My review of the Coconut Grove gunshow. Going to this show has become a way for me to gauge the greediness during the holiday season.
Gun loving folks, atleast in my book, seem to posses an almost massochistic desire to rummage through these shows just hoping to find that one good deal. That pretty much sums up my lame attempt to dig up a treasure. As I shuffled along from table to table with my 2 year old daughter in tow, I had a specific mission. I was determined to find a used Remington 12 gauge shotty for a friend of mine from work. He also had his 2 year old girl with him. This was definitely a new experience for me.
I have not quit obsessing about AR15's and at every opportunity I ho-heartedly finger band any AR I come upon. But, today was different. Today I played the role of newbie. I spotted postban ARs without any kind of aftermarket acoutrements, selling for $1200 to $1400. Prebans were plentiful and probably attractive to people willing to pay $2000 for a bone stock preban. P.T Barnum was only hitting the tip of the iceberg.
I love the b/s some of these dealers come up with in order to make a sale. "Sure this Glock is used, but these pistols really retain their value."
"So, the cheapest I could let this pistol go for would be $550." $550 for a used third gen. G-17? WTF??? I stroll away chuckling to myself. Shortly thereafter, I came across a clear eyed young man about 17 years old who was trying to sell a SAR-1. He tells me its a Romanian military issue rifle, that's why they are asking $599. Funny guy! And my favorite one of the day. A 20 inch Rock River A2 post ban NIB for $1350. Once I saw the price tag, I had to hear the story behind this rifle. According to the guy this rifle once belonged to the old Chief of police for the Miami police Department. He allegedly used the rifle to win an inter-county police department shooting match for charity a few years back. That alone, I was told, was enough to double the price of the rifle. Talk about shock and awe!
As my time ran out I had almost forgotten my mission. Just when the urge to run outta there screaming like my head was on fire, I stumbled onto an actual deal. A Remington model 31 12 gauge shotty for $135. I called my buddy over to get his thoughts on my find. This thing was absolutely cherry. The old man said he used the shotgun on his ranch to shoot doves for dinner every thanksgiving for over thirty years. The rest of the time it sat in the safe. My buddy was overjoyed at my discovery and gladly whipped out his wallet. I'm actually awake right now waiting for him to come over so we can hit the road. An if it takes all day to bag a hog, pig hunt. So wish us luck! If succesful, i'll see if Echo6 is home to snap off some pics and host them. A full report Sunday report should follw. I love gunshows like people love to gawk at a car accident during rush hour. It's the freak in me that drives me to these shows. If gunshows ever merged with the Jim Rose circus, i'd be in heaven.