Being late to the table, as usual, I'm getting interested in mausers just as the supply is drying up.

I'm very grateful for my one Mark X, three M 1909 Argentines, and one FN. I figure it best to just keep adding on for a few years. Get the actions all re-done, re-carburized (as needed), and re-heat treated (as-needed). Then build rifles over the years as time and (especially) finances allow.

Since I hope to be doing a lot of traveling in the next several years, I was wondering if you folks would be so kind as to give me the names of some of the gun selling emporiums around the country where there is a chance of buying the odd VZ-24 here, Husqvarna there, and so on.

Since everything is going to get surface ground, squared, trued, blued and tattooed anyway, I'm not looking for perfect/pristine examples, but the stuff will need to be in the "decent shape for a fair price" category.

Thanks for any suggestions,

LD

PM sent

I have never had much luck buying mausers when I have been traveling. they are there in shops, but usually at higher prices than you will want to pay. The absolute best way, IMO, is gun shows in large cities, and especially on the last day of the show, and sometimes the last hour of the show. Guys have brought stuff to the show to sell, and depending on how well they have done they may be willing to make deals at the end of the show in order to make things come out on the plus side for the weekend, especially when you are waiving $50 and $100 bills in the air.

Good tip,

Thanks. Large cities-yuck. But hey, that is where the guns are and the good looking coochie hangs out.

LD

quote:

Originally posted by lawndart:
Good tip,

Thanks. Large cities-yuck. But hey, that is where the guns are and the good looking coochie hangs out.

LD

I have no idea what shows are like in other large cities but in the Phoenix area, the shows are getting worse & worse.

They are 80% military and 15% retail gun shops selling new guns.

Yes there are a few collectors but they are mostly high end.

Yes it is still better than sitting at home but It is not a enjoyable as it used to be.

I miss the gun shows from my youth in the Midwest where it was small but the tables were private individuals and 75%+ were hunting rifles, shotguns, etc.

quote:

Originally posted by Riodot:

quote:

Originally posted by lawndart:
Good tip,

Thanks. Large cities-yuck. But hey, that is where the guns are and the good looking coochie hangs out.

LD

I have no idea what shows are like in other large cities but in the Phoenix area, the shows are getting worse & worse.

They are 80% military and retail gun shops selling new guns.

Yes there are a few collectors but they are mostly high end.

Yes it is still better than sitting at home but It is not a enjoyable as it used to be.

I miss the gun shows from my youth in the Midwest where it was small but the tables were private individuals and 75%+ were hunting rifles, shotguns, etc.

Well, I miss 65 cents per gallon for gas and 25 cents for a hamburger at the local A & W, but one has to be realistic that guns have gone up in price just like everyting else.

quote:

Originally posted by 22WRF:

quote:

Originally posted by Riodot:

quote:

Originally posted by lawndart:
Good tip,

Thanks. Large cities-yuck. But hey, that is where the guns are and the good looking coochie hangs out.

LD

I have no idea what shows are like in other large cities but in the Phoenix area, the shows are getting worse & worse.

They are 80% military and retail gun shops selling new guns.

Yes there are a few collectors but they are mostly high end.

Yes it is still better than sitting at home but It is not a enjoyable as it used to be.

I miss the gun shows from my youth in the Midwest where it was small but the tables were private individuals and 75%+ were hunting rifles, shotguns, etc.

Well, I miss 65 cents per gallon for gas and 25 cents for a hamburger at the local A & W, but one has to be realistic that guns have gone up in price just like everyting else.

I've no problem with the prices they charge, it's the lack of used working rifles/shotguns available at any price. And big bores - forget it - I saw one 375 H&H a year ago and nothing bigger. Like I said - I hope shows in your area are better than around here.

The Fort Boise show is usually pretty lame.

Denton wanted to take me to a good show in Salt Lake City last April, but I wanted to go to dinner instead.

LD