Last Friday I went to the Big Gun Show in Reno, NV. Next year I think I will take my hydration pack with me. I think I spent so much time on the floor looking at items on the table that by the end of the day I became dehydrated.
There were a few 760/7600 Remington pumps at the tables. But what caught my attention was the number of 760/7600 carbines at the tables. Those who know me understand I love the .270 Winchester, and the 760 pump. I had a 760 Carbine pump in my hands. It had a few scratches on the stock. But it would not be a big deal to refinish it, and install a recoil pad it would be a nice hunting rifle. It had a fix power scope on it, but I did not pay much attention to it. The price at $245 was okay. By the time the paper work was done it would cost around $300. It was a close call, but I walked away.
A few tables later I came across a 742 Carbine in .308 Winchester. If I were in the market yesterday it would have been my second choice of the day.
As the morning went on I came across other M760/7600 carbines and 742 carbines in 30/06. I have made the trip over to the show in Reno a number of times in the last 25 years. But this is the first time I have ever seen a M760 Carbine on a table. And I have never seen this number of M760/7600 and M742 carbines in one place. I believe there were five or six of them.
I maybe over analyzing the situation but the thought crossed my mind that we have lost a generation of hunters. Most of those veterans of WWII and Korea that swelled the hunting population in the 50’s and 60’s are passing on or the trek into the woods has become too difficult. Their used rifles are now coming on the market.
I had an enjoyable day at the show, a great lunch at the casino buffet, and fine conversations with a number of people. I cringed at the price I paid for a bag of brass having not checked the prices in the last few weeks. But after checking the price of 6.5X55 brass on the net after getting home I realized I saved a few dollars.
I’ll spend some time day dreaming about one of those Remington carbines. A M742 Carbine in .308 comes to mind. Buying one off a table has some risk in that I might not be able to return it if there are problems. Does any one have a recommendation on checking out the basic functions of a M742 at a show to reduce the risk factor? Does the M742 function better in 30-06 then .308?
