[dcook22]

Hi all,

I've been reading a lot of threads and learning a lot, thanks to all of you. I am taking my CCW class on Saturday and then I'll begin the weeks-long wait for my permit to show up. Meanwhile I'll be in the market for my first gun. I'm going to the Suncoast Gun Show here in Ft Lauderdale on Sunday. I have read several threads pointing out that the shows are often a place to get ripped off. I'm in sales for a living so I'd never just buy at a show because I'm impatient. I'm doing my due diligence. But one comment permeates many threads. Many people say thet there are much better deals on the internet. I see mention of getting a 92fs for around $400.

Well, where can i find these deals? What sites offer this level of savings? Can someone post a few links? I've read through the "favorite gun dealer" thread and checked some of their sites. Slim-pickins online. I guess I can call the shops and work things out, but what would you folks recommend as a good online place to order where good deals can be found? Please post some links.

Thanks in advance,

Dan

 

[Konrad]

Gunbroker.com

Dan,

great to hear your starting the process to get your CCW permit!

I've got to say that while I'm aware of the "Impulse buy" syndrome (Having been in sales myself)Though, I've not yet been able to immunize myself from it fully. Especially when I'm in guns shops

On to your question...

I have personally found that www.GunBroker.com is an excellent place to see the rough going rate for guns.

Its certainly not an exact science, but I've found that GENERALLY, the GB.com price is lower than the gun shop price.

That said, there are the added costs of the FFL transfer fee and the shipping.

I usually average the FFL fee at no more than $25 and shipping for roughly the same. (I believe the shipping HAS to be overnight with firearms)

You can certainly find people who charge a lower FFL fee (especially if you know them personally), and Gun Broker has a tool that allows you to locate the nearest FFL holder in your area as well as their rates.

Another couple of sites that I invariably run into are:

http://www.impactguns.com

and

http://www.gunsamerica.com

I find that their prices aren't too bad, but again, add up to $50 for any type of "online deal".

In fact, I usually just use the online price as a bargaining point when haggling with the local brick and mortar shops.

I've gotten plenty of flak from the gun shops using the "I can get it on the web cheaper" line. But if you're in sales then you should have a pretty good handle on tact and how to pitch something with finesse. You'll want to use those skills whilst haggling with some of the "old guard" gun shop salesmen. (No disrespect to any one who identifies as the "old guard" btw!

Whether the guns shops like it or not, web sales are now a part of life and provide stiff competition.

Owning a gun "bluebook" doesn't hold the same power it may once have and I find that its pretty easy for the average consumer to get bead on fair retail firearms prices.

 

[Konrad]

btw, here is a quick list of Gunbroker results for a 92fs.

http://gunbroker.com/Auction/SearchResults.asp

$400.00 usd. isn't a bad price by these numbers.

 

[aharley1]

IMHO, you're better off getting to know a local dealer and purchashing from him. As said earlier, by the time you pay shipping and the dealer fee to receive the gun, you can do as good or better locally. And, if the item is not up to par, you can walk in and talk to someone. You can't do that on the www.
I find that altho my dealer is slightly higher, he's cheaper than the web after you consider the "add ons". Price isn't always the bottom line.

 

[deadeyedick]

It's been my experience that you can save a few bucks on new guns by purchasing off of GunBroker, but when you add the transfer and shipping fees it's a wash...I usually only buy stuff from GB that my local dealer can't get for me, so they don't complain about doing transfers for me.

 

[FLRon]

If the internet price is real close after you factor in shipping and transfer fees, it is always good to support the local gun shops as well as develop a business relationship with a local shop where you can ask questions and get help when needed.

I posted some info about my favorite local gun shop in another thread. Seeing that you are in the North Broward area, you might wish to contact Guntech. They are located off Powerline Road just a few blocks North of Commercial Blvd.

The owner's name is Rich, and he supplies many of the local law enforcement agencies with duty and off-duty weapons of all sorts. His wife Nicole handles the office duties and calls.

Very nice guy, Marine veteran, and has always been very helpful and competitively priced. Less expensive and much less attitude than Only The Best Firearms and Guns & Knives.

http://www.guntechinc.com/index.html

GUNTECH
942 NW 56 STREET
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33309
TEL: (954) 776-4777

 

[TalonDJ]

The first step of finding a great deal is knowing what one looks like. Since we can't know what all guns are going for the real first thing is to know what you want. Here are the steps I recomend.

Reseach phase one, What fits: Hit gun shows or well stocked stores and handle as many guns as you can. Look at the prices for a ballpark estimate. Try and zero in on the top 3 to 5 models that fit your hands well. Not just the model but also the caliber, since different calibers of the same model feel different.

Reseach phase two, homework: Don't buy on those first runs to feel stuff! Go home and hit the forums and reviews and find what people say about those 3 to 5 top picks.

Reseach pase three, try before you buy. If possible get your hands on some of those to try them out, either renting or hitting the range with friends (not always an option).

Lastly, or as a part of step two, research prices. Not just new prices but see how the used market is. Some guns are EASY to find used and some are nowhere.

Now at last you are armed with all the info you need. All the above steps could be done in one day so it is not a huge commitment. Now, knowing what a good price is, hit all the stores and pawnshops (and web sites if you must)in your area and find that good deal!
If you do phase one on friday of a gunshow you could come back saturday and buy.

Anyway, hope my 2c helps.

 

[AirForceShooter]

The "DEALS" are gone.

AFS

 

[FLRon]

Judging from what I have been seeing, I would agree. The only "deals" these days would be a private seller that needs cash and is very anxious to sell.

 

[brownie]

I get deals at the gunshop quite often, but I work there.

I've found some good deals on the forums like S+W, Sigforum, Glocktalk, The Highroad, M14 site, etc, but you've got to know what you are looking for, what the going price is for that item and then be on line and the first to say "I'll take it".

That requires quite a bit of time on the forums "for sale/trade" sections and being at the right place at the right time. On some nights, I'll have 5 forums for sale sections running at once and keep checking them every 15 minutes or so.

It's paid off quite well in the past to be patient and know what you are looking at and the prices they command on any given week.

I've not bought from an auction or sale site like gunbroker, but at times you can also find quite a few deals, comparably speaking, out there on those as well.

The "deals" are getting fewer and farther between, but I've not found any lack of things to buy for the right price if I'm vigilant and wait.

Brownie

 

[FLRon]

On some nights, I'll have 5 forums for sale sections running at once and keep checking them every 15 minutes or so.

Brownie

Brownie, you are like a day trader!

 

[brownie]

Brownie, you are like a day trader!

Only on the buy side sir:rolf

Brownie

 

[dcook22]

Hi all,

First, thanks for all the great replies. Highly educational and really thought provoking. Let me respond to a few things:

1. TalonDJ, thanks for the step-by-step on how to get the gun for me. I've kind of been doing most of those things, but to see it all in front of me is definitely helpful. And I'm going to look into renting a few guns at a couple of local ranges like you said.

2. Aharley, I will certainly take your advice and get to know a local dealer. FLRon has lots of good things to say about Guntech, so that will probably be the first place I check out. But I don't have thousands to spend, so it's not like I can bring anything to the table to win them over. But the convenience level of dealing with someone local definitely has a lot of value.

3. FLRon, I'm going to check out Guntech. They have a 92fs on their website for $500. I kind of want the stainless steel version, but I'll see what I'm comfortable spending. I would imagine they'll have a booth/table at the gunshow on Sunday.

4. Brownie, thanks for those forums (fora? forii?) I'll check them out.

5. Konrad, you're absolutely right. Once the $50+ is added for S&H and FFl, the online deal isn't that much better than anything else. Thanks for the 92fs search. And yes, I'd jump at a $400 92fs if i could get it, but they don't seem to sell for less that $500+.

I'll see what's out there this weekend.

thanks again,

Dan

 

[Red Dawg]

Dan,

Try Bud's gun shop. They have some decent deals on line.

www.budsgunshop.com

or

www.auctionarms.com

I agree with everybody else so far it will more than likely be a wash once you add in the fees and shipping.