sounds better and better!

Aaron

Dealers don't always get around the shows early. And since some sellers aren't at their tables until after the show opens, it's tough to buy a bargain if the seller isn't there. And even tougher to get away from your table once the show is open.
It's not all green grass as some might think.

Years ago I was at the Western Washington Arms Collector's Show in Puyallup, Wa. and walked down an aisle to see a pretty nice 1889 Marlin at a bargain price of $175. (great even then!)  I quickly bought it, and walked about 40 ft. further, and another dealer asked what I had? He looked it over and asked what I wanted for it? I told him I had no idea what it was worth, so make me an offer. He offered $350, and I handed him the gun. He could have looked left 40 ft. and bought it anytime.

I had a weird one once (?), too. I went into the show and spotted a decent Navy Colt with ivory grip for a respectable price.  But, not wanting to jump too soon and spend my loot just inside the door, I went on to see what could be seen. Got to the other side of the room and spotted another on Ron Ogan's tables that was priced identically. Picked it up and told him I'd seen one just like it on the other side. He told me that it was the same one and he'd just got back to the table with it. I bought it,and have always wondered what I could have had it for if I'd bargained since he bought it and sold it at the original price. Life's harder when you're stupid me.

No, you're not stupid. You got it for the same price as the original seller wanted, which you were willing to pay. More than likely the seller you bought it from walked across the room, offered the original seller 30 bucks less, then crossed the room to his table and sold it to you. Not so bad for all concerned.

My funds have always been meager. I don't mind spending what I need to, but if something really special shows at a fair price, I'll jump. You need to, lest if vanish before you return. I got my first highwall while I was looking for Colts. Walked up beside me in its owners hand.

Rebel wrote on Jan 7^th, 2019 at 10:08pm:


That's the risk you run; but if a few minutes later you spot the item you've been searching for "all your life," & you just blew your wad on a good bargain, but not this thing you "can't live without," you'll wish you'd been slower to reach for your roll. 

By "a good bargain," I certainly don't mean something so ridiculously underpriced that it would be insane to pass it by; but that doesn't happen often.

   

If I have the money, and I find a god buy, and it's something I've wanted for awhile, I buy it. Even if it was the first table inside the doors. I've made the mistake of walking away because it was too early, and then going home regretting not buying the first gun I wanted to buy. Or going home empty handed.
I've also bought a gun I saw early, and was happy with the purchase until later I saw something I liked even better, but had already spent my money. But I'd rather be in that situation, than the first situation!
At the Denver show a couple years ago I had some investments I'd cashed in, so had some play money to buy with. That's not a normal situation for me, so I wanted to be sure to not go crazy right out of the gate. I saw numerous single shots I wanted to buy, but passed them all up until I'd walked the whole show opening day. Then I went back to look at about 5-6 guns, and hoped I could buy 2 or 3 if the negotiations went well. Half of them were gone, or marked SOLD. The other half I was only able to negotiate and buy one. The others didn't end up moving enough on their asking prices. Guessing the ones that sold were negotiated to better prices and went away.
Over the first 3 days Thursday through Saturday, I looked at a Schoyen Ballard probably 6 times, but refused to pick it up even to examine because it was so poorly refinished. Finally before we left the show that evening I told my buddy I was going to take one more look at the Schoyen. 
I asked the seller if it had a good bore, as if it didn't I wasn't going to proceed. It did, so I looked it over, and saw all the hot bluing, extra scope holes, and extra dovetails. The asking price was under $2,000 and I finally made a lower offer, and was hoping he'd say no. But he took the offer and I paid him. Then he asked if I wanted the case and accessories? I was shocked, and puzzled, but answered quickly that I did. We went out to his SUV and in the back was a fitted case, tools, and a 20x Lyman Super Targetspot. I asked him why he didn't have these items inside with the gun and he told me , "They're too heavy, and take up too much table space."
So that time waiting turned out to be a stroke of luck. I got the gun home and stripped it to bare metal. Filled all the extra holes and dovetails in the barrel. Draw filed it, polished it, and sent the parts to Al Springer for bluing and color case. In the meantime I restored the stocks, and put it all together when Al sent the metal back.

Thankfully, I've had better luck than Red.
Sorry you missed that one you've been waiting for.
I agree with Vall and never had any regrets.
Be bold, life is too short.

Aaron