axeman_g- You are looking too hard. Its when you aren't looking...thats when you will find one. How many more storys do you want?
I was at a gunshow in Livonia Michigan a couple of years ago and this guy comes by carring a box. I ask him if he has any handguns it it. He says yes, 4 of them. One was a nickle Colt Fronteer Scout, mint. I bought it for $200. Then he says he has two more guns in the trunk of his car but the box is big and he doesn't want to bring it in. I go out to the car with him. He opens the trunk and proceeds to unpack the box. First the top piece of cardboard, then two crisp new Colt boxes, more cardboard. Finally gets down to a cherrywood box. Opens it and in it are two unfired Colts...a 6" nickle 357 Python and a 6" nickle 22 Diamondback. I ask how much? He says he would like $1000 for the pair. I couldn't get the money out fast enough.
Couple of months later I went to a gun show in Davison Michigan and a buddy of mine says he has something for me. He show me a mint S&W 48 RR WO TH TT TS 6" with an extra 22 lr cylinder in the box. I ask him how much. He says he was offered $315 but would like $320. Again, couldn't get the money out quick enough. He has called me "slippery" every since. Hey, he set the price.
Then last month a guy comes into the Grand Rapids Michigan gun show with a longarm hardcase full of S&Ws he got from his grandfather. To make a long story short, I got an 18, a 4" 29, and a 4" 57 for $700 total. The 18 and 57 are in 99.9% and the 29 is a four screw made in 1959 and is in 98.5%+ condition (except it has been magnaported). My buddy bought the 17 6" and the 17 8" with a Leupold 2X scope (tapped) for $400 total.
I sold my other 18 (about two weeks ago) after I bought this one because this one is in better condition (but not by much). After buying the 48 above I sold my 6" 17 because the 48 shoots unbelievable with the 22lr cylinder. I also decided to dump my 8" 17 and 8" 48 (w/extra cylinder) because I decided I like shooting the 6" and 4" guns better. I sold them about a year or two ago. I could tell you the storys about how I got these (all similar deals), too, but you've heard enough.
Lots of them out there but not when you are looking. You just have to be there when they show up!
PS: I bought another scout, first type, made in 1959 a couple of weeks ago for $75. It is in about 60-70% (needs a barrel reblue otherwise great condition) but it shoots fantastic!! Hits to the point of aim at 40 yards!!! Wasn't looking for this gun either.
and that was here in San Diego,Ca.
