I went, mostly with the intent of buying some ammo for Buy Ammo Week. I went with a friend back in the spring (or was it Winter). Then there seemed to be a decent number of dealers and selection of "stuff". This time, there seemed to be far fewer dealer, less selection, and prices seemed to me at least a bit high.
My friend has been looking for a Ruger 10/22 off and on since the Spring. We saw a number of them at Holbrook today, but they were all high priced, especially for used weapons.
I saw a nice 20ga Remington, which had a tag of $250.00. I was thinking of making and offer, but decided to wander around some more. I was passing by a dealer that had a fair variety of Russian Milsurp, mostly Mosins. I've been toying with buying one as the are cheap and supposed to be good shooters. Same guy had a SKS, with the bayonet and grenade launcher removed. Seemed to be in good shape, and the price wasn't bad. So, I was going to talk to him and see what he'd take when I noticed a S&W Model 10 under glass. Looking at it from outside, it seemed to be pretty clean. I asked to take a look and inspected it according to what I remember from having been trained on similar guns a long time ago.
No slop in the crane, cylinder felt tight, no erosion on the underside of the top strap (I forget the term for that), barrel clean with good lands and grooves, focing cone looked good. The action felt tight, but new tight, not broken tight. If that makes sense. The grooves on hammer spur and trigger looked and felt new. The only sign of wear was a bit on the blueing at the muzzle and cylinder. It looked like holster wear, not abuse.
All in all, it seemed like a nice piece. He was asking $215.00, which seemed a bit high. However, I had seen a similar weapon, but not in such good shape at another table for $250.00.
We talked a bit and agreed on a price of $200.00 including tax.
This seems like a reasonable price for the condition.
I did buy some ammo for it as well, so Kim will be happy. <G>
Here's the best part. I told my wife about my purchase when I got home. She asked me if I wanted it as a birthday present, but I told her no as I had some free cash lying around. Then she asked my what I did want, and I mentioned that I might want to buy a shotgun or rifle. I was half joking, but all she said was "I know I can't go and pick that out for you". I told her she couldn't, but she could come with me when I went to shop. I was a bit surprised when she agreed. She's never shown much interest in firearms and she was nervous about having them in the house when the kids were small.
I offered to take her shooting some time, and for once she didn't decline. Which lead to a discussion about LTC vs. FID, which lead to her asking how hard it would be to get a LTC.
Married 27 years, and she's still full of surprises.
Note to moderators: If I've rambled off topic too far, please accept my apology and move this as appropriate.
Gary
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