I've spent far too many hours perusing every gunshop I see in my quest for certain makes, models and chamberings. Now, I enjoy visiting any gunstore because I end up buying some firearms that aren't on my acquisition list, some obscure or special firearm that simply needs a good home. But, the quest for the specifics ones goes on, sometimes for decades.

Internet auctions and classifieds have broadened the ability to search for special guns. I have bought several this way and have not been displeased with the results, although, sometimes the pricing is driven by factors other than mere fair market value. Once in awhile a great deal comes along, but, it usually is the result of many items bid upon. Some sites allow posting "want" ads and may result in hits nationwide.

Our shop's regular customers are know well enough to us that we will often hold some used items back until they have a chance to evaluate them and make a buying decision. But, I visit three local gunstores regularly as well and have let them know of my interests. Yesterday I got a call from one of these stores and they informed me that something very special had just come in through a trade. Oh yeah!

What they had was a NIB pre64, Model 70, Supergrade. It even had the hang tags. The price was fair and the rifle a joy to behold and handle. I'll resolve the "unfired" part in two days. Afterall, the best wives seldom are virgins. Likewise, IMO, firearms whose ultimate destiny is to send high speed projectiles downrange.

Communicating your interests to gunshop owners, websites, friends, neighbors, family, etc can be effective in finding those treasures you seek if you are persistent. I've looked for this M70 for a long long time.

Oh you dawg !! What a find .. I had one pre 64 SuperGrade before the pre 64's became a HOT item ..
I am not one who prefers one brand over another , and basically if I like it , doesnt matter WHO made it ..
That said , I will say this :

The pre 64 SuperGrade is the MOST BEAUTIFUL production crank handle rifle ever built ..

Jack

Got any pictures?

D

Daveyboy: my camera selection is limited to Polaroid. That said, if you really want a photo, I'll send you one or two. PM me with your mailing address if interested.

Handloader,
Yep, you nailed it! I have followed the same tactic for many years and have the full gun safes to prove it. Gun shops get to know what you want and my favorite shops have my "hot sheet" on file. I have always done better at gun shops on price, quality and payment terms. I bought one gun on the internet and it was OK. I enjoy making the rounds of the used gun racks. All the best...
Gil

I have 2, 16 gun, gun safes full beyond there capacity because of my over eager purchasing habits. Shoot! I have guns right know I probably dont even remember buying.
That habit has almost cost me my job a few times.

Crackshot: not remembering that you bought a gun is one thing, buying the same gun twice is another. And, that was my situation two years ago when I visited a gunshop in another state. There was an interesting rifle that brought back some good memories; I bought it and upon examining it when I got home I realized I had sold it a few years earlier.

On another note, have you ever found yourself wishing you could own that special firearm, but it seemed to be out of reach financially? Then you take a look at those one, two or three gunsafes that are stuffed to the max and realize you really don't use or need a certain percentage. And, that percentage of unused, if sold, could pay the bill for that special firearm. Sell three, four, five or six of them, use the money to buy that great one.

Done often enough, you end up with several very special firearms and that has its own problem. Sometimes they are so special that you don't use them at all and not using a firearm is something akin to having a virgin wife. So, you sell one special one to get three, four, five or six basic ones.

Confession is good for the soul and, in fact, I do feel better now.

Ah, the madness, the madness.

OK! I guess you have been there a time or two hey??? I have been at a gunshop and seen a gun I wanted in the worst way, Buy it, take it home only to find that I have one in the safe that I purchased when I was not working so much over time, and was not in a haze all the time.

One one occasion, I found a S&W Model 19 handgun in the safe that I did not recall buying. I checked my inventory and there it was listed. I have never brought a gun that I had sold previously. When I buy a gun, it goes one way. I still have the first rifle I ever bought, a .303 No. 1 Mark III Enfield from WWI that cost me $15.88 on November 14, 1958. All the best...
Gil