When I go to shows I look like a less than prosperous fellow, but I am always polite and ask, what I hope, are not stupid questions. Few sellers know, that there is cash in the back pocket to buy almost any gun at the show. It can not be easy for sellers to have idiots want to fondle guns and risk them dropping or damage them. Face it some buyers are idiots, just like dealers. Sellers and buyers are stuck with sellers who do not have a clue and buyer who do not have a cent to spend. A hot dog is the extent of their show purchase many times.
Some sellers are clueless while others think that they know more than anyone else in the entire World. What I hate are dealers who try to convince old timers that they guns that they are selling are worthless. Pay a fair price for a gun and everyone is treated well. Steal it, for a tenth of the real value and you are a thief in my book. Many old men are selling old war trophy or a double he has had for 50 years at these shows. Respect him, and offer him a reasonable amount of money.
One dealer offered a guy $1,200 for a 16 AE Fox a few years ago. Seller said that he would think about it. I told the fellow, later down the next isle, that it was way to low and ended up paying him several times that amount. I showed him the Bluebook value and explained that he should hold out for at least X dollars. He asked it I could pay that much for the gun. I did. We both were happy. My 85 year old dad has the gun now. It is in good hands.
