Those of you who know me know that I very rarely find interest in S&Ws newer than 1965 ... and ... that I have a weakness for Chief's Specials, Chief's Special Airweights and just certain Performance Centers.
I set up at the Lakeland Show this past weekend with the help of my son, Sal. If not for my son (RANGELINE9), I would not have been able to do it. I very rarely do shows any more as it seems to be senseless. I don't bother with anything new and all the old timers (like me) are dropping like flies so there's hardly any of the old timers remaining.
This is the Lakeland Rifle and Pistol Club show, one of the last remaining true collector shows in the state with just a a few new gun dealers there, while mostly vintage stuff of a wide variety. Many of these guy are with the club for decades, others coming in from Georgia and the Carolinas. Very nice group of guys.
I spotted a 337Ti, of the 1999 vintage. I don't know how many were actually manufactured but rarely see them. It has clamshell box and papers. A little dirty from mlld use but needs nothing more than a good cleaning. Just so nice.
Then, a local LEO / Collector came in to sell a 629 V-Comp walked the show trying to sell it. Said he bought it, new, and never shot it. NIB, with papers and fired cartridge. Only thing i don't like about it is the hammer lock. Mark Calzaretta convinced me, trigger lock is no big deal and not to think wrongly about it. The first time I made someone an offer to walk the show and come back it not sold that someone actually came back.
Also found a 1899 U.S. Army, a beater 1902.38 M&P poor quality 6", that was coupled to the 1899 Army as a two-fer or else I'd have never taken it.
AND, a 1952-ish .38 Combat Masterpiece with Oversized Diamond Target stock that are just perfect, with sharp to the touch checkering although the CM is about 95% needing only a good and thorough cleaning.
We had a good weekend mostly because of a few good old friends also attended and stayed at the same Hotel on the property including a retired Florida Sheriff ( held office for several terms). We had so many LEOs around us it would have been hilarious if someone wanted to start any trouble at this show.
Sold an old parts gun 3rd Model 44 Russian, and a Colt SAA 1873 Movie Gun / Parts gun