I went to a gun show in Dallas about a month ago with the idea of purchasing an AR. I just didn't find the one I wanted so I planned on going to the big show if Fort Worth this weekend. Well I went yesterday and man was I shocked. I understand that there was a shooting but I can not believe the amount of gouging that was going on. I thought shooters were a loose knit brotherhood that was supposed to look out for each other. The same companies selling the same ARs were three times the price from a month ago. What I was seeing for $600 is now selling for $1700+. Most ARs and AKs were between $2000 - $3000.

The other thing that surprised the heck out of me is that they were charging for military. While I don't expect to get anything for being military and I have absolutely no problem paying, I was shocked that they made us pay. A buddy and I both had IDs. It was just the first time I have ever paid to get into a gun show when I presented my military ID.

Welcome to the new year. Wait a few months before you buy an AR. In the meantime, prices on most handguns and shotguns are about the same if you're itching to buy something.

Just look at the classifieds on the THF. That's brotherhood for you!

or texasguntrader.com

Openings @ http://www.texasguntalk.com/forums/forum.php I hear they are pretty tight!

Do you charge military and shooters for roofs ?

awesome!

Ahhahhahahahhahahhahahhahahahahaha !

I don't see any gouging going on at all. The sellers are only charging what people are willing to pay. There are several places out there still selling at or close to the older pricing, you might just have to wait months to get what you order. If you want it now, be prepared to pay more for it. If something is priced too high, walk on by and let someone else buy it. The market will take care of itself in the long run.

I we t to a show here in houston and it was the exact same thing. And it is price gouging. Up to a certain point it's market demand. But $2000+ for a standard stripped down Bushmaster is extortion. I saw a 1000 round can of 7.62x39 for $750. I made it a point to stand around there a bit a discourage anyone from buying. It's their right to gouge and it's my right to inform morons what prices should be.

Everyone will look at it their own way. I see it as a bunch of people who realized too late that they feel they need more guns and ammo. They have two options; 1) Order what they want or need at normal, or close to normal prices and wait. 2) Run out and pay outrageous prices to have it right now.

Which category do you fall under?

And "price gouging" only applies to essential items. Guns and ammo aren't necessarily considered 'essential'. No one is making these people pay these prices for things. They are willingly handing over their cash.

And....When was the last time you successfully 'informed' a moron? I've tried many times, and find it to be a futile attempt. But here I am again.

The high prices for guns are classic Econ 101. As supplies become short, prices will rise. We can thank our "Dearly Beloved" President we all know as Comrade Stinky (Barack Obama=BO) and that "Esteemed" senator from California Diane"I'm a hypocite who wants to take your guns away." Fienstien for the run on guns and ammo because they are threatening more gun control legistlation.

yup TGT is 70% straw dealers, 20% licensed FFLs and maybe 10% legit FTF transactions. I am sure the "gun show loophole" will be addressed and knock that sight on its axx, too bad because I love buying stuff on TGT.

Most people would up their profit margin by 3000% if something in the market allowed it or encouraged it. Every time there is a storm in the gulf or a uprising in the middle east you see it with oil even if supplies are never affected. That's gouging. Now if you see corn at a high price due to the drought that is cost recovery. The farmers put out a lot of money to get a dwindled crop and need to get more for it to recover costs. That's not gouging. These guys already have the guns at a low cost and are taking advantage of fear mongering to increase profits. Not really gouging because as previously stated it is not a needed commodity. It is their right and the right of people to pay it if they wish, but it garners no good will or respect for them from most people.

$14 a gallon for milk?? Will you be drinking milk?

Well spoken.

I don't know if I agree on the percentages, but I have been concerned about the straw purchaser issue recently. Lots of BNIB rifles for sale. That would be just the kind of ammo the politicians would use to try to shut down individual sales. I hope that the states jump on this, however, as it is a states' rights issue.

No. I'm lactose intolerant.

I would like to purchase another AR, but at the current frenzied prices, that ain't gonna happen. If the prices come down in a few weeks or months or so, I might....but no way am I gonna pay 2K or more for a $900 gun!

This is all about the fear that mags and ARs wont be available in the future. Also remember that this is the secondary market that is increasing the cost of the guns/mags/parts/ammo not the manufacturers(that I have seen)

I find it funny that you see plenty of bushmasters, dpms, s&w along with all the other lower end guns and parts available, but the quality guns are staying in the safe.

Wonder what a LaRue OBR would bring right about now.