Gunshow search update...

[Plainsman]

I spent most of the day at the gunshow with my son today.  I was on the search for a .25-06, preferably a Handi, but I couldn't find a single .25-06 in anything!!  

I did see a few Handi's, all over priced unfortunately.  One guy even had a .22LR Sportster a guy sold/traded him WITH a 12ga barrel!   He was asking something like $250 for the setup!  I discussed the firing pin problem with a rimfire and a centerfire on a single shot frame and he ended up agreeing that the shotgun barrel couldn't be used on the Sportster.  Sounded like he was still trying to get $250 for the Sportster alone later in the day! 

I was tempted by one Sportster, a .22lr with a cheap scope on it for $130.  I thought it was a .22WMR at first, but had misread the tag.  If it had been a .22WMR, I probably would have bought it just to have another! LOL!

There were a few .243 Handi's around, just wish one was a .25-06. Oh well!

I ended up spending way too much money at the show.  Bought a bunch of small unusual stuff more than anything, .44mag brass, a Survival Rescue Tool, a knife book, 7 boxes of Velocitors, Lee Loader of unknown caliber, a mold that I have to adapt to use, Lee .44 cast bullet lube set and sizing die.  Now I have to hang onto my last remnants of cash in case a Handi drops into my hands! LOL!

[chevyone]

Well I managed to escape from the show with a bottle of Vans instant gun blue and a bottle of marinade.
I almost took the 22 Sportster home but I had the wife distract me as we were leaving so I could keep my cash.

[Plainsman]

You too, eh!  I ended up with a bottle of that stuff too!   My Redhawk has some serious snow damaged areas and I'm hoping I get it to work as well as he showed!  Ruger wanted an arm and a half a leg to refinish it! LOL!

Did you end up selling any of the items you brought up?

It was nice meeting you and your family today!   I take it you are home already too!  Quite a drive in one day!

[dpe.ahoy]

I like to go to the shows the last afternoon and they are more willing to deal for less money.  Been pretty hard finding good buys on gun stuff at the shows around here.  Have better luck hitting the regular shops during the weekend of the shows, they always run good sales that weekend.  Don't know where you are located, but here in Montana it's nothing to have people drive 150-200 miles to go to a gun show.  The regular shops run the sales to pull those folks in as well.  DP

[mrgd]

I went today & saw lots of pardners but very few rifles.  I was looking for a good deal on a .357, but to no avail.

[Plainsman]

I'm in Fargo.  Most of the time there are a few gunshows within 100 mile radius of anywhere in the state.  Over here in the northern part of the Red River Valley there are quite a few small shows each year.  The little town shows have the best deals and best finds most of the time!  The locals dust off the stuff tucked away in the corners and bring it in since the show is "right there."  I bought a many a rifle for less than $50 at the small town shows and had to walk away from even more because I didn't have enough cash to buy all of them.  One time I walked up to a table with six or seven rifles with a sign that said "$50 Each"!!!  Unfortunately, I was practically broke and ended up with one!  Had it been a day like today, I would have walked out with ALL of them!!

The dealing tactic I like is to find "good deals" first thing Sat morning at the door opener.  Then I make note of items that I think can do better on the price.  I return Sun afternoon and see if they are still available if they aren't, then I figure somebody was willing to pay more than I was.  I work on the deal at that time as the dealers don't want to lug the stuff back home!

[chevyone]

No I didn't sell anything, They wanted to steal from me and not deal on there item. They were selling norinco's for 275-400 but they would only give me 100 in trade.
It was a pleasure to meet you also. I will keep you in mind if I come across a 25-06 for sale.

Later Kevin

[necchi]

I'm in Fargo.

I'm in St. Cloud, local shows here are getting tough, I gotta agree with the Saturday am and again Sunday afternoon idea.
Ya kinda gotta look at the eco down turn affecting things,,lot's want to sell, then everyone buying looking for a bargin. Some of'm are still trying to jack ya for loading componants not knowing the local supply is back. Alot of dealers have just hung it up and stay home or work out of the shop or on-line. It doesn't pay ta haul the stuff.

Sauk Center is good in the spring, St. Cloud was a flop, 1/2 the tables where gone, got a good scope in Willmar but of the 4 handis I saw, 3 where sb1 shotgun and a BC 45-70 for $600  . Ya gotta know what stuff's worth walkin in, but half the fun is goin is ta just work yer jawbone with other shooting nut's anyway's.

[rio grande]

It's always a toss-up whether to go first thing Saturday morning or later...
IF there are any good deals or unusual items, you'll miss them for sure if you wait.
I say, go early and quick scan the tables, then watch the people coming in and what they are carrying.  The dealers do it - they watch the crowd like hawks - or vultures.
YOU have the advantage, you are not chained to a table. Get out front, at the entrance.
Stay as long as you can, watch and listen.
Make sure you eat and drink something so you don't get too tired and make some fool deal.

[mrgd]

There was a buffalo classic 45 colt for $350.  What do they normally go for.  It looked to be in pretty good shape.  Those are some looong guns. 

[Chas.]

There was a buffalo classic 45 colt for $350.  What do they normally go for. 

Bud's had them for $362 but they're out.  You can usually get one from Walmart around that price, but you may have to special order (3-5days).

Those gun shows around here are beginning to be referred to as the Jewelry & Jerky shows.

[wreckhog]

Dick's Sporting Goods special order book showed both the 45-70 and .45lc BC's for $349 when I went to the mall last week. No FFL or shipping fees, but you have to put a deposit down. You can generally get the .45lc NIB for less on GB. Used 45-70's sell for that much or more. My local shop had a used W&H for that much.