First 2023 Lakeland Gunshow Report

[pharmer]

Apologies to TLawler who does a much better job. Got down a little after 10, which is good after picking up the Doc @ 8:30. (Long) ticket line moved pretty fast, ran into a guy I haven't seen in ages toting a 4" Model 28 with a Tyler. That went pretty fast too. Inside was a sardine can, narrow aisles with walkers, Jazzies, and assorted clusters that just stopped abruptly for chat. As far as S&W revolvers, again if'n you have the deepest pockets you could put together a complete collection of desirable P&R guns in one place. 2 different 29-2's were $2300, very nice. Long barrel 27-2's were a little less but like new with the "liquid finish." Model 19's and 66's were $1200-$1500 except for the 3" Model 66-2(?) that was $1800 last show but unmarked now. A beautiful 4" 63 with 2 pc box, tools and paperwork was $1195. There were several Model 30's and 31's for $500, a couple in perfect condition. Model 36, 37, 60 were around $800. "Pre Model 10 M&P" (their term) were $650-$850. Like I said one of each of the aforementioned would make a nice "starter group."
There were many more along with Colt's, Lugers and P 38's. I did see an original "Liberator" .45 for $5500 that might appeal to someone else.
Long guns were well represented and the walk in traffic was looking to trade them off for "something else."
There were many, many "Private Sale" tables with very high prices and I felt both proud to see that while feeling that "50 guns on a table with that sign could be seen negatively by an Alphabet Trooper."
Unfortunately, 2 trips through the half dozen aisles took a little over 2 hours where a show at the Lakeland Center would take the whole day. Things change. Doc said: "This is more like a real gun show than the usual Orlando one." I agreed except that the hundreds of gun toting "walk ins" wanted Spring tuition for their kid out of a sale. And how many gun shows can you go to and watch Amazon take off and land 737's just past the parking lot fence. Joe

 

[tlawler]

Hey Joe, I looked around for you, but didn't see you. I got in line early and was probably with the first 30 or so in the door. I got finished around the time you got there and it was indeed a sardine can. Along with the rolling gun shows and their carts full of guns, I even saw a lady pushing an empty stroller and no child anywhere to be seen. I saw that Liberator and another repro for $1K or so. I think I saw most of the revolvers you mentioned, but also a nice Model 53 Jet for $1500 I think and a nice Model 66 no dash 4" that could be had for $1K. Some of the prices I saw were nothing short of incredible, and like you said, you could start a nice collection in just a few hours if you had the means and inclination. I did get to meet Jim King and Turnerriver from the SWCA, so that was cool. Sorry I missed you Joe, we'll have to catch up at the next one.

 

[Rudi]

I guess we need to think of it is a positive that used S&Ws command such prices. Did you see any sell?

 

[pharmer]

We may have been a little late Tom, missed you by that much. I did see those guns as well as a very nice Model 51 for $1400 (IIRC). Rudi, the only sale I assume happened was the 28 by a Lake Wales gentleman I know, but I only know he was carrying it in the line and was not later inside. The massive cash wads evident at the old Lakeland Center shows seem to have gone away. I did not greet the SWCA table folks because they were busy as 1 legged guys at an *** kicking contest. See Ya next time (May). Joe

 

[turnerriver]

Tom, it was a pleasure meeting you at the show. We were busy, I sold some of my guns including a 6" model 586 for $725 and a model 49 Bodyguard for $600. I had a pair of Government model grips that I suspected- hoped- were Ivory, they were and the friend who confirmed them bought them.
The only gun I bought came from ordnanceguy, a 1923 lettered M&P Target.
There was a table full of very desirable Smiths across the aisle from us but the prices were sky high, I didn't notice them selling any during the weekend.
It was a great show, three of us SWCA members had dinner together Saturday night and caught up with each other. The January Lakeland Rifle and Pistol Club show is the best show in Florida as far as I'm concerned.
Regards,