Anybody remember Buck's Gun Rack in Daytona Beach or Maszk's Workshop in Bunnell from back in the 70's? Buck always had a terrific inventory and I loved to drool over some of the custom pistols and hard to find guns at Joe Maszk's. Joe always had a good inventory of custom bullseye pistols. The first original S&W model 60 with high polish I ever saw was at Maszk's. Unfortunately I couldn't afford it.
Memory Lane: Central Florida Gun Shops
- Thread starter BE Mike
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bk43
Member
Never heard of Maszk's but Buck's is still there or at least it was a few weeks ago when I was last up that way. Sadly, very little used these days and what they have is sky high. In fact, I rarely stick my head in any more to see what they have. Still have the cool indian with the tomtom that plays when you walk by though.
Bob
Bob
When the folks who started and built-up the business pass, usually things go down hill. The folks who take it over don't seem to have the fire and passion to keep it thriving. I really loved to drool over those Giles accurized 1911's and High Standard .22's at Maszk's.
Back in the early 80's I used to frequent a gun shop in Clearwater on Gulf-to-Bay Blvd. They used to rent guns to us Yankees on vacation. Are they still in business?
Hi:
I believe Maszk (Joe?) was a Distibutor for Central Florida along with Joe Brenner (Tampa Area).
Jimmy
I believe Maszk (Joe?) was a Distibutor for Central Florida along with Joe Brenner (Tampa Area).
Jimmy
straightshooter1
US Veteran
No, Ladder, they aren't there anymore. There is one on US 19, just north of Pinellas Park that does that, though. About 15 minutes south of where you were thinking of.
It is called Knight's. A bit high priced for me, but, if I was on vacation, I'd be interested. Of course, since we have such a gun friendly state here, just bring yours and you can go to other, less expensive ranges close by, like the Wyoming Antelope Club (outdoors) or the St. Pete Police Pistol Club (indoors).
No Palmetto bugs there.
Bob
It is called Knight's. A bit high priced for me, but, if I was on vacation, I'd be interested. Of course, since we have such a gun friendly state here, just bring yours and you can go to other, less expensive ranges close by, like the Wyoming Antelope Club (outdoors) or the St. Pete Police Pistol Club (indoors).
No Palmetto bugs there.
Bob
US Hwy 19 north of Pinellas Park is "Bill Jacksons" Sporting Goods.
McGivern
Member
Remember both shops well. That high polish Model 60 could have been mine. I wasn't into Smiths yet so I traded it to Joe for a just introduced new Ruger O/U shotgun, which my son now has. As a side, Joe's wife died and he re-married. His new wife was not into guns so she made him sell the store, which he did---to Khalid at Shoot Straight. They spent several days loading trucks from the store and a storage unit. He died not long after that. After Mr. Buckwald (Buck) died in 1968, his two boys took over and it's never been the same. One of the boys is way up on the weird scale. Left there in '03 and have not been back in the store during my visits.
straightshooter1
US Veteran
Jimmy, yes, Bill Jackson's is there, too, on the east side of the road, Knight's is north of that, on the other side.
Bob
Bob
Andy Griffith
Member
Although not central Florida, I remember going into the hardware store down on Bay St. in Jacksonville back years ago and looking at the guns and stuff- I think it's been gone 30 years now. The other store I remember that I have frequented when I've gone back there is Curry Thomas Hardware in what used to be in an old A&P store- a curmudgeon's paradise. I think they moved into that location after WWII sometime (I wasn't there then). As far as I know, one of oldest gunshops in Florida that I have been in is up in Mt. Dora at Petersons- I went in with a friend about four years ago when I was down there. It was neat, and found a trinket or two, but mostly eclectic.
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My new wife owns a beauty salon, but I'm not into hair. So I'm thinking I might make her sell the salon.
What y'all think ???
Going way back, Pragers on Mills ave in Orlando was the best around here. Respectful, helpful and family owned. They usually had it right there in the case or would run over to RSR and get it when RSR was on East Colonial. Have it for you in an hour. Those days are over. Joe
Ah, yes Petersons! It was a neat place. I went in there before a bullseye pistol match at Eustis in the early 70's. The bullseye pistol match started at 1 p.m. IIRC because there was a church next to the range and the services were over by that time. It seems like the best shops were started before or shortly after WWII.
Actually, Buck died about 1978 IIRC. I left Daytona Beach in 1976 and he was still kicking. One of Buck's sons was trained as an RN.
McGivern
Member
BE Mike
You are correct---it was 1978.
You are correct---it was 1978.
oldRoger
US Veteran
Peterson's is still there at least it was a few months ago. I saw very little used there, but they did have reloading supplies which are in short supply around here.
GyMac
US Veteran
You brought back some fond memories. Buck's, Peterson's, and Pragers. My brother and I went there often in the 70's.
One gun I'll never forget was a .45 auto with a case hardened slide at Buck's. A friend bought it.
Chris
One gun I'll never forget was a .45 auto with a case hardened slide at Buck's. A friend bought it.
Chris
bk43
Member
I'd be hard pressed to pick which one you're refering to as they're both "different".
There's an older lady who hovers around the store and keeps an eye on them, especially the younger one. I'd guess she's Buck's widow and the 1978 BE Mike posted makes more sense than the 1968 given her age.I remember Prager's fondly as well also. They had a devastating robbery(punched out the wall from an adjacent empty store) which broke the owner's spirit. Guy who worked the counter on Mills took what was left and opened a little store on Orange Avenue in Winter Park. Didn't last long.
Any of the locals know if Ammo Attic in Melbourne or Love's in Deland are still open? With Peterson's they're about all there is/was left when it comes to old-style gun stores around here.
Bob
Love's is still there, but I believe he had a little paperwork trouble and is no longer an ffl. The young lady (Whose name I can not recall right now) is still there with an even younger lady behind the counter. At least the last time I was there. Chuck is still there everyday, but is in the building next door, away from firearms.
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