Hi everyone,

Hoping for some advise.

I’m going to be in the US in a couple of months, mainly in Florida (near Fort Lauderdale).
I’m wanting to buy some gear, but for some of it, would like to look before I buy.
Can anyone suggest the best places to be able to check out equipment ie gun shops, ranges etc.
From what I’ve read, gun shows are not great for deals and carry hardly any stock.
Also seems most holster manufacturers have quite long lead times at the moment.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Have a great trip over, enjoy your stay. Unfortunately Gun shows around my part of Florida at least (SW Florida across from where you will be) have gotten so bad over the last 2-3 years they really are nothing more than a place to go to kill time, or possibly find an unusual piece or 2. You might want to look up websites of firearms stores in the area near where you will be, contact them and order what your looking for before your trip so it is ready when you arrive.

The last gun show I attended here in S.C. was much like the ones from 10+ years ago... with an over abundance of stuff.... of course everything was over priced and there were no deals but if you were looking for something in particular in equipment.

Shoot Straight is a good gun shop to check out, with a location in Ft. Lauderdale.

The gun show in Ft. Lauderdale was run out of town by politics. There's one in Miami that was pretty good, but I haven't been there since I moved to Naples a couple of years ago. Here's the schedule:
https://www.floridagunshows.com/gun-show-schedule/

Good luck.

Crap! They raised their entrance fees again for the gun shows. Even with the email coupons it will be $18 to park and enter the show in Tampa. The only time to buy from a gun show is if you just can't find what you want anywhere else but I never find anything I want that I can't find a better deal for over the internet. Even the beef jerky has become seriously over priced.

Ever since Shoot Straight took over the SunCoast Gun Show, even though they have more exhibitors, prices have just been going up. And they're the only show that comes to Tampa.

Regardless of the location, a gun show isn't the prime place to shop for current gear. More often it's yesteryear's goods, second hand, with a sprinkling of low demand items which don't turn over often enough to justify dragging it hundreds of miles, again, at the prices demanded for them.

We all do a lot better on the internet. Ebay is once again my friend, picked up a Protrek compass temp watch for $54. A gun show that might have a few watches in a case would be 100 year old non running pocket watches covered up by old worn out 30's pocket knives ground down 1/2" shorter with cracked bone scales. They bring the same glass case they brought last year, same goods, same ridiculous prices.

I've tried to bargain with dealers, German Boker dagger integral forged was $100, got one from a Vegas pawn over the internet, $45 with two sheaths. There are rarely bargains at gun shows - and you have to be well up on your knowledge to see them.

AR stripped lowers for $130, selling for $45 up on the internet, add FFL fee. Still cheaper.

I go to gun shows as entertainment - same price as a movie ticket, lasts as long, you get to meet and greet some, see what is currently imported as "trade goods for the natives." There are some who collect and resell military surplus (cool if cheap) and others who may have accessories nobody in town will stock - Spectra cord, certain flashlight brands, an assortment of used holsters, etc. It's mostly impulse purchasing, and if you bring less than $100 it's disposable income. Knives, web gear, bags, leather goods (low quality unless Amish,) and the inevitable reloaded ammo disguised as new. There will likely be a beef jerky seller - don't. Get some from the gas station and it's safer.

All the pro gear used by those qualified to carry it is high demand long lead and not premade sitting on the shelf. Usually isn't anyway. Used police firearms, maybe, and if you can accept the condition of the exterior, a bargain, but rare. Some find older guns no longer made, but $$ talks and BS walks. It can put those negotiations into the $1k range quickly. From the sound of it that might be fine to observe but I'm not thinking the OP can pack them in a suitcase to take home. And there is always the Customs aspect of the home country. Americans can buy automatic knives from China and get home delivery unopened. That is a rare privilege elsewhere.

If you can, yes, do attend, 4 hours wandering the aisle might be eyeopening and a good experience. As a source of certain goods, tho, it's hit or miss. If you see it, seriously consider it. You may not see it again during your trip.

quote:

Originally posted by Paten:
Crap! They raised their entrance fees again for the gun shows. Even with the email coupons it will be $18 to park and enter the show in Tampa. The only time to buy from a gun show is if you just can't find what you want anywhere else but I never find anything I want that I can't find a better deal for over the internet. Even the beef jerky has become seriously over priced.

Ever since Shoot Straight took over the SunCoast Gun Show, even though they have more exhibitors, prices have just been going up. And they're the only show that comes to Tampa.

In Arizona you can find deals in Gun Shows all the time as long as you're buying things that you use or need and have a fairly good sized list. If you go in thinking you're going to get the absolute best price obtainable on just one specific thing you're probably doomed to disappointment.

Over the last 50 years (or so) I've done pretty well at gun shows. But then I don't buy or sell the latest plastic semi-autos. Another constant are our complaining friends here who want to trash gun shows and anything associated with them. Its the same folks who trash anything that has to do with any gunshow.

The OP seems to know what he wants to do, which means he has a better basis than the complainers. I wonder how many of them have even been to a gun show recently and if they have, how many. I'm no where near sunny Florida, but I've not seen any of the things the complainers speak of. Keep in mind shows change constantly, and its not the promoters that make the show, its the exhibitors. The promoter has little control over what is shown, they just offer up the space and advertise. Anyone who suggests a show is "bad" has little clue as to what's happening.

I admit I have only old second hand junk to offer. You know, the good stuff from yesteryear. But then I'm looking to buy the same kind of stuff. If you don't like it, don't go but quit complaining about the stuff I like and stay home.

quote:

Originally posted by Flanjet:

I’m going to be in the US in a couple of months, mainly in Florida (near Fort Lauderdale).
I’m wanting to buy some gear, but for some of it, would like to look before I buy.
Can anyone suggest the best places to be able to check out equipment ie gun shops, ranges etc.

If you get to the Daytona area, Florida Gun Exchange is a very large store with competitive prices.

In the Orange City / Deland area, AAA Pawn is huge. New, used, current, and historical firearms. Well worth a visit.

Indoor range: The best one that I have been to is at the Police museum just off the causeway leading to Cape Canaveral.

Outdoor range: If you are going to be in the Orlando area, I could probably arrange to host you at the club that I belong to.

I just looked up "Top Gun Supply", looks like their Florida store is no more?

Top Gun Supply still shows a store in St. Augustine, although that is very far from Fort Lauderdale.

Another vote for Shoot Straight in Fort Lauderdale. I was actually in the store two days ago. Nice store good selections, nice people working there.

Have not been to a gun show in several yers after very disappointing experiences. I think there still are some in South Florida but no idea when if you still want to go that route.

quote:

Originally posted by Warhorse:
I just looked up "Top Gun Supply", looks like their Florida store is no more?

You and I had the same idea. I'm not sure Flanjet would want to drive the @ 400 under 300 miles and @ 5 3-4 hours from Fort Lauderdale to St. Augustine, but, on the chance that a road trip was doable, Top Gun Supply is a long time forum member with legendary customer service, and retail shops in Ohio and Florida.

Top Gun Supply

Before making that haul I'd suggest calling them and verifying their business hours, and perhaps checking on their inventory.

From their website:

Top Gun Supply -

525 State Road 16, #129
St. Augustine, FL 32084

(904) 615-1661

Edited: thanks to V-Tail, corrected time and distance.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Modern Day Savage,

quote:

Originally posted by kho:
Top Gun Supply still shows a store in St. Augustine, although that is very far from Fort Lauderdale.

Thanks, I had to dig deep in their website to find that info listed.

quote:

Originally posted by Modern Day Savage:

400 miles and @ 5 hours from Fort Lauderdale to St. Augustine

A bit under 300 miles, and closer to four hours than to five, via I-95.

Thanks everyone for taking the time to give your input.

Taking the family up to Orlando to do the parks thing, so if there’s any good stores up there for gear (won’t be buying any firearms, not worth the pain), please let me know.
Will definitely check out the stores you guys mentioned if they are on the way.
I’ll most likely check out a gun show, even if just for the experience.

Will keep doing my homework and will order ahead if need be.
The main thing I wanted to put together while I’m there is a gun belt rig, and I would like to see those parts first hand.

Thanks again

There is a 5.11 factory store in West Palm Beach. That would give you a lot of hands on of a variety of tactical gear. Only The Best is in Pompano and the have a lot of tactical gear as well.

quote:

Originally posted by V-Tail:

quote:

Originally posted by Modern Day Savage:

400 miles and @ 5 hours from Fort Lauderdale to St. Augustine

A bit under 300 miles, and closer to four hours than to five, via I-95.

Thanks for the correction! I've never been to either place and did a quick Duck Duck Go search, came up with a range of answers on distance and time, and went with the higher ones.

I've edited my time and distance estimates in my previous post.

quote:

Originally posted by Flanjet:
Thanks everyone for taking the time to give your input.

Taking the family up to Orlando to do the parks thing, so if there’s any good stores up there for gear (won’t be buying any firearms, not worth the pain), please let me know.
Will definitely check out the stores you guys mentioned if they are on the way.
I’ll most likely check out a gun show, even if just for the experience.

Will keep doing my homework and will order ahead if need be.
The main thing I wanted to put together while I’m there is a gun belt rig, and I would like to see those parts first hand.

Thanks again

With Central Florida I can help, Miami area, no, but seems someone here works in a shop up the coast from Miami, maybe Ft Lauderdale, WPB, somewhere in that area...

Yes Shooters World is right in the tourist area, close to I-Drive and I-4 and Universal.

https://www.shootersworld.com/...e-locations/orlando/


Orlando Gun Club is down in the Attractions area as well

https://orlandogunclub.com/


Shoot Straight has two locations, Casselberry and Apopka, the Apopka location is the larger and one I'd suggest.

https://shoot-straight.com/

The Armories have three locations, the Winter Garden will be closer.

https://www.thearmories.com/