I went to the Irving Convention Center gun show yesterday. It was the first time to attend a show held there.
I brought a 1946 M&P transitional to drag around for sale. It shipped on December 31, 1946.
Anyway, I stopped at one table and the gentleman behind the table had a half dozen Jets that he was pedaling. I looked a couple over and handed them back. They were all pretty nice. I noticed that he also had a nickel .357 Combat Magnum with the six inch barrel. I told him I would come back and take a look at that one later.
Continued to walk the show and discussed selling my M&P with a few interested gents. They all felt the price was right, but, also felt that they couldn't flip it and make any money so I moved on. They also agreed that the gun should go in the right collection. I agreed.
Anyway, I finished the show and went back to the .357 Combat Magnum, as I had promised.
I had full intentions of getting serious about the .357 nickel gun. It was in awesome condition. It was in great shape. It even had this cute little star stamped into the face of the cylinder.
Man, was I bummed. I asked if I could remove the stocks and the seller provided a screwdriver. Sure enough, '4 74' was stamped on the grip frame. The tell tale 'R-N' was there also. I have always figured on owning a nickel .357 Combat Magnum someday. I just couldn't bring myself to own that one. I can't totally picture it in my head but I think that there was a 'B' in the shroud ahead of the serial number. So, there you go.
Couldn't sell my wares, bought nothing except a book. It was a small show and my first time to attend it. Was told by a few that I need to take my prize M&P to a larger show. Will do.
By the way, the book I bought was authored by the guy selling it. He was a Season Two Competitor on Top Shot, Daryl Parker. The name of his book is 'Sacrifice of the Season". Of course the book is now autographed.

bdGreen

Bruce,

Sorry I missed you last weekend. I usually walk that show since it is in my town but I was visiting a friend's ranch to sit in a deer blind for a while. It is a fairly new small show and often there are 2-4 dealers with some nice Smiths. (How did you like our new Convention Center?)

I know the fellow (often in a motorized chair) you saw with the Jets. He has many more of them at home. Probably one of the largest groups of Jets around. I bought my Jovino M25 from him several years ago and he has an original Swenson 1911 Combat that I would really love to have. He is always at the Dallas Mkt. Hall show if you need to see him again.

While at the ranch, the rancher's brother came by and we discussed Smiths. He showed me a Combat Magnum that had been renickled too. It wasn't a bad job-nonfactory; the logo was a little faint but the nickel had almost all peeled from the cylinder. He didn't want to sell it but was interested in seeing about a refinish so I am going to contact Gene Williams for him.

He also had a M51 .22/32 Magnum Kit Gun (1969) that was unfired. Still in box with all papers, no turn ring, etc. I'd guess you might have been slightly interested in that one...as I was, too. Unfortunately, it wasn't for sale either.

Bob

Sorry I missed you Bob.
I actually had my wife with me. I knew it wasn't going to be a marathon show for her. She actually had a good time. She got to meet Daryl from Top Shots and that was a pleasant experience.
I may drag that M&P around the Mesquite Rodeo Exhibition Center next weekend. Not real pumped about selling it, but, it does open conversation and could be some good trading fodder.

I sure would have liked to bring a 'righteous' .357 Combat Magnum (pre 19) in nickel home on Sunday.

How is blind sitting this time of year?


Bruce

I didn't know that Gene was still in the game. Good to hear that.

bruce, i wish i had known you wanted a nickle CM. i couldn't give mine away so i started using is as a trot line weight. it's a little worse for wear, but can be had cheap. PM me with some details about that old worn out M&P. lee

Bruce,

I'm not sure that Gene is still in the game. I left him a message but haven't heard back.

Although the normal whitetail season is closed, our friend's ranch is so overrun with the varmints that the Game Dept. has extended his season a couple of extra months for the last couple of years. They don't even require a tag. Based on his pre-season survey they told him he could take 35 deer this year and so far he has only taken about 13...mostly by his grand kids. Several couples of us who have been friends for 50 years get together there annually. We used to work the deer hunting pretty hard but now it is mostly sitting around and telling war stories.

Lee, I don't think Bruce will mind the condition of your CM. I understand that he had also been using his M&P for the same purpose. His catfish have just gotten tired of looking at it and he wants to change the scenery for them.

Bob