I was thinking today as to which of my many deals on guns ranks highest in terms of appreciation in value. Several crossed my mind. One was buying an engraved Model 1873 Winchester at an El Paso flea market for $100, and selling it a month later for $850. And yes, that was maybe 25 years ago.

Another was buying a Model 1941 Johnson semiauto rifle at a gun show back in the '60s for $350. Today, it's worth in excess of $5500.

However, the very best deal I ever made was at a gun show in September of 2002. I usually make it a point to get to gun shows early before the guns get picked over and picked up. I noticed a table that was bare, but the guy sitting on the chair behind it was pulling what looked like a Remington Nylon 66 Apache Black semiauto .22 out of a gun case. Now these are not especially rare, but good ones are becoming more valuable with each passing year. I was mildly interested, and so I stopped to chat with him.

But what he had was NOT a Nylon 66. It was a Nylon 76 "Trail Rider", the only lever action Remington ever made. And it was in Apache Black. Having done my homework in putting together a collection, I realized that what was in front of me was one of the rarest of the Nylon .22 guns. Only 1615 of these were ever made in this black and chrome version back in the early 1960s, and through normal attrition, it's estimated that less than a thousand of the Apache Blacks still exist.

Trying not to let my surprise show, I casually asked him what he wanted for it. He said "I guess you don't see a lot of these - I don't know, I'd take $450 for it." Now that, my friends, was the deal of the century, but being the inveterate bargainer and cheapskate I've always been, I got him down to accepting $400 cash for it.

Now, my friends, finding one of these is literally like finding a needle in a haystack. In my 40 plus years of collecting, I have only had one other one come along. It was in worse condition, so I sold it for a pretty penny to a Nylon collector who hungered for one in any condition, but this one, estimated to be in 98% condition, is a keeper and a prize in any collection of Nylon .22s.

I just checked on the Internet a few days ago, and another one in just good condition has surfaced. The owner is standing firm on a price of over $6,500! I would not be surprised if in a few years the price for one in excellent condition would approach $10K. These prices are way beyond what I have estimated with a seasoned eye a few years ago.

Here's a picture of my "deal of the century." This one was made in May of 1963.



How about you? I hope none of you have fleeced little old ladies who have found Walker Colts in their attics, but I'm sure there are some similar tales to be told here! Tell us about your "best deals!"

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

Excellent story and information, Paladin. I'd never heard of a Remington lever action rifle before! Mine's easy - a pristine Model 60-7 for $250.00 (plus tax) from the local Cabela's. No box, documents, etc., but a killer, no-bicker or dicker price. The piece is accurate and a lot of fun.

Best regards,

Dave

Traded a Canon AE1 Program 35MM Camera for a Model 57 no dash.

I'm hoping it's the next one but I gotta say I enjoyed reading this
post & seeing that outstanding Remington. Great story & a really
great rifle.

Regards,

turnerriver

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turnerriver

In 1988 I bought a Steyr AUG, a bullpup 5.56mm military rifle made in Austria, for $600. It came with an extra bolt for left-handed shooting, and 6 magazines.
The first year I owned it I sold the left-handed bolt to a Canadian shooter for $100.
I shot that gun in 3-gun competitions for the next 6 years. I documented 16,000 rounds through it. The first inch of the bore was badly eroded. I won a lot of money and some guns shooting that rifle.
In 1994 the Assault Weapon Ban came into effect. Military style rifle values shot through the roof.
I sold the AUG at a gun show in August 1994 for $2500, with one magazine.
I sold the other 5 magazines for $50 each.
Best investment I ever made.

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John

My two top best deals also ended up being the worst mistakes I ever made reguarding guns!
The first, I bought a beautiful parker double barrel 12 gauge hammerless with fluid steel barrels, (NOT damascus) for $21s at a county estate auction when I was 12 years old in 1953. I got traded out of it when my dad wasnt home for a tiny fraction what it was worth.
The secound deal was this colt new frontier in .45 colt. I bought it out of a pawn shop in reseada calif about in 1975 for $250s. In researching it I found out audie murphy had bought it and a consecatively numbered mate in 1965. He willed them to his two sons. One son sold his to george garton that wrote the book post war colt single action armys. That is how I found out the history on mine when I read his book. I got in touch with garton and farther documented mine. Evidently murphys other son just took his to the pawn shop and didnt tell them it was his famous fathers! Lets see. The famous most decarated war hero we ever had in this country along with being a top western star, what do you think it would be worth on auction today? By the way, it is serial # 5355NF. My ex "liberated" it and many more when she ran off with "Jody". I had them all before I ever met her.

a guy had a Colt "trooper" in Seattleguns for $275.
I went. It was a Trooper MKV, new condition in the box, and a duty rig for it.
Sold.

Well, a little different perspective..... In 1949, my dad bought a new single shot Savage 3D .22 rifle in a local sporting goods store for around $12, as I recall it. He also bought some ammo that ranged from $.55 to $.95 [fancy target stuff] per box.

We enjoyed that rifle for many years until his death in 1980. Because it has led me to a 60+ year love affair with firearms, for such a modest investment, it surely is, for me, the best deal ever on a firearm.

Regards and thanks for the happy memories,

Dyson

I bought an original Springfield 03 dated 1919 at a pawn shop in 2001 for $59.95. I didn't try to bargain with them or make the price include tax, I just wanted to get out of there before they changed their mind.

i bought a "stolen and recovered" bennelli M1S90 and a Krieghof cased trap set with additional Unsingle barrel set for $125 from a state farm adjuster whose boss wanted them out of the office. i traded the bennelli for a FAL imbel and the krieghof for a combat commander, Beretta 1934, sig P228, 4 inch model 19 and a 5906. i still have the commander, it was an older model and just too mint to trade or sell.

In the late 1980s I was shooting at an indoor range and gunshop in Powell, Ohio. The owner was one of those individuals who knew absolutely everything and was not afraid to tell you, but it was a convent place to shoot. Walking by the used gun rack I spotted a very nice, original 1873 Trapdoor Springfield carbine, probably 3rd year of production by the serial number. The hang tag read $125.00. I took it to the counter expecting to be told there was a typo on the tag but instead was told that since I was a club member that was the out the door price.

Then there was the time I answered an ad for a guy wanting to sell his Ruger 45 and some accessories for $150. When I got there what he had was a Ruger Blackhawk with the brass grip frame. The accessories consisted of a Ruger marked flap holster, reloading dies, bullet mold, cast bullets, several hundred rounds of loaded ammo, several hundred pieces of brass, primers, etc.

I never make good deals on guns.

I try to do my homework, but typically I buy on impulse when some cash is burning a hole in my pocket. I don't seem to overpay by more than $25 to $100, but I never steal anything either. Then I have to go home and do some more research to find out what the heck I just bought.

I do better with motorcycles.

I can't touch some of those. My $200 Remington model 8 with some feathering in the buttstock about 90% is a good one (1998).

The Springfield-Stevens 5100 16 ga that's just like the 20 ga I grew up on for $200 (1999) may not be the best deal, but it fits like a glove and it doesn't miss. I'm happy with that one.

The Marlin 336C in 35 Remington that's in about 90-95% for $125 ain't too bad either. Really one of the more accurate guns I've had, believe it or not.(2002)

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War Eagle! '10 BCS & '13 SEC

About 5 years ago a widow lady I work with asked me if I would be interested in buying her husbands old gun... I replied "Bring it to work and I will look at it on my break" It was a nickle plated model 36 snubie and came with a leather holster... She wanted $250.00 for it and I told her I wasn't really looking for another gun but I would give her $200.00 for it... I gave her the cash and she was a happy camper... About 2 weeks later she handed me a paper bag and said "Here I forgot to give you this..." In the sack was another leather holster, the original blue box, cleaning brush and owner hand book... Kinda made my day... I bought a pair of pearl looking grips for it but kept all of the original stuff... I don't usually name my guns but I named it "Betsy" after her... Later, Dave

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I didn't do it. Nobody saw me.

Got two:
1. Colt SAA #2697 for $50...it did need a little work.
2. S&W New Century Triplelock target in 98%+ original condition for $550.

Any guesses on what my two worse gun deals were??

Without a time frame this thread is sort of meaningless. I think it should be "My best deal in the 80's", "My best deal last year", etc. Almost any purchase from long ago will be a great deal today.

My best deal from long ago was an M1 carbine purchased from the DCM in 1965 for $17.50, but any NRA member was able to get the same deal I did.

My best deal this year was a Model 15-2 in excellent condition for $275.

Back in about 1977, I bought a Winchester model 94 Canadian Centennial, 26" octagon barrel, unfired, for $75.00. The seller was a co-worker of my step-father and we played a little joke on him. I reloaded a 32 Special using a necked-up 30-30, so the headstamp read 30-30. I told him I wanted to chamber a round just to make sure it would chamber and eject. I put the round in and of course it wouldn't chamber. Gave it to the guy and asked him what was wrong with his rifle. He turned white as a sheet as he tried to chamber the round. We let him struggle for a few minutes, with me telling him not to force it, then let him in on the joke.

Back in the early 60s the base where I was stationed had some excess M1 Garands to get rid of. They had a number of drawings and I was lucky enough to have my name drawn. I had to go to finance first and pay for the rifle $21.10. After that I went to supply where they stored. A number of guys were ahead of me and had gotten their gun. When my turn came the clerk couldn't find my weapon-he asked another clerk who told him to look in the box at the end of the counter. He pulled out my M1, brand new and still wrapped in cosmoline. Now the sad part - I traded it for a motor scooter several years later.

I've got a few, but the best is one that I got as a gift.
I believe it was Christmas Eve of 1979. I was 14, and my job was passing out the presents from under the tree. After a while I noticed I wasn't getting much. I consoled myself by remembering Christmas isn't about gifts anyway (I was SO mature at 14).
After all the gifts were distributed my Dad handed me an envelope. Inside was a note that read "look in the corner in the dining room and see if there is anything interesting". HMMMMMM. I shoulda figgered it out when the whole family followed me, including Mom with a camera. There was always 2 or 3 guns propped in the corner, but one was in a case. I opened it up and pulled out a PERFECT M42 Winchester. I already had a 12 Ga M12 so I knew all about it's little brother. Dad had paid $150 for it from a friend. Today it would book for about two grand.

My best buys were on S&W revolvers. About 11 or 12 years ago a saw a .38/44 Heavy Duty 5" from about 1952 with about 95% finish at a gun show. After haggling I walked out with it for $250 OTD.
Shortly after that I was at another show and found a .38/44 Outdoorsman Transitional from about 1947. I found out later (on here) that it has a Registered Magnum serrated rib. I paid $400 OTD for it. Both of these are worth several times what I paid for 'em, and I'm never gonna let them go as long as I'm still breathin'. Missus P&R Fan has been advised who to contact after I assume room temperature, and I'm sure she'll get what they are worth.
I'm just gonna enjoy them now, and smile when I think about the good deals I got.
Jim

Adowns nailed it when he said all guns were deals if you bought them in the 60s and 70s and I bought the majority of mine back then. When I lived in lancaster california back in that time frame, Jack First ran "The Gunshop" there. He is the same jack first gun parts guy that has the business in rapid city s. dakota.
Right at the first of january every year jack had a big sale. He would put out selected guns and stuff for 5 days. First day was 10% off with another 10 % off each day untill the fifth day when what was left was 50% off retail. I bought quite a few new guns in the box always on january 5th. Here is a nickle colt python I got for 50%! I see in my notes on it that I gave about $165s for it in 1971. I later had alphonso make me the custom floral rig for it for another $60s back then. I would venture that gun and rig is worth about $1,500s today. Nickle on a 2 1/2" python is as rare as they get. The gun is dirty in the picture, but really is close to flawless.

Here is a couple more I bought from jack. The first one is a ithica supream skeet model 37 in 20 guage. I STILL havent shot it! I see I paid $239.63 for it in early 1985. It was already on sale before he started the 1/2 price sale. Still has the gold paper sticker on the stock.
I once bought a NIB winchester 63 for $165s in 1971 that was about 15 years past end of production there too!
Another time I bought a browning safari 308 with sako action new in 1974 for 1/2 price. From another gun dealer friend I bought a unfired winchester model 64 made in 1952 that looked unfired for $200s in 1975. I still have them.

I traded a Kel-Tec .380 + $100 for a Mustang Plus II

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Corripe Cervisiam

WOW that was a deal. he wanted that keltec. I got a new winchester 3030 94 AE for $100. it only had 9 shells fired from it.I have the rest of the box of shells. I sold it 14 days later for $275.

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God save the SOUTH

I've made a few over the years. One that comes to mind was at a small gun show down in Somerset, KY. I met up with my friends, Joe and Glen and we set up our table. I was a good boy and was a settin' on the nest whilst they rampaged all over the show, looking for bargains. Then just around lunch time some fool came in and bought my Browning High Power, the one with all the factory engraving. I was just happy to sell it and maybe make a dollar or two. So being flush with cash, I decided to wander over to the hot dog stand and tempt fate and food poisoning. So with my dogs and drink in hand, I took a bypass down a side aisle. I came upon a guy who liked N frame 357s. The guy had a passel of them on his table, but one caught my eye. It had prewar sights, a very good sign. And he wanted $675 for it. But right next to it was a M27, also nickel, and he only wanted $600 for it. So being kind of dumb... I asked him why the newer and better one was cheaper. He had some kind of idea that maybe a prewar magnum might bring a little more than a current production gun. Of course I'd eaten one of my dogs and was workin' on the second. And I hadn't picked either up yet. But I put down my drink and the remains of the hot dog and picked up the RM, which for all the world looked factory and even had a little tiny "N" in the ejector shroud. Then I put it back down and started really admiring the current production gun. He finally asked me what I thought... So I told him I'd take the older gun if he'd make it $600. He jumped at the deal, so I didn't tear my pocket gettin' the money out. I then stuck it in my belt, picked up my food and walked on. When I got back they asked what I had. I replied "just a ratty old nickel Magnum".

Not a gun but at the same venue, I drove down just because it was a nice autumn day and that part of KY is great when the leaves change. My wife came along, just to look. About half way through the show there were too old horse traders at a table, I recognized them from many prior shows. Up front was an old shotgun shell box with a bunch of 357 parts. Barrel, cylinder, the normal stuff. but down in the bottom was a flawless sight adjuster, in black oxide. So I asked him what he wanted for it. He said "its not mine, its his" and turned to his partner. The guy gave me a crazy look and said "you need a screwdriver?" Yep. So he said "oh, how about a dollar." I was near cardiac arrest, couldn't breathe, but did manage to hand over a dollar and stumbled away. At the end of the island, at the cross aisle, my wife looked at me and said "whats wrong with you?" So I got my breathing going again and my pulse running, and just said that was the deal of the century. Didn't impress her much.

And then there was the show down in Paris, KY. Everyone at gun shows knows each other, or at least the vendors do. I was getting there a little late for whatever reason. The normal gaggle of old coots (look who's talking) was outside, sitting on the guard rail around the building. They were up to the normal, lying, fibbing, and reliving the past, smoking and chewing. The first guy on the line said hi, and I said hi back. Then I asked him if there was anything good inside. He said not really. Some young guy had a chrome plated Smith, but wanted too much for it. OK. In I went. The shows were small enough you could walk them in a hurry in 15 minutes. It didn't take long to find the guy. He'd offered it to every vendor in the room, but for $750 he was going to be taking it home again. I waited politely for him to finish getting his hopes dashed by the vendor he was showing it to. As he turned I asked "whacha got thar" Polite in country terms. He said "just this old 44". So I was looking at it and it looked kind of nice, but had ugly jigged bone grips someone had stuck on it long ago. So I got this frown on my face, the put on one to tell the guy it wasn't going to happen. But just as he was saying he could probably take $650 for it, I noticed the caliber marking on the barrel wasn't 44 S&W Special, it said 44 Winchester. In all fairness, they maybe made a dozen in off calibers, maybe 3 or 4 in 44-40. So I paid up and took the thing home with me. Guess we were both happy campers. Did I mention I like the small out of the way shows?

Not a gun, but at the same promoters little (tiny) show in Mt Sterling, KY, I walked in early. It was going to be a dog of a show. Only 2 rows of tables, and they weren't long rows. But at the one corner there were a couple of tables on a little stage. Guess the room was used for receptions or dances or something. So I walked over and looked. The guy had display boxes and in one I could see the unmistakable handle of an old Randall knife. Well, no one came over to tend the tables and I felt like a fool just standing up there, so I browsed the rest of the show, keeping an eye out for the vendor. Finally I asked the promoter (Jerry Taylor) where the guy was.

He just got a funny look on his face and said "he went to breakfast!" OK. So I walked the show again, BSing with the vendors I knew well. Finally a guy came strolling in. He'd been to Mickey D's, and had a shopping bag full of egg McMuffins, coffee and such, passing it out to everyone. When they all got down to eating, I walked over and asked him if that was his display up there on the stage. He said yup. So I said he had a knife buried in the one case I might be interested in. He laughed and said "oh, you mean that old Randall? I can't sell it for less that $150." Well, I'd driven 100 miles to get to the show, so I figured it was worth looking at. And it was a keeper. So I gave him his $150 and took it home. My buddy the Randall expert saw it the next weekend. He wanted to know where I landed it and for how much (maybe an improper question, but he's a friend, so I told him. He said "you want to triple your money?" Of course I didn't, if he'd pay me $450, it was worth significantly more. Its an early trout and bird, not the current blade grind, and fairly sought after. And it reminds me, I've got to open a thread on the guy signing on as Sam Sackett. The knife is factory inscribed to a Ted Sackett.

I've got more stories of glory, blood and guts.

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Dick Burg

Goes back quite a few years, but I still have fond memeories. There was an older gentleman who had a small shop just north of here. It was in a rustic looking building, and the owner was fun to talk to, and his prices were very reasonable. I was interested in Smiths, but knew very little about them. He had an old .44 that had been reblued, but it was sound and tight. Seventy-five dollars for a Triplelock was a pretty good deal even then. And I still have it, unlike most of the good deals I have found.

More recently, I picked up a Savage 99T at a show south of here. The price was pretty good, and the caliber was even better. The made very few 30-30's in the T. The seller wanted a thousand on Saturday, but took $700 on Sunday.

I traded a Model 64 and 50 bucks for a Model 27.

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Regards,
Guy-Harold Smith II

A few years ago I bought a 8 3/8" .460 S&W Magnum. It came a couple of boxes of ammo. All but one were full. One had 5 rounds missing. I figured that it had not been fired many times. Some us don't mind recoil. Apparently others do.

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Corripe Cervisiam

"Gun related" item...at a garage sale, my wife bought an American army helmet with liner and camo cover. The seller threw in a second helmet, both for ten dollars. When she gave the bag to me, I quickly identified a Vietnam era steel pot with the soldier's name and serial in it. The second helmet was a WWII German paratrooper's with a name and serial number written in the leather. While nice, but not my 'thing', I took them to a gun show and was mobbed! Everyone wanted the Fallschirmjager helmet and the top offer was $900, so I took it for an profit of $895. The army pot sold for $35. Nice day at the garage sales!

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Term limits!

My best deal ever:

In 1982 I gave this guy who worked at the gun store green pieces of paper, and after the several day waiting period in that jurisdiction he gave me my first gun. I will never get a better deal.

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Buy American
Vote Responsibly

1984. On my 01 FFL, a genuine HK91 $399 delivered. Unfortunately they were not that popular at the time and I only got one. Bought the "spares" cut up G3 for $150 about 10 years later, sold the "magical" lower for $100 fearing the "constructive possession" boogeyman. I guess outside of free, that's as good as I got. Joe

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Wisdom chases me; I'm faster

Was in a real friendly gun shop in Springfield Illinois and there was an Arisaka in the rack. I needed one to fill out my WW2 rifle collection and the price was $85! Turned out the bore was so fouled you couldn't see any light down it. But it's mum was pristine so I bought it. Got it home and decided to soak the bore and see if I could ever clean it out. Next day I tapped a rod gently down the bore and a cleaning rod pops out! The bore was pristine! Great shooter and sits proudly next to it's contemporaries.

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Always bet on stupidity.

I don't think I've ever made a sweet deal for a gun. I've picked up a couple on the cheap but I got what I paid for. I just wish I could buy back all the guns I've traded in for what they gave me in trade. But at least by trading I got to experience owning a lot more firearms than I would have by keeping them all.

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Regards, Ron
USASA 1965/69

I paid $50 for a nice shootable top break Model 2 single action 38 spur trigger. It was in 1988 I think. The nickel finish was worn in a few areas, but not bad. I think a friend got it from his grandpa's estate and did not want it. I traded it in on (I think) a new model 19 four years later. Got about $150 for the trade, and the new 19 was about $350 back then. Two good deals! Not many since.

Back in the early 90's,I bought a 5.5 in. registered magnum in 98%+original condition with box for $825.Boy, I wish I had that one back!

From recent deals;

S&W 648 with factory combats....$275

29-2 4" Shooter .....$450

870 wingmaster 410...$275

870 wingmaster 28.....$250

model 70 .223...........$330

pre-war shooter grade Win 42.....$900

Winchester 75 Target with leather sling, MINT.....$400

and just yesterday a Original Ruger 10/22 Magnum....$500.

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Kris
OGCA, NRA LM

I have made several great deals over the years, sad part is that I only have one of the guns in my vault. All of the others have been passed along for new owners to enjoy. The first deal and probably the best of the lot was the Parker BHE shotgun I purchased unfired. It was one of the last 100 or so made by Remington after they had acquired the company. I had to borrow money to come up with the $10K but later sold that Parker for $30K. Next is the Prewar Winchester M/70 .257 Roberts purchased for $995.00 along with a brand new stock. After selling the stock, scope and mounts I had a 95% rifle for $650.00. Lastly a 4" S&W 1950 Target, 98% in a S&W Presentation Case with shipping carton and receipt. Purchased at auction for $650.00 OTD, I traded it even a short time later for a 5" 1950 Target in similar condition. I forgot about another real gem of a deal, a Griffin & Howe custom Springfield M1922 bought for $1000.00 and sold a few years later for 2X that. I thought I had done well at the time, of all the deals I wish I still had that one.

A few years ago sitting in a show in Reno Nevada, I was sitting at my table visiting with forum member Wyatt Burp and a guy comes up carrying this old Smith like it was a old piece of scrap iron. the show was really busy and my table was way in the back on the wall. I ask "what ya got there"he hands over the old dog, and I could barely contain my excitement as it was a fully engraved K22-40 with Kings sights and hammer. I asked how much? he says $400 , I could hardly contain myself long enough to get my money out .
How this gun made it past all the vultures to me still baffles me. Wyatt just sat there shaking his head.

Dan

I won't count the freebies people have given me, some really nice stuff: a pristine Remington 121 pump .22, a Mossberg 26b .22, a No1,MKIV WW2 Savage Enfield very early lend lease model and a bunch of bayonets, a Colt .38 detective special, a WW2 bring back .22 rifle .

The best money deal to me was a 1935 Parker VH double in 12ga. bought from a friend for $600 because it wasn't fancy enough for him. It was perfect for me, 26" tubes, imp and mod, straight wrist stock and not molested in any way.

Other sweet money deals were an all original Inland M1 carbine for $300 and a M1922 Nazi marked Browning pistol for $150.

you didnt try to talk him down a little?????

awesome gun

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Kris
OGCA, NRA LM

In recent times? 98 dollars for a Mossberg 800 AM in .308 Win, complete with scope mount. Stock had been repaired, but eh. Found it on the used rack at Gander Mountain circa 2007.

Then around Christmas of 09 I think it was, I traded about 60 dollars worth of GI green tip 5.56mm (200rds) for a pair of Enfields. One was a Jungle carbine with a bent bbl, the other was a No4 Mk1 that sat under a wood pile in a garage for some years forgotten. Rusty outside, bad wood and so on, but bore was fine.

Traded those two away, then got them back. Using parts from the pair, the No4 Mk1 made a nice mutant sporter. Painted the stock and the metal, which has kept the rust off since. (SC lowcountry semi tropical weather makes a nice niche for such rifles.)

Then there was the old 91 long 6.5mm Carcano that had been "sporterized". I got it via Auction Arms from a combination gunshop/pharmacy in some small town in MS. Cajunlawyer said it was probably a swamper rifle - the sort of thing carried on an airboat for utility in the area. When I showed it off the forum, the debate was whether to make it into a lamp or not, and whether to put a bag of shame over my head to go pick it up.

But... it was a sort of neat rifle. The stock had initials and a date from 1937 carved into it in several places, suggesting that circa 1937 it was held as evidence for something or another.

The action became a scout rifle project, dropped into a Fajen stock from another Carcano sporter - the time I accidentally bought one in 7.35mm.

Then the action from the 7.35mm, which I've fired with old Italian 1939 issue ammo, went into the 1937 swamper stock. The usual SC mods - paint the metal parts and the stock. Presto no more rust. Then pinned an JB welded an SKS muzzle brake/flash hider on the muzzle of the 7.35mm. A piece of wood from the Enfield project made a nice handguard.

The Frankencarcanon then shot dead on and no muzzle rise, little recoil. Next step is getting set up to reload 7.35mm.

Cost of the 6.5mm Swamper was 89 dollars, the nice Fajen stocked 7.35mm cost me about 130.

When I bought my property in Ozarks foothills it needed some clearing and such before I could start building on it. I had a small Kubota tractor at the time and needed a 4 ft bush hog and ended up cutting firewood for a used one.

I used that bush hog for 15 years and eventually bought a bigger tractor and a new 5 ft cutter. The old 4 ft ended up sitting around and mostly rusting for several years afterwards. I'd tried to sell it a couple of times and only wanted 50 bucks for it just to get it out of my way.

Last year I did some work for retired neighbor and we discovered we both an an interest in firearms and in the discussion he discovered I collected M1 carbines. He had one he'd bought through the NRA back in 1964 that he had never fired, and very nice one USGI .30 carbine made by IBM.

Weeks later he came by my place and saw my 4ft bush hog sitting next to the barn and said he had a need for one. He offered to trade his M1 carbine that he never used for my $50 used bush hog . . . deal was made. At the time the carbine would probably sell for $500 - $750.

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- Change it back -

Around 15 yrs ago, I swapped a Rossi Overland 12ga. for a BAR in .30-06. I had $175 in the Rossi.

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Wayne
Torn & Frayed

I thought I made a good deal until I saw the OP. Congraulations BTW.

Oh well, my deal went like this...I found a 1909 Peruvian mauser in a pawn shop for $50.00 and sold it a couple of months later for $750.00.

I swapped an old 6.5 Carcano with a shot out barrel and scarred up stock for a single shot .22 made around 1930 that sold originally in the Sears catalog for $5.86. But, it wouldn't have mattered to me if that Carcano was a tack driver at 200 yards and looked brand new. The important thing about the .22 was that it had belonged to my grandfather and was the first rifle I ever shot at about age 6.

CW

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In about 1995 I bought a Marlin 336 30-30 at a pawnshop in the Pasadena TX area. My son's first rifle. They had it marked at 299.99. I offered 200 cash. Sold. Came with box and and paperwork. Looked to have never been shot. This was the nice Walnut cut checkered model that was selling for about 339 new at retailers. It had been handled so little there were still wood shavings in the checkering.

I also got a TX DPS 28-2 for 250 in 2003. Model 19-2 6-inch for 250 at about the same time.

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A 4 screw model 16 in 97/98% for $630.00 OTD in 2001.

A beautiful 6" 27-2 that friend gave me.

I'll try to post a ****** cell phone of it later.

I traded a model 60 to a model 25-2 in 98-99% condition in a presentation case years ago. I still have the 25 and it is my favorite gun

garage sale finds..
.38 double action 4th model that was sitting with a bunch of toy guns, I even tried to explain it was a real gun, but still had to pay the asking price... 50 cents....

"pre" 17 from 1955..was her late husbands and just wanted it out of the house.... price 200 dollars

lastly is a Remington 870 SP mag....new in box
working on midnights I have time to plow out the neighbors drives in the winter, never charge ( seems kinda silly,I'm having all the fun )
anyhow one of the neighbors was moving into a nurseing home, told me he had gotten the 870 for hunting but never had the chance, figured I could use it more than him..So it was free, a gift for plowing....

I just about cry when I think back on some of the guns I've had and sold or traded, but last year we were at a yard sale out in the country, had some good and interesting old stuff. I asked the lady if she had any guns for sale, she said she had one her father always kept in his dresser, I bought a colt new army for 150.00 and she thught she made a deal