[Grumpyoldman]

I was volunteering at the North Florida Arms Collectors gun show in Jacksonville, FL last weekend. I was checking to make sure guns were wire tied. It was like being in a gun museum, except you can handle stuff. Anything from Flintlocks to MSRs and everything in-between. Found a 1980 Golden 39M. Paid more than I wanted to, but less than I have seen online or at other shows. The owner started at $795.00, dropped to $725.00 and finally $650.00 and no lower. 39M's in this area are scarcer than hens's teeth so I bought it. The wood is beautiful, blueing is 98% except the lever, which is a little less in my expert(?) opinion. What really sold it was when he let me take it apart. Looked like a new one ( JM not Remlin) inside. Took it to the range yesterday and had fun at a plate rack. It ran like a Swiss watch.
About an hour later, at the Gun Show, I heard about a 39A for sale and checked it out. It was a 1954 and not completely functional. I could tell the lever spring was broken, and the action felt gritty. He was asking $400.00, but he would have taken $350.00. Externally, it was very nice. I had no more money, so I didn't get it. 1/2 hour later, I sold something and when I went back to see if he would let me look inside, it was gone. Oh well.
Now for the something else. A elderly gentleman about my age had some handguns. He said he was a retired prop man for Hollywood and the guns were used in various movies. Don't know if he was blowing smoke or not, but he was fun to talk to. I bought a Liberty .357 Single Action made by Sauer and Son ( Before Sig-Sauer) in the mid 1970's. Blueing great and the action was tight. Paid $250.00. Shot to point of aim and was very accurate.
All and all , a very enjoyable weekend. Here are the pics.

 

[kingstrider]

Looks like a good haul, congratulations.

 

[TRAILS-END]

You did real good!

 

[Marlinjunkie]

Congratulations! Great score on both of them.

 

[cub308]

Those kind of days always put a smile on your face. Happy for you that you got a nice 39M and one that functions well.:congrats:

 

[Grumpyoldman]

The Liberty revolver had a set of polymer stag grips that were cracked. A friend of mine said he had a set of grips he might be able to fit to it. He had a set of polymer mother of pearl grips he has had for years. He couldn't get them to fit perfectly, but pretty close. He would not accept any payment, so I told him I will get even with him someday, hopefully when he least expects it, but needs it. ;D

 

[Grumpyoldman]

And the saga continues. Two weeks after the Gun Show, I attended the members swap meet and my local gun club. I got there at 6am to set up my table saw the area was pretty full. I set up and started to walk around. Just before I got to a table to see some rifles, someone I knew was walking away with an 1894 44mag with a scope. It was a 1988 production, looked great and he paid $280.00 for it. Then later while I was talking to someone at my table, the same guy found what I thought at first was a 1895 45-70. Nope! It was a Marlin .410 lever action shotgun. Price- $300.00. Again in very nice condition. Didn't see the manufacture date. I was feeling a little low, especially that the 1894 44mags are my favorite. I sold some stuff and another member had a .22 LR revolver for sale. It was a 1st gen Charter Pathfinder made about 1970. It looked almost new. He said since he knew me, he would sell it for $150.00. That perked me up and I bought it. Took it out and shot it. It worked most of the time but had light primer strikes. The firing pin looked a little short. I emailed Charter and got a reply 20 minutes later from Donna in customer service. She said to give her my address and she would send a new firing pin and firing pin spring at no charge. Got the parts 3 days later and tested again. 100% reliable and pretty accurate. Since that revolver was made, Charter has changed hands 3 times. They did not have to help me as they did. That says a lot about the current owners. Anyway, now I have another fun .22 to play with. It and my Ruger Bearcat make wonderful learning tools for my Grandkids.

 

[turbobug]

boy ,those marlins sold CHEAP

 

[Golphin]

In need to hang out with you and buy some of those you past on. That 410 would be here at my house for sure. Nice looking pick ups you got there though.

 

[Grumpyoldman]

Golphin- I didn't pass them by. Someone got to them before me. I would have bought both in a heartbeat. That was the best deal I have seen on Marlins in years. I know the guy that bought them. Maybe he will be willing to part with one of them for a slight profit. I'll talk to him about it next time I see him.

 

[Scorpion8]

Love that Sauer&Sons Liberty. Seems like there used to be a LOT of SAA-clones. Now you don't see too many. Nice grab.