How about a 9x19 95% Mauser C96 Broomhandle, real German manufacture, WITH the matching serial numbered stock, and wood presentation box, for $600 OTD.

Stupid me (This was about 2 years ago, I had just turned 21) went to the show with enough money, looking for a Glock 19. I could have gotten that Mauser and sold it for $2500 easily. It literally looked like it just left the Mauserwerks factory.

After looking at it for a bit and deciding I would never shoot it, for fear of putting wear on it, walked away.

Well a C&R holder was standing behind me 10 ft the whole time and snatched it up right as I walked away.

If only I could relive that day once.....

Back in the 80s I wanted a pair of LH and RH Randall 1911s. Waited a few months and when I decided to go ahead and order, the next day I was told to prepare to go to Korea.

I had to think about this for a while. There have been quite a few,but considering relative desirability,difficulty in acquiring and potential value,I'd have to say a mint,Swiss military issue Sig 210. Could have got it for $500 bucks. There was also a 98% K-22 Outdoorsman WITH THE BOX that was $650. Was feeling guilty about having spent so much at the time on guns so I informed a fellow forum member and he bought it. He added a helpful hints brochure and an SAT and later sold the package for $2750. My wife got REALLY mad at me!
f.t.

__________________
South Carolina-God's country

Item:10764431 CARVED IVORY, SMITH & WESSON, MAGNA, K FRAME For Sale at GunAuction.com

l missed these lvories Sunday. l should have bid when l first saw them. lnstead l just kept watching them. A bit of time with a 13 year old ended my chance. They would have looked great on my Model 15 snubbie

I passed on a new in box Talo edition 642 that was mismarked at $350. The guy offered to sell it to me at that price but I had just paid off a 98% condition 6 inch M28 so I was broker than our government. And this was yesterday...

It was 1967 or 1968 and you could take your pick from dozens of M1 carbines for $35 or the Argentine Cavalry models for $25. Under my Dad's infulence I did buy a 1903A3 (Remington) for $35. The 1903A3, well that one can and should be posted on the "Guns I Regret Selling" thread.

I was at a small, local gun show about four years ago. A fellow there had a S&W Model 25-5, blue, 4" barrel, display case, etc. Price was $375, but he probably would have dealt for $325. I still kick myself over that one.

I also regret not buying a Class III as NIB 1928 Thompson that I drooled over for weeks, then there were several MP 40s and a Uzi or two back before '86. I passed over Class III Mac 10s for less than 4 bills.
A few of those would have payed for my kids college.

About 12 years ago a guy that I worked with offered me a 29-2 4" for $200.00 and a browning High Power for $400.00. I know he would have accepted an offer. About 30 years ago I was offered what I now know was a pre 64 mod. 70 Winchester in 30-06 for $125.00. While I was trying to whittle him down to $110.00 someone else snatched it up.

A 28 converted to .44 special for 450.00. At the time I didn't realize just how neat that is......:-) also a 4inch 57 owned by a well known gun smith. I thought 550.00 was too much..... Idiot!!!!

An immaculate blued 6" Colt King Cobra for $400 in the late summer of 2007. I was looking for my first revolver and opted not to buy it because I wanted a more practical gun and felt that was more of a collectible. I my defense I was still a resident back then and didn't have as much disposable income, but it still bothers me that I didn't buy it.

Missed a Beretta ASEL two barrel set. Never seen another like it. Also, 1967 AC Cobra. Was working in a gas station along a major highway in 1973 when the Cobra pulled in. It was a hot day. The Cobra was black and the side pipes were heating things up for the driver. In addition, the engine was overheating. Driver was mad and just wanted rid of it. He said I could have it fo $8500.00. Might ask 85 million since I had no money. It still haunts me.

I bought mine. $125. Wrote a check to the department and took it home. Like yours, it was the new one I was originally issued in, I believe, 1977? I have talked to many over the years who also regretted not buying their's also...... not that it is the least bit comforting to know that. Welcome to the forum.

Probably should have PM'ed this, but I thought it might be interesting to the forum.

SDSO Retired (2003).