expensive.

A gun show is a dangerous place for a novice black powder buyer. The majority of the stuff you will see at the show is NOT junk, but then it's not cheap either. You're buying from professionals; they know the market and they know what stuff's worth.

Take your time, ask a lot of questions, listen to your BS detector, and just be careful.

 

[Sham66]

I went to the gun show in Dallas today. $250 for a used Pietta 1851 with a brass frame. Sheesh.

James