Symposium

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As a first timer, I thoroughly enjoyed my short time at the symposium. I had to leave just after the noon lecture on Friday to catch a plane, but I’m grateful that through a serendipitous last minute work assignment and the welcoming arms of the S&WCA brotherhood, I was able to enjoy it for several hours and drool over some of the most beautiful steel and walnut produced by man. I am eagerly looking forward to the next symposium where I can spend a lot more time meeting other members and talking to them.
 
22hipower said:
I wondered where all those went, especially the 53. Studied and studied them and when I found my checkbook, poof, they were nowhere to be found. Nice buys. We're looking forward to pictures.

Jeff
SWCA #1457
Click to expand...

Hence the old saying: "The time to buy a nice gun is when you see it!"

Another one of those old sayings just popped into my head: "He who hesitates is lost!"

It's been a good long time since I attended an annual meeting, but I was schooled by some long time, old time EXPERTS at my first one---right at 25 years ago. That went like this: "Bring a big wad of cash money---and don't spend a big wad of time thinking about pulling it out of your pocket!"

I knew I was in the right place when I walked in the door, and saw what I'll call the theme table. It was round, and covered by A BUNCH of Revolving Rifles arranged as the spokes of a wheel.

Yep, this must be the place!!

Ralph Tremaine
 
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The thing about symposiums... you just never know what you will find. Asdie from a couple of pre wars, 2 things I thought I would never see, let alone own: aperiod correct holster for a 7.5" Triple Lock, and an original S&W catalog from 1907 introducting the New Century TL and it's new cartridge! Both items at modest prices. Yea!
And the holster was blessed by none other than our own Turnerriver as correct period and style Red Head brand.
 
First and only symposium I attended was in Orlando in 2011 ( a relatively close 3 hour drive each way) , we had a great time but I was relatively new and kinda cash poor,
The closest it's come back to Florida IIRC was Baton Rouge La. and NC, both just a tad bit too far to drive by car with 100 revolvers in the trunk .....and forget shipping them.
If it ever makes it's way back to south Florida I'm all in but not betting that happens again in my lifetime.
Btw
Don't be shy feel free to post some show pics!
 
I attended my first Symposium in Tulsa last week and it was not even close to being anything other than spectacular.
Snagged a mint Pre-38 Bodyguard, a 1930s vintage .22 Outdoorsman (total impulse buy at the auction) and an incredible one-of 2” Round Butt Combat Masterpiece that was literally handmade for Dr. Jinks, by Dr. Jinks!
Everyone that I met and spoke with was incredibly friendly, welcoming and always made time to talk.
Fantastic job by Rex and Jim putting 2024 together, and if you have never attended an SWCA Symposium, do yourself a favor and make it happen.
 
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While it's true there are plenty of things to buy at the annual symposium the thing not yet described is the feast for the eyes,
Not sure if it's changed since 2011 but back then as a SWCA member you got a table to display your collection or to focus on a particular theme,
Additionally you could purchase a seperate table to sell from.
The variety of members collections and the things they focus their displays on was my favorite part, you could ask questions and see variants in person you've only seen in pictures.
There are also informative lectures that are very interesting.
 
The display of all the S&W guns and related material is nothing short of fantastic. Can't buy them but nothing says you can't drool over them, just not on them. The guns, parts, material, knives etc, for sale have no boundaries and you can find items here you will probably not find any where else. I drove myself crazy looking at a NIB Model 52-A and finally made a deal and took it home with me. Besides the guns, there is networking with other members and it seems like there there is an expert for just about any model who can answer questions. Friendships develop and many great presentations are given during the week by subject matter experts which is another great reason to attend. If you have never attended, you should consider coming to Concord NC next year
 
I enjoy the lectures, or presentations. Lots of great information by committed researchers. Hopefully those will get added to the archives in the members area. (HINT HINT)
 
Still pretty sad I missed this years show. Lots of people I would have liked to talk with again and meet some other members.

Last year I bought a gun at the first table I walked up on only 5 minutes into the show opening.:D

If you see something you like you better not snooze!!
 
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