We all go to shows hoping to find the one decent diamond in a pile of coal. I spent 40 years learning what was a the gem and what was the trash and I know less than some and more than some. And like many here I have walked by guns that today would walk out the door with me. Live and learn. But some of the dealers are either full of hot air, BS or just misinformed to the point that they are better than the hotdogs. Stupid is as stupid does.
I liked the Louisville KY show for years. I bought more guns being walked down the isle or being walked into the show than sitting on the tables. The 16 AE Fox my father uses was such a buy. "Dealer" offered 1/4 its value, about like what a klunker Sterlingworth would have bought. Owner said he would be back. Half way down the isle I asked him if I could see the gun. Told him the truth that the offer was way to low. Made my offer and gave him my phone number. He went up and down the rows getting offers. Mine was the best and he sold me the gun later that day. When we went to his car to get the case he was including in the sale I saw the Fox 20 A grade in the trunk. That one also came home with me. Oldest son claimed that one last dove season.
Over the years I have most likely missed them all. Lindner made Dalys, solid rib pump guns that I love now, doubles of most makers. Bargains, steals and great values or rare and unusual guns which just are too hard to find these days. But I still keep looking. Sometimes you smile as you look over the stuff some times you think you might never find a gun worth holding again until....
