Big let down...... Will miss Chantilly

[m1a1fan]

No worries, my first meet up with a club member happened but didn't really happen. We were supposed to meet at a show and as usually I was running late. Got there, walked through the first 4 or 5 aisles which are all military stuff. Had been to the show before and there was nothing but plastic stuff, beef jerky, jewelry and the like everywhere else. Called my friend to ask where he was, and he said he waited and had to go. Dissapointed, I figured the day was over but before he hung up he mentioned there was a nice carbine near the back of the show and I should look at it. I balked at first, "how could there be anything nice in the back of the show" but decided to go and see. To my surprise it was a 3.59 S Prime. RSG Oval cut stock, beauty of a cartouche, B S'G' flip, etc... The ME wasn't all that great, but we worked out a deal and my first call was back to my friend thanking him for the tip. Still owe him for that one. That is the last nice carbine I've found at a show and that was years ago. So far, the best part of shows is meeting fellow collectors there. That's the good stuff. Also enjoy handing out at Gus's Garands. He does gunsmith work right at the show. Never know what will come through the door. Still dream of a carbine collector meetup even though I've heard stories of past meets. Someday hopefully.

I like your plan of dividing and conquering. My dad subscribes to your method. Look through everything. He's usually the one who finds the hidden gem of part while I just look for anything with a wooden stock. Sure there is a lesson in there somewhere but it escapes me. Saw what I thought might be an original Rock at a show early on in my collecting days, but wasn't confident it was so I passed. I now now it was, and the next time I saw the dealer it was gone. Still kicking myself but if it were humped, that would have been an expensive lesson. Used to go to shows regularly but it seems for the most part it is the same old stuff. Auctions and estate sales seem much more productive.

I suppose we all aim to acquire carbines to drool over.