Question about gun shows
 

Guns show in California particularly.

I don't own any guns so I don't really know anything about licensing, permits, etc. How does a gun show work. Do you have to apply for a permit or something before you go to a show in order to buy anything. Is there a different type of license for a handgun as apposed to a shotgun, rifle or whatever. Do you need to have taken a class in order to get a permit to buy a gun. Sorry if these are stupid questions I just really don't know anything about this and there is a gun show coming soon that I was thinking about going to.

Also out of curiousity do people buy unregistered guns at gunshows. If they do sell unregistered guns isn't there a possibility that the gun could have been used in a murder or robbery or something. I'm just wondering if these kinds of shenanigans go on at gun shows.

Is it a bad idea to buy a used gun from a gun show. Do you pretty much neeed to have a very experienced with guns person with you to look the gun over to check its condition.

I'm just looking for any kind of info about gun shows and gun show experiences you may have had that could be informative. Thanks

Re: Question about gun shows
 

John: cant say bout CA but in GA you can purchase brand new or used, from dealers or from individuals. The laws in CA are much more restrictive so I can't be any help. If you are in the market, DYODD and do some shopping around to decide on a make and model to fit the application. Then check out http://www.gunbroker.com or http://www.gunsamerica.com to get an idea about pricing. At the gun show I would suggest that you purchase new from a dealer. Here, if you have a concealed carry permit, you can buy it outright without requiring ( another ) background check. You can also get ammo, ammo cans, cleaning kits, targets, etc. all at the same time. Then find a range and practice baby practice.
My 2c.

Re: Question about gun shows
 

The ones I've been to around here are a joke.....1/2 dozen dealers set up and sell.....so the rules buying from them are the same as buying from their shop.....yellow form, background check, etc....and for this I have to pay to get in ??

Few or no individuals come to sell. I can do a lot better shopping the paper if I want to buy with no paperwork.

Personally, the paperwork doesn't matter to me.....I don't care what they know I've got because it's mine and they ain't getting it back anyway.

If I were you, in "THEORY", I'd take a vacation to AZ or someplace, buy a newspaper or local trading type paper, and bring home whatever I wanted if I was trying to avoid paperwork...not that I'm advising that.

Re: Question about gun shows
 

buy a flintlock if you're worried about paper

Re: Question about gun shows
 

Andy: come on down to Hotlanta and catch some of the Eastman shows. Takes a whole day to peruse everything. Can be a great way to spend a Sat. if yer in the market. check out the schedule at http://www.eastmangunshows.com

Re: Question about gun shows
 

I like that...my feelings too.

Re: Question about gun shows
 

Gun shows are really gun sales, but that doesn't sound as good. The rules are the same as at gun stores -- i.e., federally licensed dealers must still do the same background checks and abide by all federal/state/local laws. But gun shows are also a convenient means of getting together private-party buyers and sellers, who may not need background checks, depending on where they live -- hence the "gun show loophole," which should more accurately be called the "private-party-sales loophole."

Re: Question about gun shows
 

Not anymore. Thanks to some gun dealers who weren't properly completing the transactions (and continued screwing it up even after the BATFE gave them a warning to stop), we now all have to go through the regular call-in background gun check here in Georgia. Guess we've still got it better than some other states, though.

Re: Question about gun shows
 

The gun shows around here are too crowded with Middle Easterners lined up at our Arms Bazaars. They land choppers in the parking lot and load up on cases of everything.

I cannot believe we still allow this loophole...:albertein

Re: Question about gun shows
 

Re: Question about gun shows
 

I would add... you sound new to fireamrs ownership and usage. I urge you in the strongest possible sense to first take a take a basic firearms safety and handling course, or even a concealed weapons course. In lieu, maybe have a freind that is well versed in firearms to take you out to th eback 40 and "learn you" about firearms. They really are fun, and useful, but not toys and with ownership comes responsibility.

Re: Question about gun shows
 

Hey Andy. That's some good advice right there.
I'll show you the basics on the 20th.
:stickyman