Do Not Handle Without Permission

GreenLantern · February 2002

Went to a gun show this weekend and probably saw 3 or 4 tables where all the guns had tags on them that said 'Do Not Handle Without Permission'. I was kind of curious if people see this a lot at other guns shows? I can understand a dealer not wanting his inventory devalued by some idiot messing things up or dropping things but a lot of times I'll just move by this guys table and go no to the next without looking at what he's got. Also, I noticed that a lot of guns and ammo seem to be way over priced at the show I was at (Barron, WI). This was the first time I got to see a Robinson Arms M96 Carbine and a guy had it priced at $1675, which is even over MSRP. Then I was looking at surplus .308 ammo and for 1K rounds one guy was $50 over what I cuold get mail order. I would except to pay a little bit more because I'm sure the guy can't compete with mail order prices but not when it factors down to $.05 per round. Needless to say I didn't walk out with anything yesterday, but for $4 it was worth the trip!GL

Lowrider · February 2002

At the regular gun shows I attend there are several vendors who always have all their display tables covered in heavy clear plastic. The guns are underneath. If you want to handle a particular firearm you have to wait in line and ask the vendor to show you the gun. I refuse to do it. The gunshows are always an over-crowded madhouse to begin with without having to play that game.They are his guns and he can display them any way he wants, but he won't be selling any of them to me.

Lord Lowrider the LoquaciousMember:Secret Select Society of Suave Stylish Smoking Jackets She was only a fisherman's daughter,But when she saw my rod she reeled.

BlueTic · February 2002

It is a common practice to ask before picking up anybodys firearm. I would not put up a sign but I do expect a little common courtesy when you want to pick up mine. I have seen others just pick up guns and bang them on the table or other guns. I guess it is a matter of respect for someones property..

salzo · February 2002

I always ask permission before I pick up a gun at a gun show, whether or not there is a sign telling you to ask for permission first.

Happiness is a warm gun

lrarmsx · February 2002

Greenlantern, as for the signs, I've watched a guy actually drop the cylinder of a brand new gun on the cement floor (damaging it) and the dealer starting grabbing the yellow sheet for the guy to fill out. The guy asked "What's that for?" The dealer said "Well you going to buy that now that you've damaged it aren't you?" The cylinder was dented too. The customer said "I don't see it that way." The dealer said "Well then get the hell away from my table." Unfortunately people won't take responsibility for their actions anymore. That is why some dealers may put up signs or cover the guns. As for the ammo prices, I hope this doesn't come as a shock, but in most cases dealers are paying the same price as you are on your mail order ammo. They may get a break on the shipping if they are ordering a large quantity, but that may be all. A lot of the places that sell to dealers, will sell to anyone and at the exact same price. That is why a lot of dealers are getting out of the business, they can't make a living at it competing with their suppliers who are selling directly to the public. It is like the people that think that wholesale price is what they are supposed to pay and a dealer gets it for less. Wholesale in most industries is what the dealer pays while the public is supposed to pay retail, or close to it. The firearms industry seems to not have that structure, everyone knows what cost is, or can find out easily enough, and everyone thinks that that should be their price. You wouldn't want a dealer to actually make a profit so that he can stay in business and be there for you when you need a gun, a part, or service in the future. (Sarcasm added)

Rembrandt · February 2002

I think most dealers try to put too much stuff on their tables....I've seen verticle racks jammed onto tables, most folks just look at the ones nearest the isles...never see what's clear in the back. Then there are the tables that have the stocks and barrels hanging out a foot into the isle where everyone is bumping them or catching them on their coats. Everytime a child walks by they run their hands down them like a stick on a picket fence.I enjoy tables that have fewer items, well organized & displayed.

Hk94 · February 2002

As for handling weapons at guns shows, the following should apply:1. Common courtesy is not common these days. It is a shame that the dealers have to post weapon handling instructions.2. The dealers should borrow a page from the antique shops with the following sign:"Lovely to look at, Great to hold...but If you break it...It is sold!"

badboybob · February 2002

It's only common courtesy to ask to handle an item for sale. The fact that many gun show dealers post a sign indicates to me that they have learned by sad experience that some people care nothing for other's property.

PC=BS

jonk · February 2002

I always ask, even if there isn't a sign, unless the dealer is busy with someone else. Then I just turn it enough to see markings, condition, etc, but wait to pick it up and really look. I have had a few say no, you can't look at it. I don't feel like cutting the plastic band holding the action closed, come back later. Now THOSE guys are nuts!

"...hit your enemy in the belly, and kick him when he is down, and boil his prisoners in oil- if you take any- and torture his women and children. Then people will keep clear of you..." -Admiral of the Fleet Lord Fisher, speaking at the Hague Peace Conference in 1899.

robsguns · February 2002

Cudos to you that believe asking to handle the weapon appropriate, and no disrespect intended with this comment. I do not care for signs that say do not touch without permission. It insults my intelligence as an individual and a shooter. For one, if they say I may pick it up, they never fail to walk away after I do so, so what was their point? Secondly, the gun is for sale, if they want me to buy it, they should be ASKING me to pick it up, check it over, as some dealers post signs for you to do so. If I walk into Wal-Mart and see a sign that says, please dont squeeze the Charmin without permission, you can bet your last dollar I wont be buying it either. If its for sale, it was meant to be viewed, looked at, assessed of its condition, and to ask someone to ask you if they may do so is about as intelligent as a car dealer having a sign on a car that says, please dont sit in the driver's seat without permission. For those dealers that have the really expensive, hand rubbed finished, thousands of dollars guns on the table, I say, if its too fancy for me to touch it, then its too darn fancy for me to buy it, take the darn thing home and stick it back in the safe. How do these guys even call themselves salesmen, seems to me that they are just showing off a custom made gun, or trying to inflate their own egos by making you seem unworthy of touching their prized beauty.Oh yes, and as far as common courtesy is concerned, I am one of the few that will never complain when a friend comes over and touches, it seems, every gun I have, and holds it by the metal parts, instead of the stock. I do appreciate the work it takes to reoil every gun you have on display, and never touch a guns metal when viewing it, what more can dealer expect from a customer, other than to be careful not to let the gun touch other guns or objects when picking it up or putting it down, and I always am very particular about that, usually I take so long moving a gun that it looks as if I'm in slow motion.Good subject GreenLantern .

SSgt Ryan E. Roberts, USMC[This message has been edited by robsguns (edited 02-24-2002).]

dakotashooter2 · February 2002

I agree that it is common courtesy to ask before picking a gun up.Some of you seem to forget that there are a lot of people out there who do not have common sense much less courtesy. I don't even recall how many times some idiot has nearly taken someones head off with a swinging barrel (including the dealer. Or how comfortable are you looking across the table to see some bozo pointing a rifle at you. And keep in mind a dealer my be trying to keep track of dozens of guns of which 1/2 dozen are being handled at any one time. I could see where one could easily disappear. However there is crossing the line and defeating your purpose (as a dealer) for being there but simple security measures do not bother me.

dakotashooter2 · February 2002

I agree that it is common courtesy to ask before picking a gun up.Some of you seem to forget that there are a lot of people out there who do not have common sense much less courtesy. I don't even recall how many times some idiot has nearly taken someones head off with a swinging barrel (including the dealer. Or how comfortable are you looking across the table to see some bozo pointing a rifle at you. And keep in mind a dealer my be trying to keep track of dozens of guns of which 1/2 dozen are being handled at any one time. I could see where one could easily disappear. However there is crossing the line and defeating your purpose (as a dealer) for being there but simple security measures do not bother me.

5db · February 2002

If the Dealer is attentive I'll ask. If Dealer is too busy reading his Blue Book on the deal he just made, or socializing, then I'll help myself at which point the Dealer becomes attentive. I'd rather ask.

If you have one shot...Accu-Shot Website

Iconoclast · February 2002

It's pretty common at shows in New England, although not universal. I have to agree w/ dakota; there are a lot of yahoos at gun shows who don't have the smarts nor the manners to ask first. One reason I stopped doing shows was that I had pristine boxes of very rare ammo being treated as though it were bags of shot. The securtiy issue is another factor; firearms have been stolen - as well as other things.

robsguns · February 2002

I have a question about this now. If I come up to your table at a show, carefully pick up a gun, by the stock, look it over responsibly, and lay it back down on the table as carefully as I picked it up, all of this without asking, does it irritate you if I did so without asking, or does it make you happy that I handled it well and appear to be more than the average yahoo?

SSgt Ryan E. Roberts, USMC

wundudnee · February 2002

I nearly always ask with or without a sign and can't remember ever being refused. I was at one show where a guy was eating salted peanuts with one hand and handling a nice old 1892 Winchester with the other. That dealer had a lot more patience than I would have. Courtesy is usually reciprocated.

"If stupidity got us into this mess, then why can't it get us out?" Will Rogers

booger · February 2002

In the South those signs are few, usually put on engraved guns, unfired in the box stuff, and on the class III toys. Most all pistols are looped with that "alarm" wire and I figure if it's on the table I can at least pick it up far enough to determine caliber & serial number range(without asking). Vendors are getting smart about some items and have those in a clear display case. I have no problem with that.I spent all day today at a gun-show and while the prices are sometimes high, cash talks and everything is negotiable. I only go to shows on Sundays now and wait it out for the best deals. Todays purchase worth mentioning was 10 boxes of 16 gauge Winchester Western 2 3/4 dram, 1 1/8 oz. of #8 shot for $35.00. Now I'm ready for doves or skeets.I did in fact find my intended purchase of Belgian Hi-power (1946 manufacture was available today) at the usual higher price ($650) but the guy would take $550 cash. I probably should have bought it, but I got his card. $500 at 5:00 o'clock would have bought it.Nice H&K 53 for $7,500 was interesting.I was also looking to buy a Belgian Browning 20 gauge Superposed and there were several wonderful guns there but I'll need more cash to get one.

Them ducks is wary.

GreenLantern · February 2002

Looks like I got a lively discussion going here! I think that's great that a lot of people ask permission even if there's not a sign. I have to admit, I don't see a lot of people asking permission if there's no sign at the gunshows I tend to freqeunt here in MN and WI. It certainly could happen a lot more often than what I think because I'm not always paying attention to the guy next to me. Unless he decides to chamber a round into the piece he's looking at :-) My philosoply is if I want to look at it, I pick it up with care, point it skyward if I want to shoulder it and line up the sights, and then put back down as if it was my own!

AntiqueDr · February 2002

Generally, the best way to sell a gun is to let people handle it. That said, the way people handle guns is one of the biggest reasons I no longer set up at shows. For almost 10 years I averaged three shows a month with between 6 - 10 tables of guns and scopes. Average ticket about $400 (early 90's $), with some pieces well into 4-digits. The last straw was at a San Antonio show when a guy handed the barrel set from a Diana Superposed to his 7 year old son to hold while he picked up the receiver/stock. After setting his Coke on the table between two other Browning O/U's. I was up the tables a ways with a customer when I saw the kid juggling the barrel set. Before I could get to him, of course, he dropped it - it hit the Coke can spilling it all over my Citori's then dropped to the concrete floor putting a nice ding in the lower muzzle. Of course, the guy grabbed the kid and hauled *.Oh, and yes there were signs about asking permission. One was on that shotgun's luggage case.

We buy, sell and trade quality guns and scopes!Ask us about Shepherd Scopes!Visit our website at www.ApaxEnterprises.com

5db · February 2002

robsguns, nope, If'n it were mine I'd done said "pick it up"> Shoot I'm just tickled to get someone to stop.... wundudnee, are you sure them weren't Jalapeno peanutz?

If you have one shot...Accu-Shot Website

robsguns · February 2002

5db, Thats good, cause I never thought about asking before this, I just always assumed if it didnt say to ask, they wanted you to look. I am always careful with other peoples guns, more so than my own even, and mine are my babys. My wife, she thought we were splitting up once, when she picked up a gun case that had a gun in it, that I was going to put in the vehicle later. I hadnt zipped it all the way up yet, to keep air flow going, and when she picked it up the gun simply fell out on the ground, knocking the recoil pad good enough to loosen it, she was terrified at the look on my face, cause I was almost speechless. You'd thought shed just killed on of our children, by the look on my face, she said later. I dont take gun handling lightly, neither does she anymore.

SSgt Ryan E. Roberts, USMC

idsman75 · February 2002

I was in the middle of purchasing a .270 last summer at a sporting goods store and the dealer layed it out on the glass display case while he did some paperwork in the back. Three guys came back into the gun section (with no intention of making a purchase) and began taking guns off the shelves and working their actions and waving them around and saying thinks like, "Wow, this is so awesome dude!" Then some guy walked up to my .270 and worked the action and pulled the trigger. I was mad as hell and it showed by the look on my face. I told him, with as much restraint as possible, "I'm the one who's paying for that!" He acted like he didn't do anything wrong and that I was being retentive about the whole incident. Some people ARE morons (even people that go to gun shows) and need to have a sign provided that they are literate.

wundudnee · February 2002

5db,lol, I didn't even give Jalapeno peanutz a thought. I'm guilty! But I think there is something in Jalapeno's that make them non-corrosive.

"If stupidity got us into this mess, then why can't it get us out?" Will Rogers

Bullzeye · February 2002

When I go to gun shows, and they arent that frequent around here, I usually bring a pair of latex gloves to put on if I want to handle the barrel or other metal parts of a gun.The dealers are usually more irritated that I want to look it over at all.I'm with Robsguns on this one. I get the feeling they'd rather have you give them their asking price straight up and not bother touching their baby.Odd, because from my experience their baby is usually well past its prime and $300 overpriced.

thesupermonkey · February 2002

Sign or no sign I always ask permission before handling. If anything it shows respect for the seller. The sellers at the shows are just as vigilant and protective over their weapons as any gun owner. Until the weapon has been sold, it belongs to them. Who wouldn't be a little annoyed if someone just opened your personal gun case and started grabbing everything in sight? Just because something is for sale doesn't mean you handle it like it's yours. A little courtesy will get you a long way. I can't count how many times I've seen these 'parents' (used that term liberally) whose children run from table to table and start grabbing stuff, all to the terror of the seller. "No sweetie, please put that down? Please honey don't do that! Listen to your mommy! Don't drop that on the floor like that you could break... Pick up the pieces and hand them back to the nice man."Munkey

Don't worry about the bullet with your name on it, worry about the fragmentation grenade addressed 'To Occupant'.[This message has been edited by thesupermonkey (edited 02-25-2002).]

v35 · February 2002

At a gun show, a man next to me asked to pick up an old SAA Colt. He cocked it and rubbed his hands and fingers over every square inch of the revolver as if to rub the finish off or to soak up the guns' history into his own body. The owner and I were too flabbergasted to speak. The abuser obviously knew nothing about guns but didnt give a clue beforehand.

redcedars · February 2002

I ask permission before handling. It is polite and respectful. And unless I have a good reason to pick up a gun, I don't. If your only interest in a piece is to play with it, you should leave it alone!Having said that, I should say I go to many local shows and know most dealers at least by sight. Believe me, most of them recognize the "regulars" who handle guns carefully, don't work the action or dry-fire, etc.I occasionally will set up at a show to sell stuff I don't need or use anymore, duplicates of gun books, and occasionally a gun. Often I will display some of my collection in order to encourage people to talk about the guns I collect in the hopes I will find someone who has something I want. A couple of times when the High Standard Collectors *'n had their annual meetings at big shows, I have set up display tables with nothing but guns from my collection.It drives me nuts that although I have several signs set out to the effect that the guns are "PRIVATE COLLECTION FOR DISPLAY ONLY", "NOT FOR SALE", and "PLEASE DON"T TOUCH", I still have to watch my table like a hawk. Numbskulls who apparently have no respect or manners, can't read and don't know how to handle guns will pick up a NIB gun that has been out of production for 40 years and spin the cylinder, dry fire, and spread their greasy sweaty prints all over it if you don't catch them first. In fact, I have decided not to display my collection again until I get around to buying locking display cases for them. I have already bought a couple of smaller ones to use when I display only two or three.redcedars[This message has been edited by redcedars (edited 02-25-2002).]

He Dog · February 2002

I am another that considers it appropriate to ask. Several reasons: One is to signal the dealer that I am someone that will treat his offering with care and respect, and may be a serious buyer, and because I may want to establish a friendly relationship with the fellow in case I want to dicker over a rifle or let him know of something similar I am looking for. He may have one at home. That said, in gun shops around here many of the used rifles are set out on racks where you can handle the peices and look them over. Hand guns are always behind glass. I assume I should ask to handle handguns as I would in a store, rifles I will sometimes pick up if the guy is too busy. I always assume that Purdys and other things I will never afford are don't touch if you ain't serious.

mudge · February 2002

You'd ask to handle it if you were in the seller's shop or home. Why not at the show?I always ask, if the guns are displayed in such a way that there is easy access to them. If the seller has them covered, I'll ask, but only if I don't have to stand in line to do it. I don't do lines!While we're on the subject of gun shows....another of my "pet peeves".I want to look at a gun and there's some guy standing there chewing on the seller's ear about all the neat guns he used to own. He's not gonna' buy anything, he just wants to talk to somebody. Maybe it's just me. (See tag line below. )Mudge the courteous(Impatient, but courteous)

I can't come to work today. The voices said, STAY HOME AND CLEAN THE GUNS![This message has been edited by mudge (edited 02-25-2002).][This message has been edited by mudge (edited 02-25-2002).]

thesupermonkey · February 2002

Saxon,A clerk at Macy's has no invested interest in the items being sold. I can't help but think sellers at the gun show look at those guns as though they were their own. At least until the money is in hand. Munkey

Don't worry about the bullet with your name on it, worry about the fragmentation grenade addressed 'To Occupant'.

AntiqueDr · February 2002

Saxon,A $30 crockpot is one thing. A $3500 shotgun is quite another.

We buy, sell and trade quality guns and scopes!Ask us about Shepherd Scopes!Visit our website at www.ApaxEnterprises.com

thesupermonkey · February 2002

That's true AntiqueDr, I forgot about that!Tell me Saxon !!!PIG!!! (Couldn't help myself), how many items with comparable value to firearms, are casually left about for the customer to 'pickup' at will?Hell at Walmart, if its over 20 dollars they put it in a glass case! Munkey

robsguns · February 2002

Back to my original post on this one, if you will. I cant think of a car out there on a new car lot that doesnt cost more than the average gun at a gun show, and even more than most of the relatively expensive guns. However, a dealer wants to sell you a car, so he takes it for granted that if you pop the hood on the vehicle, you're looking to see what you're getting. If you sit in the front seat you want to see how it might feel to drive, and if you sit anywhere else besides the drivers seat, you just want to see if its comfortable. When you pop the trunk lid, its to see how much space you have available, you get my drift right? If you want to sell a car, but make everyone come up and ask permission to look at it, and it costs a lot more than most guns, you will not sell the amount of cars as the guy across the street does, who lets you roam around and browse through the vehicles. Again, just my .02 cents.

SSgt Ryan E. Roberts, USMC

AntiqueDr · February 2002

I just bought a new Expedition, and did several days of lot searching. WITHOUT EXCEPTION, every single vehicle was locked. The salesman had to get the key.Also, it's kind of difficult to drop a new car and ding the muzzle and I dont think I've seen rust on a fender from some kid's Coca-cola grubby fingerprints...But hey, I HAVE my solution. I dont set up at gun shows any more, and never will again.

We buy, sell and trade quality guns and scopes!Ask us about Shepherd Scopes!Visit our website at www.ApaxEnterprises.com

5db · February 2002

mudge, That's when I go with the "no ask pick-up". If the Dealer is there to sell, he'll give you his attention. Otherwise, if they're attentive, I'll ask first. Also, I've heard/seen folks rant about kids at Gun Shows. It is their behavior that should be the deciding factor NOT their age when discussing the appropriateness of their attendance. I'll go out of my way to praise the Adult that brings well mannered kids to the show. Telling the kids how cool it is that they "get to" go to a Gun Show. Then show them the coolest gadget I've got there. All for OUR future. How about you?

If you have one shot...Accu-Shot Website[This message has been edited by 5db (edited 02-25-2002).]

buddyb · February 2002

I was at a show last week end and it looks like Democrats won't stop gun shows,but prices so high on everything there may do them in.Around this area you can buy new from dealers for less than used at shows.

booger · February 2002

I'm with SaxonPig, ya'll must go to some pretty fancy, up tight gun-shows where people are supposed to "ask". I find it hard to belive that a vendor would want to be asked 5,000 times a day "Can I look at this one?" I know he wouldn't want to be pestered while he was on the phone with NICS.

Them ducks is wary.

robsguns · February 2002

AntiqueDr., Ya know, I guess I have been driving the same vehicle for 16 yrs. I suppose times are a changeing. Who'd a thunkt it. Didnt use to be like that.

SSgt Ryan E. Roberts, USMC

offeror · February 2002

As a 52 year old Life member of the NRA who has been shooting since I was a juvenile, I go to gun shows regularly and spend a decent amount of money. I expect to be treated with politeness and courtesy, as I treat the people across the table. I always handle anything I pick up with obvious care. I do not expect to be unloaded upon by some guy with an axe to grind.I did pick up one fellow's used H&K with a collapsible stock that was in particularly rough shape to see how this model sighted from the shoulder. The dude was down the table talking. I did this despite the fact that out of all the tables at the show, this guy had a WOOD CARVED sign saying Don't Touch without Permission, or words to that effect. I remember being disappointed at the condition of the finish on the gun. It was obviously heavily used, carried or transported and was down to about 60%-70% finish. I asked him, interested, why this rifle was in such rough shape. He said, because people pick it up and handle it. Without batting an eye, I told him that was no way to sell me a gun, sir, and put the beat-up rifle gently back in its place and walked away. In the first place, the gun didn't get that way from gun show handling. It was obviously banged-up surplus that he put a too-high price tag on. It's the assumption that their customers are stupid until proven otherwise that drives away their good gun people, I think. I think they've got it backward. People like us do not like to be lumped in with the majority of American consumers the minute we walk up to the table. They complain sales isn't better, they complain about the hours, some pack up and leave early like their pants are on fire. I guess it's really a question of who must trust the other one first, the dealer or the customer. I come down on the side of the customer. He has a right to be treated with respect. I'm not exactly a street type. I walked up to a table one time and the guy said "You look like a Weatherby man to me." Yet a couple tables down I get attitude that I didn't earn. I don't care if I'm at a gun show or in a gun shop. If I don't get courtesy they don't get my money -- unless I know exactly what I want and they have it for bottom dollar. Then I'll pay and run. That's the deal. There are dealers who are loaded with emotional problems before you ever walk in, they want to tell you about running people off who stop to look but don't buy anything. They don't seem to respect people who know something about guns. They act like browsers are a waste of their time or potential shoplifters (browsing is how I look at their stock of holsters, ammo, accessories -- is that really in need of explanation?). One infamous dealer here only shows his stock by appointment in his home (claims his stock is bigger and cheaper than the biggest store in town because of lower overhead, but won't price over the phone), gives you a lecture on the phone when you call about how much better his system is for serious buyers and how it weeds out the riffraff, and apparently (I heard this from a third party, not him) tries to charge you $5.00 if you leave without buying something. I kid you not. I dare you to top that one.I do not defend a customer who breaks the merchandise and runs. I would call Coliseum security and have the man detained, frankly, and the little kid too. But on the other hand, if it's a question of who tends to be more weird and self-absorbed, SOME gun dealers win hands down. That's why I really appreciate it when I find a professional. The guys you can have an intelligent conversation and civilized transaction with sometimes seem to be in the minority, at least around here. As for wholesale prices, I do look at Shotgun News or Gun List and some of the distributors do advertise low prices which may be wholesale; they don't necessarily specify. I think though that when my dealer tells me he only makes $50 a handgun I have a right to remember his words when comparison shopping. I don't suppose there's a law about rigorous honesty in sales in any industry, but I do like to trust who I buy from. I'd rather he'd say nothing than misrepresent. So when I find a gun for a hundred less someplace else, I'm going to feel fortunate. Same goes for mags, ammo, etc. That doesn't make me a bad customer, or worthy of mistreatment. I'll go where I'm welcome. It's "dealer's choice."

"The 2nd Amendment is about defense, not hunting. Long live the gun shows, and reasonable access to FFLs. Join the NRA -- I'm a Life Member."

218Beekeep · February 2002

I don`t like over half the people at shows,on either side of the tables.I don`t like people who step up,and pull the slide off of the pistols,like the guy weekend before last..or the guy that did the same thing to the same gun,the next day,and found that the first guy had put a part in wrong.Then there`s the drunk dude,who came up to the Russian SKS,started dismanteling it,and having springs fly past my head,when I turned to see him doing it.Then there was the guy who pulled the mag from a Glock,to test his rubber grip covers for size.As he turned to walk away with his grip cover thing,not knowing that I saw him,I said:"HEY...YOU CAN`T HAVE MY GRIPS"You should have been there,to see his face as he explained himself!!! I won`t go into what I told the home boy...the little prick started it!!I have a good memory,and remember people I sold guns to,a few years ago.That,plus I can usually tell if a guy has any business holding one of my guns.We put high end stuff on one or two end tables,with signs on a couple of them...seems people tend to ask,or just stay away from what they can`t afford..that`s what I do.I`m up and down the isle encouraging people to pick up guns,and assuring them that I will bargain on anything they like..218

AntiqueDr · February 2002

Well, perhaps those relative few who know how to handle guns and have respect should wear signs of your own. Then there would be no problem, right? The five of you among the however-many gun-pawers would stand out!As to having the guy detained - did that. He had less than $20 on him, or so he said. The biggest reasons I preferred to be asked are simple. First, it indicates that the individual has a higher standard of respect for other people's (expensive) property than most and probably will replace the gun as found. Second, it gives me an opportunity to begin a dialogue with that potential customer. The second is the biggest reason new cars are locked, and the more important of the two.I have seen gun shows deteriorate rapidly over the past 10-15 years to where they are really no more than glorified travelling flea markets. Not my scene.

We buy, sell and trade quality guns and scopes!Ask us about Shepherd Scopes!Visit our website at www.ApaxEnterprises.com

Do Not Handle Without Permission

Comments