Belt Auction

Is it cheaper to buy a handgun from an online auction site like gunbroker or to go to a gunshow and purchase 1?

i have been looking for a sig p250 or a walther p99c as or qa. the as/qa's will run about 640$ new on online gun auction sites, while the sig p250 will run about 500 new. would it be cheaper to find a local gunshow to buy these guns? are gunshows typically a good place to get deals or are their prices pretty much the same as local stores? thanks

Public Comments

1. Go to a gun show
2. Gunshows are worth a try since you have a large group and private collections....not just dealers. I find some gunshows to be overpriced on the most popular guns. If you want a Mosin or off brand or some odd ball.....you can find a deal....z
3. I'd try a gunshow before an auction. Just because of the fact it's an auction. You bid then you bid thinkin your gonna get your gun, then somebody out-bids ya. But i guess if you want this gun bad enough you'll be willing to pay a hefty price.
4. I would suggest looking around online to get a general price of what you are looking for and then visit a gun show and see if its comparable. In my experience, Gun shows around my hometown *helena, montana* are huge rip-offs. We have only a few a year and not much competition given our small population so they gouge my *thankfully* gun-friendly state. I like a lot of military surplus firearms and I think the prices at the gunshows are way over-priced. That being said, if you have a lot of dealers in your area, a gun show might be a great place to purchase the firearm you want. I know there is wiggle room in the gun shows whereas gunbroker the price you win the auction is the price you pay. I've purchased several firearms from gunbroker and a few from local dealers and it all depends on what you are looking for. A few things to keep in mind.... 1. Factor in shipping and the FFL transfer Fee when considering price 2. If you are looking at new firearm prices, also visit local dealers as well as gun shows as the prices tend to be fairly close for new firearms vs used ones 3. Check all the auction sites, I've found the big 3 are a bit different in their prices 4. Don't forget online retailers of firearms, not just auciton sites. I recently purchased a Beretta CX4 storm online and I beat my local price by almost 200 bucks even after factoring shipping and transfer fees. Included in my sources is a few auction sites as well as online retailers. Good luck and I hope this helps
5. If you want to Save a Lot of $$$$ then buy a Good Used One from an Individual Seller, not a FFL Dealer, Gun Store or Gun Shop.* A New Handgun does not shoot any better, or last any longer than a Good Used One.* Buy Used and Save Lots of $$$$.*