An Insiders look at the 1/14/12, 1/15/12 Jackson Gun Show

I am starting a new post about the Jackson Gun Show held this past weekend. I worked this show for Billy Taylor, owner of Taylor Gun Exchange in Pearl, MS. and what follows is my take on this Gun Show after reading a series of negative posts about this show:

1. Bill and Elizabeth M. the promoters go out on a financial limb putting this show in our area. They do not know if they are going to lose money or make money. They spent a fortune on advertising to make the show as big as possible and be successful. They are super nice people and treat the vendors and patrons with respect. Example. A couple bought a handgun from us late Saturday but could not find the ammo they needed for it at the show. We brought the defense ammo they requested from the shop overnight. Bill gave them a pass for Sunday so that they would not have to pay to get back in when we brought the ammo from the shop.

2. Renting the Trademart space is expensive. Small aisles are sometimes used because the promoters do not want to turn any vendors away that show up at the last minute.

3. Many of you do not know this but if you show up between 9 & 10 in the morning at most shows and order a AR15 Upper or a complete AR15. There are vendors at the show who will have it built to your specs and you can pick it up between 4 and 5 PM the same day. You just have to go to the right vendors and stay at their tables long enough to know what they and their employees can do and how fast they can have it done.

4. Every gun that a vendor takes in has to have the serial number checked to see if it has been stolen anytime since its manufacture. This takes a period of time.

5. Every potential buyer has to be called in to verify if they can legally purchase the firearm they are interested in. Many times the potential buyer is not able to legally own a firearm. In other words we just wasted a lot of time.

6. We have to be careful. Three "patrons" of the show tried to sell us conterfeit Leupold scopes made in China. We would have wasted thousands of dollars if we had not been able to tell the difference on the spot and been stuck with scopes that we would have destoyed and thrown in the garbage.

7. No quality guns for sale at the show? Here are just a few example of what you guys did not see. We sold a Korean area M1 Carbine with all accessories that was as close to perfect as you will ever get. We had a Federal Ordnance L1A1/HK91 clone with a American Receiver and all other parts are HK. We also sold a Mint Smith & Wesson Model 19-4(pinned and recessed).
Billy consulted on the purchase of a Brazilian K98 Mauser in 95% condition for a collector from Metairie, LA.

8. No bargains at the show? I saw that Double Barrel Firearms from Olive Branch had a new Glock 26 Generation 3 for $506. Buck Ammo's prices on .223, .308 and 9 mm. were down from the last show here. We did not have time to look around much for bargains because were too busy working and selling.

9. Do not think that our inventory stays the same during the shows. As we sell guns off the tables we have people bringing more guns from the shop. Also, we are constantly selling, trading and buying while following ATF Regulations to the letter of the law. The used guns on our tables are changing so fast sometimes that I have a difficult time keeping up. Walk around even a small Jackson Gun Show. Then start over again and sometimes what is for sale will be totally different.

10. Yes, sometimes gun dealers are grouchy. You would be too. Examples. See #6 above. I had kids pick up rifles break the safety tye-wrap and dry-fire the rifle at me before I could do anything. At least when the adults do this most point the firearm at the ceiling. One kid broke a factory Walther Chamber Flag which fell down into the chamber. People tear the price tags off of items also. I guess they think we will lower the price if it does not have a price tag.

11. There are still courteous people out there who no matter how beat up a used firearm looks they ask before they pick it up.

12. After the negative reply about this show Saturday on this forum the effect was dramatic over night. Our business which great on Saturday went to Zero sales and traffic on Sunday.

13. Prices? I stopped shopping for cheap prices on firearms years ago. I do not go to the big box nationwide stores. I buy my personal firearms from somebody who stands behind the guns they sell and have the ability to repair them locally without spending shipping charges both ways to and from the Manufacuter. I found this to be cheaper in the long run. Yes, Gun shops whether at the shows or in the store have different prices on the same firearms. Why? Many reasons. Sometimes we call to order a firearm from a Wholesaler or Manufacturer at one price but that is not locked in because it is P.O.R. They will up the price when one certain gun is in demand. Sometimes even Manufacturers run special quantity purchase deals. If Billy does not need the inventory he does not order. If you need the quantity you get a lower price and can sell to your customers at a lower price. This explains why the same firearm is $60 higher at one table than another table at the gun shows.

Please think carefully about posting comments on the Gun Shows. If promoters, vendors and patrons do not continue to participate we may lose Gun Shows in this area that we really need.

Bobby H.
Billy T.(Owner)
Taylor Gun Exchange LLC
TGE, LLC.
Pearl, MS.

[b]01/17/2012

I read your posting and was impressed with the content.
You tell it like it is from an insider's view!

I would like to post it on my website : http://www.gunsavvy.info
I will included your name as author if you want me too!


Very good information. Thank you

I appreciate your insights, and respect your opinions. That said, i have the right to my opinions and will continue to post them as i see fit and the moderators allow. My role is not to promote a show or some individuals business.


Attributing any fall off in business to this forum is giving it way too much credit.

I, too, appreciate your post and respect your opinion.

I stopped going to the Gun Shows in Jackson about 4 years ago due to the extremely high prices - not just on guns, but ammo, reloading supplies, parts, and accessories. Through my experience, your table and a few others that I have visited in the past are in the minority. I do know we have several folks on MSGO that set-up tables at the Shows and I would not hesitate buying from them. However, it seems to me that most do not give a darn about what happens AFTER you purchase something - they seem to be all about the sale.

I decided I would give them another chance several guns shows back and attended a couple -- same stuff -- nothing much has changed except the prices on ARs and AKs has seem to have fallen over the past couple years; however, not just at the Jackson Gun Show but in every shop and on-line source.

I can not comment on the recent show because I did not go ... and probably will not be back for several more years ...

Your comments regarding Bill and Elizabeth being great folk is well founded. My problem is not with them but the majority of the dealers ..... far too many think their products are "one-of-a kind" and/or worth their weight in gold and this is a shame. I would rather deal with someone I respect and who in turn respects my knowledge regarding specific guns rather than trying to take me to the cleaners.

I have only been to Taylor Gun Exchange once. May have to pay them another visit soon.

Now, if you want something now and have to have it now; by all means go buy it at the Gun Show.

I do not think that the post on this board about the Show had anything to do with a drop in your business on Sunday. I do wish we had much influence, but we do not. It may have persuaded several folks from going but I would bet it had no on effect someone who was actually looking for something to purchase.

Actually, I think these type post are good. Maybe some of the dealers will listen and realize they may be able to make more money by an increase in sales rather than trying to make all their money on a few sales. They would also learn the value of repeat customers and the free advertising they would get by word of mouth -- usually the best kind.

I would certainly be interested in hearing what the M1 Carbine sold for ....

Let me add that I have made a couple of purchases from Billy in the last two years and felt I got a fair price (or better) and was treated well. I will happily deal with him again.

I respect your opinion and views.

However, as a buyer I really couldn't care less about the problems of the promoters or dealers. I am there for myself, not them. I found the prices too high, the selection too low, and a few of the dealers seem to think they are God's gift to firearms. I heard dealers tell people outright lies about a firearm they were trying to trade.

If the producers are not making any money, then don't put the show on anymore. I can wait until the Great Southern or some other show comes. Or just not go at all and purchase my stuff online. It's cheaper there anyway.

Don't get me wrong. I prefer to support our local people, but I will not get screwed in the process.

I have two dealers within a 5 mile radius of my home. One is a true a$$, the other is a nice guy that treats his customers like friends. Guess who gets my business.

Treat me fair and with respect if you want my hard earned money.

308th_sps wrote:I respect your opinion and views.

However, as a buyer I really couldn't care less about the problems of the promoters or dealers. I am there for myself, not them. I found the prices too high, the selection too low, and a few of the dealers seem to think they are God's gift to firearms. I heard dealers tell people outright lies about a firearm they were trying to trade.

If the producers are not making any money, then don't put the show on anymore. I can wait until the Great Southern or some other show comes. Or just not go at all and purchase my stuff online. It's cheaper there anyway.

Don't get me wrong. I prefer to support our local people, but I will not get screwed in the process.

I have two dealers within a 5 mile radius of my home. One is a true a$$, the other is a nice guy that treats his customers like friends. Guess who gets my business.

Treat me fair and with respect if you want my hard earned money.

atomicbrh wrote:...

10. Yes, sometimes gun dealers are grouchy. You would be too. Examples. See #6 above. I had kids pick up rifles break the safety tye-wrap and dry-fire the rifle at me before I could do anything. At least when the adults do this most point the firearm at the ceiling. One kid broke a factory Walther Chamber Flag which fell down into the chamber. People tear the price tags off of items also. I guess they think we will lower the price if it does not have a price tag.
...

Bobby H.
Billy T.(Owner)
Taylor Gun Exchange LLC
TGE, LLC.
Pearl, MS.

First off, I was not at this gunshow. But I have been to many others. It is very rare to have a dealer smile and ask if he can help you when one walks to his table. I've also found it's just as rare to be able to ask a question to most of these dealers, as they are too busy talking on the phone or to their partner behind the table. I can completely understand that the atmosphere at a gunshow may lend itself to "difficult" patrons, but so be it. If it is so expensive to rent a table at the trademart, it would seem that the dealers would be putting their best customer service out in order to take advantage of all the increased traffic they would not normally see in their store. If the dealer is unable to give basic coutesy to the patrons, maybe they should not be there. Just my .02.

I do know a few dealers in particular that smiles and ask do do anything for you.But then again there was another show this weekend and they went there

I am one of the guys who has driven 200 miles to compare Jackson shows with others. The show this weekend confirmed I would prefer to spend the time, funds and ride going to other shows.

I am happy for a dealer to make a reasonable profit. I have walked away thinking I got a good deal and wanting to do future business with the same husband and wife team at shows. I would prefer to support the local dealers but when I can save $50 by walking from one table to the next on a common item...I see it no different than driving across the intersection to get a better price on my next tank of gas. Maybe that could be explained to some of the con men who would rather hurl insults than match prices. How much would it cost to say hope you enjoy the show and find you came for?

If the show was so good why are you trying to defend it on an open forum. Did you not read internet ads saying it would be a lousy show weeks before the event? Let the buying public decide.

I think the real concern here is not whether or not the show was a success by someone's definition, it's the unacceptable behavior/business practices that have turned off more than few active shooters, buyers, and potential customers. Good will takes time to earn..

If they continue treating potential patrons as something negative, pretty soon they wont bother you anymore. Rest assured this was my last Jackson gun show but I will drive to attend others. I can find what I want on the internet and have it shipped in. It's the atmosphere I enjoy if it is positive.

To me they are more of a "Show" in the sense of a car show. Look what I got its all shiney and pretty if you want it it'll cost you a nut. Then you get plenty of this whatcha sellin thar? Oh a parker shotgun thats old junk. I'll give you a few pennies on the dollar for it. You think I'm gonna sell you my Remington 870 for 100$ so you can turn around and ask 200. Yeah right. I have gotten to the point where when I carry around a gun for sale I put a wooden dowel down the barrel and a sign on it that says the price and No Dealers Please. The typical show has some of the rudest dealers I've ever seen. With the exception of Mr. Glock, Glock Pro of MS, and Bunker Hill those guys will spend so much time talking to you and explaining they possibly lose other sales.

I usually go to the shows for 2 reasons. To look and handle a bunch of guns that i wouldn't be able to otherwise, and to look for something I might want to buy. if I buy something, 95% of the time it is from someone walking around that brought something into the show. I think the internet is the best thing to happen to the consumer. We can see the real value of a gun via a smartphone. There are a large percentage of dealers at gunshows who are rude, pompous, and way way overpriced on their stuff. Here is a little experiment to try at your next gun show trip. Ask each dealer how the show is. In my experience 99.99% of them will say something like this, "Hell, ain't nobody buying nothin, i can't afford this no more." people want you to give the stuff away" They will say this while they have something like this on their table:

used remmy 870 express--$350
New xd 45--$650
used S&W model 10--$450
used ruger single six with just the magnum cylinder--$475
etc, etc, etc

most people nowadays are somewhat educated on gun values. If I see a guy with a price tag of $500 bucks and ask him if that is his best offerering, he'll generally say something about not beating that price anywhere. I'll then point out the same gun, brand new from Bud's or somewhere for $350 shipped. They'll say, "yeah but you gotta pay for the transfer" Ok, $20 more. The complete BS from most of them just gets old. i like going to most gun shows, but it isn't because I like buying guns from the dealers.

BigDaddyQ wrote:To me they are more of a "Show" in the sense of a car show. Look what I got its all shiney and pretty if you want it it'll cost you a nut. Then you get plenty of this whatcha sellin thar? Oh a parker shotgun thats old junk. I'll give you a few pennies on the dollar for it. You think I'm gonna sell you my Remington 870 for 100$ so you can turn around and ask 200. Yeah right. I have gotten to the point where when I carry around a gun for sale I put a wooden dowel down the barrel and a sign on it that says the price and No Dealers Please. The typical show has some of the rudest dealers I've ever seen. With the exception of Mr. Glock, Glock Pro of MS, and Bunker Hill those guys will spend so much time talking to you and explaining they possibly lose other sales.

Pretty much exactly what i was gonna write


There are a FEW exceptions, billy taylor is one, mike smith especially and the bunker hill boys. There are several others i would add but i dont know/remember their names. From now on i am going to do the same with a sticker or something that says no dealers. The shows around here seem to attract the bottom feeders of the dealer crowd, ive had many tell me what i had was junk yet they have the same damn thing on their table in worse condition for 40 to 50% more.... sometimes as much as 3 times more than what i am asking for the same gun.

Though I didn't go...this has been one dang informative thread!!!

These are the kind of posts that made me want to join this site! I even enjoy hearing from dealers on their side of things. I have learned a couple of No-No's that I just didn't know from various dealers.

In addition, I remember two GOOD things about the last show I went too:
1. Meeting the Bunker Hill guys, they did take the time to talk.
2. There was one dealer who did offer straight up that he would match another price. Though I didn't buy anything..that left a good mark in my book...I wish I knew who it was.

It's the good old American free enterprise system. The promoter made a calculated business decision to use a small space and thereby reduce his risk and increase his profits. This decision seems to have displeased a large number of patrons. So they will do it differently in the future or lose customers. That's Business 101.

Let's also remember that we gun nuts on here are a small, but important, part of their customer base. I've probably bought more guns in the last year than your casual gun show attendee will in a lifetime.

I like gun shows as entertainment, and rarely walk out empty handed. There were three things i saw that under normal (e.g. non-sardine) conditions i would have closely considered. At least one would have gone home with me. That didn't happen because there were too many darn people in too small a space.

I didn't go to this last gun show. I have gone to every one before this one within the past two years looking for a couple of guns. I was looking for a Ruger SR40C at the last gun show I went to. There was a couple there. One guy had his marked for 549.00 and he looked me dead in the eye and told me that was the best he would do because they would bring that all day long. Three rows over another gentleman had one new for 400+ tax. The Bunker Hill boys quoted me a more than fair price also. I cannot tell you how many times I've seen the same old guys with the same old guns on their tables with prices 50-150 dollars higher than others at the same show. There are guys working the Jackson shows that will never sell some of the guns they tote in the show. I really think the only reason they show up is to talk to people they don't see very often.

The original poster's description can apply to almost any business. Everyone should have to work retail sales at least once. Really opens your eyes as a buyer and seller.

Informative thread...

You mentioned one Korean carbine...Hell I remember when the tables were full of M1 Garands, carbines and full auto toy's.....aint seen that in years

Bottom Line - The dealers have snapped up any good deals on the table long before they open the doors to public. The only real hope you have is bumping into someone in the aisle with an interesting item....but its fairly rare

I find much better merchandise just standing outside in the parking lot watchin what folks are bringing in...

Plus I hate paying $7-8 bucks just for the honor having of a dealer pee down my leg and tell me its raining.


I really don't care what the promoter does or does not go through to put the show on.

Ya'll wanna have some fun....Let's go to the Shot Show this year

Thanks for the post. I did go to the last show, and I did buy from a dealer... in fact I mentioned to him how sorry i was to hear he got robbed, and he was surprised that anyone this far down would hear of such. Gun Exchange Olive Branch MS. I generally feel that the rude, testy, let-me-try-to-rip-you-off crowd types are on BOTH sides of the table, but if I had to pick one side as being over-represented it would be the customers.
Personally I generally have little trouble with vendors, some are there to sell guns and some are there squeeze every last dime they can out of each sale. I have learned which is which over the years, and so now its just so much noise and banter. Not all that unpleasant really, at least we are talking about guns and not eggs, or curtains.