I'm taking my Model 629-2 6.5-inch factory ported deer hunting revolver to the Livonia MI gun show this weekend. Do you think it likely that I will be able to swap it for a Tikka bolt action rifle in a good deer hunting caliber (prefer .308 or .30-06)?

This show is in an urban area and I wonder if there will be much in the way of deer guns available....Season opens in about a week....Show info is here Gun shows1 Never been to this one before. Can any Michigan members tell me if it is worth a two hour drive to attend???

The gun show you reference is actually in Novi, MI, and is one of a series which appears in various cities (Grand Rapids, Flint, Kalamazoo, etc.), by the same sponsors. It's located on Grand River, just east of Beck Road, south of I-96, at the Suburban Showcase. It's very much a suburban area. It will be pretty well attended.

As is typical, you probably won't get a great deal for your Model 629. Dealers there generally low-ball the value of your trade-in. Randy's, from Bad Axe, has a large presence there. There are also several others, but don't expect a rush of dealers to be standing in line to buy your revolver. If you have the original box, bring it with you, because you can get a bit of a premium with it.

Sometimes, you'll be able to find a private individual, who may want your Model 629. If so, you can get a much better price. As you probably already know, an individual will need a purchase permit, or a CPL license to buy from you on the spot.

Do some on-line research, especially at places like Gun Broker. You'll be able to find what prices they bring. I just checked, and prices are running from the low $500's, and above. A dealer will offer you about half, maybe less, for your revolver.

I don't know if you'll be able to find a Tikka, or not.

Caveat vendor/emptor. Good luck.

Thank you, Dennis. Great information!